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Best Tent Camping near Yellowstone National Park

1,444 Reviews

Dispersed tent camping opportunities surround Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, with options ranging from backcountry sites within park boundaries to primitive spots in the adjacent Custer-Gallatin National Forest. Ice Lake offers several backcountry tent sites including 4D1, 4D2, and 4D3, all requiring permits and located approximately 1-2 miles from trailheads. These designated sites accommodate tent camping only and provide varying levels of amenities based on their specific designation.

Most backcountry tent sites in Yellowstone National Park require advance permits and have strict regulations regarding food storage, with many sites featuring bear hangs or poles for securing provisions. Backcountry areas like Ice Lake East (4D2) provide flat camping areas approximately 1.5 miles from trailheads, while forest service dispersed camping areas outside the park typically allow campers to stay up to 14 days. Walk-in tent sites predominate in the backcountry, with very limited amenities - most lack toilets, trash service, and potable water. Many sites include established fire rings, though fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months. Sites at Ribbon Lake (4R1 and 4R2) require a 2-3 mile hike with significant elevation changes.

Tent campers access a significantly different experience than developed campgrounds, particularly at locations like Ice Lake which offers solitude and proximity to water. The Eagle Creek area in Custer-Gallatin National Forest provides dispersed camping with sweeping views overlooking Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs. Areas farther from park entrances typically offer more seclusion and availability. Morning wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced at these primitive locations, especially near water sources. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "This was by far and away the best of the 5 sites we stayed at between Ice Lake, Grebe Lake, Wolf Lake and Cascade Lake. Sunset swept through the valley changing its colors and shadows most exquisitely."

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Best Tent Sites Near Yellowstone National Park (71)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Yellowstone National Park

56 Photos of 71 Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Yellowstone National Park

1444 Reviews of 71 Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds

  • Dawn G.
    Feb. 1, 2020

    Pebble Creek Campground — Yellowstone National Park - CLOSED IN 2024

    Quiet & Peaceful!

    Pebble Creek was our favorite campground in Yellowstone National Park. A less crowded area of the park, probably why we loved it! 27 sites and all are available first come first serve- no reservations! The location and lack of reservations make this a quiet, peaceful campground. It sits at 6900 feet elevation. All sites have a table, fire ring, and food storage locker- it is bear country! There are vault toilets and seasonally there is potable drinking water. Our first night there we stayed in one of the"pull out sites" on the west side of the campground. It was ok, however they are not true pull outs, you just park on the side of the park road.... not bad considering the low use of this campground. On our second night we scored a spot on the east side right across from Pebble Creek.... it was perfect! We enjoyed drinks in our chairs at the creekside and a beautiful night listening to the peaceful sounds of the creek. It appears they have changed the site numbers since we visited to add some tent sites, so do not pay attention to the site markers in our old nostalgic photos!

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2019

    Beaver Creek Campground

    Ranger review Outdoor Element's Woolly Mammoth Braid at Beaver Creek CG

    Forested campground 30 minutes from Yellowstone National Park

    Beaver Creek Campground is the good spot for a Yellowstone National Park jumping off point. Located 30 minutes form the park the distance improves your chances of finding a campsite in the busy season. The campground sits above Quake Lake, if you enjoy fishing there is a steep trail leading to the lake from the“A” loop, however there is no boat launch at the campground, you will need to drive a½ mile down the highway to find a boat launch for the lake. The campground features paved roads with gravel parking pads, vault toilets, picnic tables and metal fire rings at each site, and their are bear proof food storage if you need it, but you might need to share space with another spot. Campsite can be reserved. The campground has 62 sites spreed apart in 3 loops. Two fully ADA sites are available. Drinking water is available at three locations in each loop. The camp hosts are very friendly and helpful, they also have firewood for sale if needed for$6 A word of caution about the road driving in. The road is paved but narrow, so drive slow and watch out for cars.

