Campground

Norris Campground

CampgroundCLOSED TEMPORARILY★ 4.3
Norris Campground in Yellowstone National Park features a rustic log building nestled among pines.

Alright, Norris Campground sits on a hill among lodgepole pines with a meadow view and the Gibbon River nearby. It’s first-come, first-served with no hookups, so plan to arrive early in the season (mid-May to late September). You’ll find basic tent and RV sites plus flush toilets and potable water spigots, but there are no showers here. Bear boxes are provided for food storage and quiet hours run from 10 pm to 6 am.

Popular campground in Yellowstone National Park featuring basic tent & RV sites, plus toilets.

Quick facts

Reservation System
First-come, first-served.
Reservation Window
First-come, first-served; no advance booking.
Reservation Tips
Arrive before dawn; be prepared for limited services; mid-May to late September window
Season Dates
Mid-May to late September

Reservations & season

Reservation System
First-come, first-served.
Reservation Window
First-come, first-served; no advance booking.
Reservation Tips
Arrive before dawn; be prepared for limited services; mid-May to late September window
Season Dates
Mid-May to late September
Fills Up Speed
High demand; sites are often taken quickly; arrive early.
Per Night Cost
$20/night
Extra Vehicle Fees
Varies
Day Use Fees
Varies
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful/National Park Pass holders receive 50% discount on nightly rate

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
100-116
Site Types
tent sites, RV sites, walk-in tent sites
Site Type Breakdown
Tent sites, RV sites, walk-in tent sites
RV Max Length
Up to 50 ft on 2 sites; most sites 30 ft
Group Sites Available
0
Hookups
No hookups
Site Features
Picnic table; fire ring with cooking grate; bear-proof food storage boxes (shared)
Ground Type
Compacted gravel/dirt
Site Privacy
Campsites can be close together

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets
Showers Available
No showers; Canyon is 12 miles away
Potable Water
Potable water spigots available
Dump Station
No on-site dump station
Trash Service
Bear-proof dumpsters provided
Camp Store
No
Firewood Availability
Firewood bundles available for purchase; gathering standing wood prohibited
Cell Service
Generally unavailable; Verizon may have limited service in some areas
Nearby Facilities
Nearest services in West Yellowstone, MT (30-40 minutes away)

Access

Road Type
Paved roads within the campground
Road Conditions
Internal campground roads are compacted gravel/dirt
Vehicle Restrictions
Wheeled vehicles must stay on established roadways or parking areas; no off-pavement cycling
Clearance Needed
Standard clearance
Gate Hours
Unknown if gates are locked at night
Distance From Entrance
30-40 minutes from West Yellowstone Entrance Station
Nearest Gas Services
West Yellowstone, MT (30-40 minute drive)
Elevation
7,500 feet
Accessibility
Two ADA sites; one accessible restroom
ADA Accessible Sites
Two accessible campsites and an accessible restroom

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear boxes or vehicles mandatory
Fire Restrictions
Wood and charcoal fires permitted in fire rings; seasonal restrictions; propane grills/stoves allowed
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Leashed at all times; not allowed on trails or in backcountry; cannot be left unattended
Generator Hours
8 am–8 pm, 60 dB limit
Quiet Hours
10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Max Stay Limit
14 days (July 1–Labor Day); 30 days for the rest of the year
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking and fishing; evening campfire programs nightly during summer
Trailheads Nearby
Solfatara Creek Trailhead begins in the campground
Fishing Details
Fishing is popular near the campground
Wildlife Viewing
Bear country; food storage mandates
Stargazing Quality
Generally good, with some tree cover
Shade Coverage
Well shaded by lodgepole pines
Scenic Views
Overlooking a meadow with the Gibbon River nearby
Noise Level
Some reviewers mention neighbor noise
Vibe Check
Forested forest-to-meadow basecamp with central access; functional, not luxurious. Privacy isn’t high, but you’re close to Yellowstone’s geysers.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a central Yellowstone basecamp with basic amenities and are okay with first-come logistics. ❌ SKIP IF: You need showers, on-site laundry, or reliable cell/Wi-Fi; you require a lot more privacy.
Tips Advice
  • Arrive early; first-come, first-served
  • Bear boxes for food storage; keep items sealed
  • No on-site showers; Canyon is 12 miles away
  • Bring ice; water spigots are available

More details

Camp Types
  • tent
  • cabin
Park Area
Yellowstone National Park
Reservation Info
Reservations not yet available.
Family Friendly Notes
Flush toilets; quiet hours; expect close-site spacing; bear country
Senior Access Discounts
No separate senior discount listed
Nearby Attractions
Gibbon River nearby; central access to Yellowstone geyser basins; West Yellowstone nearby
Terrain Type
Hill setting among lodgepole pines
Temperature Ranges
Varies with season; cool nights at elevation
Setup Strategy
Big rigs: back-in sites dominate; a few pull-throughs exist but many sites are tight or unlevel. Internal roads are paved; plan to back in and scout site lengths before committing.
Bath Laundry Recon
Shower access: none on-site; nearest public showers in Canyon (12 miles). Laundry: none.
Review Summary
Norris serves as a central Yellowstone basecamp with basic, no-frills amenities. Demand is high and spots go fast; facilities are practical but sparse (no showers, first-come). Expect shaded, forested sites, some proximity to neighbors, and reliable bear safety practices.

Location

Norris Campground scene along a winding stream with grassy meadows in Yellowstone National Park.Geothermal hot spring glows turquoise at a campground area in Yellowstone National Park.Norris Campground in Yellowstone National Park shows a tent set up among tall pine trees and a bright blue sky.Norris Campground fire pit with grill grate and burning logs in Yellowstone National Park

Frequently asked questions

Are there showers at Norris Campground?

There are no showers on-site; Canyon offers the nearest facilities about 12 miles away.

Is there drinking water at Norris?

Yes, potable water spigots are available.

Can big RVs fit in Norris?

Two sites accommodate up to 50 ft; five sites allow up to 30 ft; many sites are around 30 ft in length.

Do I need a reservation?

No — Norris operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially mid-May to late September.

Are bear boxes provided?

Bear-proof food storage boxes are available for shared use; food must be stored in bear boxes or vehicles.

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.