Madison Campground — Yellowstone National Park
M
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2016

Fantastic Campground in the Off Season

I have been to this campground twice and both times it was fantastic. Very clean and well maintained. Everyone was friendly and easy going. Both times I went have been in early June/Late May, both times I got snowed on, but that is Yellowstone for you. The section I was in had mostly RVs and I was the only tent. Everyone was relatively pleasant, but the first time a RV group stole our firewood...which we needed to cook dinner. Luckily enough another group was kind enough to let us have theirs since they were leaving. It is close to everything with nice facilities. Note that Yellowstone is wild so do be surprised if a Buffalo or elk wanders through. My first time a buffalo went on a bit of a rampage, but no one was hurt. Overall nothing can mar a trip to Yellowstone except maybe stupid people. I would highly recommend this campground for anyone going to Yellowstone.

Advice would be to bring a towel since the sinks only have air dryers. Also bring some gloves for washing dishes since they do not have hot water outside of the washing hut. There are no showers at this campground, but there are some pay showers on the other end of the park. I personally like to stay on the outer loops since you don't have as many neighbors, but both sides of the road are very nice. One of the main roads is very close to the campground so you will hear some road noise in the early evening. That tails out the later it gets. Also there are bear boxes, but the range had told us that if you keep all food/smelly things in a cooler or sealed container then you can keep it in your trunk. We had no issues, but please clean up after. The rangers check every night before sundown that everyone is putting away their food. They can ticket you if you don't.

Great place to listen for wildlife at night. I heard coyotes, frogs, and the resident wolf pack on multiple nights which was fantastic! I can never get tired of going to Yellowstone and camping is the best way to really enjoy nature. Going in the off season is the best in my humble opinion. Less crowded and no issues getting a spot to camp. Also it means you might be the only person there watching Old Faithful or on a trail!