Best Campgrounds near West Yellowstone, MT

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.

Best Camping Sites Near West Yellowstone, Montana (245)

    1. Madison Campground — Yellowstone National Park

    84 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 344-7311

    "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."

    2. Bakers Hole Campground

    41 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 823-6961

    "This campground is just minutes away from West Yellowstone and the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. the camp was clean and well maintained."

    "Great location. Close to the park entrance and West Yellowstone. Pit toilets were in really good shape. And the camp host went way beyond to help us with a situation."

    3. Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday

    43 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 646-7606

    $35 - $120 / night

    "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."

    4. Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Resort

    36 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (406) 646-4466

    "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."

    5. Rainbow Point Campground

    42 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 646-1012

    $26 - $35 / night

    "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)."

    6. Madison Arm Resort

    30 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 646-9328

    "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."

    7. Targhee Creek

    28 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    10 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Henrys Lake State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Island Park, ID
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 558-7532

    $60 - $70 / night

    "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."

    9. Yellowstone Park-Mountainside KOA

    20 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 646-7662

    "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. "

    10. Lonesomehurst Campground

    15 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 646-1012

    $26 - $35 / night

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 245 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near West Yellowstone, MT

1520 Reviews of 245 West Yellowstone Campgrounds


  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Remote but pretty

    There are no markings for campsites and I’m assuming the few pull-offs are the sites. They’re pretty remote and there were no other campers when I went. There was also a big pile of bones by the campsite. As a single girl it didn’t feel like a safe spot for me and the vibes just didn’t feel great, but it was a stunning view! I would however, recommend eagle creek campground instead. First come first serve with a bathroom.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Resort

    Nice spot

    Very friendly and accommodating people work here. Very clean showers, bathrooms and showers. Small lots so no camp fires or wood burning; charcoal and propane is ok. Plastic like table tops so you cannot cook directly on top unless you use a barrier to protect the tables. Liked the place so much I extended the stay.

  • Chris and Mallory
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Grassy Lake Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Grassy Lake Reservoir Dispersed Campsite

    This spot was STUNNING! We were in a Mercedes sprinter van and easily pulled into the spot. There was a fire ring overlooking the reservoir and sunset was beautiful. The roads to the site were gravel and easily drivable for most rigs. It took about 40 minutes (driving slower). Probably wouldn’t take a large camper because you do have to go down a steep hill with tree coverage to get there. There’s also Flagg ranch campground close by with gas and convenience store. Short drive to both the Tetons and Yellowstone!

  • Chenoa E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road

    Minimal Camp Sites, Not Recommended

    Camping is only allowed in areas marked with signs which will tell you the camp number and the number of sites in said camp. We only traveled as far as “Camp 5” which is a single site location. Each camp has a different number of sites, ranging from 1-4 sites per camp. There’s also a good distance between camps as well.

    Since we only went so far as camp 5, there might be a chance other camps ahead are more abundant with sites.

    Each camp has a bathroom and bear proof dumpsters. Gravel roads are pretty well maintained, minor pot holes and some rippling. Camps have beautiful views and the night sky glows.

    Personally, I don’t recommend this dispersed camping spot. It’s really hard to find a site thats open. We were lucky enough some kind folks allowed us to camp in their site. Although I don’t recommend asking folks to stay in their site either.

    If you’re desperate to find a camp, theres a good chance you wont find one here.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    The Hibernation Station

    Great campsite, very expensive

    I enjoyed the staff and property and would have liked to potentially stay a little longer. The cost was super high for me personally per night. It came out to $115 for a 40 ft back in site in late September.

  • Caroline T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Henry Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spots on beautiful lake

    We got here late at night trying to navigate in the dark. It was pretty easy to find spots on the side of the dirt road. We were met with a lovely surprise with how beautiful the view was in the morning

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Sheffield Campground

    Chilly Nite in Sept

    Brrrrr! Temps got down to below freezing overnight. No fee to camp @ this time of year; campground was nearly full, but sites spread out for privacy. There is only a single pit toilets appear for entire CG and it was out of paper— bring your own! Although below freezing in the early morning hrs, temps were 80° in the afternoons. Location is not too far off of main road between Teton & Yellowstone NPs.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Carbella Rec Site Camping

    “Go To” Campsite

    Our “go to” camping spot near Yellowstone NP. It is convenient to hwy but away from noise of traffic, near Yellowstone River. Winds consistent overnight but temps only down to 40°s. Hunters in several of the sites this time of year. Gravel road & parking, ample sites accommodate 2 vehicles + trailers or tents; but no privacy from other sites other than distance. Pit toilets appear to be serviced regularly.


Guide to West Yellowstone

Camping near West Yellowstone, Montana, offers a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors while being close to one of America’s most iconic national parks. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Explore Yellowstone National Park: The park is just a stone's throw away, making it easy to visit famous spots like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. One camper mentioned, “This was the perfect place to stay for our Yellowstone trip. You are super close to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” at Canyon Campground.
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Bridge Bay Campground, are near lakes where you can fish or rent boats. A reviewer noted, “There is a boat launch, where they do AM/PM tours, rentals, etc.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Mammoth Campground are great for spotting wildlife. One visitor shared, “Woke up in the morning to an elk in my campsite eating off some trees, very cool way to be greeted.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Canyon Campground said, “Showers are included and are awesome. Very clean and hot water.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at Grant Village Campground mentioned, “Staff was friendly, professional, and very busy.”
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One review for Bridge Bay Campground highlighted, “Beautiful view of Yellowstone Lake right across the street!”

What you should know:

  • Crowded Sites: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Madison Campground noted, “You definitely need to be comfortable being close to your neighbor as sites aren’t private & close together.”
  • No Showers: Some campgrounds, like Grant Village Campground, do not have showers. A camper mentioned, “Decent spot, towards the bottom of the park but still a decent distance from everything.”
  • Reservations Needed: It’s best to book your spot in advance. A reviewer at Madison Campground said, “Reservations need to be made way in advance.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like dishwashing stations and clean restrooms. A camper at Canyon Campground appreciated the “dishwashing station with drinking water near it.”
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities for kids, like fishing or hiking. One family at Bridge Bay Campground enjoyed “hiking and fishing, and enjoy the wildlife.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A reviewer at Mammoth Campground mentioned, “We camp in a tear drop micro-camper which keeps us outside most of the time.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have size restrictions for RVs. A camper at Grant Village Campground noted, “Many sites are pull through ‘banana’.”
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Campgrounds can be noisy, especially with generators. A visitor at Bridge Bay Campground mentioned, “Generator use is allowed between 8AM - 8PM, did our neighbors listen to this rule? NOPE.”
  • Bring Your Own Water Flow Regulator: If you’re staying at places like Fishing Bridge RV Park, it’s good to have your own equipment. A reviewer said, “Bring your own water flow regulator and screw in type sewer connector unless you want to buy one at the gift shop.”

Camping near West Yellowstone, Montana, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. With a little planning and knowledge, you can have a fantastic camping experience!

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.