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Recreation Areas and Campground Database

Yellowstone National Park

Grand Prismatic Spring
Yellowstone National Park
Picnic Table, Fire ring, and Bear box

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal wonders. Today, millions of people come here each year to camp, hike, and enjoy the majesty of the park.

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Yellowstone National Park covers nearly 3,500 square miles in the northwest corner of Wyoming (3% of the park is in Montana and 1% is in Idaho). 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.

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Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permit Activity Pass


Tower Junction to Slough Creek Road Corridor Vehicle Day-Use Tickets Timed Entry

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal and geologic features. Within Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.


Mammoth Campground (Yellowstone) Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Due to infrastructure damage sustained during flooding in June 2022 Mammoth Campground will remain closed until further notice. 

For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Madison, and Grant Village campgrounds), please visit the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website: http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/stay/camping/

Recreation

There are many recreational opportunities in the Mammoth Hot Springs area including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. A highlight is to explore the boardwalks above Mammoth Hot Springs to view the the steaming hydrothermal features or take a drive around the vibrant travertine terraces. In the winter, ski or snowshoe among the whiffs of sulfur along the Upper Terraces. You can also explore the historic Fort Yellowstone area. 

Visit the park's website to learn more: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/explore-mammoth.htm

Facilities

Some Cell Phone Reception

Firewood For Sale - Seasonal

Food Storage Lockers

Trash/Recycling Collection

Amphitheater - Seasonal

Staff or Volunteer Host On Site - Seasonal

Potable Water spigots

Flush Toilets - year round

Showers - None

Natural Features

The Mammoth Campground is situated in a high sagebrush steppe, scattered juniper and Douglas fir trees provide shade during hot summer months. Wildlife including elk, bison, pronghorn, and mule deer frequent the Mammoth Hot Springs and Northern area of the park, depending on the season. 

The road from the North Entrance to the Mammoth Campground winds up the Gardner River canyon, past crumbling walls of sandstone and ancient mudflows. The vegetation is much thicker in the canyon than on the open prairie down below, the common trees being Rocky Mountain juniper, cottonwood, and Douglas-fir. Low-growing willows also crowd the river's edge in the flatter, flood-prone sections of the canyon. Watch for wildlife, which varies by the season. Eagles, osprey, dippers, and kingfishers can be spotted along the river, while bighorn sheep climb along the steeper parts of the canyon. Elk are common in Mammoth Hot Springs, while bison can often been seen along the road out to Tower–Roosevelt.

Spring and Fall daytime temperatures range from 30°F to the 60°F with overnight lows in the teens to single digits. Snow is common in the spring and fall. Summer temperatures are often around 70°F to 80°F and occasionally 90°F at lower elevations. Nights are usually cool and temperatures may drop below freezing at higher elevations. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons. During winter, sub-zero temperatures and snow are common, especially at night and at higher elevations. 

Nearby Attractions

Visit the park's website to learn more about the Mammoth Hot Springs area: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/explore-mammoth.htm

Charges & Cancellations

Changing Reservations:

There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility.

If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.

If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.

Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations. 

Cancellations:

Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.

A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night’s rate. 

No-Shows:

A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. 

Early Departures:

Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site.

If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (10 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used. 

Refunds:

Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended.

Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay.

For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.

In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.


Yellowstone Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program Permit

Overview:

Yellowstone National Park's winter landscape offers a magical experience for those willing to brave its cold temperatures. Most roads in the park are groomed for over-snow traffic via either snowcoaches or snowmobiles. The majority of visitors to the park travel these roads with commercially guided tours. However, the park has set aside four trips per day for groups that want to enter Yellowstone without commercial guides. This program, called the Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program (N-CGSAP), allows one group of up to five snowmobiles through each of the North, South, East and West entrances per day. Trips can be 1, 2 or 3 days in length. The leader, or guide, of each group is determined by lottery here on Recreation.gov. Groups may apply for permits for up to 3 days/2 nights and can leave and re-enter the park through any gate during that time. Group leaders must be 18 years old by the first day of their trip and all snowmobile operators must carry a valid driver's licenses. Costs include a $6.00 application fee and a $40 per day reservation fee upon trip confirmation.
Additional entrance fees will be collected at the time of your arrival.

The lottery opens annually for applications in September. Open dates/entrances (due to cancellations or spaces that were not filled through the lottery) will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov following the lottery and throughout the remainder of the season.

All snowmobiles must meet current New-Best Available Technology (New-BAT) standards. You most likely will need to rent these special New-BAT snowmobiles from vendors in nearby communities. Additionally, all snowmobile operators, including the trip leader, must complete the online free Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Certification course. If you are successful in securing a reservation, you will receive the link to the course when it is available.

