Yellowstone RV Camping: The Ultimate Guide

Yellowstone RV Camping: The Ultimate Guide

If planning a unique camping experience is in your near future, look no further than Yellowstone RV camping. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your trip.

Introduction to Yellowstone RV camping

If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable camping experience, then you must check out Yellowstone National Park. With its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Yellowstone is a camper's paradise. But what if you're not familiar with camping in an RV? Never fear – this guide will give you all the information you need to get started.

First, you'll need to decide what kind of RV camping experience you want. Yellowstone offers both primitive and developed campsites. Primitive campsites are those with no amenities whatsoever, while developed campsites offer hookups for water, electric, and sewer. If you're not sure which type of campsite is right for you, check out the Yellowstone website – they have a campground map that will help you decide.

Once you've chosen your campsite, it's time to get ready for your trip. Be sure to pack your camping essentials – food, water, clothes, tents, etc. – and don't forget to bring your RV's manuals and registration paperwork. If you're not familiar with your RV, take some time to go through the basic operations before you hit the road.

Finally, don't forget to check the Yellowstone website for road closures and other important information. The park is a huge and incredibly diverse, so it's important to do your research before you go. With a bit of preparation, your Yellowstone RV camping trip will be an adventure you'll never forget.

What to bring with you on your Yellowstone RV camping trip

Planning your trip to Yellowstone is an exciting process, but it's important to remember to pack everything you'll need while you're there. RV camping can be a lot of fun, but it's also important to be prepared for the weather and the environment. Make sure to bring along sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, and pack warm clothes and rain gear in case of bad weather. It's also a good idea to bring along insect repellent to keep the bugs at bay. Finally, don't forget to bring your camera to capture all the amazing sights in Yellowstone!

How to find the best RV campsites in Yellowstone

If you're looking for the best RV campsites in Yellowstone, there are a few things you need to consider. First, you'll want to find a campsite that's close to the attractions you want to see. Second, you'll want to find a site that's spacious and has plenty of hookups. Finally, you'll want to find a campsite that's affordable and fits your budget.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great RV campsites in Yellowstone. The Mammoth Campground is a great option for campers who want to be close to the action. It's located just a few minutes from the Mammoth Hot Springs and the Norris Geyser Basin. The campsite offers plenty of space for RVs, and it has full hookups for water, sewer, and electric.

If you're looking for a campsite with a bit more privacy, the Madison Campground is a great option. This campground is located in the heart of the Madison Valley, and it offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The campsite has full hookups, and it's a great option for campers who want to explore the Madison Valley.

Finally, if you're looking for an affordable campsite, the Fishing Bridge RV Park is a great option. This campground is located just a few minutes from Yellowstone Lake, and it offers great views of the surrounding mountains. The campground has full hookups, and it's a great option for campers on a budget.

At the end of this article, we’re giving you direct links to check out the most popular Yellowstone RV campgrounds.

What to do and see while RV camping in Yellowstone

There are plenty of things to do while RV camping in Yellowstone. The park has a variety of attractions, including geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife. Here are some of the park's most popular attractions:

Old Faithful: This geyser is one of the most popular attractions in the park. It erupts every hour or so.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: This is a beautiful canyon that is well worth a visit.

Canyon Village: This village is located in the heart of the canyon and is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner.

Mammoth Hot Springs: These hot springs are a must-see for anyone visiting the park.

Yellowstone Lake: This is the largest lake in the park and is a great place to go for a hike or a picnic.

The Lamar Valley: This valley is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, and bison.

Tips for a safe and enjoyable RV camping trip in Yellowstone

Camping in a recreational vehicle (RV) in Yellowstone National Park is a unique and rewarding experience, but it's important to be prepared for the challenges and potential hazards of camping in such a wild and remote area. Here are five tips for a safe and enjoyable RV camping trip in Yellowstone:

1. Know the regulations and restrictions for camping in Yellowstone. There are a number of regulations governing camping in the park, so be sure to familiarize yourself with them before you arrive.
2. Plan your route and itinerary in advance. There are many things to see and do in Yellowstone and trying to cram it all into a single trip is not only impossible but can also be dangerous.
3. Stay aware of your surroundings. Bears and other wildlife are common in Yellowstone, so always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid conflicts with them.
4. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Yellowstone is a very large and diverse park, and the weather can change abruptly from one area to the next. Be prepared for extreme cold, heat, wind, and rain.
5. Take your time and enjoy the experience. RV camping in Yellowstone can be a lot of fun, but it's also a very unique and special experience. Slow down and enjoy the park's natural beauty and marvel at its geothermal wonders.

