Dispersed camping sites near West Yellowstone offer cost-effective alternatives to established campgrounds in this region at 6,600 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range between 70-80°F during the day and can drop to 30-40°F at night. The area's proximity to both Hebgen Lake and Henrys Lake creates diverse camping opportunities with strong cellular coverage at many locations.
What to do
Explore local trails: Several campgrounds near West Yellowstone connect to hiking and ATV trails. At Targhee Creek, "There's about 8 single spots in the beginning that are singles with fire pits. In the middle of the road there's a meadow that if you don't get lucky with a single spot you can park next to neighbors. The road ends at the creek." Visitors can access a "13 mile trail nearby" where some campers have spotted "wild strawberries."
Enjoy lake activities: Lonesomehurst Campground on Hebgen Lake provides water recreation opportunities. "They have paddle boards that you can rent and there's a beautiful view. The only sound that we heard were the geese Squawking during the night," notes one visitor. The campground includes a "Nice beach-like area for playing in/near the water" and "perfect trees for hammocks."
Observe wildlife: Early mornings and evenings offer prime wildlife viewing times. At Henrys Lake State Park Campground, campers report exciting encounters: "We also saw a moose swim across the lake, get up on shore and run through the campground. So awesome!" The area features numerous trails for nature walks, and the park offers "free Kayak rentals" for water-based exploration.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent sanitation standards. At Bakers Hole Campground, "Vault toilets are very clean. There are water spigots around the campground." One camper noted it's "just minutes away from West Yellowstone and the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The camp was clean and well maintained."
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds provide adequate spacing between campsites. At Rainbow Point Campground, "Sites were nicely spaced, and the setting was woodsy and quiet—perfect for a national forest stay." Another camper mentioned that "Very nice campground in old growth pines, built to service people recreating on the lake. There is plenty of room for larger vehicles."
Strong connectivity: Unlike many remote camping areas, several sites offer reliable cell service. At Henry's Lake BLM Dispersed, visitors report consistent connectivity: "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." This makes it possible to research local services while camping.
What you should know
Weather challenges: Wind can be a significant factor in the West Yellowstone area. At Henrys Lake State Park Campground, "Be advised that the winds can be very strong there, so make sure you stake your tents well." Another camper noted the lake setting is "surounded by snow capped mountains even in July" creating "a strong wind tunnel, make sure all is staked down."
Road conditions: Some dispersed camping areas require navigating rough roads. For Henry's Lake BLM Dispersed, "The road in is Gravel and 2 miles from a paved road." At Targhee Creek, "The road is very rough with many potholes" and can become "incredibly muddy" during rain.
Insect activity: Depending on the season, bugs can be plentiful. At Madison Arm Resort, "There were pretty bad mosquitos on the first and last night we were there, but I'm sure just time of year for that." At Henry's Lake BLM, one camper mentioned, "The lake was swarming with non-bitting midges. They were quite literally everywhere and you could hear them flying."
Tips for camping with families
Reliable shower facilities: When camping with children, clean showers are a priority. At Yellowstone Park-Mountainside KOA, "Bathrooms & Showers are clean!! The park has an expansive camp store, coffee hut and pancake breakfast every morning as well as a bbq dinner (menu) every evening." Another family noted, "Great site, primitive, but nice. Park is amazing, so it's nice being close."
Playgrounds and kid-friendly areas: Several campgrounds offer dedicated spaces for children. The Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park "has a great store and bathrooms. It's got lots of trees and backs up into the forest... Kids are not often supervised by adults so be very careful when driving." The campground includes a playground and grassy areas suitable for play.
Budget options for longer stays: For families wanting extended camping trips, Bakers Hole Campground offers economical rates: "The most reasonable camp ground I found in the area at $35 a night for electric or $26 a night for no hook ups." Another visitor stayed "an entire week" noting it was "Beautiful! On the Madison river! Great space, quiet & fantastic location!"
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: Rainbow Point Campground has strict length enforcement for RVs. "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." Another RVer noted, "We squeezed our 39'8" fifth wheel into a 35' site."
Utility availability: Several dog friendly campgrounds near West Yellowstone offer different hookup options. At Lonesomehurst Campground, there are "electric at sites, no water at sites, but does have a few water faucets throughout campground." One camper advised, "There are 3 water posts per loop, but they're brown and hard to see. Most sites can't reach them, so fill up your tanks before parking."
Dump station access: Some campgrounds have limited waste disposal options. Bakers Hole Campground has "fresh water fill but no dump station," while others provide full facilities. For extended stays, plan accordingly or locate nearby dump stations in West Yellowstone.
