Campground

Yellowstone RV Park

CampgroundOPERATIONAL★ 4.3
An elk stands on a sunlit hillside beside RVs at Yellowstone RV Park campground in Yellowstone National Park.

Alright, Yellowstone River RV Park sits just south of the North Entrance as a budget-friendly basecamp for Mammoth and Gardiner. There are 85 RV and tent sites, none with hookups, but potable water spigots are spread around and a fire ring with a picnic table is at every site. Showers aren’t on-site; pay showers are available at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Gardiner. Quiet hours are enforced, and each site has a bear locker for food storage—plan for a bear country stay.

RV park along the Yellowstone River offering showers, laundry & free Wi-Fi, plus tent sites.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Not explicitly stated; reservations recommended for peak season.
Reservation Tips
Book via Recreation.gov; set alarms 6 months out for peak season; have RV length and towed vehicle length ready
Season Dates
Year-round operation; reservations typically required Apr 15–Oct 15; rest of year first-come, first-served.

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Not explicitly stated; reservations recommended for peak season.
Reservation Tips
Book via Recreation.gov; set alarms 6 months out for peak season; have RV length and towed vehicle length ready
Season Dates
Year-round operation; reservations typically required Apr 15–Oct 15; rest of year first-come, first-served.
Fills Up Speed
Mid-July peak; winter weekends can be busy.
Per Night Cost
$20/night
Extra Vehicle Fees
Varies
Day Use Fees
Varies
Passes Accepted
50% discount for America the Beautiful Senior/Access Pass (site fee only)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
85
Site Types
RV sites, tent sites
Site Type Breakdown
RV sites, tent sites (counts not published)
RV Max Length
Most sites: combined length up to 40 ft; some long sites up to 75 ft; winter cap 30 ft.
Group Sites Available
0
Hookups
No electrical, water, or sewer hookups; potable water spigots available
Site Features
Fire ring with a grate, picnic table, and tent pads at each site
Ground Type
Tent pads; paved/gravel pads
Site Privacy
Privacy depends on site choice: river-adjacent sites offer open views with neighbors nearby, while sites tucked among trees provide more shade and seclusion.

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets year-round; vault toilets in winter
Showers Available
No on-site showers; pay showers may be available at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Gardiner
Potable Water
Potable water spigots available
Dump Station
No on-site dump station; nearest in Gardiner, ~5 miles north
Trash Service
Trash and recycling collection available
Camp Store
No camp store or ice on site
Firewood Availability
Firewood sold seasonally; gathering allowed for dead, down, detached wood; moving firewood prohibited
Cell Service
Cell service is spotty and depends on location and carrier; some sites have usable signals, while others offer little to none. Plan for limited reception and coordinate important calls through the booking channel if needed.
Nearby Facilities
Gardiner, MT offers gas, groceries, restaurants, shops, post office

Access

Road Type
Paved roads with gravel parking pads
Road Conditions
Generally good; watch for tree-width constraints on larger rigs
Vehicle Restrictions
Trailers may have length restrictions by site
Clearance Needed
Most sites accommodate standard rigs; verify for very large rigs
Gate Hours
The park operates seasonally from May 1 through September 30. Gates are generally open daily during daylight hours; for exact entry times at specific gates, check the booking site or current park notices.
Distance From Entrance
5 miles from North Entrance; ~10 minutes to Gardiner and park entrance
Nearest Gas Services
Gardiner, MT; ~10 minutes away
Elevation
Varies
Accessibility
ADA accessible sites available
ADA Accessible Sites
Yes: accessible sites available