Finding an RV Rental unit for your Yellowstone RV vacation

If you are looking for an RV rental unit for your upcoming Yellowstone RV vacation, you are in luck! There are many RV rental companies that service the area, and they have a wide variety of rental units to choose from.

Read our complete guide on rv rentals – everything you need to know 

Before you begin your search, it is important to know what type of RV you want to rent. If you are not familiar with the different types of RVs, take some time to do some research. There are many different types of RVs, from small and compact to large and luxurious.

Once you know what type of RV you want, you can begin your search for a rental unit. There are many RV rental companies that operate in the Yellowstone area, so you should have no trouble finding one that meets your needs.

When searching for a rental unit, be sure to compare prices and features. You should also ask the rental company about any restrictions that may apply. For example, some rental companies do not allow their units to be driven on unpaved roads.

Once you have found the perfect RV rental unit for your Yellowstone vacation, be sure to book it well in advance. Rental units tend to fill up quickly during the peak season. We recommend checking out RV Share because you'll be renting from a private owner just like Airbnb for RV campers

RV camper length restrictions in Yellowstone campgrounds

If you're traveling in a recreational vehicle (RV), there are some length restrictions to be aware of when camping in Yellowstone National Park. RVs over 22 feet in length are not allowed in any of the park's campgrounds. This includes both the developed campgrounds and the backcountry campsites.

If your RV is between 22 and 30 feet long, you can stay in the developed campgrounds, but you'll need to find a spot that's designated for RVs over 30 feet long. These spots are very limited, so you'll need to plan ahead if you're traveling in a larger RV.

If your RV is under 22 feet long, you can stay in any of the park's campgrounds. However, keep in mind that the smaller campgrounds tend to fill up quickly, so you may need to plan ahead if you want to stay at a campground in Yellowstone.

Why a Class B motorhome is great for a Yellowstone RV vacation

There are many reasons why a Class B motorhome is great for a Yellowstone RV vacation. For one, they are smaller and more maneuverable than larger RVs, making them ideal for winding roads in national parks. Additionally, Class Bs are typically less expensive to rent or buy than larger motorhomes, and they require less gas to operate. This makes them a more economical option for a Yellowstone trip.

Class B motorhomes are also very comfortable and convenient. They come equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas, and many of them have rooftop tents that provide extra space for sleeping or relaxing. Plus, since they are smaller, Class Bs can be parked in tighter spaces, which is perfect for crowded campgrounds in Yellowstone.

So, if you're looking for a great way to explore Yellowstone National Park, a Class B motorhome is definitely the way to go.

A list of Yellowstone RV camping friendly campgrounds

There are many campgrounds around Yellowstone that are RV friendly. The list below are a few of our favorites.

• Bridge Bay Campground –Located at Yellowstone Lake with 432 campsites and specatcular views of the Absaroka Mountain Range. This is a popular Yellowstone RV camping location for boating and fishing with open or shaded campsites available at 7800 ft. A limited number of large RV campsites available. RV dump station near the campground entrance.
  Campground Photos

• Canyon Villiage Campground – Its central location in the park makes this 270 site campground one of Yellowstone’s most popular. Close to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in lodgepole pines at 7900 ft. The nearby Canyon Visitor Center has great information about Yellowstone’s wildlife, geology, and supervolcano.
  Campground Photos

• Fishing Bridge RV Park – This “Bear Country” Yellowstone RV camping location allows hard side RVs only. 340 open back-in campsites at 7800 ft. will handle RVs up to 40 feet in length. RV dump station near the campground entrance. No more fishing allowed from the bridge, but great wildlife and bird watching.
  Campground Photos

• Grant Village Campground – Near West Thumb Geyser Basin, this 430 site campground sits at 7800 ft in the forest at Yellowstone Lake. Back-in and pull-thru Yellowstone RV camping sites with a few accommodating rigs up to 40′. RV dump station near the campground entrance.
  Campground Photos

• Madison Campground – Located near the Madison River, you’ll find great views with outstanding fishing opportunities at one of the park’s most popular campgrounds. This Yellowstone RV camping location is convenient to the Old Faithful area, and the 278 site campground sits at 6800 ft. RV dump station available at the campground.
  Campground Photos

Outside Yellowstone RV Camping

Many people prefer a quieter Yellowstone RV camping experience than is available within the park, and there are many RV camping possibilities available outside Yellowstone. US Forest Service campgrounds near Yellowstone are primarily primitive, but a few have RV electric campsites. Most have a fire ring, picnic table, and vault toilets. Some have water, flush toilets, and trash receptacles, and some are little more than an open field designated for camping. Fees range from free to $25 per night.

