Visitors to Wyoming's
National Parks & Monuments
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Unforgettable Experiences
They Have Come to Expect.

Nothing says summer like exploring America's vast national parks. From Yellowstone to Grand Teton, Wyoming's treasured national parks are bucket-list trips worth carefully planning well in advance.

We're grateful to report that Wyoming's national parks, monuments and historic sites are wide open-and wild-as usual this summer.

Yellowstone National Park

Home to an incomparable combination of natural beauty, rugged wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and the world’s largest concentration of geysers and thermal features, it’s no wonder Yellowstone was named America’s first national park.

From hiking and horseback riding to fishing and scenic wildlife tours, there are plenty of things to do across its 2 million acres. The iconic spots — Old Faithful, Lower Falls and Yellowstone Lake — may be familiar from paintings and photographs, but seeing them in person is a humbling, enthralling experience you can enjoy year-round. When it comes to where to stay in Yellowstone National Park, you have choices, but booking early is key. From inside the park hotels and motels to campgrounds and backcountry camping with the correct permits, there’s a perfect basecamp for your wild and wonderful Yellowstone adventure.

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Yellowstone National Park: Don't Miss Nearby Cities & Experiences

Cody

Expansive view of visitors viewing the Grand Prismatic spring in Yellowstone National Park.

Teton Village

Old Faithful Visitor Education Center

Explore Yellowstone National Park

Map Your Yellowstone Adventure.

Encompassing 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone National Park is the second largest national park in the lower 48. With so much to explore, including over 10,000 hydrothermal features, more than half the world’s geysers, 466 miles of road and over 92 trailheads, you’ll want to decide which features to visit before you arrive. This map highlighting camping and lodging in Yellowstone – plus some of the park’s most popular sights – will help you get started.

North Entrance

Yellowstone has five entrance stations, and several are closed to regular vehicles during winter. It takes many hours to drive between these entrances, so be sure to check the status of roads at the entrance you intend to use while planning your trip and before you arrive.

Northeast Entrance

East Entrance (Cody)

Cody, Wyoming sits 52 miles east of Yellowstone’s east entrance. Founded by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Western attractions such as nightly summer rodeos, cowboy music and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West offer just a few things to do. East Entrance to Bridge Bay at Yellowstone Lake 17 miles, 40 minutes

West Entrance

South Entrance (near Jackson)

Located just 57 miles south of Yellowstone’s south entrance, Jackson boasts incredible dining, shopping and South Entrance to Old Faithful 40 miles, 1 hour

Mammoth Campground

The only campground in the park open year-round, this 85-site campground is close to fishing, hiking, and the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with elk and bison occasionally passing through the area.

Indian Creek Campground

This campground sits near the base of the Gallatin Mountains at an elevation of 7,300′. The area offers easy access to fishing and hiking and provides a quieter, more primitive experience. Here, you’ll find 70 sites.

Slough Creek Campground

Yeah, but John, if The Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don’t eat the tourists. God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates Man. Man destroys God. Man creates Dinosaurs. Checkmate... Hey, take a look at the earthlings. Goodbye!

Madison Campground

This campground for tents and RVs sits at an elevation of 6,800’ and is set in a partly wooded area. The area is known for fishing and is located near Old Faithful. Here, you’ll find over 270 individual sites and 3 group sites.

Lewis Lake Campground

Sitting at an elevation of 7,800′, this campground is a short walk from Lewis Lake, where canoes, kayaks and motor boats can be enjoyed. A boat ramp is located near the campground information and registration area. Find 85 campsites here.

Grant Village Campground

This campground sits at an elevation of about 7,800 feet in a lodgepole pine forest, just a few miles from the West Thumb Geyser Basin. The campground offers a relaxing setting with easy access to amenities. Choose from over 400 sites, including both RV and tent sites.

Bridge Bay Campground

Just my luck, no ice. Eventually, you do plan to have dinosaurs on your dinosaur tour, right? We gotta burn the rain forest, dump toxic waste, pollute the air, and rip up the OZONE! 'Cause maybe if we screw up this planet enough, they won't want it anymore!Named for its proximity to Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake, this scenic campground offers over 400 regular sites and 4 group sites for both tents and RVs. Sitting at 7,800′ and with Yellowstone Lake in its sight, the campground is popular with boaters and anglers.

Fishing Bridge RV Park

This RV park is named after the Fishing Bridge, a wooden bridge that used to provide a fishing platform. Fishing is no longer allowed, but visitors can still use walkways to watch waterfowl. This area has 310 sites designated for hard-sided recreational vehicles.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

Named after nearby Mammoth Hot Springs, this hotel offers lodging in the summer and winter. The hotel was built in 1936 and offers visitors a variety of accommodations, including two restaurants and a bar, as well as the chance to spot elk grazing outside the hotel.

Roosevelt Lodge

Built in 1920 near Yellowstone’s Tower Falls area, the rustic cabins and family-style dining are a favorite of families and anglers alike. A large corral operation offers horseback trail rides, stagecoach adventures and a popular Old West Dinner Cookout.

Canyon Lodge

This sprawling facility features the most accommodations in Yellowstone with more than 500 rooms and cabins. The lodge also offers a cafe, grill, eatery and ice creamery for visitors to enjoy.

