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Best Dispersed Camping near Yellowstone National Park

241 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

The backcountry around Yellowstone National Park works well for dispersed camping if you're prepared to handle completely undeveloped sites. You can stay at locations like the 4G2 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry area for just $3 per night, or try the 4D2 site near Ice Lake if you want a primitive camping experience. Following Leave No Trace practices is absolutely necessary when using these areas. Campers need to know the rules about camping distances from water and roads before setting up. Since bears are common throughout the region, proper food storage isn't optional - it's essential for safety. Many of the access roads to these dispersed sites get rough, requiring vehicles with good clearance, especially after rain. The nearest town with supplies sits about 30-45 minutes away from most sites, and you'll need to bring everything with you - water, food, toilet supplies - since nothing is provided at these backcountry locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Yellowstone National Park (70)

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183 Photos of 70 Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Yellowstone National Park

241 Reviews of 70 Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Beautiful view

    Absolutely stunning spot. The mountain views from camp were unreal — especially at sunrise. Super peaceful, with minimal noise. No amenities, so pack in everything you need and leave no trace. Would 100% come back for the views alone. One of the best dispersed sites I’ve stayed at.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2019

    2S1 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry — Yellowstone National Park

    Ranger review Morsel Spork XL at Yellowstone Backcountry site 2S1

    Camp among wide meadows, lush forests, towering peaks and wildlife

    Yellowstone National Park's back-country site 2S1 is definitely the most amazing back-country site our Venturing Crew has backpacked to this summer, and we have been to quiet a few. Back-country site 2S1 is located along Slough Creek in a beautiful valley where Sandhill Cranes calls fill the valley in the evening and early morning. It is a 4.3 mile hike along the Slough Creek Trail to the spur trail for site 2S1, then a.6 mile hike to the campsite. Being.6 miles from the trail would usually mean solitude, but this site appears to be a popular fishing location as well as their was always someone fishing in the area. But don't worry, the campsite is fairly hidden from the creek and those fishing were very considerate. The campsite has numerous flat locations to pitch a tent. Their is a pole suspended between two trees for handing your food, but you don't need to use it as a bear proof locker has been placed at the site. A rock fire ring is available for fires and has large logs on two sides to sit on. Plenty of firewood is available in the form of large trees that are scattered on the ground through out the area, just find one of the older ones that are rotting and pull them apart and in a few minutes you have a nice pile of wood that will start easy. You don't need much wood at any one time on the fire to have a nice hot fire as this dry rotted wood really burns hot. If you are planning on having a fire be sure to bring a container to bring water from the creek to put it out with, as you are at least 50 yards from the creek. The view is amazing from camp, a wondering creek going though a wide valley with steep mountains on each side. In the evening we were treated to the alpine glow on the mountain tops for a good 15 minutes. Do you want to see wildlife, well we say plenty on this backpack trip. Hundreds of bison on the drive to the trail head, watched a black bear munching on various vegetation 100 feet from the trail, a young fox walked right by us on the trail, squirrels, chipmunks, a badger, sandhill cranes and other song birds as well. To get to back-country site 2S1 start at Slough Creek Trail head(2K5) and hike the 4.3 miles to the spur trail to the campsite. You will have one hard climb right of the bat, the first.7 miles is a steep climb, after that it is a easy hike. A warning, don't be shocked when you see lots of tourist heading out on the trail completely unprepared. We are talking about hiking in flip flops, no water, no bear spray, and this on a steep trail to start where we spotted the bear along the trail edge.8 miles in.

    Ranger review of the Morsel Spork XL

    We have been using the Morsel XL spork with out Scouts on several backpacking trips this summer and the unanimous opinion is a big thumbs up. We have used our Morsels with MRE's, and they truly out perform compared to the plastic spoon those meals provide. With backpacking dehydrated meals we are able to get out every little bit out of the corners of the bag without getting our hands messy. Bowls, cups, and plates, no problem getting to all the food, which makes clean-up after a meal easier. The variety of colors is helpful as well, as we can give each scout a different color so no one confuses their Morsel with anyone else, and we can quickly figure out who dropped theirs or left it laying around. The Morsel Spork XL is now our go to utensil for our backpacking adventures.

  • Robert F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2023

    Snake River Dispersed - Rockefeller Memorial Parkway

    Campsite 5 - only 1 space

    Right between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. You don't have to share this spot with anyone. It comes with a bear box to store your food, a bear proof trash can, picnic table, metal fire ring, and last but not least, your own private pit toilet. Tons of space also.

