Best Small RV Campgrounds Near Yellowstone National Park: 7 Best Choices

Planning a Yellowstone getaway with your 25-foot RV? Look no further! Discover the thrill of camping in the heart of nature with our guide to the best small RV campgrounds near Yellowstone National Park!

Whether you’re seeking full hookups or a more rustic experience, we’ve got the perfect options for you and your family!

1. Grant Village Campground: A Wilderness Haven Inside the Park

With over 400 sites, Grant Village Campground is a true gem in Yellowstone. Nestled inside the park, this expansive campground welcomes tents, RVs, and trailers. Enjoy close proximity to attractions and a host of amenities, including a full-service restaurant, picnic tables, wheelchair access, stores, a gas station, a visitor center, and even a boat ramp.

Grant Village Campground Features

Sites: Over 400, accommodating tents, RVs, and trailers.
Amenities: Full-service restaurant, Picnic tables, Wheelchair access, Stores, Gas station, Visitor center, Boat ramp, non-electric campground with no hookups or power.
Accommodation: Up to 40-foot trailers and RVs.
Elevation: 7,800 feet, with the possibility of snowfall year-round.
Reservations: Seasonal; call in advance to secure your spot.

Even if this is one of the best small RV campgrounds near Yellowstone National Park, please note that Grant Village is a seasonal, non-electric campground. It accommodates RVs and trailers up to 40 feet, situated at an elevation of 7,800 feet, offering a unique experience with the possibility of snowfall year-round. Make reservations early and check for availability!

2. Slough Creek Campground: A Wildlife Oasis in Yellowstone’s Northeast

For those craving a trail adventure near Mt. Washburn, Slough Creek Campground is the ideal choice. Operated by the National Park Service, this picturesque site boasts 16 tent-camping spots at an elevation of 6,250 feet. Encounter the wonders of Yellowstone’s northeastern side, featuring bison and other wildlife, including wolves.

Slough Creek Campground Features

Sites: 16 tent-camping spots
Amenities: Vault toilets, Cell service, Picnic benches, Fire pits, Bear-safe food cupboards
Fees: Reasonable fees ranging from $14 to $30.
Generators: Not allowed; suitable for solar-powered RVs.
Wildlife: Encounter bison and other wildlife, including wolves.
Location: Four hours away from the central attractions of Yellowstone.
Ambiance: Ideal for stargazing with bright night skies and sounds of owls and wolves.

While Slough Creek is a bit farther from central Yellowstone (a four-hour drive), its amenities make it worthwhile. Enjoy vault toilets, cell service, picnic benches, fire pits, and bear-safe food cupboards. The campground charges a reasonable fee ranging from $14 to $30, with options for group standard non-electric sites. No generators are allowed, making it perfect for solar-powered RVs.

Experience the serenity of the night with sounds of owls and wolves, and revel in the bright night sky, making Slough Creek an ideal location for stargazing activities!

3. Mammoth Hot Springs Campground: Scenic Beauty Near Geothermal Wonders

Offering over 80 sites suitable for RVs and tents, Mammoth Hot Springs Campground provides a scenic retreat near the geothermal wonders of Mammoth Hot Springs. Restrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, picnic tables, and a pet-friendly environment add to the allure.

Mammoth Hot Springs Campground Features

Sites: Over 80 sites, suitable for RVs and tents.
Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, Hot showers, Picnic tables, Pet-friendly,
Location: Near the Mammoth Hot Springs, offering geothermal wonders.
Elevation: 6,200 feet, providing breathtaking views.
Wildlife: Elk and bighorn sheep sightings are common.

Situated at an elevation of 6,200 feet, this campground offers breathtaking views and opportunities for elk and bighorn sheep sightings.

4. Bridge Bay Campground: Lakeside Serenity

With over 400 sites suitable for RVs and tents, Bridge Bay Campground offers a lakeside retreat near Yellowstone Lake. Boasting a marina, boat rentals, a general store, and picnic tables, it provides a perfect setting for water-based activities.

Bridge Bay Campground Features

Sites: Over 400 sites, suitable for RVs and tents.
Amenities: Marina, Boat rentals, General store, Picnic tables
Location: Near Yellowstone Lake, offering water-based activities.
Elevation: 7,800 feet, providing a lakeside retreat.
Scenery: Enjoy stunning lake views and surrounding mountains.

Enjoy stunning lake views and surrounding mountains at an elevation of 7,800 feet, making Bridge Bay an ideal choice for a serene lakeside camping experience.

5. Norris Campground: Geothermal Marvels and Lush Meadows

Norris Campground, with over 100 sites suitable for RVs and tents, is nestled near the geothermal wonders of Norris Geyser Basin. Flush toilets, a nearby general store, picnic tables, and ranger programs enhance the camping experience.

Norris Campground Features

Sites: Over 100 sites, suitable for RVs and tents.
Amenities: Flush toilets, General store nearby, Picnic tables, Ranger programs
Location: Near Norris Geyser Basin, showcasing geothermal wonders.
Elevation: 7,500 feet, surrounded by meadows and geysers.
Nature: Lush scenery with opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Located at an elevation of 7,500 feet, Norris Campground offers lush scenery with meadows and geysers, providing a unique camping atmosphere!

6. Madison Campground: Riverside Tranquility

Madison Campground, with over 270 sites suitable for RVs and tents, provides a peaceful atmosphere along the Madison River. Enjoy a riverside setting, campfire programs, a general store nearby, and picnic tables.

