Campground

Canyon Campground

CampgroundCLOSED TEMPORARILY★ 4.6
Canyon Campground facility at Yellowstone National Park features a lodge-style building with stonework and outdoor seating area.

Alright, Canyon Campground is a central Yellowstone hub with space for tents, RVs, and combo setups. You’ll find bear lockers at every site, plus showers and flush toilets nearby. Water spigots are accessible, and the road network is gravel/dirt; plan for a wooded, busy basecamp close to Canyon Village.

Picturesque campground with spaces for tents & campers, plus showers, toilets & bear-proof storage.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra)
Reservation Window
Reservations are essential and can be booked up to six months in advance. For the first operating week, Canyon Campground uses a first-come, first-served system for site assignments, alongside Bridge Bay and Grant Village Campgrounds.
Reservation Tips
Book as early as possible via the direct URL; plan for early check-in to beat the crowd
Season Dates
May 29 to September 20 (Dates are subject to change)

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra)
Reservation Window
Reservations are essential and can be booked up to six months in advance. For the first operating week, Canyon Campground uses a first-come, first-served system for site assignments, alongside Bridge Bay and Grant Village Campgrounds.
Reservation Tips
Book as early as possible via the direct URL; plan for early check-in to beat the crowd
Season Dates
May 29 to September 20 (Dates are subject to change)
Fills Up Speed
High demand; sites can fill quickly, especially during peak season
Per Night Cost
$45/night plus taxes
Extra Vehicle Fees
An extra vehicle fee of $8 per day applies for each additional vehicle at the site.
Day Use Fees
Not applicable for campers; park entrance fees separate
Passes Accepted
Interagency Access and Senior Pass holders receive 50% discount on nightly rates

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
Over 270
Site Types
RV, tent, and combination RV/tent sites; hiker and cyclist walk-in sites (non-reservable)
Site Type Breakdown
RV sites, tent sites, combination RV/tent sites, walk-in hiker/cyclist sites
RV Max Length
40 feet maximum combined length
Group Sites Available
0
Group Site Capacity
No group sites
Hookups
No electricity, water, or sewer hookups; potable water spigots nearby
Site Features
Picnic table and a fire grate; some sites may not be level
Ground Type
Dirt/gravel tent pads; some sites not perfectly level
Site Privacy
Privacy depends on the loop; most campsites sit among trees that provide natural screening, giving varying levels of separation between sites.

Facilities

Bathroom Types
15 public restrooms with flush toilets and cold running water
Showers Available
Public showers at camper services building; two showers per night included with campsite rate
Potable Water
Potable water spigots available near sites
Dump Station
On-site near front entrance; may be unavailable early/late season due to freezing
Trash Service
Bear-proof dumpsters and recycling areas
Camp Store
No
Firewood Availability
Firewood sold at campground
Cell Service
Limited and can be intermittent
Nearby Facilities
Canyon Village with lodges, restaurants, general store, and gas station within 0.25 miles

Access

Road Type
Campground roads are compacted gravel/dirt
Road Conditions
Winding park roads; internal campground roads can be uneven
Vehicle Restrictions
Most sites not suitable for oversized units
Clearance Needed
Standard clearance; site access may vary
Gate Hours
Gate hours are not published in Canyon Campground materials. Park entry is required and entrance fees apply; check the Yellowstone National Park Lodges site for current gate times and seasonal schedules.
Distance From Entrance
16 miles from West Yellowstone entrance; 30 miles from South Entrance
Nearest Gas Services
Canyon Village gas station; ~0.25 miles from campground
Accessibility
ADA sites exist; some restrooms accessible; limited cell service
ADA Accessible Sites
Three ADA sites in Loop L with extended picnic table and raised fire grate; accessible restrooms nearby

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear safety lockers provided; strict food storage regulations
Fire Restrictions
Wood and charcoal fires permitted in fire rings unless restrictions are in place due to high fire danger
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Leashed at all times; not on park trails except service animals
Generator Hours
8:00 AM–8:00 PM; 60 dB limit at 50 ft; not permitted at tent-only sites
Quiet Hours
10:00 PM to 6:00 AM (7:00 AM in some sources); generators prohibited during quiet hours
Max Stay Limit
14 nights (Jul 1–Labor Day); 30 nights rest of year; 44 nights per season across Xanterra and NPS campgrounds
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking from campground; trails to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone accessible from the campground
Trailheads Nearby
Trails to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone accessible from the campground
Wildlife Viewing
Bear country; expect wildlife; bear safety measures in place
Shade Coverage
Wooded with pine cover offering partial shade
Noise Level
Quiet hours enforced; forest setting with potential distant road noise
Vibe Check
Functional basecamp in a forested setting near Canyon Village; convenient, but you’ll have neighbors and some road noise
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a central Yellowstone base with bear lockers and no hookups. ❌ SKIP IF: You need full hookups or extreme seclusion.
Tips Advice
  • Book early; high demand in peak season.
  • Bear safety: store food in lockers.
  • Pack layers; nights can be cool.
  • Water planning: bring jugs if water is far.
  • Generator discipline: run 8am–8pm only; keep under 60 dB.

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
Kids can explore Canyon Village nearby; forest setting keeps evenings calm; bear safety awareness essential
Senior Access Discounts
50% discount for Access and Senior Pass holders
Nearby Attractions
Canyon Village amenities within a quarter-mile
Terrain Type
Gravel/dirt roads; some sites may be uneven
Setup Strategy
RVs: plan for a 40 ft max length; internal roads are dirt/gravel; expect back-in sites; use pull-through where available; approach from Canyon Village area; level blocks may help on uneven sites
Bath Laundry Recon
Showers are in the camper services building; two showers per night are included; laundry availability isn’t clearly listed
Review Summary
A central Yellowstone campground with a broad site mix and bear safety; expect a busy, forested basecamp with reliable showers and restrooms, though some sites aren’t perfectly level.

Location

Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park cascades through rugged canyon walls with a rainbow across the mist.Canyon Campground tent nestled among pine trees in Yellowstone National Park, with a shared picnic table and fire ring nearby.Canyon Campground laundry facility in Yellowstone National Park with row of washing machines.Canyon Campground in Yellowstone National Park, a warm campfire crackling over logs with a pine forest backdrop.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bear lockers at Canyon Campground?

Yes. Bear lockers are provided at each campsite and must be used.

Can I bring a dog on trails?

Pets are allowed on-site but not on park trails, except for service animals.

Do I need to book far in advance?

Yes. The campground is in high demand; book early via the direct URL.

What is the length limit for RVs at Canyon Campground?

Maximum combined length is 40 feet; oversized units are generally not accommodated.

Are showers included with the campsite rate?

Yes, two showers per night are included with the campsite rate (group sites excluded).

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.