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Campgrounds near West Yellowstone, Montana range from developed facilities to dispersed sites across national forest and park lands. The area serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park with numerous camping options within 30 minutes of the west entrance. Madison Campground inside Yellowstone National Park offers 278 sites for tents and RVs, while Bakers Hole Campground provides riverside camping just minutes from town. Several private campgrounds like Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Madison Arm Resort offer cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping, with most facilities operating from May through October.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping availability, with most campgrounds open from mid-May through September or early October. Winter conditions close many facilities, particularly at higher elevations. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months when West Yellowstone experiences high visitor traffic. The region includes a mix of Forest Service, National Park, and private campgrounds with varying amenity levels and reservation requirements. Dispersed camping options exist on nearby public lands, including Targhee Creek which offers free primitive camping. "There is great boon docking outside of the organized campground area. At ~6,500 feet, the views of Lake Henry are amazing. There are 15-20 spots suitable for RVs of any length plus campsites," noted one visitor about dispersed options near Henry's Lake.
Proximity to Yellowstone National Park represents the primary draw for most campers, with many sites serving as convenient bases for park exploration. Campgrounds along Hebgen Lake and Henry's Lake provide water recreation opportunities alongside park access. Several campers mentioned the balance between accessibility and solitude as a key benefit. "Not too far from West Yellowstone entrance. A nice 4 loop campground next to a lake. Very well kept," reported one camper about Rainbow Point Campground. Developed campgrounds typically provide amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while some offer electric hookups and shower facilities. Cell service varies significantly by location, with stronger coverage in campgrounds closer to West Yellowstone and limited or no service in more remote areas.
"This campground is 14 miles from West Yellowstone-- or "West". Generally in the park you will double the mileage given for time of travel."
"We had a quiet stay, but with the size of this campground your odds of that one loud group or family being near will be quiet high."
"This campground is just minutes away from West Yellowstone and the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. the camp was clean and well maintained."
"I traveled ~3 miles into West Yellowstone and for $30 dumped my tanks at the "Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park". 2. T-mobile coverage is poor. I typically had 1 bar, sometimes 2."
"West Yellowstone Grizzly campground is located close to the West Yellowstone entrance. It is an Rv Park, lodging, and cabins."
"It's expensive, but very close to the west yellowstone entrance and very clean. Kids are not often supervised by adults so be very careful when driving."
"About 15-20 minutes from the West Yellowstone entrance so it’s a good location, plus you’re not far from town."
"It is far enough outside of the town of West Yellowstone that you don't feel like you are that tourist trap, but close enough to get to Yellowstone easily. Always clean bathrooms and showers."
from $35 - $120 / night
Check Availability"Not too far from West Yellowstone entrance. A nice 4 loop campground next to a lake. Very well kept. We seen 2 beautiful deer come through our campsite."
"This campground is close to West Yellowstone and the west gate to Yellowstone NP. Cell service was strong. We had to dump in West Yellowstone when it was time to move on ($30 at Grizzly RV Park)."
from $26 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Second time we had a spot on the lake, great access to the beach and a couple trails for walking the dogs. The facilities were clean and the staff were very nice."
"This campground sits right on Hebgen Lake. It's near the town of West Yellowstone. You can drive to Yellowstone National Park from here. There are atv trails right next to the campground."
"The spot is 12 miles from West Yellowstone entrance. Excellent Verizon service was a bonus that we don’t get at a lot of dispersed sites. Highly recommended!!"
"It was 25 minutes from the West Yellowstone entrance. The entrance to it comes up very quick on the road and people can get really aggressive on the connecting highway."
"There is great boon docking outside of the organized campground area. Follow your GPS to 44°35'52"N x 111°25'18"W. At ~6,500 feet, the views of Lake Henry are amazing. "
"Our site was close to level and paved, 50amp,no sewer,shared water. Had some storms and high winds. Trash pick up daily at your site. There is a boat ramp and docks."
from $60 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Had a tent site next to the creek/pond. Very quiet at night. Check in was a breeze. Camp store appeared to be well stocked. Bathrooms were spotless, large and well appointed."
"The location of the campground is perfect. It is very close to West Yellowstone and the entrance into the park. You could hear the traffic on the highway but it wasn't too bad. "
"Gallatin National Forrest Campground on Hebgan Lake, South Fork Arm. Also has a boat launch to Lake."
"Great campsite near West Yellowstone for those who are interested in visiting the park. Campsites near the lake have fantastic views, and perfect trees for hammocks."
from $26 - $35 / night
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GuideThere’s a good amount of camp spots before the lake, it’s kinda a far drive down the road. After we entered the national forest, we took the second left turn. Small, rocky road down to the shore. I saw someone leave with out putting out their fire. I went over an poured water on it until it was safe to leave.
