Wapiti Campground

Star4.58
210 reviews
203A Yellowstone Ave, Cody, WY, USA
Family Friendly

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open Season: May 9, ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Wapiti Campground
$20.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $20 to $60 depending on site type. Standard Nonelectric sites range from $20 to $40. RV Electric sites range from $30 to $60....
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
307-527-6921
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 210 reviews

87 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanfriendlysites

"The campground has an overall positive reputation, scoring an average sentiment of 4.41 out of 5. Reviews praise its scenic location, privacy, clean facilities, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. Some complaints include mosquitoes, highway noise, and occasional maintenance issues."

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Campground Map

203A Yellowstone Ave, Cody, WY, USA

Wapiti Campground

203A Yellowstone Ave, Cody, WY, USA

Driving directionsFrom Cody, Wyo., follow Sheridan Avenue west through Cody until the road leaves town and becomes the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14/16/20). The campground is 30 miles west of Cody, on the north side of the highway and next to the river. It is between Elk Fork Campground to the west and Big Game Campground to the east.
The road leading to Wapiti Campground is accessible year-round, following U.S. Highway 14/16/20, which is a paved highway. However, seasonal closures at surrounding areas and potential flooding incidents should be noted. The campground itself is situated off a well-maintained side road from the highway.
Nearby places
Cody, WY (30 miles, ~40 minutes)
Yellowstone National Park East Entrance (22 miles, ~30 minutes)
Powell, WY (40 miles, ~50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel is in Cody, WY, approximately 30 miles east. A convenience store near the campground offers limited supplies, including gas and ice.

Best Time to Camp at Wapiti Campground

Summer transforms Wapiti into a sun-drenched paradise where warm days invite endless exploration, though evening visitors—the local mosquitoes—remind you to pack your repellent. As autumn paints the cottonwoods gold and spring awakens the wildflowers, these shoulder seasons reveal the campground's gentler side with crisp, refreshing temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Each season writes its own story here, from summer's vibrant energy to fall's peaceful solitude.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season: warm and scenic but frequent mosquitoes and heat reported by reviewers.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 6% in WY

Fall preferred for cooler temps and fewer mosquitoes; good foliage and scenery noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 7% in WY

Spring favored for cooler weather and fewer insects; open season begins in May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed after Sep 27; winter use not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 9, 2025 - September 27, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Season: May 9, 2025 - September 27, 2025; Reservable Start Dates: June 23, 2025; Closed after September 27, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts, but past closures due to flooding and potable water availability issues have been reported.

About Wapiti Campground

Nestled along the legendary Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway, Wapiti Campground offers an authentic gateway to the American West with 40 thoughtfully designed campsites. Whether you prefer the convenience of electric hookups or the simplicity of traditional camping, this riverside sanctuary serves as your perfect basecamp for Yellowstone adventures. The melodic rush of water and rustling cottonwoods create nature's own symphony, welcoming travelers to experience the untamed beauty that once captivated Buffalo Bill himself.
Wapiti Campground offers various camping types, including electric RV sites, non-electric tent sites, and primitive camping. "Half the campground is dry camping, and the other has electric," noted Ann P.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Official check-in starts at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit is 16 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Wapiti Campground provides access to several outdoor activities. Highlights include hiking trails, fishing spots along the North Fork of the Shoshone River, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities. "The trail leading out of the campground is a must if you are into hiking," stated Michael T. Wildlife such as grizzly bears, deer, elk, and bald eagles can often be observed around the area.
HikingHiking trails are accessible directly from the campground, including a moderate trail across a bridge that follows the river. "There is a nice (moderate) hike across the small bridge which follows along the river," Edwin M noted.
FishingThe Shoshone River is known for its excellent fly-fishing opportunities for rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. "The Shoshone River is one of our favorite fishing destinations," remarked William P.
BikingBiking is possible along trails near the campground, although detailed terrain descriptions are not provided in the sources.
Wildlife viewingThe area surrounding Wapiti Campground is home to diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, deer, elk, bison, moose, foxes, coyotes, and bald eagles. "We watched Big Horn sheep on the cliffs across the river," described Tammy T.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe nearby Wapiti Wayside provides interpretive displays about grizzly bears and local wildlife.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent grizzly bear activity requires proper food storage. Seasonal flooding has led to temporary closures in the past.
Active AlertsNo current alerts, but past closures due to flooding and potable water availability issues have been reported.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredEach site includes a bear-proof food storage locker to ensure safety.

Weather at Wapiti Campground

Reviews

4.6
210 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Wapiti Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has an overall positive reputation, scoring an average sentiment of 4.41 out of 5. Reviews praise its scenic location, privacy, clean facilities, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. Some complaints include mosquitoes, highway noise, and occasional maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 210 reviews

What Campers Love

Multiple users praised the campground's cleanliness, scenic setting, private sites, and friendly hosts. "The scenery around the campground is magnificent!" James W exclaimed. "Cleanest bathrooms...
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Based on 210 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include mosquito infestations, highway noise, and improperly maintained vault toilets. One review stated, "Campsite was littered with broken glass, cigarette butts, and trash,"...
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Based on 210 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing mosquito repellent, bear spray, and planning visits during cooler months to avoid insect issues. "If you can get by the river, even better," advised Michelle S.
Based on 210 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are preferred for cooler weather and fewer mosquitoes. Summer reviews frequently mention insect problems and intense heat. "Later in the summer...mosquitoes kept me inside the...
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Based on 210 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets were very clean," Eric L stated. "The trail leading out of the campground is a must," exclaimed Michael T. "The scenery around the campground is magnificent," James W commented.
Based on 210 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 04 East was sunny all day but excessively hot, according to Randy C. Site 27 West was praised for its spaciousness and proximity to the river. "Our site backed right up to the river," noted...
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Based on 210 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible single- and double-family campsites are available. No specific user reviews on accessibility.
Based on 210 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but reviews emphasize keeping them on a leash due to wildlife. "Dogs on leash, of course," Alan Ball stated.
Based on 210 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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