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear lockers on-site; store properly
Fire Restrictions
Wood/charcoal fires allowed in designated fire rings when not restricted; extinguish completely; gather dead wood
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Pets on leash
Generator Hours
Generators allowed but must pause 8:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.; not in unoccupied periods; 60 dB limit sometimes noted
Quiet Hours
10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.; enforcement strict; some sources note alternative start times
Max Stay Limit
14 days (Jul 1–Labor Day); 30 days otherwise
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking access; wildlife viewing; stargazing; seasonal ranger programs in the amphitheater
Trailheads Nearby
Trailheads accessible from campground
Fishing Details
There are no published on-site fishing details. The campground sits in Wapiti Valley near a river, so outdoor fishing is possible in nearby waterways. Consult the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for local regulations and access points.
Wildlife Viewing
Elk and bison frequently observed
Stargazing Quality
Dark skies; good stargazing
Shade Coverage
Partial shade; some sites near trees
Scenic Views
Yellowstone River views
Noise Level
Quiet nights; occasional river or town noise
Best Time To Visit
Summer peak; shoulder seasons spring/fall for fewer crowds
Vibe Check
Yellowstone RV Park sits along the Yellowstone River just outside the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, making it a practical base for exploring Yellowstone when in-park sites are full. The park accommodates both RVs and tents and offers many wide pull-through sites that can handle large rigs. Full hookups include electricity (50/30/20 amp), water, and sewer. Generators are subject to quiet-hours rules, though the policy isn’t published; expect standard campground quiet rules. On-site facilities include clean flush toilets, free showers, and potable water at RV hookups. A small store carries essential RV supplies and a gift shop; cell service is generally available and some reviews note free WiFi. Roads within the park are paved and well maintained, and Gardiner is within walking distance for dining and basic supplies. Bear safety is important in this area—store food properly and follow disposal guidelines. The park operates in the spring through fall, with high demand due to Yellowstone’s popularity; advance booking through the private system is advised. Nightly rates appear in reviews around the high-$90s to mid-$100s (roughly $98–$133), varying by site type. Group sites aren’t documented. Total site count isn’t published, but the property supports a sizable number of RV and tent sites.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a budget riverfront stay with big-rig capable sites near Mammoth, and you can live without hookups. ❌ SKIP IF: You require on-site showers, full hookups, or pristine privacy from neighboring sites.
Tips Advice
  • Bring bear spray and store food in lockers
  • Pack water jugs if you want extra water capacity
  • Confirm site length before arrival
  • Expect no hookups and plan accordingly

More details

Camp Types
  • rv
  • tent
  • cabin
Park Area
Yellowstone National Park – Mammoth vicinity (North Entrance)
RV Allowed
1
Family Friendly Notes
Kid-friendly, bear country awareness, short drive to Gardiner
Senior Access Discounts
50% discount for America the Beautiful Senior/Access Pass
Amphitheater
Amphitheater for ranger programs
Nearby Attractions
Gardiner, Mammoth Hot Springs; North Entrance to Yellowstone; Gardiner amenities
Terrain Type
Paved roads; gravel pads; river-adjacent terrain
Temperature Ranges
Seasonal shifts are noticeable: expect cool nights and warm days in summer; spring and fall bring cooler days with chilly nights. Pack layers and be prepared for temperature swings.
Snow Season
Varies
Monsoon Season
Varies
Wind Exposure
Varies; river valley can be breezy
Bug Season
Seasonal; bring bug spray
Setup Strategy
Big-rig folks: many sites are pull-through with paved internal roads; plan for a 40 ft combined length in most spots, but some long sites up to 75 ft exist. Winter limits shrink to 30 ft; verify site before booking. Expect limited maneuvering space and watch for overhanging branches on entry to some pads.
Bath Laundry Recon
Shower facilities are not on-site; plan to use pay showers at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Gardiner.
Review Summary
Rated 4.3 stars from 330 reviews; guests appreciate the budget riverfront basecamp, water spigots, and relative proximity to Gardiner. The lack of on-site showers is a consistent trade-off, and some rigs note tree-width constraints in certain sites. For a simple, affordable stop with bear-country realities, it delivers value.

Location

Elk grazing near RVs at a Yellowstone National Park campground, with two white travel trailers and a wooden split-rail fence.Inflatable raft with hikers on a Yellowstone National Park river by rocky banks near a campground.Tent campground at Yellowstone National Park under a bright blue sky with picnic tables and grassy sites.Riverside picnic area at a Yellowstone National Park campground with a parked RV, red bench, and flowing river.Sunlit Yellowstone RV Park campground along the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Are there showers on-site at Yellowstone River RV Park?

No; showers aren’t available on-site. Pay showers may be available at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or in Gardiner.

Can I bring my pet to the campground?

Yes, pets are allowed but must stay on a leash at all times.

Is there electricity or water hookups for RVs?

No hookups exist at sites; you can access potable water spigots around the campground.

What’s the length limit for RVs?

Most sites accommodate up to 40 ft combined length; some sites allow up to 75 ft; winter limit is 30 ft. Always confirm the exact site length when booking.

How do I reserve a spot and when should I book?

Book through Recreation.gov; peak-season demand means especially mid-July fills quickly. Reserve as far ahead as possible if traveling during Apr–Oct.

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.