Opportunities are plentiful for a night out under the stars. Developed campgrounds are available in Buffalo Bill State Park, Shoshone National Forest and Yellowstone National Park, and commercial options exist in Cody. This section covers primarily front-country camping. There are also incredible backcountry options for overnight and extended getaways.
DEVELOPED vs. DISPERSED
Developed campsites are located throughout the area and typically provide tent pads, fire rings, bear-resistant containers, toilet facilities, and frequently hook-ups or garbage disposal for RVs. Dispersed camping outside developed sites is also allowed on public lands. In general, dispersed campsites should be 200 feet from trails, lakes or wet meadows, and 100 feet from streams or creeks. Signs of previous use do not necessarily mean a campsite is acceptable.
Check with land managers to learn additional rules. And remember that, within designated wilderness areas, no mechanized or motorized equipment is allowed.
Developed campsites are located throughout the area and typically provide tent pads, fire rings, bear-resistant containers, toilet facilities, and frequently hook-ups or garbage disposal for RVs. Dispersed camping outside developed sites is also allowed on public lands. In general, dispersed campsites should be 200 feet from trails, lakes or wet meadows, and 100 feet from streams or creeks. Signs of previous use do not necessarily mean a campsite is acceptable.
Check with land managers to learn additional rules. And remember that, within designated wilderness areas, no mechanized or motorized equipment is allowed.
OUTDOOR ETIQUETTE
• Follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
• Be courteous to other campers by not making camp too close to others and keeping noise down.
• Build campfires only in designated rings and don’t leave them unattended. Douse them with water before going to bed or leaving your campsite.
• Follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
• Be courteous to other campers by not making camp too close to others and keeping noise down.
• Build campfires only in designated rings and don’t leave them unattended. Douse them with water before going to bed or leaving your campsite.
YELLOWSTONE BACKCOUNTRY
Camping in the park’s backcountry is limited to designated sites and requires a permit. Permits are free within 48 hours of your trip and are available at any park visitor center or ranger station. More advanced reservations require a fee.
BEAR PROOF YOUR CAMPSITE
• Always keep a clean camp.
• Keep your sleeping area free of food and odors. Store all attractants in bear-resistant containers or in the trunk of your car. Metal “bear boxes” are available at most sites in designated campgrounds.
• In the backcountry, hang all possible attractants (including toothpaste, deodorant, insect repellent, etc.) 10 feet above the ground and at least four feet from vertical supports.
• Space tents out in a line, not a circle, to allow unrestricted wildlife travel, and at least 100 yards from food storage or cooking/eating areas.
• Don’t sleep in clothes you cooked or ate in.
• Always keep a flashlight and bear spray close by.
• Keep pets under control at all times.
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