BY Angelica Stabile & Marco Kathuria—As the U.S. celebrates the 150th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park here’s a collection of fascinating facts and interesting details, numbers, and quotes to this remarkable national preserve. We’ve also included campground information with links and information to help you book your spot.
Yellowstone’s beginnings
1. Established on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the first national park in the U.S.
2. President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone Protection Act into law for “the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”
3. President Grant never visited Yellowstone; but he explored areas of the American West such as Washington state, Nebraska, the Dakotas and Colorado, all of which piqued his interest in wildlife preservation.
4. Archeological sites, trails, and oral histories prove that humans have inhabited Yellowstone for the last 11,000 years.
5. Yellowstone National Park was the site of 27 Native American tribes for more than 10,000 years before the park was founded.
6. The first organized European American expedition explored Yellowstone in 1870.
7. The railroad arrived at Yellowstone in 1883 — expanding accessibility to the park.
8. The U.S. Army was put in charge of watching over the park in 1886.
9. In the early 1900s, the federal government launched a campaign that killed off nearly all predatory species and bison.
10. The National Park Service was founded in 1916.
Yellowstone’s geography
11. Yellowstone exists across 3 states — mostly in Wyoming (96%) and in Montana (3%) and Idaho (1%) as well.
12. The highest point of Yellowstone National Park is 11,358 feet, at Eagle Peak.
13. The lowest point of Yellowstone National Park is 5,282 feet at Reese Creek.
14. The park is comprised of forest (80%), grassland (15%) and water (5%).
15. The park is located at the convergence of the Great Plains, Great Basin, and Columbia Plateau.
16. Yellowstone National Park is bigger than 2 U.S. states. It stretches for 3,472 square miles and across more than 2.2 million acres — making it larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined, according to Yellowstone.org.
Yellowstone’s recreation and visitation
79. There are about 3,200 employees working for concessioners during the summer peak at Yellowstone.
80. Yellowstone National Park has 11 visitor centers, museums, and contact stations.
81. The park has 9 hotels and lodges, with more than 2,000 rooms.
82. Yellowstone has 7 campgrounds managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and 5 concession-operated campgrounds.
83. Yellowstone has 52 picnic areas and one marina.
84. The park has a total of 466 miles of paved roads and more than 15 miles of boardwalk.
85. There are approximately 1,000 miles of hiking trails throughout the park.
86. Yellowstone has 35 ski and snowshoe trails.
87. Yellowstone’s Grand Loop is 142 miles of road; it curves in a figure-8 throughout the park, according to Planet Ware.
88. Driving the entire loop can take 4 to 7 hours, depending on traffic.
89. Scattered throughout Yellowstone’s back country are 301 campsites and 92 trailheads.
90. The year 2021 marked Yellowstone’s busiest year on record, at 4,860,537 visitors — up 28% from 2020 (the year the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S.).
91. July 2021 was the most visited month that year — and the month of July continues to be the most popular month for visitors every year.
92. In July 2021, the park exceeded 1 million visitors in that month alone, which marked the first time it had done so in recorded history.
Camping in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park offers 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 established campsites. All campsites must be reserved in advance, with the exception of Mammoth Campground which offers first-come, first-served sites from October 15 – April 1. If you arrive without a reservation, the chances of finding a campsite in the park are very unlikely. Most campsites are reserved far in advance, so it is recommended that you make reservations as early as you can. All dates are subject to change.
Campground Tips & Regulations
General Regulations
- Campsite occupancy is limited to six people per site, excluding group campgrounds.
- Camping is limited to 14 days from July 1 through Labor Day (first Monday in September) and to 30 days the rest of the year. There is no limit at Fishing Bridge RV Park.
- Drinking water is normally available in all campgrounds.
- Campfires, including those in portable wood or propane fire pits, are prohibited in the Fishing Bridge RV Park. Wood and charcoal fires are permitted in all other campgrounds, unless high fire danger prompts special restrictions. Any restrictions will be listed on campground information boards and on the current conditions page. Propane grills and stoves are not usually affected by fire restrictions.
- Where allowed, generators are limited to 60 db. They may be run from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
- All campgrounds offer discounts for Senior Passes, except Fishing Bridge RV Park.
RVs
- The delivery or pick-up of out-of-park RVs or other camper unit rentals is prohibited.
- Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground offering water, sewer, and electrical hookups (50 amp service): it is for hard-sided vehicles only (no tents or tent-trailers).
- Dump stations, where available, may close when temperatures are below freezing.
