Camping at Yellowstone

Of Yellowstone's 12 campgrounds, seven are operated on a first-come, first-served basis by the National Park Service. Five of the campgrounds, encompassing more than 1,400 sites, may be reserved one year in advance by calling Xanterra Parks & Resorts^® toll-free at (866) GEYSERLAND (866) 439-7375.

In addition, Fishing Bridge RV Park has 346 RV sites with full hookups and is restricted to hard-sided vehicles only. Please call (866) GEYSERLAND (866) 439-7375 for reservations. For additional RV information, visit www.TravelYellowstone.com.

Regulations

Since food and odors attract bears, items such as cooking stoves, utensils, coolers, trash bags, food, and toiletries may not be left outside or in tents or tent trailers, unless they are in immediate use!

Food must be stored in bearproof lockers or in a hard-sided vehicle, and storage regulations must be adhered to by all campers. Do not disturb wildlife and vegetation. Only dead, downed and detached wood may be used for campfires; firewood is sold at some campgrounds from mid-May through mid-September.

Facilities

Yellowstone campgrounds have tables, fire grills, drinking water, garbage cans, and flush or pit toilets. The five reservable campgrounds have rest-rooms, fire grates, flush toilets and some tables accessible to persons with disabilities. The RV park does not have fire grates or picnic tables.

Restrictions

Camping is permitted only in designated campgrounds. You may camp at any combination of campgrounds for up to 14 days total between June 15 and September 15, and up to 30 days the rest of the year. (This does not apply to the Fishing Bridge RV Park.)

Backcountry Camping

Advance reservations for overnight backcountry camping in the park cost $20. Permits are free up to 48 hours in advance and are available at visitor centers or ranger stations. Call (307) 344-2160 for more information. See pages 81—82 for details about the ways in which you can reduce the risk of encounters with bears.