Old Faithful Snow Lodge

The newest of the park’s hotels, the Snow Lodge is open during the summer and winter months. Exterior log columns and a cedar shingle roof make this lodge a significant example of classic “parkitecture.” Here, visitors can enjoy full-service dining and the quick service Geyser Grill.

Grant Village

Grant Village features 6 two-story buildings each containing 50 rooms; none have elevators. The lodging complex features a full-service restaurant, a lakeside restaurant with a casual menu, lounge and gift store. The village is also nearest to Grand Teton National Park.

Mammoth Hot Springs

If you’re looking to see a lot of hot springs in one place, Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park is the place for you. This must-see feature at Yellowstone includes upper and lower terrace boardwalks with approximately 50 hot springs here.

Lamar Valley

Located in the northeast corner of the park, Lamar Valley is famous for its abundance of wildlife, such as elk, moose, wolves, bison and bears. Anglers enjoy the Lamar River’s healthy population of trout. Hayden Valley to Lamar Valley 73.5 miles, 2 hours 20 minutes

A herd of bison walking across Yellowstone National Park.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

This canyon carved by the Yellowstone River is most famous for its Lower Falls. Here, the river tumbles twice the height of Niagara Falls before striking the canyon floor. Bridge Bay at Yellowstone Lake to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone 20 miles, 45 minutes

Grand Prismatic

Grand Prismatic is Yellowstone’s largest single hot spring and the world’s third largest. The hot spring’s vibrant colors are caused by the bacteria that live inside this stunning geothermal feature.

Old Faithful

This thing comes fully loaded. AM/FM radio, reclining bucket seats, and... power windows. Must go faster... go, go, go, go, go! Yeah, but John, if The Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don’t eat the tourists. What do they got in there? King Kong?

Yellowstone Lake

As the largest alpine lake in North America, Yellowstone Lake beckons to anglers, boaters and others drawn to its vast, scenic beauty. East Entrance to Bridge Bay at Yellowstone Lake 17 miles, 40 minutes Bridge Bay at Yellowstone Lake to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone 20 miles, 45 minutes

Wildlife Safety

For the safety of wildlife and visitors, please keep your distance from all animals. It’s recommended to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from all other wildlife.

Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Family Wildlife Viewing

*Not for navigational purposes

Culture

Top 12 Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

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Outdoors

Your Winter Guide to Yellowstone National Park

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Trip Ideas

Where to Stay in and Near Yellowstone National Park

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FAQ: Yellowstone National Park

What is Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park is a 2.2 million acre section of land in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana that the government set aside to preserve the area’s diverse environment. Yellowstone is the world’s first national park and the second most popular national park in the United States. The area within this national park is known as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Within Yellowstone National Park’s borders, you can find geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, wildlife and much more.

How big is Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park covers over 2.2 million acres.

Why is Yellowstone National Park famous?

Yellowstone National Park is famous for being the first national park in the world and for featuring the most geysers and hot springs in the world, including Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.

What year did Yellowstone become a national park?

Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872.

Where is Yellowstone National Park, and is it only in Wyoming?

Yellowstone National Park sits in the northwest corner of Wyoming. Most of Yellowstone National Park—96 percent—is in Wyoming, while the remaining portions are shared between Montana and Idaho.

Where is the best place to stay in Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park has nine lodges. All are open from late spring through fall. Two remain open in the winter. If you’re looking to camp, you’ll find 12 campgrounds throughout the park. All sites must be reserved.

How far in advance do you need to plan a trip to Yellowstone?

We recommend planning your trip to Yellowstone nine months to a year in advance. Most lodging within the park requires reservations and books quickly.

How far is Glacier National Park from Yellowstone?

The driving distance between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone is 441 miles or about 8 hours. Glacier is located in northwest Montana, while Yellowstone National Park is in northwest Wyoming.

What is the closest airport to Yellowstone National Park?

The closest airport to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is Yellowstone Regional Airport, located in Cody. Any of Wyoming’s nine airports offer connecting flights from larger international airports like Salt Lake City and Denver. Find more Wyoming airports here.

How many days do you need in Yellowstone National Park?

To see most of the popular destinations in Yellowstone National Park, you should plan for at least 2 to 3 days. If you’re looking for a more in-depth visit to this sprawling national park, plan for about a week. This itinerary highlights a few different ways to explore Yellowstone.

What is the best month to visit Yellowstone National Park?

For the best summer weather, you should visit Yellowstone National Park between June and August. For smaller crowds, plan your trip for late April or early September. Since Yellowstone is the second most popular national park, visiting during these less popular times can make for a more enjoyable experience.

Is Yellowstone National Park accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Yellowstone National Park is accessible for travelers with disabilities, with features like boardwalks, paved paths, specific backcountry sites, ranger programs and more. Check out this article to learn more about accessibility in Wyoming’s national parks.

Are dogs allowed in Yellowstone National Park?

Pets are allowed in Yellowstone National Park. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times (unless they’re in a car or crate). Pets may only accompany people in developed areas and are not allowed on hiking trails, with the exception of qualified service animals. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.

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Yellowstone National Park

Home to an incomparable combination of natural beauty, rugged wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and the world’s largest concentration of geysers and thermal features, it’s no wonder Yellowstone was named America’s first national park.

Yellowstone National Park: Don't Miss Nearby Cities & Experiences

FAQ: Yellowstone National Park