Can you camp overnight in Yellowstone?

There are nearly 300 backcountry campsites in the park, some of which are available through advance reservations. Backcountry camping permits may be obtained only in person, and no more than 3 days s in advance of your trip, at one of the park's backcountry offices. Permits are required for all overnight stays.



Yes, you can camp overnight in Yellowstone, but it is strictly regulated and requires advanced planning. The park offers two types of camping: Frontcountry (developed campgrounds with amenities like toilets and fire rings) and Backcountry (remote sites reached by hiking or boat). For 2026, almost all frontcountry sites must be reserved months in advance via Recreation.gov or "Yellowstone National Park Lodges." If you are heading into the backcountry, you are legally required to have a Backcountry Permit for every night you stay. These permits specify a designated site and can be obtained through an "Early Access Lottery" that typically runs in March, or as a "walk-up" permit if any are left. Camping outside of these designated areas is strictly prohibited to protect the environment and prevent dangerous encounters with grizzly bears. In 2026, the recreation fee is $5 per person per night plus a $10 reservation fee, and you must adhere to strict "bear-aware" food storage rules at all times.

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Visiting Yellowstone for 2 days gives you just the perfect amount of time to see all the highlights, see some cool animals and yet not feel like you missed out on too much. Yes, this is a jam-packed 2 day Yellowstone itinerary, but you will get to see all the main attractions plus more! So, let's get planning!

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Yellowstone is a large and complex national park, with many different roads that travel to the most popular boardwalks and trails. I recommend staying inside of the park if you want to have more opportunities for sightseeing without the crowds.

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The world's most famous geyser, Old Faithful in Yellowstone, currently erupts around 20 times a day. These eruptions are predicted with a 90 percent confidence rate, within a 10 minute variation, based on the duration and height of the previous eruption.

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Permits are required year-round for all overnight stays in Yellowstone's backcountry.

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Jackson, WY is the ideal base camp for a trip to Yellowstone. Here are 5 reasons why you should stay in Jackson Hole while visiting Yellowstone National Park.

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You could easily take two weeks to explore Yellowstone (and you might want to after you spend a day here). To truly experience the best aspects of the park, you'll want to plan at least three days. But if you only have one day to spend in the park, you want to get the most out of your time here.

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Swimming in Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park isn't exactly known for its swimming holes. Due to the thermal activity in the park, most rivers and lakes in Yellowstone are closed to swimmers. However, if you're up for an adventure, the park has opened up a few alluring areas to the public.

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Food is cheaper there and they have more variety. You can keep the cooler in your hard-sided car, hotel room, or one of the bear boxes in the campgrounds. Yellowstone bears don't seem to break into cars like in Yosemite.

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Yellowstone National Park can get very crowded during peak season (June, July, and August). The best months to visit Yellowstone are April, September, and October. These “off season” months provide more chances to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife and enjoy thinner crowds.

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A Yellowstone vacation package costs from $1,000/person for four nights to $5,000 or more per person. Not including tax and tips. Check out my itineraries and guidebooks for planning your own trip.

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