Park staff encourages N-CGSAP participants to secure lodging and snowmobile rentals as early as possible in your trip planning process.

Many visitors treasure opportunities to witness the park's wildlife, thermal features, and snow-covered scenery without summer crowds. However, winter also offers unique challenges. Snow conditions can vary, leading to difficult riding conditions. Avalanche danger on Sylvan Pass, west of the East Entrance, can close the park road for hours or even days. Additionally, recent mild winters have resulted in roads opening late or closing early in the season due to insufficient snow levels on the park's roads. There will be no refunds or rescheduling due to road closures. There are sometimes long distances between popular destinations and entrance stations, possibly leading to long days and fatigue. Sparse cell phone coverage may mean that help in times of emergency is a long time coming. Severely cold temperatures and sudden snowstorms can affect unprepared riders. Lodging and dining opportunities are rare. Before you commit to a trip through the Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program, we advise that you prepare an itinerary and give it to a responsible loved-one, use the lessons from the Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Certification course to assemble a well-stocked first aid and survival kit, and plan ahead to procure New-BAT snowmobiles and area lodging. Learn more about visiting Yellowstone during the winter.

Cancellation policy: Cancel more than 14 days before the beginning of your trip for a full reservation refund.

See logistics and regulations for additional important information.


Bridge Bay Campground Facility

Bridge Bay Campground—elevation 7,800 feet (2377 m)—is located near Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest, high-elevation, fresh-water lakes in North America. Campers at Bridge Bay will enjoy spectacular views of the lake and the Absaroka Range rising above the lake's eastern shore. Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.


Canyon Campground Facility

Canyon Campground—elevation 7,900 feet (2408 m)—lies in a lodgepole pine forest at Canyon Village, south of the Washburn range and near the breath-taking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Canyon Village offers stores, restaurants, and lodging. Nearby hikes include Cascade Lake, Mount Washburn, and the Canyon Rim trails. Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.


Fishing Bridge RV Park Facility

Fishing Bridge RV Park—elevation 7,800 feet (2377 m)—is located near the Yellowstone River where it exits Yellowstone Lake on its way toward the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Only campground in Yellowstone to offer water, sewer, and electrical hookups. Because grizzly bears frequent the area, no tents or tent campers are allowed. Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.


Grant Village Campground Facility

Grant Campground—elevation 7,800 feet (2377 m)—is located in Grant Village, just off the Grand Loop Road at the south end of Yellowstone Lake. It is one of the larger campgrounds in the park. Group and wheel-chair accessible sites are available. Nearby there are stores, a restaurant, gas station, visitor center, and boat ramp. Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.


Indian Creek Campground (Yellowstone) Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Due to infrastructure damage sustained during flooding in June 2022 Indian Creek Campground will remain closed until further notice. 

For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Madison, and Grant Village campgrounds), please visit the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website: http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/stay/camping/ 

Recreation

Fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing are the highlights for this campground. The Big Horn Pass trailhead is on the entrance road to the campground.

Facilities

A registration office and information board is situated at the entrance of the campground. This campground has an amphitheater and a concession operated firewood sales location.

Natural Features

Highlights in the area include Obsidian Creek and the Gardner River, Big Horn Pass Trail, Sheepeater Cliff picnic area, and Willow Park for wildlife viewing.

contact_info

This location has limited staffing. Please call (307) 344-2289 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

Big Horn Pass trailhead

Sheepeaters Cliff picnic area

Rustic Falls

Apollonaris Spring

Obsidian Cliff

Charges & Cancellations

Changing Reservations:

There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility.

If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.

If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.

Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations. 

Cancellations:

Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.

A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night’s rate. 

No-Shows:

A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. 

Early Departures:

Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site.

If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (10 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used. 

Refunds:

Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended.

Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay.

For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.

In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.


Madison Campground Facility

Madison Campground—elevation 6,800 feet (2073 m)—sits about 14 miles east from the town of West Yellowstone and 16 miles north of Old Faithful. Nearby, the Gibbon and Firehole rivers join to form the Madison River. In early summer, meadows teem with wildflowers and bison. In September and October, you can often hear bugling elk. Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.


Pebble Creek Campground Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Due to infrastructure damage sustained during flooding in June 2022 Pebble Creek Campground will remain closed until further notice. 

For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Madison, and Grant Village campgrounds), please visit the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website: http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/stay/camping/

Recreation

Pebble Creek and the Northeast area of the park offer many recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, backpacking, and more. Lamar Valley is an excellent place to view wildlife, with it being one of the major summer grounds for bison and elk, which attracts predators like wolves and grizzly bears.

