Yellowstone National Park camping takes place at elevations between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, creating dramatically cooler nights than days even in summer months. Located in a caldera formed by an ancient supervolcano, campgrounds throughout the park experience temperature fluctuations of 30-40°F between daytime highs and overnight lows. Many campers don't realize that summer thunderstorms are common from June through August, with afternoon lightning frequently closing hiking trails.
What to do
Morning wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley: Drive from Tower Fall Campground to Lamar Valley before 7am to maximize wildlife sightings. "Great spot to camp when exploring the Northern or Eastern edges of Yellowstone. It's also close to Lamar Valley, which is nice because you can get there at dusk or dawn for some good chances of seeing bears & wolves," notes Melanie S.
Fly fishing on the Madison River: Access prime fishing spots directly from Madison Campground. "Fly fishing right outside your door and this is the birthplace of our National Park system. Camp host, employees and rangers are all so helpful and just great to talk to," shares Mike H., who enjoyed casting in the river where the Firehole and Gibbon converge.
Sunset photography at Yellowstone Lake: Walk from your campsite to capture evening light on the water. "We had a tiny view of the lake and things felt fairly private, especially for a national park campground. It was very fun to see bison and elk walking through the campground," explains Sarah S. from Bridge Bay Campground.
What campers like
Central locations for exploration: Many campers value having a strategic base. "With our two days in Yellowstone we knew we wanted to stay inside the park and this one was the one we picked... This was well centrally located and had some great showers," writes Joshua M. about Canyon Campground.
Free campground showers: Unlike many national parks, several Yellowstone campgrounds provide shower facilities. "2 showers per site, per night come for free. Once admitted to the shower, there is no time limit. Ice and firewood are both available at the laundromat," reports a camper at Canyon Campground.
Solitude in less-visited campgrounds: Some campers prefer quieter alternatives to popular sites. "Indian creek is probably my favorite campground out of all the Yellowstone camps. It felt more secluded and a lot less busy than the main ones offered in the park," explains Jack L. about Indian Creek Campground.
What you should know
First-come campgrounds fill by early morning: Plan to arrive very early to secure non-reservable sites. "Since you cannot reserve at this campground, you have to plan ahead and wake up early! We got to the campground by 7am and secured a site," advises Melanie S. about Tower Fall Campground.
Bear safety is mandatory: All campgrounds require proper food storage. "Campground has no gas but the bathrooms are clean (and warm!), dishwashing station is great, water and dump station. It's alongside a gorgeous river valley for lovely walks and it's very quiet," reports D. from Madison Campground, where bear boxes are provided at tent sites.
Freezing nighttime temperatures: Even summer nights can drop below 40°F at these elevations. "It was absolutely freezing though, the inside of the truck bed had frost in the morning (22°!)" warns Ellie M. at Travertine Road Dispersed camping area just outside the park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites near activities: Families benefit from minimizing driving time. "Nice, clean facilities. Convenient camp store with coffees and hefty boxes of firewood (& kindling!) for sale. Sites aren't too private or spacious, but they're comfortable. Don't miss the gorgeous river off the trails behind the recycling area! Great place for a sunrise/sunset stroll," recommends Jenna M. about Madison Campground.
Pack for all weather: Temperature swings require careful preparation. "I would have liked to choose our site and would love for Xanterra to work this detail out for the campers. And yet it still beats the first-come first-serve campgrounds throughout the park that actually fill up by 8:30 on weekdays throughout July," notes a Canyon Campground visitor.
Consider ranger programs: Many campgrounds offer educational activities. "A variety of site types (some great for RV's, others better designed for tents). A huge sand beach with swimming area, docks with boat slip rentals. Campfire programs both during the day and night, plus the ranger station has fishing poles and nature backpacks to check out for kids for free," shares Chelsea K.
Tips from RVers
Reserve full hookup sites months ahead: The park's single full-hookup campground books quickly. "Definitely stay here if you can get a reservation. We got a last minute reservation for 8 nights. We stayed in the newer loop with FHU. Sites are close and open but you are in the park," advises Rachel G. from Fishing Bridge RV Park.
Get a water bandit adapter: Most water connections aren't standard. "Water pumps don't have threaded attachment. So get yourself a camco water bandit if you want to fill your rig," recommends Jeff P. about Bridge Bay Campground.
Prepare for tight spacing: Most RV sites are compact with limited privacy. "This RV campground has concrete pads and pull through sites, picnic table on site. Restroom building close by, but showers are located in different building by main office. Huge laundry area as well by main office," explains Beth B. about Fishing Bridge RV Park.
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