Dispersed camping around Yellowstone National Park offers primitive experiences on surrounding public lands with varying elevation ranges from 5,300 to 8,500 feet. Summer overnight temperatures frequently drop into the 40s, even during July and August when daytime temperatures can reach the 80s. Weather conditions can change rapidly throughout the day, requiring tent campers to prepare for multiple seasons regardless of when they visit.
What to do
Visit thermal features with fewer crowds: The northern access points near Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone provide quick entry to Mammoth Hot Springs. "Great spot for travelers or people who didn't book a site in or close to Yosemite. This site is about twenty minutes away from the Yosemite entrance from the Montana side, which is the north entrance of Yosemite," notes Grace R.
Wildlife viewing at dawn: Morning hours at backcountry tent sites offer prime viewing opportunities. A camper at 4E4 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry reports, "Silent at night other than a random tree falling. Creek runs right up to the bear hang making water filtering really convenient. We saw buffalo on our hike back to the trailhead."
Photography at canyon viewpoints: Some tent sites offer unique vantage points. At Ribbon Lake, "The hike in to this site had amazing views of the canyon. Perfect spots to set up camp and hike back to the top of the canyon and have dinner with our of this world views," according to Corda B.
Water activities at lake sites: Several backcountry locations allow wading during warmer months. At Ice Lake East, "Bring your deet and get ready for a magical night in the trees at the waters edge. There is a ton of space for multiple tents and a great fire pit/bear hang set up. We waded in the water to cool down in the day," shares Rachel A.
What campers like
Accessibility options: Yellowstone offers designated accessible backcountry sites. At 4D3 - Ice Lake South, "This site allows those with special needs to be able to experience back country camping. This is an accessible campsite, reservable in advance by parties with special needs only. The site which is only .3 miles from the trailhead can be accessed with a wheel chair."
Quiet alternatives to crowded campgrounds: During peak season, dispersed sites provide solitude. When staying at Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping, one camper notes: "Free Camping alongside the road overlooking Yellowstone and Mammoth Spring. After a few miles on this road, the no camping signs stop and it is free game! We scored a nice overlook and enjoyed the view. Way better than a campground on a busy summer day."
Wildlife encounters: Many tent campers report unique animal sightings. At Wolf Lake, Rachel A. observed "Swans, ducks, loons, wolves and hawks were amongst our neighbors when we stopped for the night before the 3-ish mi stretch to Ice Lake. Very friendly chipmunks and squirrels we enjoyed the company of as well."
Loop hiking options: Several tent sites can be combined for multi-day trips. For 4R2, a camper suggests: "We made our trip a loop hike, starting at Wapiti Lake Trail Head and did the Wapiti Lake/Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake loop. This loop will take you through about every ecosystem in the park, from open grass fields, pine forest, lakes, wetlands, and thermal features."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: All backcountry tent camping in Yellowstone requires proper food storage. At 4G7 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry, "Fires allowed in the designated ring with dead and downed wood, and a bear hang awaits conveniently nearby." Many sites have designated food storage systems.
Permit processes: Backcountry permits must be obtained before overnight stays within park boundaries. For Ice Lake, permits limit occupancy to "8 individuals with a max stay of 3 nights" while sites at Cascade Lake specify "pack in pack out permit required for overnight."
Insect preparations: Summer months bring significant mosquito activity near water sources. Multiple reviews mention this issue, with one camper at 4R2 noting, "Bring your bug spray because the mosquitoes are terrible."
Road conditions for dispersed sites: Forest service roads leading to dispersed sites vary in quality. At Travertine Road, Jeremiah L. cautions: "My only complaint was that 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 getting up the road."
Tips for camping with families
Start with shorter backcountry routes: For families new to tent camping Yellowstone National Park, begin with accessible sites. 4D2 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry is described as "a great campsite for those just getting in to backpacking. The hike to this campsite is flat the entire way."
Pack layers for all seasons: Temperatures fluctuate dramatically, even in summer. One camper at Travertine Road reports: "It was absolutely freezing though, the inside of the truck bed had frost in the morning (22°!)"
Choose sites with natural features: Select locations with built-in activities for children. Ice Lake East offers "plenty of room for tents. Site has plenty of room for tents. Nice views of the lake from camp."
Plan for wildlife teaching moments: Many tent sites provide safe wildlife viewing opportunities. At Cascade Lake, one camper notes they "saw buffalo on our hike back to the trailhead."
Tips from RVers
Scout dispersed sites in advance: Many roads to tent camping areas have rough conditions. Bruce S. at Eagle Creek Road warns: "Very washboarded road to get up, we did not search further than the sign stating the camping point along the road. Camped at the first pull-off we saw."
Consider using developed campgrounds as a base: For mixed RV/tent trips, use established campgrounds for RVs while accessing backcountry tent sites for day trips. At Mary Mountain Backcountry Patrol Cabin, "The hike in is best done as a through hike with a planned pick up on the other side."
Pack extra water for dispersed sites: No water sources exist at roadside dispersed camping locations. At Travertine Road, "There were quite a few spots and it wasn't busy at all (arrived at 5:30pm on a holiday weekend). No amenities (ie fire pit) but you really can't beat those views!"