North of Yellowstone

Highway 212 – Northeast Entrance

• • Colter Campground – Only hard-sided RVs are allowed at this first-come, first-serve 18 site campground 7 miles from Yellowstone National Park.
  • Soda Butte Campground – Hard-sided RVs only and no reservations accepted at this 27 site campground 6 miles from the park.
  • Chief Joseph Campground – Just 6 first come, first serve campsites available 9 miles from Yellowstone.

Highway 89 – North Entrance

• • Eagle Creek Campground – 16 first come, first serve campsites just 2 miles from Yellowstone National Park.
  • Timber Camp Campground – Free RV camping is available at this designated dispersed camping area 9 miles from the park. First come, first serve with room for any size RV.
  • Bear Creek Campground – Free RV camping 9.5 miles from Yellowstone National Park. This campground will handle RVs to 28′ long.
  • Canyon Campground – 16 miles from Yellowstone National Park, this first-come, first-serve campground has 17 campsites.

South Of Yellowstone

• • Grand Teton National Park Campgrounds are ideal for RV camping. Six campgrounds in one of the USA’s most scenic national parks.
  • Flagg Ranch – We don’t usually include private RV campgrounds, but Flagg Ranch is the only campground of any type between Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Full hookups with pull-through RV campsites available.
  • Limited Dispersed RV camping (boondocking) is available along the 36-mile gravel Grassy Lake Road. This area is not suited for large RVs and gives access to south Yellowstone hiking trails with sites suitable for smaller RVs. Read about the road conditions and RV camping opportunities carefully. Check local conditions before departure.

East of Yellowstone.

The Shoshone National Forest Cody Ranger District has several developed campgrounds on Yellowstone National Park’s east side.

• • Three Mile Campground – Three pull-thru RV sites and back in space will accommodate RV combinations to 60′. Hard-sided RVs only at this campground 3 miles from Yellowstone National Park.
  • Big Game Campground – 16 campsites on the North Fork of the Shoshone River. Reservations are accepted at this campground located 25 miles from Yellowstone.
  • Clearwater Campground – Reservations accepted at this 11 site campground. Very small RVs only located 21 miles from Yellowstone National Park.
  • Eagle Creek Campground – Hard-sided RVs only at this 20 site campground just 8 miles from the park.
  • Elk Fork Campground – 13 RV camping sites at the primitive campground 25 miles from Yellowstone National Park.
  • Newton Creek Campground – 31 campsites 16 miles from Yellowstone allow only hard-sided RVs.
  • Rex Hale Campground – Reservations accepted at this 30 site campground 18 miles from Yellowstone.
  • Wapiti Campground – Reservations accepted at this 41 space campground. Some sites have electricity located 25 miles from Yellowstone.

West of Yellowstone.

Highway 191 – Yellowstone West Entrance

• • Baker’s Hole Campground – 73 campsites, 33 with electricity are available in this first-come, first-serve campground 3 miles from Yellowstone.
  • Rainbow Point Campground – Reservations and electricity are available at this 26 site campground 10 miles from the park.
  • Lonesomehurst Campground – Reservations available, and 5 of the 27 campsites have electricity. 12 miles from Yellowstone National Park.
  • Cherry Creek Campground – There are only 7 first-come campsites at the campground by Hebgen Lake. 14 miles to Yellowstone.
  • Spring Creek Campground – 6 first come, first serve campsites 18 miles from Yellowstone.
  • Cabin Creek Campground – Reservations available at this 15 site campground 22 miles away from the park.
  • Beaver Creek Campground – Reservations available at this 64 site campground 24 miles from Yellowstone.
  • Red Cliff Campground – 27 of the 65 campsites have electricity at this campground 35 miles from Yellowstone National Park. Reservations are available.

• • The Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers many developed RV camping locations. Zoom in on the Interactive Recreation Map for location and listings of US Forest Service campgrounds.

• • For the adventurous, dispersed RV camping (boondocking) is permitted throughout the forest. Using the official US Forest MVUM’s (motor vehicle Use Maps), great RV campsites can be found. Caribou-Targhee Motor Vehicle Use Maps. These are the only official US Forest Service open route maps.

In Conclusion:

If you're looking to go camping in Yellowstone, make sure to check out our guides to RV camping. Our tools will help you find RV rentals and camping checklists, so you can start planning your Yellowstone RV camping trip today!