How to Book Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds
Yellowstone operates its own dedicated reservation system separate from Recreation.gov for 5 of its campgrounds. These are among the most coveted camping spots in America.
What Yellowstone National Park Covers
5 reservable campgrounds within Yellowstone National Park: Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, Madison, and Fishing Bridge RV Park.
How to Book on Yellowstone
Visit yellowstonenationalparklodges.com when reservations open (date announced in February)
Select your preferred campground and dates
Choose your campsite type (tent, RV, etc.)
Complete your reservation and payment
Set up Outdoorithm alerts to catch cancellations for prime dates
Booking Details
Pro Tips for Yellowstone
The Annual Release Date
Unlike Recreation.gov's rolling window, Yellowstone opens ALL summer reservations on a single date in late March or early April. The exact date is announced in February. Mark your calendar and be online at 8:00 AM MT.
Madison is the Prize
Madison Campground is the most popular due to its central location near Old Faithful and the Madison River. It sells out first. Grant Village and Canyon are excellent alternatives with more availability.
First-Come-First-Served Campgrounds
Mammoth Hot Springs is open year-round on a FCFS basis. In summer, arrive before 8 AM to secure a site. Other FCFS campgrounds include Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Pebble Creek, and Slough Creek.
Cancellation Wave Pattern
After the initial booking rush, cancellations trickle in steadily. The biggest wave hits 2-4 weeks before check-in dates as people finalize plans.
Popular Yellowstone Campgrounds
Can't Find Availability on Yellowstone?
Outdoorithm monitors 5 reservable + 7 first-come-first-served Yellowstone campgrounds every 2 minutes and sends you instant SMS, email, and push notifications when cancellations open up campsites.
Yellowstone Booking FAQ
When do Yellowstone camping reservations open?
Yellowstone releases all summer camping reservations on a single date in late March or early April. The exact date is announced on the Yellowstone website in February. Be ready at 8:00 AM Mountain Time on release day.
Is Yellowstone camping on Recreation.gov?
No. Yellowstone operates its own reservation system through Yellowstone National Park Lodges. Some backcountry permits are on Recreation.gov, but campground reservations are through the park's own system.
Which Yellowstone campground is best?
Madison is the most popular for its central location, but Canyon offers similar convenience with more sites. Grant Village is great for the lake area. Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only option with full hookups.
How do I get a Yellowstone campsite if it's sold out?
Set up free cancellation alerts on Outdoorithm. We monitor Yellowstone campground availability and notify you instantly when cancellations happen. Cancellations are most common 2-4 weeks before check-in dates.
Yellowstone Alerts
Get notified instantly when campsites open up on Yellowstone National Park.