How much does camping cost at Wapiti Campground?

Camping fees at Wapiti Campground range from $20-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Wapiti Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Wapiti Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Wapiti Campground before I book?

Yes! Wapiti Campground has 16 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Wapiti Campground?

Wapiti Campground is open May 08 to September 27. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Wapiti Campground?

Wapiti Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Wapiti Campground?

Fire policies at Wapiti Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Wapiti Campground have?

Wapiti Campground has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Wapiti Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Wapiti Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Wapiti Campground?

Wapiti Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Wapiti Campground?

Popular activities at Wapiti Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Wapiti Campground

4.55

210 reviews

203A Yellowstone Ave, Cody, WY, USA

Top 2% in WYFall

Scenic ViewsFishing

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Wyoming#2 Fishing Camping Wyoming#2 RV Camping Wyoming#3 +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Electric

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Electric

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Wapiti Campground

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV ELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $60.00; RV ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $40.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

307-527-6921 - THIS NUMBER IS NOT FOR RESERVATIONS. FOR RESERVATION OR INQUIRIES ABOUT RESERVATION STATUS, GO TO RECREATION.GOV 1-877-444-6777

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

203A Yellowstone Ave, Cody, WY, USA

Wapiti Campground

203A Yellowstone Ave, Cody, WY, USA

Nearby places

Cody, WY (30 miles, ~40 minutes)

Yellowstone National Park East Entrance (22 miles, ~30 minutes)

Powell, WY (40 miles, ~50 minutes)

Weather at Wapiti Campground

Current alerts(5)

An additional fee will be collected at the campground for extra vehicles
Click here for more information on the Shoshone National Forest
Grizzly bears frequent the area; all food, beverages, coolers, trash and other attractants must be properly stored at all times
Horses and other livestock are not allowed to stay in the campground, but may pass through to access trails

Best Time to Camp at Wapiti Campground

Best season: fall. Visit in early fall for crisp days, dramatic golden cottonwoods, and the best combination of weather and wildlife activity — daytime highs are commonly in the 50s–70s°F with cool nights dropping into the 20s–40s°F. September brings peak photographic color on the Absaroka cliffs, excellent trout fishing as stream temperatures fall, and elk rut activity that increases wildlife viewing opportunities (observe from a distance). Crowds thin after the summer holiday rush, so you get quieter riverside-s Peak months: September, June, May, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in WY

Early fall cited as 'best combination' of weather, wildlife and golden cottonwoods; clearly preferred season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 27. 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.

About Wapiti Campground

Wapiti Campground sits in Shoshone National Forest between Cody and Yellowstone's East Entrance, offering mid-elevation forest sites with electric hookups along the North Fork Shoshone River. Managed through Recreation.gov, the campground accommodates tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike, fish, bike, and watch wildlife in the surrounding Absaroka Range, with reviewers praising clean facilities, scenic views, and private sites.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Visit in early fall for crisp days, dramatic golden cottonwoods, and the best combination of weather and wildlife activity — daytime highs are commonly in the 50s–70s°F with cool nights dropping into the 20s–40s°F. September brings peak photographic color on the Absaroka cliffs, excellent trout fishing as stream temperatures fall, and elk rut activity that increases wildlife viewing opportunities (observe from a distance). Crowds thin after the summer holiday rush, so you get quieter riverside-s Peak months: September, June, May, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in a natural amphitheater carved by the North Fork of the Shoshone River, where cottonwoods and junipers grow along the banks. The surrounding Absaroka cliffs are volcanic remnants. Ancient mudflows frozen in stone that formed millions of years ago. These towering rock faces change color throughout the day as light shifts, revealing textures and hues that photographers return for repeatedly. Grizzly bears fish the river, elk move through the area, and bald eagles patrol overhead. Bison are present in the region.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodge-style accommodations are available within Wapiti Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe nearby Wapiti Wayside provides interpretive displays about grizzly bears and local wildlife.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit is 16 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The maximum number of guests per site varies by site type. Double sites may accommodate more.

Groups

Group camping opportunities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative materials or reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or the contact center at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityAccessible single- and double-family campsites are available, ensuring ease of use for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with space between most being generous. "Sites are well-spaced with lots of room," according to John and Dixie F.

PrivacyThe campground offers a moderate level of privacy, with sites separated by trees and shrubs. "Sites are nicely separated from each other," Heather L commented.

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose riverside sites for tranquility and scenic views. Avoid sites close to the highway for less noise.

Best CampsitesSites 37, 31, and 36 get praise for river access and privacy. Reviews recommend trying for a site along the water if possible.

Need help booking Wapiti Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Wapiti Campground is equipped with accessible single- and double-family campsites, many featuring electric hookups. Sites 1-21 provide both 15 amp and 30 amp electrical hookups, while sites 22-40 are standard non-electric. Every site has a picnic table, campfire ring, and food storage locker. Vault toilets and drinking water are available throughout the campground, and trash collection is provided. Campers can gather firewood on-site. "Vault toilets were above average on cleanliness," according to Alan Ball. However, some reviews highlight issues with mosquitoes near swampy areas and occasional highway noise.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsThis campground exclusively offers vault toilets. "Vault toilets were very clean and paper was well-stocked," noted Eric L. However, some reviews mention flies and long overdue pump-outs.

Food Storage RequiredEach site includes a bear-proof food storage locker to ensure safety.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

210 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 210 reviews.

Site 27Loved
Site 27 West was praised for its spaciousness and proximity to the river.
Site 04Mentioned
Site 04 East was sunny all day but excessively hot, according to Randy C.

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...

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,"...

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...

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

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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Go if

You want electric hookups near Yellowstone with excellent fall color, trout fishing, and wildlife photography opportunities during elk season.

Skip if

You need full hookups or want to avoid seasonal water availability issues and occasional mosquito problems.

Nearby Campgrounds

Elk Fork Campground, Wapiti Ranger District, Cody, Wyoming, USA

Elk Fork Campground sits along the Shoshone River 25 miles from Yellowstone's East Entrance, offering 13 rustic sites at 6,000 feet elevation. The campground costs $10-15 per night and operates May 8 through September 30. Sites accommodate RVs up to 22 feet, though the straight (non-looped) layout makes maneuvering larger rigs tricky. Corrals at the nearby Elk Fork Trailhead make this a popular base for horseback trips into the Washakie Wilderness.