10 Best Tent Campgrounds in Yellowstone.

Yellowstone sign at East Entrance

Yellowstone sign at East Entrance

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Yellowstone National Park camping offers a range of campgrounds that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the park's natural splendor. Nestled within the pristine wilderness of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, these campgrounds provide an opportunity to experience the unparalleled beauty and diverse ecosystems that define Yellowstone. Whether situated along the shores of Yellowstone Lake or near the dramatic canyons and geysers, each campground offers a unique gateway to the wonders of this iconic national treasure. With options ranging from rustic sites to RV-friendly facilities, Yellowstone's campgrounds cater to various camping preferences, inviting guests to connect with nature in one of the world's most remarkable wilderness destinations.

Map of Yellowstone National Park

Map of Yellowstone National Park

1. Madison Campground

Madison Campground is located in the western part of Yellowstone National Park, near the Madison River. It is situated in the Madison Junction area, at the merge of the Firehole River and the Gibbon River. This central location provides convenient access to various attractions in the park, including the famous Old Faithful geyser.

Address: 30 Madison Campground Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

What are the Amenities at Madison Campground?

Because the campground is a part of Yellowstone National Park Lodges, you will have the best amenities in the campground. However, there is no internet and no showers. In nature, it is nice to disconnect.

  • Flush toilets (this is a bonus)

  • Potable water access (excellent for filling up water bottles)

  • Picnic tables

  • Fire rings

  • Access to the Madison River

  • Nearby facilities at Old Faithful Snow Lodge for showers

  • Dump station for RVs (located nearby)

  • Accessible campsites and facilities available

  • Ranger-led programs (seasonal, check availability)

  • Campfire programs (seasonal, check availability)

  • Hiking trails in the vicinity

Madison Campground Yellowstone is close to many of Yellowstone’s best attractions. It is a perfect location if you want to see a little of both loops in Yellowstone. The campground sits right off of Highway 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

Please read our article Review: Madison Campground in Yellowstone to learn more about Madison Campground.

2. Bridge Bay Campground

Entrance sign to Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park.

Entrance sign to Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park

Bridge Bay Campground is 30 miles from the East Entrance of the Park. The East Entrance is located two miles South of Lake Village. You will enter the park from North Fork Hwy from Cody, Wyoming, the home of Buffalo Bill. Once you enter the East Entrance, you will have a beautiful drive along the 30 miles.

The campground is named after the Marina just outside the campground, Bridge Bay Marina. The area is scenic, with wooded and open spaces. You will have a limited view of Yellowstone Lake.

Address: 260 Bridge Bay Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY

The Amenities at Bridge Bay Campground.

  • Restrooms with flush toilets

  • Access to potable water

  • RV dump station

  • Pay showers nearby (at Fishing Bridge RV Park)

  • Campfire rings/grills for cooking

  • Picnic tables

  • Food storage boxes to prevent wildlife encounters

  • Access to a general store for basic supplies

  • Access to a marina for boating activities on Yellowstone Lake

  • Ranger-led programs (check with the park for current offerings)

  • Access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities (Yellowstone Lake is across the street from the campground)

Bridge Bay Campground is Close to Several of Yellowstone's Best Attractions.

  • Yellowstone Lake: 0.5 miles

  • Fishing Bridge: 2 miles

  • Hayden Valley: 10 miles

  • Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: 20 miles

  • West Thumb Geyser Basin: 23 miles

  • Old Faithful: 40 miles

Please read our article Review: Review: Bridge Bay Campground of Yellowstone.

3. Grant Lake Campground

Grant Lake Campground, located on Yellowstone Lake's southwestern shore, offers essential amenities like restrooms, potable water, and RV access. Its proximity to Grant Village provides convenient services such as a general store, showers, and a gas station. The campground’s location allows for easy exploration of Yellowstone and nearby Grand Teton National Park.

Address: 550 Sculpin Ln, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

The Amenities at Grant Lake Campground.

  • Restrooms with flush toilets

  • Potable water access

  • RV dump station

  • Pay showers nearby (in Grant Village)

  • Campfire rings/grills for cooking

  • Picnic tables

  • Food storage boxes to prevent wildlife encounters

  • Access to a general store for basic supplies

  • Nearby gas station

  • Ranger-led programs (check with the park for current offerings)

  • Access to hiking trails and Yellowstone Lake activities

Grant Lake Campground is Close to Several of Yellowstone's Top Attractions:

  • West Thumb Geyser Basin: 2 miles

  • Old Faithful: 20 miles

  • Lake Village: 17 miles

  • Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: 40 miles

  • Mammoth Hot Springs: 65 miles

  • Grand Teton National Park Entrance: 30 miles

Read our article Your Guide to Grant Lake Campground in Yellowstone to learn more about Grant Lake Campground.

