Campground

Lewis Lake Campground & Boat Launch

CampgroundOPERATIONAL★ 4.2
Lewis Lake Ranger Station at Yellowstone National Park sits among tall pines near the campground and boat launch.

Lewis Lake Campground sits on a forested hillside near Lewis Lake within Yellowstone. It hosts tent sites and small RV sites (max 25 ft) with fire rings, tables, and bear boxes; water spigots are available, and vault toilets serve the campground. There are no hookups or showers, and camping is family-friendly with quiet nights, though some sites sit closer to neighbors. Bears roam the area, so store food in bear boxes and follow established fire and water rules.

Lakeside camping spot offering tent sites with fire pits & tables, plus a boat ramp & wooded trails.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
80% six months in advance, 20% two weeks in advance
Reservation Tips
Book early; six months out for most sites; 80/20 booking window; set alarm for six months
Season Dates
June 15 – October 14

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
80% six months in advance, 20% two weeks in advance
Reservation Tips
Book early; six months out for most sites; 80/20 booking window; set alarm for six months
Season Dates
June 15 – October 14
Fills Up Speed
Books last among Yellowstone campgrounds; shoulder seasons often available; book early for peak
Per Night Cost
$20/night
Extra Vehicle Fees
Varies
Day Use Fees
Varies
Passes Accepted
Golden Age and Golden Access permits receive a 50% discount on camping fees

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
85
Site Types
Tent sites, small RV sites
Site Type Breakdown
Tent sites, small RV sites
RV Max Length
25 feet
Group Sites Available
0
Hookups
No electric, water, or sewer hookups
Site Features
Fire rings with grates, picnic tables, bear boxes at most tent sites, potable water spigots, vault toilets, bear-proof dumpsters; pack-it-out encouraged; dead/down wood allowed in established rings
Ground Type
Tent pads present; ground type not specified
Site Privacy
Good privacy between sites; some sites closer to neighbors

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Vault toilets
Showers Available
No
Potable Water
Potable water spigots available; bring a water jug
Dump Station
No dump station
Trash Service
Bear-proof dumpsters; Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out encouraged
Camp Store
No camp store
Firewood Availability
Gather dead, down, and detached wood in established fire rings; no on-site firewood for sale; park wood recommended if needed
Cell Service
No cell service
Nearby Facilities
Nearest services unknown; limited on-site; South Entrance area

Access

Road Type
Paved roads within campground
Road Conditions
Generally well-maintained
Vehicle Restrictions
All wheeled vehicles must stay on established roadways or parking areas; 25 ft max length
Clearance Needed
Standard clearance; sedan friendly
Gate Hours
Not published; verify at park entrance
Distance From Entrance
Approximately 8–12 miles from the South Entrance
Nearest Gas Services
Grant Village, approximately 6 miles north
Elevation
7,800 ft (2377 m)
Accessibility
No dedicated ADA sites; some accessibility at bathrooms and Ranger Station; C30 may offer better access
ADA Accessible Sites
No dedicated ADA sites; C30 may offer better accessibility; bathrooms and Ranger Station accessible

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear boxes provided; follow park bear-safety rules; store food in bear boxes
Fire Restrictions
Stage 1 restrictions common during high fire danger; fires only in designated fire rings; unattended fires prohibited
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Leash
Generator Hours
Generators prohibited
Quiet Hours
10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Max Stay Limit
14 days (July 1 – Labor Day); 30 days rest of year
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking, fishing, boating, photography, wildlife viewing
Trailheads Nearby
Access to backcountry camping trails from campground
Fishing Details
Fishing permitted; license required; Lewis Lake access
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities common
Stargazing Quality
Good due to limited light pollution
Shade Coverage
Dense forest canopy; shaded sites
Scenic Views
Lake and forest views
Noise Level
Generally quiet; occasional road noise
Best Time To Visit
Shoulder seasons for quiet; book early for peak; early mornings best for lake access
Vibe Check
Forested, serene basecamp feel near a lake; not a resort—expect a simple, quiet experience with limited services
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You’re camping in a tent or small RV (≤25 ft) and want lake access in a forest setting; budget-friendly. ❌ SKIP IF: You need full hookups, showers, or you require cell service and on-site store
Tips Advice
  • Bring water jug for lake transport
  • Pack headlamp for night
  • Bear boxes—store odor
  • Stay on roads
  • Respect quiet hours

More details

Camp Types
  • tent
  • cabin
Park Area
Yellowstone National Park – Lewis Lake area
Family Friendly Notes
Forest setting, lake access, bear country; leash rules; quiet hours; simple amenities
Senior Access Discounts
Golden Age/Golden Access discounts (50%)
Boat Launch
Boat launch on Lewis Lake; motorized and non-motorized boats allowed; permits and invasive species inspection required
Nearby Attractions
Lewis Lake access; Yellowstone South Entrance vicinity; backcountry trails
Terrain Type
Densely forested with lodgepole pine on a wooded hill
Temperature Ranges
Nights cool; summers warm
Setup Strategy
Back-in sites are common; 25 ft max; interior roads are paved; sedan friendly; some sites may be unlevel; bring leveling blocks
Bath Laundry Recon
Vault toilets only; no showers; no on-site laundry
Review Summary
4.2-star rating from 211 reviews. Quiet forest campground with lake access; basic facilities; no hookups; some sites closer to neighbors; good value for budget travelers.

Location

Lewis Lake boat launch at Yellowstone National Park with a wooden dock extending into clear blue water.Shoreline along Lewis Lake at Yellowstone National Park with a sandy bank, tall pines, and a small wooden stairway to a boat launch.Lewis Lake in Yellowstone National Park reflects a clear sky with pine silhouettes and partial shoreline ice.Red tent at Lewis Lake Campground in Yellowstone National Park with a car and picnic table nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears at Lewis Lake Campground?

Yes—bear country; store food only in bear boxes and follow park bear-safety rules.

Will my RV fit?

RVs must be 25 ft or shorter. Back-in sites and paved access; plan for limited length.

Is there cell service?

Cell service is not available at the campground.

Are there showers or a dump station?

No showers and no on-site dump station.

Do passes reduce the cost?

Golden Age and Golden Access passes get a 50% camping discount.

What water options exist?

Potable water spigots are available; bring a water jug to transport water to your site.

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.