I'm an affiliate, meaning I partner with brands and earn a commission if you purchase through the links on my site. This helps support Overland Girl.

Are you planning a camping trip to Yellowstone National Park and looking for the perfect spot to pitch your tent? Madison Campground might be the ideal choice for you. Centrally located within the park, Madison Campground offers easy access to some of Yellowstone's most popular attractions, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser. This review will explore why Madison Campground is an excellent choice, its amenities, and how you can maximize your stay in this beautiful location.

Why Madison Campground is an Excellent Choice for Camping in Yellowstone?

Madison Campground is centrally located within Yellowstone National Park. This means it provides easy access to many of the park's popular attractions, including the famous Old Faithful geyser.

Being centrally located also means that you are perfectly positioned to explore both the Lower Loop and Upper Loop of the park. This makes it an ideal base camp for those who want to maximize their sightseeing without having to move camp multiple times. The campground’s proximity to the Madison River offers not just picturesque views but also great opportunities for fishing and wildlife watching right near your tent.

Moreover, Madison Campground's location in a lush wooded area provides a serene and natural camping experience, with the added bonus of stunning mountain landscapes. If you're looking to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, this campground offers the perfect setting to do just that.

Madison Campground's Prime Location.

Madison Campground is uniquely positioned to give you quick access to Yellowstone National Park's Lower Loop and Upper Loop. This makes it a fantastic base camp for exploring various attractions without relocating your campsite.

• Madison River: The campground's name comes from the river that flows through it. It offers beautiful views and a tranquil setting.

• Lush Wooded Area: The campground is located in a lush wooded area, which provides shade, privacy, and a truly immersive nature experience.

• Mountain Views: Your campsite offers stunning mountain landscapes, making it a picturesque spot for photography and relaxation.

Whether you want to explore the Lower Loop's geothermal wonders or the Upper Loop's scenic beauty, Madison Campground’s central location makes it easy to plan your daily adventures efficiently.

Madison Campground Amenities.

Because the campground is a part of Yellowstone National Park Lodges, you will have the best you can have in a campground. However, there is no internet and no showers. And good luck finding the internet at the places that say they have it. Sometimes, it is nice to disconnect.

• Flush toilets (you're going to love this :) )

• Food storage lockers (keep the bears out and away)

• Staff is on-site

• Firewood and ice

• Great views right out of your tent door

Wildlife Safety at Madison Campground.

Yellowstone National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including bears, bison, elk, and more. While it's thrilling to see these animals in their natural habitat, it's crucial to prioritize safety, especially since wildlife can and does enter campgrounds. We woke one morning to an elk eating outside our tent.

• Keep a Safe Distance: Always observe wildlife from a distance. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens for a closer view without getting too close.

• Store Food Properly: Use the provided food storage lockers to keep food and scented items secure from bears. Never leave food unattended.

• Dispose of Waste Properly: Use bear-proof trash cans and follow the campground’s guidelines for waste disposal.

• Do Not Bring Food Into Your Tent: Storing food in your tent can attract bears and other wildlife. Keep all food and scented items in designated storage areas.

• Be Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at dawn and dusk, when wildlife is most active.

• Do Not Approach or Feed Wildlife. Feeding animals is dangerous and illegal, and it can lead to aggressive behavior and habituation.

Following these guidelines can help ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience for yourself and others. And don’t forget your bear spray. Purchase at REI.

Madison Campground is Close to a lot of Popular Attractions.

Madison Campground is a perfect location if you want to see a little of both loops in Yellowstone. The campground sits right off Hwy 20. The closest spot for amenities the campground doesn't have, like restaurants, showers, a general store, and a gas station, will be the Old Faithful Village, which is 14 miles away.

• Old Faithful: 14 miles

• Norris Geyser Basin: 14 miles

• Grand Prismatic Spring: 10.5 miles

• Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: 26.5 miles

• Mammoth Hot Springs: 34.5

• Grand Teton National Park Entrance: 146 Miles

How to Make Reservations:

Madison Campground is part of the Yellowstone National Park Lodging group of campgrounds. It is recommended that you book online 13 months in advance. The park sees over 4 million visitors annually, all needing somewhere to sleep.

For an online book visit, call Yellowstone National Park Lodges or 307-344-7311.

If this campground is booked, read the article Review: Bridge Bay Campground. I highly recommend this campground as a backup.

Or, check out our review of them all. Discover the best campground to pitch a tent in Yellowstone.

Conclusion

Madison Campground is an excellent choice for anyone exploring Yellowstone National Park. Its central location provides easy access to the Lower and Upper Loop, making it an ideal adventure base. Whether you plan to visit sites like Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin, or the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Madison Campground positions you perfectly for various excursions.

With its lush wooded surroundings, proximity to the Madison River, and stunning mountain views, Madison Campground offers a serene and immersive nature experience. Although it lacks modern amenities like internet and showers, the campground's natural beauty and strategic location more than makeup for it. Disconnecting from the digital world can be a refreshing change, allowing you to appreciate the nature and wildlife of Yellowstone.

For those looking to book a stay, remember that reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance through Yellowstone National Park Lodges. Given the park's popularity, booking early to secure your spot is wise. We booked our trip over a year in advance.

Bridge Bay Campground is an excellent alternative if Madison Campground is fully booked. We stayed at Bridg Bay and loved it and the location. No matter where you choose to stay, Yellowstone promises an unforgettable adventure filled with awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable experiences.

Happy camping, and enjoy your trip through one of my favorite national parks.