Campground

Bridge Bay Campground

CampgroundCLOSED TEMPORARILY★ 4.4
Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake shows a calm dock lined with boats and a pine forest backdrop.

Bridge Bay Campground is a large Yellowstone base with RV, tent, and combo sites (432 total). There are no hookups; generators are allowed in RV/combination sites 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Food storage lockers are provided, and quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Showers aren’t on-site; the nearest facilities are at Fishing Bridge RV Park about 4 miles away. Trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.

Large campsite with pitches, plus fire pits, tables, wooded trails & accessible restrooms.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Reservation Window
Reservations open six months in advance on a rolling basis
Reservation Tips
Book six months ahead via Yellowstone National Park Lodges; early May can offer first-come sites (May 15–21)
Season Dates
May 15, 2026 – September 14, 2026

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Reservation Window
Reservations open six months in advance on a rolling basis
Reservation Tips
Book six months ahead via Yellowstone National Park Lodges; early May can offer first-come sites (May 15–21)
Season Dates
May 15, 2026 – September 14, 2026
Fills Up Speed
Sites can sell out quickly; booking several months in advance is recommended
Per Night Cost
$24.25/night (historical rate)
Extra Vehicle Fees
Varies
Day Use Fees
Varies
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Pass (Interagency Access Pass/Senior Pass) yields a 50% reduction on nightly rates at Bridge Bay Campground, with Fishing Bridge RV Park excluded.

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
432
Site Types
RV sites, tent sites, combination RV/tent sites; walk-in sites for hikers/cyclists; 3 ADA accessible sites
Site Type Breakdown
RV sites, tent sites, combination RV/tent sites, walk-in sites, 3 ADA sites
RV Max Length
40 feet
Group Sites Available
1
Group Site Capacity
4 group sites (tent camping only)
Site Features
Picnic tables and fire grates at every campsite
Ground Type
Tent pads are dirt or gravel
Site Privacy
Privacy varies; wooded sites offer more seclusion, meadow sites more exposed

Facilities

Bathroom Types
16 public restrooms with flush toilets and cold running water in each loop
Showers Available
No on-site showers; nearest facilities with showers ~4 miles away at Fishing Bridge RV Park
Potable Water
Potable water spigots available at campground comfort stations
Dump Station
On-site dump station available seasonally; may close in freezing temperatures
Trash Service
Bear-proof dumpsters and recycling areas
Camp Store
Yes - seasonal
Firewood Availability
Firewood sold on-site; gathering firewood prohibited
Cell Service
Limited
Nearby Facilities
Bridge Bay Marina camp store; Lake Village is nearby for services

Access

Road Type
Mixed paved and compacted gravel/dirt roads
Road Conditions
The interior roads at Bridge Bay Campground are paved and kept in good condition for both RVs and tents.
Vehicle Restrictions
Trailers permitted; max combined length 40 feet for RVs
Clearance Needed
Sedan friendly
Gate Hours
Bridge Bay Campground is open May 15–Sept 14, 2026. Park entrance gates follow Yellowstone’s seasonal schedule and can change due to weather or maintenance; verify current gate hours before travel.
Distance From Entrance
From East Entrance: ~30 miles; West Yellowstone ≈70 miles (1h15); Gardiner ≈95 miles (1h45)
Nearest Gas Services
Lake Village a few miles away
Elevation
7800 feet
Accessibility
Three ADA sites; accessible restrooms in each loop; limited cell service
ADA Accessible Sites
Three accessible campsites

