Backcountry camping along the Yellowstone River requires advance reservations and a commitment to hiking in with all gear. Upper Ford 6B2 sits near the river in a dispersed camping format, meaning no designated sites or facilities. The National Park Service manages access through their backcountry permit system, and campers should expect rough terrain on the approach trail.
The riverside location provides water access, though all water must be treated before consumption. This hike-in campsite works best for experienced backpackers comfortable with Leave No Trace principles and self-sufficient camping. Campers seeking additional developed options can explore campgrounds around Yellowstone National Park.
Description
Beyond the developed areas, Yellowstone offers a diverse, mountainous landscape that invites exploration by foot, pack stock, and boat. Hundreds of miles of trails facilitate travel throughout the park. Permits are required for all overnight stays.
When planning a backcountry trip, remember that many of Yellowstone’s trails are more than 7,000 feet above sea level. Most areas retain snow until late May or early June, and some (especially mountain passes) are snow-covered until late July. Also, many routes require fording rivers that can be 25 feet wide, 3 to 5 feet deep, extremely cold, and swiftly running during our late spring runoff.
Campsites Yellowstone maintains 293 designated backcountry campsites. Each designated campsite has a maximum limit for the number of people and stock allowed per night. The maximum stay per campsite varies from 1 to 3 nights per trip. Group size limits range from 4 to 12 people. With the exception of four campsites, we allow only one group at each campsite. If your group size exceeds the campsite limit, you’ll need to obtain a second permit and cook and sleep as separate groups. A food storage pole or box is provided at every campsite so that food and attractants may be secured from bears. You will need to provide your own rope (35 feet in length or greater) at sites with food poles. A list and map of campsites can be found in the Backcountry Trip Planner https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm and the online Backcountry Trails and Campsites map: https://www.nps.gov/maps/full.html?mapId=f926f448-9fe4-4600-b4c0-3f060737c87f
Backcountry permits are available no earlier than 3-days prior to the start of your trip. Do not send in applications earlier than 3-days before your trip. Permits are available from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm daily. Permits will not be issued after 4:00 pm.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingUpper Ford 6B2 Backcountry Campsite — Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming
Coordinates
44.29008501116578 N
110.1507369221815 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Upper Ford 6B2 Backcountry Campsite — Yellowstone National Park needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 10 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs 47 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 4 hrs 30 min from Pocatello, ID
- 5 hrs 12 min from Billings, MT