Madison Campground Features

Sites: Over 270 sites, suitable for RVs and tents.
Amenities: Riverside setting, Campfire programs, General store nearby, Picnic tables
Location: Along the Madison River, providing a peaceful atmosphere.
Elevation: 6,800 feet, with beautiful riverfront campsites.

Photo from Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Situated at an elevation of 6,800 feet, Madison Campground offers beautiful riverfront campsites, creating a tranquil environment for campers.

7. Fishing Bridge RV Park: Waterfront Retreat with Full Hookups

Fishing Bridge RV Park boasts over 300 sites with full hookups, providing a convenient waterfront location near Yellowstone Lake. With a general store, visitor center nearby, and boat rentals, it offers a comfortable and convenient camping experience.

Fishing Bridge RV Park: Features

Sites: Over 300 sites with full hookups, suitable for RVs.
Amenities: Full hookups, General store, Visitor center nearby, Boat rentals
Location: Near Yellowstone Lake, offering a convenient waterfront location.
Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains at this lakeside retreat, providing full hookups for a comfortable stay!

Best Small RV Campgrounds Near Yellowstone National Park: Simple Tips Before Camping in Yellowstone Park

Camping in Yellowstone National Park offers a unique and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to be well-prepared due to the park’s diverse ecosystems and potential challenges. Here are some tips for camping in Yellowstone…

1. Make Reservations

Yellowstone National Park is a highly sought-after camping destination, particularly during peak seasons. To secure your spot, make reservations well in advance through the official park website or reservation system. This ensures you have a designated campsite and minimizes the risk of arriving to find campgrounds fully booked.

2. Check Campground Amenities

Yellowstone’s campgrounds vary in terms of facilities. Before your trip, review the amenities offered at your chosen campground. Some sites provide essential facilities such as restrooms and water access, while others may offer additional perks like showers or laundry facilities.

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3. Be Bear Aware

Yellowstone is home to a healthy population of bears, and it’s crucial to be bear-aware for both your safety and the bears’ well-being. Store all food, cooking utensils, and scented items in bear-resistant food storage provided at campsites. Familiarize yourself with bear safety guidelines, carry bear spray, and know how to use it.

4. Pack for Variable Weather

Yellowstone’s weather is known for its variability. Even during the summer months, temperatures can fluctuate significantly, especially at higher elevations. Pack layers, including waterproof and windproof clothing, to stay comfortable in various conditions.

5. Know the Campground Regulations

Each campground in Yellowstone has specific rules and regulations. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines, which may include restrictions on generator use, campfire regulations, and designated quiet hours. Adhering to these rules ensures a harmonious camping experience for all visitors.

6. Respect Wildlife

Yellowstone is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including bears, bison, elk, and more. Maintain a safe distance from all animals, never approach or attempt to feed them. Use binoculars and telephoto lenses for wildlife viewing and photography to respect their natural behaviors.

7. Follow Leave No Trace Principles

Embrace Leave No Trace ethics to minimize your environmental impact. Pack out all trash, including food scraps, and dispose of waste in designated receptacles. Minimize campfire impact and leave natural and cultural features as you found them to preserve the park’s beauty.

8. Stay on Designated Trails

Stick to marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems and prevent soil erosion. Venturing off designated paths can damage vegetation, disrupt wildlife habitats, and contribute to soil degradation. Following marked trails ensures a minimal impact on the park’s natural resources.

9. Check Road Conditions

Yellowstone’s roads can be affected by weather conditions, especially during the shoulder seasons. Before embarking on your journey, check for road closures and current conditions. Carry a map and be aware of alternative routes in case of unexpected road closures.

10. Carry Essentials

Pack a well-stocked camping kit, including a comprehensive first aid kit, a water purification system, a reliable flashlight with extra batteries, and a map of the park. Given the park’s vast expanse and the potential for limited connectivity, having these essentials is crucial for a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

11. Plan for Altitude

Yellowstone’s high elevation can affect individuals differently, particularly if they are not acclimated. Stay hydrated, take it easy on your first day to acclimate to the altitude, and be mindful of symptoms such as headaches or shortness of breath.

12. Know Campfire Regulations

Familiarize yourself with specific campfire regulations for your chosen campground. Some areas may have restrictions on fires, and portable stoves may be recommended as an alternative. Follow all regulations to prevent wildfires and preserve the park’s natural beauty.

13. Attend Ranger Programs

Take advantage of the ranger-led programs and talks offered by the National Park Service. Rangers provide valuable insights into the park’s geology, wildlife, and history, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of Yellowstone.

14. Plan for Limited Connectivity

Mobile phone reception can be limited or nonexistent in certain areas of Yellowstone. Inform someone about your plans before your trip and be prepared for limited connectivity during your stay.

This enhances your overall camping experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty without constant digital distractions.

By integrating these comprehensive tips into your camping preparations, you’ll be well-equipped for a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience in Yellowstone National Park.

Summary: Best Small RV Campgrounds Near Yellowstone National Park

Whether you have a trailer or a compact 25-foot RV, Yellowstone has the perfect campsite for you and your family.

Begin by listing the park areas you wish to explore, as this will guide your campsite selection. Remember to call ahead to confirm seasonal availability and inquire about amenities, cell service, and generator policies. With the right preparation, your Yellowstone camping experience is bound to be unforgettable!