Camping

“Camping in Yellowstone” has that “great American summer vacation” ring to it—packing the car or the RV, cruising open-highway stretches and setting your sights on a national park. When you sleep out under the stars, you can be lulled off to dreamland by the call of a great horned owl or the song of a trickling creek. Vacation memories are made around the campfire, so don’t forget your guitar. Set up your tent, camper or motorhome, or pack in to some of our wildest backcountry to explore the beauty of the raw and untouched. Unplugging and unwinding is always a good idea, and there’s no better place for it.

Yellowstone Park alone has over 12 campgrounds and 2,000 campsites, but they tend to book up fast in July and August. Reserve ahead of time at the campgrounds that allow it, or show up early to first-come, first-served campsites, as they tend to fill up by 11 a.m. If you’re interested in going deeper into the wild, Yellowstone has over 300 primitive backcountry campsites…just remember your backcountry permit, and be bear-aware. Same-day reservations can be made by calling 307.344.7901; future reservations can be made by calling 1.866.GEYSERLAND (439.7375) or visiting the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website.

There are also plenty of camping opportunities (and reasons to visit) all over Yellowstone Country, from the park’s gateway towns to its basecamp towns to the intriguing and unique small towns that make the region so extraordinary. National forests and state parks have campsites, and most take reservations. Both public and private campgrounds include amenities like picnic tables, bathrooms and water pumps. Keep in mind that temperature and weather changes can be quite dramatic, so be sure to pack adequate clothing and shelter. Montana summer days are hot, but nights are cool.