Located just outside the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner sits at an elevation of 5,259 feet in a mountainous valley where the Yellowstone River emerges from the park. RV camping options near Gardiner operate primarily from May through October, with limited winter availability due to harsh Montana weather conditions. Most campgrounds offer gravel pads with mountain views and reasonable access to park attractions.
What to Do
Wildlife viewing: Expect to see pronghorn, elk, and more near Yellowstone RV Park. This campground's location along the Yellowstone River creates excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "We watched the antelope feed on the cliffs and listened to the peaceful sounds of the river. Sunrises and sunsets were amazing!" notes one camper who appreciated the natural setting.
Explore Yellowstone: Stay within 20-30 minutes of attractions. Campgrounds in Gardiner provide convenient access to Yellowstone's northern features. "Perfect location to explore Yosemite. Very accommodating and friendly staff," reports a visitor to Yellowstone Edge RV Park who used it as a base for park exploration.
Hot springs visits: Combine camping with natural hot springs. Several thermal hot springs are accessible from Gardiner campgrounds. "We stayed for one night on our Trek through Yellowstone. Got in around 5 pm, hooked up, put our suits on and headed to the hot springs," shares a Yellowstone RV Park guest who maximized their short stay.
What Campers Like
Riverside camping: Sites positioned above the Yellowstone River at Yellowstone Edge RV Park. The river proximity is consistently mentioned as a highlight. "We parked on one of the river sites, and the river was about 15 feet from our back door, absolutely beautiful!" reports one camper who secured a premium riverfront location.
Walking distance to town: Several campgrounds offer easy town access. The ability to walk to restaurants and shops is a practical advantage. "Within walking distance of everything in town and the entrance to Yellowstone. Very clean campground, lots of rules," notes a visitor to Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North.
Wildlife encounters: Animals frequently visit campground perimeters. Campers report regular wildlife sightings from their sites. "Elk roam the campground and that's super cool! Also the showers are so clean! We love everything about this place!" shares an enthusiastic Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North guest.
What You Should Know
Tight spacing: Sites at most RV parks are close together. Limited space between sites is a common observation. "You look out your window into another camper. Had showers, laundry, bathrooms...that we didn't use because...well... full hookups," explains a reviewer who stayed at Sun Outdoors when they needed full hookups.
Advance reservations essential: Book months ahead for summer stays. The limited campground capacity in the area makes planning crucial. "Pricing was expensive and availability was limited, call in advanced if you need a spot!" advises a Fox Den RV and Campground visitor who recognized the reservation challenges.
Internet connectivity varies: Cell service and WiFi quality fluctuate. Digital connectivity can be inconsistent throughout the area. "The Verizon connection was really good, and could Hotspot for 120 mbps often. T-Mobile was okay, but not great. 1-3 bars, but almost always 2 bars," reports a Valley View RV Park camper who tracked connectivity.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. Some RV parks offer recreational facilities for children. "Love our site, right by playground & these views!" mentions a Red Rock RV Park visitor who appreciated the family-oriented amenities.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with Yellowstone learning experiences. The proximity to national park resources provides educational value. "We were touring Yellowstone and wanted to stay close. This site was accommodating, had friendly staff and laundry that was clean and not expensive. My dog loved the back acres to run and do her business too!" notes a visitor to Yellowstone RV Park.
Multi-day stays recommended: Plan at least 3-4 nights to explore fully. The wealth of activities requires sufficient time. "We stayed here for 4 days. This place is beautiful, spacious, clean, and quiet. It's 5 miles in away from the main road. Amazing view of the mountains," shares a Red Rock RV Park guest who found the longer stay worthwhile.
Tips from RVers
Levelness varies: Check site conditions and bring leveling equipment. Some parks have uneven sites that require adjustment. "Has all the hookups for our trailer. Sites were not leveled," reports a Yellowstone RV Park camper, highlighting a common issue.
Access considerations: Some roads have size restrictions. Large rigs may face challenges on certain routes. "Nice level gravel sites. Friendly, helpful staff. Laundromat 5 stars! We highly recommend Valley View Campground!" notes a Valley View RV Park visitor who found the campground suitable for their RV.
Utility reliability: Water pressure and electrical service quality differ between parks. Hookup performance impacts comfort. "Utilities work well. Spaces are close but better than many other private campgrounds around Yellowstone," explains a Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North visitor who compared infrastructure quality.
