Campground

Bakers Hole Campground

CampgroundOPERATIONAL★ 4.6
Baker Hole Campground shack at Yellowstone National Park, with hoses and garden tools hung on a rustic log wall beside a red door labeled Keep Out.

Alright, Bakers Hole Campground sits along the Madison River in Yellowstone with 73 sites, 33 of which have electric hookups. It operates on a first-come basis with some reservable sites, so plan ahead and be there early—6 AM is recommended for the walk-in slots. Vault toilets and bear boxes anchor site readiness, and potable water spigots are sprinkled through the campground. There are no on-site showers or dump stations; West Yellowstone offers those services a short drive away.

Quick facts

Reservation System
First-come, first-served with some reservable sites
Reservation Window
Demand is extremely high; book as far in advance as possible
Reservation Tips
First-come demand is high—set expectations; for reservable sites, use Recreation.gov well in advance; aim for early arrival on busy days
Season Dates
May 1 – Sept 30 (weather dependent); some years extend into mid-October

Reservations & season

Reservation System
First-come, first-served with some reservable sites
Reservation Window
Demand is extremely high; book as far in advance as possible
Reservation Tips
First-come demand is high—set expectations; for reservable sites, use Recreation.gov well in advance; aim for early arrival on busy days
Season Dates
May 1 – Sept 30 (weather dependent); some years extend into mid-October
Fills Up Speed
Fills up quickly; arrive by 6 AM for first-come sites
Per Night Cost
Non-electric: $26-$35; Electric: $28-$36
Extra Vehicle Fees
Varies
Day Use Fees
Varies
Passes Accepted
Golden Age & Access Passports (Senior Pass) accepted

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
73
Site Types
Tent, RV (electric at some sites), primitive/dry camping
Site Type Breakdown
33 electric sites, 40 dry sites
RV Max Length
75 feet
Group Sites Available
0
Hookups
Electric at 33 sites (30/50 amp); no water or sewer hookups at sites
Site Features
Fire ring, picnic table, bear boxes at each site, potable water spigots
Ground Type
Tent pads on dirt or gravel
Site Privacy
Privacy varies by site type: riverfront sites offer open water views with closer neighbor spacing, while wooded sites provide dense tree cover and more screening between sites.

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Vault toilets (no flush toilets)
Showers Available
No showers on-site; nearest showers in West Yellowstone
Potable Water
Potable water spigots available throughout
Dump Station
No on-site dump station; nearest in West Yellowstone (reported expensive)
Trash Service
Bear-proof dumpsters on-site
Camp Store
No camp store on-site; groceries in West Yellowstone ~3 miles away
Firewood Availability
Firewood available for purchase from the camp host; gathering firewood not explicitly prohibited
Cell Service
Fair to limited; Verizon/AT&T 1-2 bars; booster helps; Starlink works with clear sky
Nearby Facilities
West Yellowstone for groceries, gas, showers, and laundry (~3 miles away)

Access

Road Type
Interior roads paved
Road Conditions
Generally good; some loops are narrow
Vehicle Restrictions
No formal vehicle limits; large rigs advised to use day-use area 2 miles south to unhook
Clearance Needed
Sedan friendly; scout ahead for larger rigs
Gate Hours
No gate hours published
Distance From Entrance
Approximately 3 miles from West Entrance
Nearest Gas Services
West Yellowstone; gas, groceries, restaurants ~3 miles away
Elevation
Approximately 6,500–6,568 feet
Accessibility
Two accessible toilets; no list of accessible sites
ADA Accessible Sites
Two accessible toilet facilities; specific sites not listed

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear boxes at each site; carry bear spray
Fire Restrictions
Seasonal fire bans common; check current restrictions
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Pets leashed at all times; not allowed on park trails or in sensitive areas
Generator Hours
Generator use is controlled by loop-specific rules; some loops permit daytime operation, while others restrict or prohibit generators after dark. Check the posted signage at each loop.
Quiet Hours
Quiet after about 10 PM; generally respectful crowds
Max Stay Limit
16 days
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Fishing (Madison River), rafting, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, OHV riding, hunting, horseback riding, picnicking, wildlife viewing, stargazing
Trailheads Nearby
Behind site 13, hike/bike trail into West Yellowstone; riverfront trails
Fishing Details
Fly fishing on the Madison River
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities; bear country; carry bear spray
Stargazing Quality
Good stargazing away from city lights
Shade Coverage
Many sites wooded with pine trees
Scenic Views
River views with pine canopies
Noise Level
Quiet generally; some daytime road noise near the day-use area
Best Time To Visit
Late spring to early fall; arrive early for the best chance at first-come sites
Vibe Check
Functional basecamp near the river with strong family and fishing draw; expect crowds in peak season and a practical, not wilderness-heavy setting
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You need electric at 33 sites and can handle a busy, park-accessible campground; you’re okay with vault toilets and no on-site showers. ❌ SKIP IF: You require on-site showers, full hookups, or total seclusion
Tips Advice
  • Plan to arrive by 6 AM for first-come sites
  • Bear boxes at every site; carry bear spray
  • Use the day-use area 2 miles south to unhook large rigs
  • Bring potable water and refill jugs; no on-site showers
  • Check for seasonal fire bans before cooking

More details

Camp Types
  • tent
  • cabin
Park Area
Yellowstone National Park (West Yellowstone area), Montana
Family Friendly Notes
Vault toilets; no on-site showers; West Yellowstone amenities nearby; fishing and hiking suitable for families
Senior Access Discounts
Senior/Access passes provide discounts (electric sites; verify at booking)
Nearby Attractions
West Yellowstone ~3 miles away; Madison River access; Yellowstone gateway activities
Terrain Type
Mostly flat loops along the Madison River; some river-facing openings
Temperature Ranges
Seasonal temps; nights cool, summer days warm
Setup Strategy
Interior roads are paved; 33 sites offer electric hookups; max rig length 75 ft; plan to unhook in the day-use area 2 miles south if needed; West Entrance is ~3 miles away
Bath Laundry Recon
No on-site showers or laundry; nearest showers and laundries are in West Yellowstone
Review Summary
Bakers Hole is a highly rated, busy campground along the Madison River. It suits families and anglers with bear boxes, potable water, and proximity to West Yellowstone, though there are no on-site showers or dump facilities and the 75-ft rig allowance is a major perk for large rigs.

Location

Bakers Hole Campground along the Yellowstone River with forested banks and green islands under a cloudy blue sky.Bakers Hole Campground in Yellowstone National Park shows an RV parked among pines with a wooden picnic table and fire ring nearby.Bakers Hole Campground in Yellowstone National Park features a blue tent tucked among tall pines.Forested entrance sign for a campground in Yellowstone National Park, supported by wooden posts.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears at Bakers Hole Campground?

Yes. This is bear country; bear boxes are provided at every site and bear spray is strongly advised.

Is there potable water and where do I refill?

Potable water spigots are available throughout the campground for refilling jugs and bottles.

Is there an on-site dump station or showers?

There is no dump station or showers on-site; use West Yellowstone for those services.

Will a big RV fit, and how do I handle hookups?

Maximum trailer length is 75 feet; 33 sites offer 30/50 amp electric. No water or sewer hookups at sites, and plan to unhook in the day-use area 2 miles south if necessary.

What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Late spring to early fall; arrive early (by 6 AM) for first-come sites, and expect high demand on peak days.

Mammoth Campground

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

Tower Fall Campground

Tent sites, some small RV spots; 30' max; no hookups; bear country; showers nearby at Roosevelt Lodge.

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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.