Group Campsites
- Group sites are available at Bridge Bay, Grant Village, and Madison campgrounds for large groups with a designated leader (e.g., educational groups). Fees range from $146 to $430 per night, depending on group size. Advance reservations are required. Contact Yellowstone National Park Lodges for pricing and availability.
| Reservable Through Recreation.gov |
|---|
| Campground | 2022 Dates | Nightly Fee | Sites |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Creek | June 10 – Sep 11 | $20 | 70 | ● | ● | ● | 35 | |||||
| Lewis Lake | June 15 – Oct 14 | $20 | 84 | ● | ● | 25 | ||||||
| Mammoth | Year-round | $25 | 82 | ● | ● | ● | ● | 301 | ||||
| Norris | Closed in 2022 | 111 | ● | ● | ● | ● | 50 | |||||
| Pebble Creek | June 15 – Sep 25 | $20 | 27 | ● | ● | ● | 2 | |||||
| Slough Creek | June 15 – Oct 10 | $20 | 16 | ● | ● | 303 | ||||||
| Tower Fall | TBD | 31 | ● | ● | 304 |
| Reservable Through Yellowstone National Park Lodges |
|---|
| Campground | 2022 Dates | Nightly Fee | Sites | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge Bay | May 20 – Sep 5 | $29 + taxes | 432 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | 60 | |||
| Canyon | May 27 – Sep 18 | $34 + taxes | 273 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | 40 | ||
| Fishing Bridge RV Park | May 27 – Oct 8 | $83 + taxes | 310 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | 95 | ||
| Grant Village | June 3 – Sep 11 | $34 + taxes | 430 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | 50 | ||
| Madison | May 5 – Oct 16 | $29 + taxes | 278 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | 60 |
Campground Information
Bridge Bay Campground
- Camp Store – Seasonal
- Dump Station – Seasonal
- Cell Phone Reception – Seasonal
- Firewood For Sale – Seasonal
- Ice Available For Sale – Seasonal
- Food Storage Lockers – Seasonal
- Trash/Recycling Collection – Seasonal
- Amphitheater – Seasonal
- Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal
- Potable Water – Seasonal
- Flush Toilets – seasonal
- Showers – None
Bridge Bay Campground—elevation 7,800 feet (2377 m)—is located near Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest, high-elevation, fresh-water lakes in North America. Campers at Bridge Bay will enjoy spectacular views of the lake and the Absaroka Range rising above the lake’s eastern shore.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.
TOTAL SITES: 432
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 4
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Canyon Campground
- Laundry – Seasonal
- Dump Station – Seasonal
- Cell Phone Reception – Seasonal
- Firewood For Sale – Seasonal
- Ice Available For Sale – Seasonal
- Food Storage Lockers – Seasonal
- Trash/Recycling Collection – Seasonal
- Amphitheater – Seasonal
- Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal
- Potable Water – Seasonal
- Flush Toilets – seasonal
- Showers – Hot – Seasonal
Canyon Campground—elevation 7,900 feet (2408 m)—lies in a lodgepole pine forest at Canyon Village, south of the Washburn range and near the breath-taking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Canyon Village offers stores, restaurants, and lodging. Nearby hikes include Cascade Lake, Mount Washburn, and the Canyon Rim trails.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.
TOTAL SITES: 273
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Fishing Bridge RV Park
- Camp Store – Seasonal
- Laundry – Seasonal
- Dump Station – Seasonal
- Cell Phone Reception – Seasonal
- Ice Available For Sale – Seasonal
- Trash/Recycling Collection – Seasonal
- Amphitheater – Seasonal
- Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal
- Potable Water – Seasonal
- Flush Toilets – seasonal
- Showers – None
Fishing Bridge RV Park—elevation 7,800 feet (2377 m)—is located near the Yellowstone River where it exits Yellowstone Lake on its way toward the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Only campground in Yellowstone to offer water, sewer, and electrical hookups. Because grizzly bears frequent the area, no tents or tent campers are allowed.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.
TOTAL SITES: 310
Electric Hookups: 310
RV Only: 310
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Grant Village Campground
- Camp Store – Seasonal
- Laundry – Seasonal
- Dump Station – Seasonal
- Cell Phone Reception – Seasonal
- Firewood For Sale – Seasonal
- Ice Available For Sale – Seasonal
- Food Storage Lockers – Seasonal
- Trash/Recycling Collection – Seasonal
- Amphitheater – Seasonal
- Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal
- Potable Water – Seasonal
- Flush Toilets – seasonal
- Showers – None
Grant Campground—elevation 7,800 feet (2377 m)—is located in Grant Village, just off the Grand Loop Road at the south end of Yellowstone Lake. It is one of the larger campgrounds in the park. Group and wheel-chair accessible sites are available. Nearby there are stores, a restaurant, gas station, visitor center, and boat ramp.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.
