Tips for Yellowstone National Parks Campgrounds
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Tips for Yellowstone National Parks Campgrounds? Yellowstone is a national park that sits on an average of 3,500 square miles of wilderness-style land space.
The recreational park is stretched across three regions, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, with most of it being in the latter. It boasts a lot of attractions to include forests, rivers, geysers, and canyons, and is home to a lot of exotic animals from all around the world like bison, wolves, antelope, and bears.
Camping at Yellowstone
Over the years, the site has seen a lot of travelers looking for a chill spot to relax and unwind, and with nature at your fingertips, you can achieve this and more.
Can you camp anywhere in Yellowstone National Park?
If you are looking for a different campsite with a beautiful mountain backdrop, then Yellowstone may be the ideal place. It creates a natural camp setting from hiking to boat rides and so much more. Yellowstone is a habitat for all kinds of animals, so designated campsites are set up throughout.
Currently, there are over 300 backcountry campsites that you can choose from, but if you stayed overnight, it would be required of you to get a permit. When you desire to camp out at the site, you also have to be mindful that some of the areas are high-rise (up to 7,000 feet above sea level), so snow can be slow in melting and last as long as to May or even early June.
You will also want to choose wisely as a lot of the rivers are deep and tend to be chilly. After all, camping should be about comfort, so we are sure you don’t want to be in the summer and cold.
How much does it cost to camp at Yellowstone National Parks Campgrounds?
Each campsite is set up differently, and group size varies by site. If you happen to have more than the 4 to 12 group sizes for select campsites, you will have to reserve a second site with personal amenities. As such, the fees differ per campsite, and depending on specials they may have, the prices may also change.
If you book a campsite or reserve a stayover, between Memorial Day and September 10, you may be charged $3/person/night once you are a boater or backpacker (however, you could be charged up to $15/night if you require additional amenities.)
For stock parties that include horses and mules, you will pay $5/person/night. During this period, fees are only charged to persons nine years and older. For those who require a backcountry camp pass, you can get an annual pass for $25 and only last for one season.
What is the best Yellowstone campground?
There are multiple campsites located at Yellowstone, and your preference will guarantee you the experience you will have. If you are looking for a few exciting times in the open, you can choose sites such as:
Norris Campground
It features 100 different non-electric campsites with amenities such as potable water, food storage boxes, picnic tables, fire-ring, and flush toilets. There are also campfires during the evenings, which are directed by park rangers and are suitable for setting up your tents and mini trailers as well as RVs (up to 50 feet).
Grant Village Campground
There are over 400 sites available for campers to set up and explore the best that nature has to offer. With the amenities and spacing of this campground, it makes it one of the largest in Yellowstone.
Grant Village Campground is one of the closest to the showers making it an all-time favorite for campers. It also boasts impressive features to explore, such as Yellowstone Lake and the West Thumb Geyser Basin.
Madison Campground
If you are an avid fly-fishing fan, then you will love the Madison Campground, especially for the fantastic Madison River, which runs through the area. The recreation space offers an average of 270 non-electric campsites where you can add your tents, RVs, and trailers. It is also a perfect spot for an overnight under-the-stars-experience.
Can you sleep in a car in Yellowstone?
If you want to sleep in your car at the campsite, you will have to check with management before it can be done. Parking in an open space can be deemed illegal, and you might be charged for that action. However, there are select campgrounds that sell you a campsite on which you can park your car.
Besides, you may want to take a nap in your car and save yourself all the expense of getting all of that camp gear. But, it is not a regular practice as they usually don’t allow people to sleep in their car mostly for safety reasons like wandering animals like bears who may roam around at night.
Is it safe to camp in a tent in Yellowstone?
It sure is safe to stay in a tent at Yellowstone as lots of people have been doing it for years. However, camping is all about relaxing and being comfortable, and if you know you won’t have that feeling in a tent, then it is better to stay in one of the cabins in the park. After all, the various Yellowstone National Parks Campgrounds wouldn’t allow tent camping if it wasn’t safe to do so.
Should I carry bear spray to Yellowstone?
Our answer is yes! It does not matter the activity you are going to the park for, you will want to take some bear spray with you as it may be needed. Also, you must learn how to use it effectively as on your various trips like hiking, fishing, nature exploration, or just taking pictures a few of those furry fellows may move in on you.
Places To Stay Nearby
Other posts you may find useful:
- Pioneer Ridge Campgrounds in Iowa
- Recharge at Salamonie Lake State Campground
- Chillax at Mounds State Campground in Indiana
- Experience History and Nature at Wyalusing State Park
- Scheffel’s Hideaway Campground Makes You Feel Like Family
- Family Fun at Indian Trails Campground
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