Within Shoshone National Forest, Wapiti Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring both Yellowstone's east entrance and the town of Cody, each roughly 30 minutes away. This US Forest Service facility accommodates both tent campers and RVs up to 145 feet across 41 sites, with electric hookups available at select locations for $20-40 per night.
The campground spreads across two distinct loops along the North Fork of the Shoshone River. Sites vary considerably in privacy and exposure, with some tucked behind trees and bushes while others sit more openly on gravel pads. Crystal C. notes the campground "seemed much more dry than other campsites and many of the locations were more exposed to the harsh sunlight." Bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings equip each site, while vault toilets and potable water spigots serve both loops.
River access draws many visitors, though the current runs fast and requires caution. A designated fishing area provides bank access, and informal trails lead through the brush to the water's edge. Several reviewers mention abundant wildlife in the area, with fresh grizzly sign spotted near the campground. The proximity to water brings significant bug populations during summer months, particularly in July.
Road conditions can challenge some visitors, with reviews mentioning dusty conditions when vehicles pass through camp. The campground operates on a mix of reservations and first-come, first-served sites, with summer availability filling quickly. Campground hosts provide oversight during peak season, and N I. confirms "potable water, pit toilet, trash, picnic table, fire ring, bear box" at each site. For those seeking alternatives, Elk Fork Campground sits less than half a mile southwest.
This campground works well for campers prioritizing location over amenities, particularly those planning Yellowstone visits or needing electric hookups in the greater Cody area.
Description
Overview
Wapiti Campground is located is located along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway about 30 miles west of Cody, in northwestern Wyoming. It is 22 miles east of the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking and viewing local wildlife.
Recreation
Great opportunities for hiking, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing are available around the campground. The North Fork of the Shoshone River is a popular fly-fishing location for rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The Wapiti Wayside is located less than a quarter-mile east of the campground and offers interpretive information on grizzly bears and other local wildlife.
Facilities
The campground offers accessible single- and double-family campsites, many of which have electric hookups. Sites 1 through 21 are standard RV Electric and have both 15 amp and 30 amp electrical hookups, and sites 22 through 40 are Standard Nonelectric. Each site is equipped with a table, campfire ring and food storage locker. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Campers may gather firewood in the area.
Natural Features
The campground is situated among cottonwood and juniper trees, along the North Fork of the Shoshone River, at an elevation of 6,000 feet. Ancient cliffs from the Absaroka volcanic mud flow tower above the campground. A wide variety of wildlife lives in the area. Visitors often glimpse grizzly bears, deer, elk, bison, moose, fox, coyotes and bald eagles.
Nearby Attractions
Pahaska Tepee, west of the campground, is home to Buffalo Bill's original hunting lodge, built in 1904. Tours are offered daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Pahaska also offers guided horseback rides, a gift shop, restaurant and lodging. Yellowstone National Park's east entrance is 22 miles from the campground via the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. The park offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as breathtaking scenery and unique geological features. The small, historic city of Cody offers a variety of dining, lodging and shopping options. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center offers extensive displays of Greater Yellowstone natural history, Plains Indians artifacts, western art, firearms, Buffalo Bill memorabilia and a wild sheep exhibit.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
NOTICE: At this time, we are not accepting reservations for the listed campgrounds, but rather are available first-come/first-served. NOTE: The Clearwater Group site and the Sunlight Rangers Cabin continue to accept reservations.Please continue to monitor Recreation.gov to see if reservation status changes.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWapiti Campground is located in Wyoming near Wapiti
Directions
From Cody, Wyo., follow Sheridan Avenue west through Cody until the road leaves town and becomes the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14/16/20). The campground is 30 miles west of Cody, on the north side of the highway and next to the river. It is between Elk Fork Campground to the west and Big Game Campground to the east.
Address
203A YELLOWSTONE AVE
Cody, WY 82414
Coordinates
44.4661111 N
109.6236111 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 18 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 35 min from Bozeman, MT
- 6 hrs 48 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 7 hrs 31 min from Pocatello, ID
