4. Canyon Campground

Canyon Campground, situated in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, provides a serene and convenient base for exploring the park's iconic attractions. Nestled near the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, this campground offers basic amenities, including restrooms with flush toilets and potable water. While it accommodates tents and RVs, RV hookups are unavailable. Its central location allows easy access to hiking trails, spectacular viewpoints, and waterfalls.

Address: 27 Andesite Ln, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

The Amenities at Canyon Campground.

  • Restrooms with flush toilets

  • Potable water access

  • Campfire rings/grills for cooking

  • Picnic tables

  • Food storage boxes to prevent wildlife encounters

  • Access to a general store for basic supplies

  • Ranger-led programs (check with the park for current offerings)

  • Access to hiking trails and scenic viewpoints

  • Proximity to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River

Canyon Campground is Conveniently Located Near Major Attractions:

  • Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: 0.5 miles

  • Norris Geyser Basin: 12 miles

  • Mammoth Hot Springs: 32 miles

  • Old Faithful: 40 miles

  • Yellowstone Lake: 16 miles

Please read our article Review of Canyon Campground to learn more about Canyon Campground.

5. Tower Fall Campground

Tower Fall Campground, nestled in the northeastern region of Yellowstone National Park, provides a rustic and picturesque setting for visitors. Located near the iconic Tower Fall, it accommodates tents and smaller RVs but does not have RV hookups. Its proximity to the Tower-Roosevelt area grants easy access to scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Address: Tower Fall Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY

The Amenities at Tower Fall Campground.

  • Restrooms with flush toilets

  • Potable water access

  • Campfire rings/grills for cooking

  • Picnic tables

  • Food storage boxes to prevent wildlife encounters

  • Ranger-led programs (check with the park for current offerings)

  • Access to hiking trails and scenic viewpoints

  • Proximity to Tower Fall and the Lamar Valley

Tower Fall Campground is close to several key attractions:

  • Tower Fall: 0.5 miles

  • Lamar Valley: 10 miles

  • Mammoth Hot Springs: 18 miles

  • Yellowstone Lake: 55 miles

  • Old Faithful: 50 miles

To learn more about Tower Fall Campground, read our article Yellowstone’s Tower Fall Campground.

6. Norris Campground (CLOSED IN 2024)

Norris Campground is located in the central part of Yellowstone National Park, known for its geothermal features and the renowned Norris Geyser Basin. The campground offers a serene and natural setting for visitors. Its central location provides convenient access to various geothermal features, hiking trails, and educational opportunities about Yellowstone's unique geology.

Address: Norris Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY

The Amenities at Norris Campground.

  • Restrooms with flush toilets

  • Potable water access

  • Campfire rings/grills for cooking

  • Picnic tables

  • Food storage boxes to prevent wildlife encounters

  • Ranger-led programs (check with the park for current offerings)

  • Access to hiking trails and geothermal features

  • Proximity to Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Campground is Located Near Major Attractions.

  • Norris Geyser Basin: 0.5 miles

  • Mammoth Hot Springs: 21 miles

  • Old Faithful: 28 miles

  • Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: 12 miles

  • Yellowstone Lake: 22 miles

Please read our article Discover Yellowstone’s Norris Campground to learn more about Norris Campground.

7. Slough Creek Campground

Slough Creek Campground is situated in the northeastern section of Yellowstone National Park, offering a remote and picturesque camping experience. Nestled near the scenic Lamar Valley, this campground provides a tranquil setting for visitors seeking a more primitive camping experience.

Address: Slough Creek Campground Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

The Amenities at Slough Creek Campground.

  • Restrooms with flush toilets

  • Potable water access

  • Campfire rings/grills for cooking

  • Picnic tables

  • Food storage boxes to prevent wildlife encounters

  • Access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities

  • Scenic views of the Lamar Valley

Slough Creek Campground Offers Easy Access to Several Attractions:

  • Lamar Valley: 2 miles

  • Tower Fall: 8 miles

  • Mammoth Hot Springs: 27 miles

  • Yellowstone Lake: 60 miles

  • Old Faithful: 68 miles

To learn more about Slough Creek Campground, read our article Get to know Slough Creek Campground.

8. Lewis Lake Campground

Lewis Lake Campground is located in the southern section of Yellowstone National Park, providing a peaceful and scenic camping experience. Situated near Lewis Lake, it offers a serene setting for visitors seeking a quieter camping experience. It accommodates tents and RVs, with limited sites suitable for larger vehicles.

