Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
midrange$$ $100-200
top end $$$over $200
Camping
Camping is the cheapest, and in many ways the most enjoyable, approach to a Yellow-
stone vacation. Toasting marshmallows over an open fire, stargazing in the crisp mountain
air and taking in an evening ranger talk are essential parts of the national park family
bonding experience.
Around half of the campsites in Yellowstone and all sites in Grand Teton are on a first
come, first served basis. In July and August campsites get snapped up quicker than you
can find them on the map. Establish your campsite in the morning before you head off
sightseeing (a 'site occupied' sign can be useful), and once you have a site that you like,
hold onto it and use it as a base to visit neighboring sights.
If you have a tight itinerary and will be moving around a lot, try to plan at least a few
overnight stays at Yellowstone's concession (Xanterra) campgrounds, where you can
make site reservations in advance. Gamblers should remember that even if you manage to
score a same-day site at a Xanterra campground, you may have to move out the next day
if your spot is booked that night. Concessionaire campsites are around 50% pricier than
the park service sites.
If all else fails, you'll find some great USFS campsites outside the park, and these gen-
erally only fill up on summer or holiday weekends.
Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone, Colter Bay in Grand Teton and Flagg Ranch in the John
D Rockefeller Jr Memorial Parkway are the only places with full hookups, though a
couple of grounds have RV dumps. Generators are generally only allowed between 8am
and 8pm, and no generators are allowed at any time at Yellowstone's Indian Creek, Lewis
Lake, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek and Tower Fall sites.
CAMPSITE RULES
Some rules to remember from the National Park Service (NPS) and the United Stated
Forest Service (USFS):
» Camping in pullouts, trailheads, picnic areas or anywhere except designated camp-
grounds is illegal.
» Wash dishes, hair, teeth etc away from the spigot. Camp wastewater must be disposed of
in waste sinks, restroom sinks (no grease) or the toilet, not chucked into your neighbor's
site.
» Campfires must be in established grates. Never leave a fire unattended.
