Best Campgrounds in Yellowstone

The National Park Service operates 12 campgrounds in the park. Same-day reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7901. Future reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7311.

Slough Creek. Tucked into the park’s northeast corner, Slough Creek is a full two hours from Old Faithful, at the far end of a 2 1/2-mile gravel road. But look what awaits: creekside beauty, cutthroat trout, and some of the park’s best wildlife-watching (bison and the occasional grizzly). 29 sites May 26–late Oct; $12. 307/344-7381.

Lewis Lake. Near Yellowstone’s southern entrance, Lewis Lake tends to fill up more slowly than other park campgrounds― which is strange, because it’s lovely, with trout fishing and good hiking. 85 sites Jun 16–Nov 6; $12. 307/344-7381.

Pebble Creek. A bit east of Slough Creek, Pebble Creek also offers excellent wildlife-watching and fishing, plus gorgeous hiking along the 12-mile Pebble Creek Trail. 32 sites Jun 9–Sep 25; $12. 307/344- 7381.

OUTSIDE THE PARK

The scenery doesn’t stop at Yellowstone’s boundaries. Adjacent Beaverhead-Deerlodge (fs.fed.us/rl/b-d or 406/683- 3900), Caribou-Targhee (fs.fed.us/r4/caribou-targhee or 208/524-7500), Gallatin (fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin nbsp;or 406/587-6701), and Shoshone (fs.usda.gov/shoshone;or 307/527-6241) National Forests are nearly as spectacular as the park, and all offer camping.

Island Lake and Beartooth Lake. Full disclosure: Located in the Shoshone National Forest, 25 miles east of Yellowstone’s northeast entrance, Island Lake and neighboring Beartooth Lake are not incredibly convenient for day-tripping in and out of the park. But they’re two of the most beautiful campgrounds anywhere in the West, each set on a glistening lake high in the Beartooth Mountains. Trust us―camping doesn’t get more spectacular than this. 21 sites at Beartooth Jul 1–Oct 1, 20 sites at Island Lake Jul 1– Oct 1; $10. 307/527-6241.

Lonesomehurst. On the South Fork of Hebgen Lake, within the Gallatin National Forest, the campground offers incredible lake and water views and easy access to the town of W est Yellowstone and the park’s northwest entrance, both about a 20-minute drive away. 26 sites May 15–Sep 15; $14. 406/823-6961.