LegendWe secured a one night stop in Yellowstone. We were warned of a bear frequently seen in the campground and were disappointed that she didn’t choose to visit while we were there. Staff were very friendly and efficient at check in. Campground was full but still quite pleasant with everyone respecting the quiet hours. Spaces were close but we still felt we had some privacy. Facilities were clean and the fresh potable water at the restroom tasted like fresh spring water.
ScoutThis is an easy access campground off the Bear-tooth highway. Very nice Campsites in loop a and b, hosts did an outstanding job keeping things clean. Bathrooms A+, Negatives for me would be traffic in campground looking for sites etc, No direct access from camps for the lake to launch. Watercraft needs to be driven to put in. Highway noise was another negative. Lake was very pretty but very shallow. Fishing so so.
TravelerWe were looking for a place close to Yellowstone national Park. We weren’t really sure driving down that gravel road while we were getting in to. We’ve mark this place as a definite destination for the future. Very (VERY) well kept and clean vault facilities. Bob the host is fantastic.
GuideRoad noise. But 15 min from gardiner Montana . And the roosevelt arch
Ruff entrance to camp ground pot holes Large boulder aroundthe campsites. Large as the truck really differnt views of steep hills Also. No trash. But there were a few pit toilets i think. Also nice fire rings with grates. And large picnic tables. If u like clibing on boulders this is the spot
GuideI'd been wanting to camp here for YEARS, and the planets finally aligned (did this as a break from the chaos in Yellowstone, highly recommend - only 50 minutes from West!). It is as, or perhaps even more, beautiful than its reputation. Got an amazing site along but above the river, so no concerns in rain/about flooding.
Site 4 is directly across from a bathroom, bear box, and potable water, but this little row (sites 1-5 I believe) is one-way and only for registered campers, so it's not at all busy. Fit our SUV with tons of room, would easily accommodate an RV or multiple vehicles. Very cool overnight in mid-July, hot during the day but plenty of shade around (plus of course the water!). Heard elk bugling early in the morning and saw a snake slither off into the bushes down by the water, so wildlife is definitely around.
Note the no cell service thing is very real, there's even a sign warning you as you drive in. There's also no trash service available (but there is up by Cliff Lake), and the camp host had a sign that they don't sell firewood.
Pro tip: after check out, enjoy the day use area for awhile before leaving.
ScoutRemote and off the track I made a reservatuon thru recreation.com. I am glad I got one as all of the other campgrounds were full. All pitches have a bear proof box and table. Hosts were wery nice. No showers. Very cold during the night - for those with tents. Beautiful river in the valley.
GuideWhat camping should be like. Primitive camp spots. We fit our 26' with no probles. Wild life around on the ridges and even some in the campground. Just amazing Also. Fire rings picnic table w/ spot for wheel chair at spot 19
ScoutVery cute by the lake! Pretty buggy if u can get past the bugs it’s a pretty good time.
The West Yellowstone area serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park at an elevation of approximately 6,600 feet. Many camping sites near West Yellowstone, Montana remain accessible from mid-May through September, with nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 30s even during summer months. The surrounding Gallatin National Forest provides numerous dispersed camping opportunities within 30 minutes of the park entrance.
Fishing access: Hebgen Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities within a short drive from West Yellowstone. At Lonesomehurst Campground, campers can fish directly from shore or launch boats from the campground. "The lake was peaceful for a single night stay and because we did not get to explore very much it just made us want to come back again someday!" notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The Madison River confluence near Madison Campground provides excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "There was a beautiful spot to watch wildlife at the intersection of Madison and Gibbons rivers which was directly behind the campground. Every night was a beautiful sunset and lots of wildlife to watch," reports Jennifer O.
Hiking trails: Many campgrounds connect to trail systems offering day hiking opportunities. "There are hiking trails nearby," mentions a camper at Lonesomehurst Campground, while another visitor to Targhee Creek notes, "There is a nice 13 mile trail nearby, we saw some wild strawberries!"
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean restrooms and showers. "This campground has the nicest restrooms and showers I have EVER seen for a campground. Clean, warm, and with great water pressure," remarks Brett S. about Henrys Lake State Park.
Direct water access: Lakefront camping sites rank high among visitor preferences. At Rainbow Point Campground, "There is a nearby short walk to a beach on a beautiful lake. It is quiet and tranquil," shares Lynn.
Proximity to Yellowstone: Most campers value quick access to Yellowstone's west entrance. "Only about a 20 min drive to the west entrance, well maintained road, easy to find. Would totally stay here again!" reports a visitor to Lonesomehurst Campground, highlighting its convenience despite limited availability.