Visit the park's website to learn about other recreation opportunities near Pebble Creek and the park's Northern Range: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/towerrplan.htm

Facilities

Food Storage Lockers - Seasonal

Trash/Recycling Collection - Seasonal

Staff or Volunteer Host On Site - Seasonal

Potable Water - Seasonal

Vault Toilets - seasonal

Showers - None

Natural Features

Pebble Creek Campground—elevation 6,900 feet (2103 m)—lies against the dramatic backdrop of the Absaroka Mountains near the park's Northeast Entrance and offers a more isolated camping experience. The campground lies along Pebble Creek and is within the Northeast area of the park. There is abundant wildlife viewing in the area. Elk, bison, deer, and pronghorn thrive in the grasslands of this area, known as the northern range. In fact, some of the largest wild herds of bison and elk in North America are found here. The northern range is critical winter habitat for these large animals, which in turn provide food for several packs of wolves. Coyotes are also common, and occasional bobcat, cougar, or red fox are reported.

Absaroka volcanics, glaciation, and erosion have left features as varied as Specimen Ridge's petrified trees to the gorges along the Yellowstone River's Black Canyon and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Later, glacial events scoured the landscape, exposing the stone forests and leaving evidence of their passage across the area. The glacial ponds and huge boulders (erratics) between the Lamar and Yellowstone rivers are remnants left by the retreating glaciers. Lateral and terminal moraines are common in these areas. Such evidence can also be found in the Hellroaring and Slough creek drainages, on Blacktail Plateau, and in the Lamar Valley.

Nearby Attractions

Highlights of the area include wildlife viewing, the Yellowstone and Lamar Rivers, Tower Fall, and the rugged Absaroka mountains of the park's northeast area. Learn more on our website: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/towerrplan.htm

Charges & Cancellations

Changing Reservations:

There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility.

If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.

If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.

Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations. 

Cancellations:

Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.

A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night’s rate. 

No-Shows:

A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. 

Early Departures:

Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site.

If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (10 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used. 

Refunds:

Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended.

Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay.

For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.

In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.


Lewis Lake Campground Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Lewis Lake Campground—elevation 7,800 ft (2377 m)—is about twelve miles from the South Entrance and a short walk from the southeast shore of Lewis Lake. A boat ramp is located near the campground information and registration area. Canoes, kayaks, and motor boats are allowed on Lewis Lake. Boat permits and an aquatic invasive species inspection performed by park staff are required.

Recreation

Boating 

Fishing 

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Back country camping access

Facilities

No Cell Phone Reception

Food Storage Lockers

Trash/Recycling Collection

Staff or Volunteer Host On Site - Seasonal

Potable Water spigots

Vault Toilets - year round

Boat launch

Showers - None

Natural Features

The campground is situated next to one of the large, fresh water, high elevation lakes in Yellowstone. Lewis Lake allows use of both motorized and non-motorized boats.

contact_info

This location has limited staffing. Please call (307) 344-2107 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

Lewis Falls

Lewis Canyon overlook

Charges & Cancellations

Changing Reservations:

There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility.

If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.

If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.

Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations. Cancellations:

Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.

A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night’s rate. 

No-Shows:

A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. 

Early Departures:

Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site.

If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (10 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used. 


Slough Creek Campground Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Due to infrastructure damage sustained during flooding in June 2022 Slough Creek Campground will remain closed until further notice. 

For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Madison, and Grant Village campgrounds), please visit the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website: http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/stay/camping/

Recreation

There are many opportunties for recreation in the Slough Creek area including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, backpacking and photography. Visit the park's website to learn more: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/towerrplan.htm

Facilities

Food Storage Lockers - Seasonal

Trash/Recycling Collection - Seasonal

Staff or Volunteer Host On Site - Seasonal

Potable Water - Seasonal

Vault Toilets - seasonal

Showers - None

Natural Features

The Slough Creek Campground is located on the park's Northern Range, a few miles from where Slough Creek meets the Lamar River. The Lamar Valley is an excellent place to view wildlife, with it being one of the major summer grounds for bison and elk, which attracts predators like wolves and grizzly bears.  

Elk, bison, deer, and pronghorn thrive in the grasslands of this area, known as the northern range. In fact, some of the largest wild herds of bison and elk in North America are found here. The northern range is critical winter habitat for these large animals, which in turn provide food for several packs of wolves. Coyotes are also common, and occasional bobcat, cougar, or red fox are reported. The gorge and cliffs between the junction and Tower Fall provide habitat for bighorn sheep, osprey, peregrine falcons, and red-tailed hawks. Both grizzly and black bears are sighted throughout the area, particularly in the spring. Black bears are more commonly seen around Tower Fall and Tower Junction. Grizzlies are sometimes seen in the Lamar Valley and on the north slopes of Mount Washburn, particularly in the spring when elk are calving. Road pullouts provide excellent places from which to watch wildlife.