  • Jeremy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2019

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    Perfect spot outside Yellowstone

    We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect. A nice pull off with several options to park a van, tent, or small trailer or RV. We fell asleep to the sound of the river and were into the park within 20 minutes the next morning. We were able see moose and a bear because of the early access to Lamar Valley. Wish we could have seen the surrounding area in the daylight but we got in late and were out early. From what we saw we highly recommend it!! It is dispersed Forest Service camping so you will need to have all of your own supplies and be sure to leave no trace (including your poop)

  • m
    Jun. 8, 2021

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Perfect dispersed camping

    Perfect dispersed camping. Note it is a windy dirt road, so a pickup or camper van can make it, but don't try a Class A or Class C RV. Our 20 footer made it fine. Also wouldn't want to drive it if rain forecasted as I bet the dirt turns to impassible mud real fast.

    The spots themselves are wonderful, some very open, some tucked away along the rocks, all very spread out from each other. Super quiet. I can't believe how quiet it was.

    If you want to feel like you are camping on a mountain in the middle of no where, this is it.

  • Kyleen
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Targhee Creek

    Dispersed camping in meadow near creek

    This site is about 20 miles west of Yellowstone in Idaho. Great spot with easy access. Beautiful views and the blue mountains in the distance at sunset make this site a crowd pleaser. Gravel roads on the way in get a little more rough the further in you go and down towards the creek. About 8+ sites off gravel road including a group site. There are also a few dirt roads closer to entrance that may lead to more but we didn’t go up since they were a little closer to the road. The traffic was a bit loud at times but as the night went on and the traffic died down and this was a beautiful area overlooking a meadow. Unfortunately, a few people have forgot the importance of leave no trace and therefore be careful of the toilet paper scattered throughout this site.

  • Mark B.
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Bootjack - Dispersed Camping

    Bootjack Dr.

    A good amount of dispersed areas here. All the areas in the open meadow area closer by the road was occupied. We choose a dead end road and had the area all to ourselves. Had to back up the road about 200 feet because there was no turn around for the size of our rig (36 foot 5th wheel). But it is doable.

  • Steve & Ashley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Little Sunlight Camping Area

    Incredible Mountain Valley

    This site about 12 miles up sunset road along a very rough washboard dirt/gravel rod. The road was extremely dusty in the summer and almost forced us to turn back. The dispersed sites are very rough and not well maintained. However, the views are some of the best we have ever seen in Wyoming. The sunset in the valley seemed to go on forever and provided light up until 10 pm. You will need 4 wheel drive or high clearance to access the best sites next to the river. If you are willing to endure the drive and don’t mind rough dispersed camping, the beauty of the site more than makes up for it. No facilities here just a stone fire ring. The site is known for grizzly bears. So you need to be an experienced camper to enjoy this area or take precautions.

  • Traildog A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Targhee Creek

    Great dispersed camp spot near Yellowstone

    Great dispersed camp area . Rugged 2 track with established ( flat clearing with rock fire ring) camp spots on both sides. We camped at the very end of the track, about 2 miles in, on the edge of a beautiful rushing stream. Site was level and had a bear box , very peaceful. Other sites were occupied on the way in, area was clean ( no trash) and there was a large group area and trail head just before the end. Area is about 9 miles from the West Yellowstone Park gate. No facilities/ dispersed, so be prepared to pack in/ pack out.

Guide to Yellowstone National Park

Dispersed camping around Yellowstone National Park provides rustic, unimproved sites where campers must be self-sufficient with all supplies. Most backcountry areas require permits costing $3 per night and are accessible via hiking trails ranging from 1-5 miles in length. The terrain includes pine forests, meadows, and lakeshores at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet where summer nights often drop below 40°F.

What to do

Fishing at remote lakes: Ribbon Lake backcountry site offers exceptional fishing opportunities. "Cutthroat trout literally jump out of the water at the lake and we found a nice spot for our tent down by the water within easy walking distance to the fire pit and bear hang," notes Rachel A. about 4G2 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry.

Wildlife viewing from dispersed sites: From certain sites, you can spot diverse wildlife without entering the park. "We made our trip a loop hike, starting at Wapiti Lake Trail Head. This loop will take you through about every ecosystem in the park, from open grass fields, pine forest, lakes, wetlands, and thermal features," reports Dexter I. about 4R2 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry.

Stargazing from mountain viewpoints: Elevated dispersed sites provide exceptional night sky viewing. "We found a perfect overlook where we pitched our tent and watched the most gorgeous sunset. The best part? No people around for miles and miles," explains a camper at Custer-Gallatin Forest dispersed sites.

What campers like

Quick access to northern park entrance: Dispersed sites near Gardiner provide convenient park access. "Great free camping pullout. You have to drive about 3 miles from town on the gravel road as camping along road before that is not allowed. Signs act as a reminder," notes Caroline E. about Little Trail Creek Road.

Isolation from crowds: Many prefer backcountry sites for solitude. "Camping area is just a few feet past the sign. For your return trip take the Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake trail all the way back to Wapiti Lake Trail head," details Dexter I. about 4R2 Backcountry Campsite.

Mountain panoramas: The elevated sites outside park boundaries offer expansive views. "One of the most beautiful places I've stayed! The sites are straight up from Gardiner on your usual rocky, washboard road. There were quite a few spots and it wasn't busy at all," shares Sharon H. about Travertine Road Dispersed.

