While you might think RV camping in Yellowstone is just for skilled outdoor enthusiasts, you'll find it's actually one of the most accessible ways to explore America's first national park. You don't need to be a seasoned camper to navigate the park's well-maintained campgrounds and RV-friendly facilities, which range from basic sites to full-service hookups. Whether you're planning to watch Old Faithful erupt at sunrise or spot grizzlies in Lamar Valley, your RV serves as both a comfortable home base and a mobile wildlife-viewing station. Before you hook up your rig and head out, though, there are several significant factors you'll want to take into account.
Key Takeaways
- Yellowstone offers five main RV campgrounds within the park, with Fishing Bridge RV Park providing the only full hookup options.
- Camping is limited to 30 days per year, with a 14-day maximum stay between June 15 and September 15.
- September and October are ideal months for RV camping with fewer crowds and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Private RV parks near park entrances offer additional amenities like WiFi, cable TV, and full hookups.
- Hard-sided vehicles are required in certain areas due to bear activity, particularly at Fishing Bridge RV Park.
Choosing Your Perfect Campground
When planning your RV journey to Yellowstone National Park, choosing the right campground location can make or break your encounter.
You'll find excellent options at each park entrance, letting you select based on your planned activities and preferred access points.
If you're entering from the north, consider Yellowstone RV Park in Gardiner, just one mile from the entrance.
For eastern access, Yellowstone Valley Inn RV Park near Cody provides extensive amenities including a restaurant and fitness center.
The west entrance gives you three solid choices: Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park, West Gate KOA Holiday, and Buffalo Crossing RV Park.
Each western option provides unique perks – Grizzly's convenience store and gift shop, KOA's variety of camping options, or Buffalo Crossing's lakeside sites with water activities.
Essential Camping Regulations
Now that you've selected your campground, understanding Yellowstone's camping regulations will keep you in compliance and protect both you and the park's natural resources.
You'll need to limit your camping to 30 days per calendar year, with only 14 of those days falling between June 15 and September 15. Don't exceed six people and two vehicles per site, and make certain your vehicles are parked on designated pads.
If you're staying at Fishing Bridge RV Park, you must have a hard-sided vehicle due to bear activity.
Remember that quiet hours run from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., and you can only use generators during non-quiet hours in specific campgrounds.
You're prohibited from overnight parking outside designated campgrounds, and you must follow strict food storage guidelines to avoid wildlife encounters.
When to Plan Your Trip
Selecting the right time for your Yellowstone RV journey can make or break your encounter.
You'll find the sweet spot during September and October when crowds thin out and wildlife viewing opportunities increase. While June through August presents warm weather, you'll face packed campgrounds and long wait times at popular attractions.
April presents a unique chance to witness spring's awakening with fewer visitors.
- Watch elk graze peacefully in the misty September dawn near Madison Campground
- Feel the crisp October air as you have Grand Prismatic Spring almost to yourself
- Uncover hidden waterfalls and secluded trails without fighting through summer crowds
- Enjoy the thrill of spotting newborn wildlife during April's quiet mornings
Remember to book your campsite up to 13 months in advance, especially if you're planning a visit during peak season.
Early morning arrivals will help you maximize your adventure regardless of when you visit.
Best RV Sites and Hookups
Throughout Yellowstone, your RV camping options range from rustic national park sites to full-service private campgrounds just outside the park boundaries.
Inside the park, you'll find five main RV campgrounds, with Fishing Bridge RV Park being the only one providing full hookups. Canyon, Grant Village, Madison, and Bridge Bay campgrounds provide dump stations and can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, but don't supply electrical connections.
If you're seeking more amenities, consider staying just outside the park. Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park, located three blocks from the West entrance, and Yellowstone RV Park, near the North entrance, both provide full hookups, cable TV, and WiFi.
For larger rigs, the Yellowstone Park/Mountainside KOA Journey can accommodate vehicles up to 110 feet and provides 50 AMP power.
Beyond the Park Boundaries
Adventurous RV campers have several compelling options beyond Yellowstone's boundaries, each with distinct advantages.
You'll find well-equipped RV parks in West Yellowstone, MT, providing electric hookups and modern amenities, though they're typically more expensive.
Near Cody, you'll find Forest Service campgrounds along Highway 14, but remember that hard-sided vehicles are required due to bear activity.
The Gardiner area features the Yellowstone RV Park with full hookups and riverfront sites just minutes from the north entrance.
- Encounter the rustic charm of Flagg Ranch, perfectly positioned between Yellowstone and Grand Teton
- Wake up to stunning mountain views from your campsite near Cody
- Enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere in West Yellowstone's RV parks
- Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the river at Gardiner's riverside spots
Remember to book early, as these popular locations fill up quickly during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Generators Allowed in Yellowstone Campgrounds, and What Are the Quiet Hours?
You'll find generators are allowed in most Yellowstone campgrounds from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a 60 dB noise limit. You'll need to observe quiet hours, typically from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Can I Receive Mail or Packages While Staying at Yellowstone Campgrounds?
While you can receive packages at some Yellowstone campground offices, it's not recommended due to unreliable delivery times. Instead, use package services in nearby towns like Gardiner, West Yellowstone, or Cody for better reliability.
What Wildlife Deterrent Devices Are Permitted at RV Campsites?
Like a protective shield around your site, you're allowed to use bear spray, bear-resistant containers, electric fencing, and bear hangers. You'll need these approved deterrents to keep wildlife away from your campsite.
Is Wifi or Cell Service Available at Yellowstone's RV Campgrounds?
You'll find limited cell service in developed areas, with Verizon providing the best coverage. Free WiFi's available at select locations like Albright Visitor Center, while some campgrounds supply paid WiFi services for registered guests.
Can I Rent an RV Directly From Facilities Within Yellowstone?
You'd have better luck finding a dancing buffalo than renting an RV inside Yellowstone! You'll need to look outside the park – try nearby cities like Bozeman (88 miles) or Jackson (128 miles) instead.