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Food storage lockers provided; store items that may attract bears properly
Fire Restrictions
Campfires permitted in designated fire rings; wood/charcoal allowed unless high fire danger
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times
Generator Hours
8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Quiet Hours
10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Max Stay Limit
14 nights (July 1–Labor Day); 30 nights at other times
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing
Trailheads Nearby
No specific trailheads listed as starting directly within the campground
Fishing Details
Fishing available via Bridge Bay Marina; no species or license details provided
Wildlife Viewing
Bear country; follow food storage rules; expect wildlife in the area
Stargazing Quality
Excellent dark skies around Yellowstone Lake
Shade Coverage
Lower loops are sunny with little shade; upper loops shaded by trees
Scenic Views
Views of Yellowstone Lake and surrounding terrain
Noise Level
Some groups in Loop J noted; otherwise moderate
Best Time To Visit
May–September; peak season during summer; book six months ahead
Vibe Check
A functional basecamp near the lake rather than a secluded wilderness escape. It’s big, convenient, and bear-aware, with privacy varying by loop. Expect some group activity and limited on-site amenities.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You need a large, accessible campground with many site options, no hookups, and a 40 ft RV limit. ❌ SKIP IF: You require on-site showers or full hookups, or you want a secluded, quiet setting away from crowds
Tips Advice
  • Book six months out.
  • Bring a headlamp for late-night trips to comfort stations.
  • Store all food in lockers and keep bear-aware practices.
  • Plan for no on-site showers; Fishing Bridge is ~4 miles away.

More details

Camp Types
  • tent
  • cabin
Park Area
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Reservation Info
Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for in this campground. Call 307-344-7311 (307-344-5395 for TDD service) or select the "Reservations >" button to open their online reservation system.
Family Friendly Notes
Family campground with 432 sites; quiet hours 10 pm–6 am; plan for shared facilities and varying privacy
Senior Access Discounts
Yes; 50% discount with America the Beautiful Pass (Access/Senior), exclude Fishing Bridge RV Park
Boat Launch
Bridge Bay Marina has a boat launch and boat rentals.
Nearby Attractions
Bridge Bay Marina; Lake Village services a few miles away
Terrain Type
Flat loops in open meadows and wooded campsites on hillsides
Temperature Ranges
Seasonal; nights cool to cold; daytime temps vary with season
Wind Exposure
Wind from Yellowstone Lake can be noticeable
Setup Strategy
Roads within campground are mixed (paved and gravel); plan for a 40 ft trailer; choose sites with easier interior access; prepare for limited water and no hookups; keep generator usage to 8 a.m.–8 p.m. and under 60 dB at 50 ft
Bath Laundry Recon
No on-site showers; nearest showers/laundry at Fishing Bridge RV Park ~4 miles away; 16 restrooms with flush toilets and cold running water are available within loops
Review Summary
Rated 4.4 stars from 920 reviews. Campers appreciate the scale and lake-adjacent access; some note group activity affects quiet in certain loops; overall solid for a Yellowstone basecamp.

Location

Grand Prismatic Spring glows with blue center and orange-yellow rings, Yellowstone National Park’s iconic hot spring.Bridge Bay area at Yellowstone National Park glows at sunset, reflecting off Yellowstone Lake as birds glide across the sky.Elk lounging in a green meadow at Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park with elk roaming among campers and pines.

Frequently asked questions

Can my 40-foot RV fit in Bridge Bay Campground?

Yes—RVs up to 40 feet are allowed, but space is limited. Some sites accommodate long rigs; plan to arrive early or book well in advance.

Do I need a reservation, or are there walk-in sites?

Reservations open six months ahead; first-come sites may appear during May 15–21. There are walk-in non-reservable sites for hikers/cyclists.

Are there showers on-site at Bridge Bay Campground?

No showers are on-site. The nearest shower facilities are at Fishing Bridge RV Park, about 4 miles away.

What about bears and food storage?

Yes, Bridge Bay is bear country. Use the food storage lockers provided; keep food, toiletries, and cooking gear stored properly. Leash pets and observe quiet hours.

What amenities should I expect nearby?

A camp store is at Bridge Bay Marina, with groceries and ice; Lake Village offers additional services a short drive away.

Mammoth Campground

Water spigots; no on-site showers; bear-country camping near Mammoth Hot Springs.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.