The campground can access the Slough Creek Trail, which follows a historic wagon trail into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness beyond Yellowstone. It begins with a steep climb then descends to the first meadow. Stop and relax here or continue to the second meadow. Be alert for bears and moose. Slough Creek is a popular fishing area.

Nearby Attractions

Highlights in the area include the Slough Creek Trail, the Lamar and Yellowstone Rivers, and the Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing. For more information, visit the park's website: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/towerrplan.htm

Charges & Cancellations

Changing Reservations:

There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility.

If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.

If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.

Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations. 

Cancellations:

Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.

A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night’s rate. 

No-Shows:

A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. 

Early Departures:

Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site.

If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (10 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used. 

Refunds:

Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended.

Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay.

For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.

In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.


Albright Visitor Center Facility

Here you can gather park information, orient yourself to the rest of the park (including road conditions, and campground and lodge availability), shop for souvenirs, explore exhibits to learn more about the wildlife and history of Yellowstone, join a ranger program, acquire a permit for fishing or backcountry camping at the backcountry office in the basement, or use the restrooms. This visitor center also has free Wi-Fi.


Canyon Visitor Education Center Facility

Stop by the Canyon Visitor Education Center to learn more about the geologic story of the area, including the Yellowstone volcano, and view a room-size relief map of Yellowstone. You can also get orientation information, pick up a fishing permit, shop for a souvenir, find out what ranger programs are available, watch a 20-minute film, or use the restrooms. Restrooms are available 24 hours a day. Call 307-344-2550 for additional information.


Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trailside Museum Facility

The distinctive stone-and-log architecture of this old building—known as "parkitecture"—was one of several prototypes for park buildings around the country. Today, the visitor center and museum highlight the ecology of Yellowstone Lake, focusing on birds. Also stop by to visit with a ranger and find out when ranger programs are scheduled, buy a fishing permit, pick up a souvenir, or take in some truly stunning views of Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding mountains.


Grant Visitor Center Facility

Fire plays an important, natural role in the ecosystems found in Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding region. Learn more about this and the fires of 1988 in the exhibit hall, gather park information and trip ideas, shop for souvenirs at the park store, join a ranger program, buy a fishing, boating, or backcountry camping permit at the backcountry office next door, or use the restrooms.


Madison Information Station and Trailside Museum Facility

Located about halfway between Old Faithful and West Yellowstone, you can stop here for park information as visitors have been doing since 1930. The structure is an example of "parkitecture" or designing a building in a way that reflects the surrounding ecosystem. You can also shop for souvenirs in the park store, attend a ranger program, purchase a fishing permit, or use the restrooms. Call 307-344-2821 for additional information.


Museum of the National Park Ranger Facility

Once a US Army outpost built in 1908, this visitor center houses exhibits that celebrate the history of the park ranger profession. To enhance the story of the park ranger experience, this visitor center is staffed by volunteer retired rangers. The current structure replaced previous structures dating back to 1884.


Norris Geyser Basin Museum and Information Station Facility

Situated on the ridge overlooking the Norris Geyser Basin, this historic building is staffed during the summer with rangers who provide park information and facilitate ranger programs. Visitors have been seeking information here since 1930 when the museum was built as a "trailside museum" to serve people traveling in their own automobiles without a guide. Restrooms are located in the parking lot.


Old Faithful Visitor Education Center Facility

Located near Old Faithful Geyser, this visitor center offers views of the geyser's eruption from the tall, windowed front of the visitor center. Additionally, you can gather park information, talk with a park ranger at the front desk, shop for souvenirs in the park store, delve into the natural wonders of Yellowstone in the exhibit hall, join a ranger program, or use the restrooms.


West Thumb Information Station Facility

A small facility at the start of the West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalks, where you can visit with a park ranger and gather park information, shop for souvenirs in the park store, or join a ranger program. The structure was built in 1925 and is an example of historic ranger-station architecture in Yellowstone. Call 307-242-7690 for additional information.


West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (Chamber of Commerce Desk) Facility

Located in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana, there is a desk staffed by National Park Service rangers (summer and winters only). The building is open year-round and a second desk is staffed by the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce. Stop by to obtain backcountry and fishing permits, get park information or to use the restrooms.


West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (NPS Desk) Facility

Located in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana, there is a desk and backcountry office staffed by National Park Service rangers (summer and winters only). The building is open year-round and a second desk is staffed by the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce. Stop by to obtain backcountry and fishing permits at the NPS backcountry office, to get park information, or to use the restrooms. Call 307-344-2876 for additional information.


Yellowstone National Park Backcountry Permits Permit


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