5 Go-To Camping Spots in Yellowstone National Park

With the distinct honor of being America’s first National Park, Yellowstone is a must for any adventure seeker or history buff. However, as its visitations continue to surge, securing camping in and around Yellowstone National Park is becoming more and more difficult. Without proper planning, the lack of available campsites can cause a massive change of plans and unnecessary frustrations. Luckily, we assembled a list of our 5 Go-To Camping Spots in Yellowstone, made even more accessible when you’re traveling in a camper van.

1. Madison Campground
2. Mammoth Hot Springs Campground
3. Grant Village Campground
4. Rainbow Point Campground
5. Canyon Campground

Madison Campground

As you’ll quickly learn about Yellowstone, it takes a while to drive through the park. Not only is it a massive park, but people want to visit it all times of the year. Therefore, situating yourself in the central most campground in the park is going to give you the best opportunities to see everything you would like.

The campground has no showers, but you are able to reserve a site ahead of time. These campsites usually open in early May and close mid-October. You’re going to want to make a reservation about a year ahead of time if at all possible. The park is moving to a 13-month rolling calendar.

Dates: Open from May – October
Fee: $25/Night
Distance from Old Faithful: 16 miles
Facilities: Toilets & Running Water

(307) 344-7311
Online Reservations

Mammoth Hot Springs Campground

If you’re spending much time in Montana and want a chance to explore the other areas surrounding Yellowstone, then the Mammoth Hot Springs Campground is a great option. It’s close to the hot spring terraces and Fort Yellowstone. You’ll find that this isn’t the busiest area of the park due to the length of time it takes to reach this part of the park.

If you’re interested in slipping in and out of the park with less hassle, this is a great option for you. Similar to the Madison Campground, you’ll need to plan about a year in advance to ensure you’re able to make reservations. The best part of the Mammoth Campground is that it’s open all year round. You’ll have access to vault and flush toilets at the campground.

Dates: Open Year-Round
Fee: $25/Night
Distance from Old Faithful: 92 miles
Facilities: Toilets & Running Water

(307) 344-2107
Online Reservations

Grant Village Campground

Grant Village Campground is about 20 miles from the South Entrance of the park. If you’re wanting to camp near water, then this is a great choice. You’ll be staying on the southwestern part of Yellowstone Lake! It’s by far one of the most beautiful parts of the park. It’s a great place to make a home base with your camper van rental.

With your reservation, you’re guaranteed two showers each night. Plus, you have a dump station if you need to dump any gray water from your camper van. Sitting at 7,800 feet, you’ll be high elevation and it’ll be cool in the evening during most of the camping season.

Dates: Open from June – September
Distance from Old Faithful: 22 Miles
Fee: $33/Night
Facilities: Showers & Toliets

(307) 344-7311
Online Reservations

Rainbow Point Campground

If you’re looking for some more national forest camping near Yellowstone, then the Rainbow Point Campground is a great option. It’s only 10 miles north of the West Yellowstone entrance. The nice aspect of these campgrounds is that they’re more affordable, and they allow you far more privacy than the campgrounds within Yellowstone.

You’ll have freshwater and pit toilets at the National Forest campgrounds. As long as you’re willing to drive with your camper van, you can’t go wrong.

Dates: Open from May – September
Distance from Old Faithful: 75 Miles
Fee: $20+/Night
Facilities: Toilets

(406) 646-1012
Online Reservations

Canyon Campground

If you’re after convenience, look no further. This campground is situated near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and has some epic hikes in the vicinity. Although campsites are relatively close together, they offer ample privacy and tree cover.

The bathrooms are clean and best of all – heated!

Dates: Open from May – September
Distance from Old Faithful: 55 Miles
Fee: $34+/Night
Facilities: Toilets & Running Water

(307) 344-7311
Online Reservations

Things to Know:

1. Yellowstone’s elevation sits at 8,000 ft +. Drink lots of water and take things slow.
2. Bring extra layers and a rain jacket. Weather can change in an instant.
3. Don’t approach wildlife.
4. Stay on boardwalks and trails. Absolutely no approaching the hot springs.

We hope you have an amazing camping trip inside Yellowstone National Park. Remember to tag us on social media @nativecampervans