Bear safety requirements: Bear activity is common throughout the region. "Rangers circle to make sure camps are clean and that campers are not leaving things out that attract wildlife. There is a bear box at every campsite in the tent only section," notes Zoey O. about Madison Campground.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location. At Rainbow Point, one camper reports, "T-Mobile home internet worked well here, as did our AT&T hotspot and Xfinity phones—strong coverage for all three providers, which was a huge plus for working remotely."
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme even in summer. "It hailed on us in late May and rained pretty consistently but the campground was great!" shares Taylor H. about camping near West Yellowstone.
Playground availability: Some private campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park provides "a playground" according to reviews, though parents should note that "kids are not often supervised by adults so be very careful when driving."
Water recreation: Several campgrounds offer water activities that appeal to families. At Madison Arm Resort, "The boys enjoyed the kayak rentals," though Don R. mentions "it would have been nice if someone helped launch them and putting them away."
Bear box usage: Teaching children proper food storage is essential. "Bear boxes, fire pits and picnic tables at each spot," notes a camper at Targhee Creek, providing a practical way to secure food while teaching wildlife safety.
Site length accuracy: Verify actual site dimensions before booking. At Rainbow Point Campground, a camper with a large fifth wheel notes, "Site lengths are strictly enforced—there are concrete barriers at the back of each pad, so no overhang is possible. If we had a dually, our truck would not have fit in the site with us."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. "The road is very rough with many potholes," warns a Targhee Creek visitor, while another notes about Bakers Hole Campground, "Get here early afternoon!" for first-come, first-served sites.
Hookup options: Electric sites can be limited but are available at select campgrounds. "They have fresh water fill but no dump station. I would recommend trying to make a reservation it was busy but we got a first come first serve site," advises Salvy F. about Bakers Hole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there dispersed camping available near West Yellowstone?
Yes, several dispersed camping options exist near West Yellowstone. Henry's Lake BLM Dispersed offers free camping with basic vault toilets but no other amenities. The area has multiple pull-outs along a dirt road and tends to fill up by evening, even midweek. Red Canyon Road provides several primitive spots along the creek, offering a peaceful setting despite some seasonal bugs. For those willing to drive further, Snake River Dispersed in the Rockefeller Memorial Parkway area provides sites near the south entrance of Yellowstone. Additionally, boondocking opportunities exist outside Henrys Lake State Park - follow GPS to coordinates 44°35'52"N x 111°25'18"W for spectacular lake views at 6,500 feet elevation with 15-20 spots suitable for any size RV.
What RV camping options are available near West Yellowstone?
Henrys Lake State Park Campground offers paved, nearly level sites with 50-amp service and shared water hookups but no sewer connections. The park features beautiful views, daily trash pickup, boat ramps and docks, though no dump station. Valley View RV Park provides full-hookup sites but note that Wi-Fi can be unreliable. For RVers seeking electric hookups in a forest setting, Lonesomehurst Campground on Hebgan Lake offers electric sites with some shade and lake access. Flatrock Campground, about 30 minutes from the West Yellowstone gate, has both electric and non-electric sites available by reservation or first-come, first-served. For convenience to the park entrance, the Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday and Yellowstone Park-Mountainside KOA provide full-service RV accommodations with amenities.
Are there affordable camping options in West Yellowstone?
Yes, budget-friendly camping options near West Yellowstone include Flatrock Campground, a small, quiet park with a mix of electric and non-electric sites at reasonable Forest Service rates. Cabin Creek Campground, 22 miles from West Yellowstone, offers 16 affordable sites in a mature forest. For the most economical option, dispersed camping areas like Red Canyon Road and Henry's Lake BLM provide free camping with minimal facilities. Beaver Creek Campground, about 30 minutes from West Yellowstone, offers a peaceful setting with bear boxes and clean vault toilets at standard Forest Service rates. While private RV parks near the west entrance command premium prices during peak season, venturing just 20-30 minutes away can significantly reduce camping costs while still providing convenient access to Yellowstone National Park.
Where are the best campgrounds near West Yellowstone?
Several excellent campgrounds surround West Yellowstone, with Bakers Hole Campground standing out for its prime location just minutes from the park's west entrance. Clean and well-maintained, it's perfect for Yellowstone visitors. For lakeside camping, Rainbow Point Campground offers four scenic loops with well-kept sites near a beautiful lake, where wildlife sightings are common. Other top options include Beaver Creek Campground (30 minutes away with mountain views), Cabin Creek Campground (22 miles from West Yellowstone in a mature pine forest), and Lonesomehurst Campground on Hebgan Lake with electric hookups and boat access. Most campgrounds in this area fill quickly during peak season, so reservations are recommended whenever possible.
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