    Ranger review Outdoor Element's Woolly Mammoth Survival Braid

    Got my wife the Woolly Mammoth Survival Braid and have to say that this is a nice survival bracelet. We did wonder if the Jute it is made with would be a little itchy when put on, but found it to be quiet comfortable. We like the idea to place the ferro rod and striker in in the bracelets buckle. It sparks up very nicely making our charred cloth and cotton balls with Vaseline easy to get started. We then tried to start a fire with the sample piece of jute, made a little nest and gave the striker a try and after a few attempts got a spark to take hold and had a fire. Nice to now that we now have a wrist full of fire starting material if we ever need it. Might just want to take this off when starting fires as it didn't take much to get the sample burning. All in all a great survival tool to have around.

  • V
    Aug. 23, 2021

    Bridge Bay Campground — Yellowstone National Park

    Great Campsite On Lake Yellowstone

    Pretty much what you’d expect for a primitive drive-up tent only campsite. Fire ring and picnic table. There’s well maintained restrooms with household AC outlet, water fountain with faucets and dishwashing area. The only issue I saw was that my site and a few others had no bear box. I stored my food and cooking gear in my car, but if you’re backpacking or on a motorcycle or bike, you will definitely want to ask the rangers for a site with a bear box

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2021

    4D2 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry — Yellowstone National Park

    Relax at a Yellowstone Back Country Lake

    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.  The hike to this campsite is flat the entire way.  Site has plenty of room for tents.  Site is limited to 8 individuals with a max stay of 3 nights.  Bear food storage is by using the provided food pole.  Cooking area has a large rock fire ring with large logs to sit on.  Nice views of the lake from camp.

  • N
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Pine Creek Campground

    Great access to pine creek falls and pine lake

    Quiet secluded sites near pine creek. Picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes at every site. Most sites have a level-ish spot to park. Multiple vault toilets, drinking water faucets, and garbage containers. No hookups and no dump station. Access road is narrow and winding but paved right up to the gate. Can walk to the pine creek trailhead. Sites in the 20’s back right up to pine creek as well.

  • E
    Jun. 26, 2021

    Bridge Bay Campground — Yellowstone National Park

    Beautiful

    Campground is in middle of park so it’s not a quick drive in but the drive is beautiful! The campground is easily laid out and clean and fire rings at each spot. Bear boxes located throughout campsite area you may have to share with your neighbor. Wake up and go for a walk and you will see a lot of wildlife in campgrounds. The staff at checkin is friendly. There is a marina if you want to rent a boat or look to launch your own. RV dump station and water refill are conventionally located at exit. The park has a 8pm-8am quiet hours (no generators) which is fine as it dropped to 40 at night so perfect for RV and camping.

  • TMB
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground

    Dry Camping in a Wilderness Setting

    Snowbank is an excellent off-the-grid semi-developed and hosted FS campground.  Spacious and private sites better for small RVs, trailers, and all tents.  Clean vault toilets, bear-proof storage boxes, and plenty of community water spigots.  Decent picnic tables and fire rings at each site.  No hookups to my knowledge.  The campground is on recreation.gov and sites are reservable.  Access to a great trail and FS road from campground, other hiking nearby.  Also, a 20 minute drive to Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa (food, bar, soaking).  Expect to see wildlife, and this is grizzly country so proper food storage and best practices are required by law.  No cell service.  Excellent spot before or after visiting Yellowstone.

  • 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.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2022

    Carbella Rec Site Camping

    Upgraded from a disperse camping area to a campground

    Note - this visit and review was done before the Yellowstone River flooding.  Damages to the campground are unknown at this time and currently the site is listed as closed until water levels go down.

    Carbella Recreation site was recently upgraded from a disperse camping area to a full fledged campground.  New gravel roads, parking pads for campsites, bear lockers, picnic tables and fire rings have all been added to make this a nice campground.  A large parking area as also been built for the boat ramp.  Several new vault toilets have been installed.  Campground is right on the Yellowstone River making this a great spot for fishing or floating the river.  Campground is a short drive to Yellowstone National Park.  Their is a walk-in tent only area as well.  Cost is currently FREE! with a 14 day stay limit.  I think the only thing that was not upgraded was the boat launch.

Guide to Yellowstone National Park

Tent camping near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying the great outdoors. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and explore the beauty of the park.

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Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $15

Tips for tent camping near Yellowstone National Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Yellowstone National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Yellowstone National Park is Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone with a 4.5-star rating from 46 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Yellowstone National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 71 tent camping locations near Yellowstone National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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