Expanded Yellowstone campground reservations on tap

Expanded Yellowstone campground reservations are on tap for three more areas–Mammoth, Slough Creek and a portion of Pebble Creek–beginning at the end of the month.

About half (41 percent) of campsites managed by the NPS will be placed on the new Yellowstone campground reservations system and the rest will remain first-come, first-served. For visitors who arrive without reservations, the park will have two-and-a-half campgrounds operating on a first-come, first-served basis. However, reservations (where available) are highly encouraged since campgrounds fill each day, often before noon. 

The ability to make reservations will enable visitors to plan their trips ahead of time and provide assurance that they will have a campsite upon arrival. It will enrich the visitor experience by reducing traffic congestion at campgrounds, improving safety, and eliminate uncertainty and frustration. 

Reservations will go live on recreation.gov starting March 24 at 8 a.m. MST. Visitors will be able to book campsites up to six months in advance. Campgrounds are expected to fill quickly once sites are made available. The new system is also date-dependent: 100 percent of Mammoth will be subject to reservations during high season (May 1 – Oct. 15), but will operate on a first-come, first served basis the rest of the year. All in all, 271 campground sites will be part of the reservation pool. Check out the schedule for the 2021 Yellowstone operating season here.

Advance reservations for NPS campgrounds are currently available at Bridge Bay, Madison, Canyon, and Grant Village campgrounds. Once Fishing Bridge RV Park opens in 2022 (it will remain closed in 2021), it will covered under the same reservations plan by Yellowstone concessionaire Yellowstone National Park Lodges, which maintains its own reservation system.

Fees at the campgrounds below will increase by $5 to cover the recreation.gov processing fee.

Photo of Slough Creek Campground courtesy Yellowstone National Park.