Yellowstone National Park offers incredible opportunities for free camping. Whether you’re seeking privacy, scenery, or a budget-friendly way to explore, this guide will cover the best spots for camping along with practical tips for a safe and enjoyable stay.
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Brief introduction to Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the first and oldest national park. It spans over 2.2 million acres in Wyoming, Montana, and a tiny sliver of Idaho. It is well-known for its geothermal features, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.
There are more than 10,000 geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. Old Faithful, which erupts approximately every 90 minutes, is a must-see attraction for visitors. Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and is known for its vibrant colors.
Another fascinating feature of the park is its volcanic activity. The Yellowstone Caldera is one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world, which is why a recent geological event at Yellowstone Biscuit Basin freaked everyone out.
The Grand Loop Road provides scenic drives through the park, offering access to its major attractions. The Continental Divide runs through the southwestern part of Yellowstone. Fire ecology plays a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem, highlighted by the significant 1988 fires that burned 36% of the park.
Why Choose Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping offers a unique and appealing way to experience Yellowstone National Park. This form of camping allows visitors to find secluded spots outside developed campgrounds, providing a more private and peaceful environment.
It’s a cost-free option and offers the most flexibility if you can’t book months in advance. It also provides more personal space, ideal for larger groups or those with big rigs.
Practical Tips and Advice
To avoid attracting wildlife, store food and trash securely, using bear-proof food storage boxes or locking them in vehicles with windows closed.
Choose established sites to minimize environmental impact. Follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impact, and respecting wildlife and other visitors.
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears, and keep your camp clean. Be prepared for sudden weather changes by packing appropriate gear for rain, cold, and wind, even during summer. These practices help ensure your safety and the preservation of Yellowstone’s natural beauty.
Finding and getting to camping spots
Websites and Apps: Utilize resources like Campendium and Dirt to find dispersed camping sites. These platforms offer reviews, GPS coordinates, and essential details about each site, helping you choose the best spots.
Maps and GPS: Use detailed maps and GPS devices to navigate to dispersed camping sites. Offline maps can be handy in areas with limited cell service, ensuring you can still find your way without internet access.
Local Ranger Stations + Hosts: Visit or contact local ranger stations for up-to-date information on road conditions and available dispersed camping sites. Rangers can provide valuable insights and tips to enhance your camping experience.
Scouting Ahead: If possible, scout potential camping areas during the day to identify suitable sites and avoid navigating unfamiliar roads in the dark. Daylight allows you to assess the terrain better and find the perfect spot.
Respecting Private Property: Be aware of and respect private property boundaries. Stick to public lands designated for dispersed camping to ensure you are camping legally and respectfully.
Seasonal Considerations
The weather is unpredictable in spring, from March to May, with a mix of rain, snow, and sunny days. This time of year is excellent for wildlife watching—bears emerge from hibernation, and many animals give birth to their young. However, road access is limited early in the season, so checking for road openings as the snow melts is essential. The park sees fewer visitors in spring, providing a quieter and more serene experience than the bustling summer months.
During summer, from June to August, visitors can enjoy warm days and cool nights, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. This season offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities, with highly active bison, elk, and other animals. All roads and facilities are typically open, making it the ideal time for exploring the entire park. However, summer is also the peak tourist season, so popular attractions can be crowded, and accommodations fill up quickly.
From September to November, fall brings cooler temperatures and the potential for early snowfall, especially at higher elevations. It’s a prime time for viewing elk during their rutting season and observing bears as they prepare for hibernation. Some facilities and roads begin to close in mid-October, so visitors should check for closures. After Labor Day, the park sees fewer visitors, offering more solitude at popular spots.
Winter, from December to February, transforms Yellowstone into a snowy wonderland. The cold and snowy conditions can limit wildlife visibility, although bison and wolves can still be spotted. Road access is restricted, and you can’t drive through the park, but snowmobiles and snow coaches are allowed. Winter is the least crowded time of year.
Wildlife and Nature Encounters
Yellowstone National Park offers countless opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitats. To ensure a safe and respectful wildlife experience, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance—at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife.
The best times to see wildlife are the early morning and late evening. Using binoculars or spotting scopes allows for closer views without disturbing the animals. It’s essential never to feed the wildlife, as this can lead to dangerous encounters and dependency on human food. Also, staying on designated trails and boardwalks helps protect the animals and their habitats.
Different sections of the park provide unique wildlife viewing experiences. The northwest section, including Mammoth Hot Springs and the Gardner River, is known for elk and bighorn sheep. Lamar Valley and Blacktail Plateau are prime locations in the northeast section for spotting wolves, bison, elk, and bears. The west section, encompassing the Madison River and Norris Geyser Basin, offers moose, bison, elk, and otter sightings. The last section, with Hayden Valley and Yellowstone Lake, is excellent for viewing grizzly bears, wolves, and birds of prey like bald eagles and ospreys. The south section, near the Teton area, is home to moose, black bears, elk, bison, and beavers.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Dispersed Camping Location
Carbella Campground
On the Yellowstone River, Carbella Campground offers scenic views and a quiet area. This campground features 17 gravel sites, each equipped with restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes, providing a comfortable and secure camping experience.
GPS Coordinates: 45.212808, -110.9004276
Details: The campground allows a 14-day stay and is 20 miles from Yellowstone National Park’s north gate.
Nearby Amenities: A fee dump station is available near Gardiner, ensuring campers have essential services nearby.
Cody Area Campgrounds
Our camping spot is no longer listed on apps. However, between Cody and the gate, you will find numerous private and Forest Service campgrounds.
Grassy Lake Campsites
Located in the Grand Teton area, the Grassy Lake campsites are good for exploring both the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. This area provides a rustic camping experience while being close to both parks’ natural beauty and attractions. In that guide, we share other places to stay near Grand Teton National Park.
Howard Creek Road
In Idaho, Howard Creek Road offers dispersed camping in BLM and Targhee National Forest land. It is only 20 miles from the west gate of Yellowstone, which is convenient.
GPS Coordinates: 44.666805, -111.307367
Details: The area provides ample space for dispersed camping, accommodating various camping setups.
Red Rock Pass Road
In Idaho, Red Rock Pass Road is also BLM and located in the Targhee National Forest land. This area is 28 miles from the west gate of Yellowstone.
GPS Coordinates: 44.586826, -111.370212
Details: This location offers a scenic and peaceful environment for dispersed camping, ideal for those who prefer a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
If you’re headed to Grand Teton National Park next, check out our free spots to camp near that great area.