Address: S Entrance Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

The Amenities at Lewis Lake Campground.

  • Restrooms with flush toilets

  • Potable water access

  • Campfire rings/grills for cooking

  • Picnic tables

  • Food storage boxes to prevent wildlife encounters

  • Access to Lewis Lake for boating and fishing

  • Ranger-led programs (check with the park for current offerings)

  • Access to hiking trails

Lewis Lake Campground is Near Several Attractions:

  • Lewis Lake: 0.5 miles

  • Grant Village: 11 miles

  • West Thumb Geyser Basin: 17 miles

  • Old Faithful: 30 miles

  • Grand Teton National Park Entrance: 8 miles

To learn more about Lewis Lake Campground, read our article All you need to know about Lewis Lake Campground.

9. Indian Creek Campground

Indian Creek Campground is located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park. It's known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. It's suitable for tents and smaller RVs, but it does not have RV hookups. Indian Creek is a quieter option for camping, providing a more secluded experience compared to some of the more central campgrounds in the park. The campground is popular among anglers due to its proximity to the Gardner River.

Address: Indian Creek Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY

The Amenities at Indian Creek Campground.

  • Restrooms with flush toilets

  • Potable water access

  • Campfire rings/grills for cooking

  • Picnic tables

  • Food storage boxes to prevent wildlife encounters

  • Access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities

Indian Creek Campground is Close to Several Attractions:

  • Gardner River: 0.5 miles

  • Mammoth Hot Springs: 10 miles

  • Norris Geyser Basin: 15 miles

  • Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: 30 miles

  • Old Faithful: 55 miles

To learn more about Indian Creek Campground, read our article. All you need to know is Yellowstone’s Indian Creek Campground.

10. Pebble Creek Campground

Pebble Creek Campground is located in the northeastern part of Yellowstone National Park, offering a more remote and rugged camping experience. Situated in a scenic canyon, the campground provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. This campground is tent-only and does not accommodate RVs or trailers. Pebble Creek is a popular spot for wildlife viewing and is known for its picturesque surroundings.

Address: Pebble Creek Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY

The Amenities at Pebble Creek Campground.

  • Restrooms with flush toilets

  • Potable water access

  • Campfire rings/grills for cooking

  • Picnic tables

  • Food storage boxes to prevent wildlife encounters

  • Access to hiking trails and scenic views

Pebble Creek Campground Offers Access to Key Attractions:

  • Lamar Valley: 5 miles

  • Tower Fall: 18 miles

  • Mammoth Hot Springs: 45 miles

  • Yellowstone Lake: 80 miles

  • Old Faithful: 98 miles

To learn more about Pepple Creek Campground, read our article Yellowstone’s Pebble Creek Campground.

How to Make a Campground Reservation in Yellowstone National Park:

Depending on which campground you choose, there are three options below. Remember that some campgrounds are currently closed due to the flooding.

Online Reservations:

  • Visit the official Yellowstone National Park website.

  • Navigate to the "Plan Your Visit" section or look for a specific campground under "Lodging & Camping."

  • Look for the "Campground Reservations" or similar links. This will usually direct you to the reservation portal.

  • Follow the instructions on the reservation portal to check availability and make your reservation.

Phone Reservations:

  • You can also make reservations by calling the National Recreation Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 (TDD 877-833-6777).

  • Be prepared with the following information:

    • Your desired campground and dates.

    • Number of people in your party.

    • Type and size of your camping equipment (e.g., tent, RV, trailer).

In conclusion:

When selecting a campground in Yellowstone, consider what you want to experience within the park. If you're drawn to the geothermal wonders and unique geological features, Norris Campground, nestled near the Norris Geyser Basin, offers a front-row seat to these extraordinary natural phenomena. Bridge Bay Campground provides stunning lake views and easy access for those seeking proximity to the iconic Yellowstone Lake and water-based activities. If amenities like full hookups and showers are a priority, Fishing Bridge RV Campground is the ideal choice. Alternatively, if you crave a more rustic and serene camping experience, Madison Campground offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and convenience. With a diverse range of campgrounds, Yellowstone caters to every camper's preference, ensuring a memorable and tailored adventure in this extraordinary wilderness.

Check Out Our Other Yellowstone Articles.

Interested in exploring more about Yellowstone National Park? Check out our other detailed articles on Old Faithful, Grant Village Campground, and more. Each review offers insights into amenities, locations, and tips to help you choose the best spot for your Yellowstone trip.

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All you need to know: Yellowstone’s Indian Creek Campground.