Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Boating permits are required for all boats and float tubes. Permits can be obtained at any of
the following locations: South Entrance, Lewis Lake Campground, Grant Village Backcountry
Office, and Bridge Bay Ranger Station. In addition, Canyon, Old Faithful, and Mammoth vis-
itor centers provide non-motorized permits, as do Bechler Ranger Station, West and North-
east entrance stations, and West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. Boating fees for mo-
torized vessels are $20 (annual) or $10 (7-day); for non-motorized vessels it's $10 (annual) or
$5 (7-day).
Boats are not allowed on rivers and streams, except that hand-propelled vessels may use
the channel between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes. Detailed regulations are given with permits.
Only non-motorized boats are allowed in the most remote sections of the three so-called in-
gers of the lake: Flat Mountain Arm, South Arm, and Southeast Arm. This is primarily to pro-
tect the nesting pelicans, terns, and seagulls.
Cabins.
See
“Hotels and cabins.”
Camping.
Yellowstone has 11 campgrounds and one recreational vehicle park (see camp-
grounds chart on
page 365
). Sites in four campgrounds and the Fishing Bridge RV Park
may be reserved in advance, but the other seven campgrounds are available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Campground use fees range between $20.50 and $25; RVs, $45. In July
and August, park campgrounds may be full by noon. No camping outside designated camp-
grounds is allowed, but Forest Service and private campgrounds are available along park ap-
proach roads.
For backcountry camping, you must obtain a free permit at a ranger station or visitor cen-
ter no more than 48 hours before you set out. If you wish to reserve a backcountry campsite
in advance, you must pay a $25 fee. The NPS publication
Backcountry Trip Planner
provides
excellent backcountry information and advice. Write to the Backcountry Office, P.O. Box 168,
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 or visit
www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountry-
Collecting specimens.
Removing any specimens from Yellowstone is illegal. Leave only foot-
prints, take only pictures. Yellowstone and everything in it belongs to all the people.
Drinking water.
It's safe in park villages and campgrounds. Stream and lake water must be
boiled or filtered followed by iodine treatment. (Filtration kits are available in sporting goods
stores.) This chemical treatment alone does not remove the diarrhea-causing parasite giardia
found in park waters.
Driving.
The speed limit throughout the park is
45 mph (72 km/h),
less where posted. Watch
for animals and pedestrians. “Wildlife jams” are common, particularly when a bear, bison, elk,
or bighorn sheep is on or near the road. Some roads are full of potholes and most are quite
narrow. See also “Road conditions.”