What you should know

Vehicle requirements for access roads: Some dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. "Great but difficult to access. The dirt road you have to drive on to access it is super bumpy due to many potholes and large rocks. This is likely no problem for a truck or SUV but my sedan had a difficult time," explains Jeremiah L. about Travertine Road.

Campsite availability timing: Arrive early to secure prime spots. "Stayed overnight while exploring Yellowstone, it appeared to filled up overnight but we arrived at 5ish and all spots were open," reports Joseph K. about Travertine Road Dispersed.

Temperature fluctuations: Be prepared for extreme temperature changes. "It was absolutely freezing though, the inside of the truck bed had frost in the morning (22°!)," warns Ellie M. from Custer-Gallatin National Forest dispersed camping.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly backcountry options: Some backcountry sites work well for families new to primitive camping. "Back Country campsite 4D2 - Ice Lake East is a large flat camping area on the east shore of Ice Lake. Only 1.5 miles from the Ice Lake trailhead makes this a great campsite for those just getting in to backpacking," explains Dexter I. about 4D2 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry.

Insect protection essential: Multiple reviews mention mosquito problems. "Make sure to bring lots of deet spray, your water filtration system and your fly fishing gear!" advises Rachel A. about Grebe Lake.

Limited shade at some sites: Plan for sun exposure with proper gear. "No trees so it gets pretty hot without shade. There are random animal bones scattered around the sites from what I assume previous hunting trips, which is a bit eerie," warns Viet N. about Little Trail Creek Road sites.

Tips from RVers

Length limitations on forest service roads: Most dispersed sites cannot accommodate large RVs. "I would say about two people could camp there. As always, PLEASE clean up after yourselves. I always find too much trash at campsites, like I did at this one," notes Bruce S. about Custer-Gallatin National Forest.

Safe pullouts for smaller vehicles: Some areas have designated pullouts for smaller campers. "Several roadside sites along this road that branches off Travertine Rd. A few sites are large enough for multiple tents/vans. We snagged the last site available the night we stayed, first site on left as you drive in. It is small but worked for our Sprinter," shares Don&Becca W. about Little Trail Creek Road.

Alternative access points: Finding less-traveled roads can lead to better sites. "Just passed the Eagle Creek Campground on Jardine Road. Take a left and drive in 3 miles on National Forest Road to areas where camping is allowed. There are mile marker signs," explains Aaron A. about dispersed camping options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BLM camping and dispersed camping near Yellowstone?

BLM camping near Yellowstone refers specifically to dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management property, while general dispersed camping can occur on various public lands including National Forests. Little Sunlight Camping Area exemplifies Forest Service dispersed camping with rough sites but spectacular Wyoming views. In contrast, BLM lands typically have fewer restrictions on stay duration (often 14 days) and may allow camping in more places. Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road represents a typical dispersed area. Both types generally lack amenities like running water or toilets, though some established dispersed sites have fire rings. The key similarity is that both are typically free, while the main differences involve the governing agency, specific regulations, and sometimes the terrain characteristics.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Yellowstone National Park?

Numerous dispersed camping opportunities exist near Yellowstone National Park. Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping offers pull-off sites with river sounds and quick park access (about 20 minutes). Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone provides stunning mountain views, especially at sunrise, though the dirt road requires high-clearance vehicles and becomes impassable when wet. Other options include Targhee Creek (about 20 miles west of Yellowstone in Idaho), Little Sunlight Camping Area (12 miles up Sunset Road), and dispersed sites along Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road. Most of these areas have established fire rings but minimal to no facilities, so come prepared to be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.

What free camping options are available near Yellowstone National Park?

Several free camping options exist near Yellowstone National Park. Targhee Creek offers beautiful dispersed sites about 20 miles west of Yellowstone in Idaho, with established fire rings and even bear boxes at some locations. The road becomes rougher as you travel deeper in. Snake River Dispersed - Rockefeller Memorial Parkway provides private sites between Grand Teton and Yellowstone with amenities like bear boxes, picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. Bootjack - Dispersed Camping has numerous sites, though larger rigs may struggle with turnaround space. Most free camping is on Forest Service or BLM land surrounding the park, requiring proper waste management and adherence to fire regulations.

Is dispersed camping allowed inside Yellowstone National Park?

Dispersed camping is not allowed inside Yellowstone National Park in the traditional sense. Instead, Yellowstone offers designated backcountry camping through a permit system. 2S1 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry features meadows, forests and wildlife viewing opportunities. 9U1 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry offers a flat camping area near Mountain Ash Creek in southwest Yellowstone. Backcountry permits must be obtained in advance, with some sites allowing pack animals. Most backcountry sites have designated food storage areas to minimize wildlife encounters. These are hike-in sites only – roadside car camping outside of established campgrounds is strictly prohibited throughout the park.

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