Backpackers seeking a multi-use campsite with stock animal access will find 9U1 positioned near Mountain Ash Creek in southwestern Yellowstone's backcountry. This flat camping area accommodates both hikers and pack animals, with most tent space visible from the trail though trees provide some privacy around the designated cooking and food storage zone.
The site includes a rock fire ring, food hanging pole, and a pit toilet accessed by following signs from the cooking area. Mountain Ash Creek flows about a minute's walk from camp, providing a water source that requires filtration. Trail traffic tends to be heavier here compared to more remote sites around Yellowstone National Park, with multiple backpacking groups and stock animals passing through regularly. Campfires are permitted when fire restrictions are not in effect.
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.htmand the online Backcountry Trails and Campsites map: https://www.nps.gov/maps/full.html?mapId=f926f448-9fe4-4600-b4c0-3f060737c87f
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & Directions9U1 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry is located in Wyoming near John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway
Coordinates
44.1602731 N
110.93989136 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
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 9U1 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry — Yellowstone National Park needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 57 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 40 min from Pocatello, ID
- 3 hrs 41 min from Bozeman, MT
- 5 hrs 43 min from Billings, MT