TOTAL SITES: 430
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 8
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Madison Campground
- Dump Station – Seasonal
- Firewood For Sale – Seasonal
- Ice Available For Sale – Seasonal
- Food Storage Lockers – Seasonal
- Trash/Recycling Collection – Seasonal
- Amphitheater – Seasonal
- Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal
- Potable Water – Seasonal
- Flush Toilets – seasonal
- Showers – None
Madison Campground—elevation 6,800 feet (2073 m)—sits about 14 miles east from the town of West Yellowstone and 16 miles north of Old Faithful. Nearby, the Gibbon and Firehole rivers join to form the Madison River. In early summer, meadows teem with wildflowers and bison. In September and October, you can often hear bugling elk.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.
TOTAL SITES: 278
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 62
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 3
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Indian Creek Campground
- Food Storage Lockers – Seasonal
- Trash/Recycling Collection – Seasonal
- Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal
- Potable Water – Seasonal
- Vault Toilets – seasonal
- Showers – None
Located about eight miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs on the road to Norris, Indian Creek Campground—elevation 7,300 feet (2225 m)—sits near the base of the Gallatin Mountains and offers breathtaking views of Electric Peak. The area offers easy access to fishing and hiking. The campground is away from the main road and provides a quieter, more primitive, experience than many other locations.
This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.
TOTAL SITES: 70
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Mammoth Campground
- Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal
- Cell Phone Reception
- Firewood For Sale – Seasonal
- Food Storage Lockers
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- Amphitheater – Seasonal
- Potable Water
- Flush Toilets – year round
- Showers – None
The only campground in the park open year-round, Mammoth Campground—elevation 6,200 feet (1890 m)—is located five miles south of the park’s North Entrance. Scattered juniper and Douglas fir trees provide shade during hot summer months. The campground is close to fishing, hiking, and the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. Great wildlife viewing opportunities abound with elk and bison occasionally passing through the campground.
This is a reservable campground 4/1–10/15 run by the National Park Service.
TOTAL SITES: 85
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Norris Campground
- Firewood For Sale – Seasonal
- Food Storage Lockers – Seasonal
- Trash/Recycling Collection – Seasonal
- Amphitheater – Seasonal
- Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal
- Potable Water – Seasonal
- Flush Toilets – seasonal
- Showers – None
This campground–elevation 7,500 feet (2,286 m)–is located near a large open meadow, which provides opportunity for wildlife viewing. Bison frequently walk through the campground. Most sites are shaded by lodgepole pine. The Museum of the National Park Ranger is a quick walk from the campground, as are Norris Geyser Basin Museum and Norris Geyser Basin–the hottest and most changeable thermal area in Yellowstone.
This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.
TOTAL SITES: 112
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Pebble Creek Campground
- Food Storage Lockers – Seasonal
- Trash/Recycling Collection – Seasonal
- Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal
- Potable Water – Seasonal
- Vault Toilets – seasonal
- Showers – None
Pebble Creek Campground—elevation 6,900 feet (2103 m)—lies against the dramatic backdrop of the Absaroka Mountains near the park’s Northeast Entrance and offers a more isolated camping experience. Day hiking opportunities are available nearby. Soda Butte Creek offers fishing opportunities and there are outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities throughout Lamar Valley.
This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.
TOTAL SITES: 27
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Tower Fall Campground
- Camp Store – Seasonal
- Food Storage Lockers – Seasonal
- Trash/Recycling Collection – Seasonal
- Amphitheater – Seasonal
- Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal
- Potable Water – Seasonal
- Vault Toilets – seasonal
- Showers – None
Tower Fall Campground—elevation 6,600 feet (2012 m)—is located on the north side of the steep, winding, road to Dunraven Pass. The campground is near the Tower General Store and Tower Fall. The Lamar Valley, with spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, is located nearby as are several hiking trails. Roosevelt Lodge, a short drive from the campground, offers dining and horseback riding.
This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.
TOTAL SITES: 31
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Lewis Lake Campground
- Food Storage Lockers – Seasonal
- Trash/Recycling Collection – Seasonal
- Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal
- Potable Water – Seasonal
- Vault Toilets – seasonal
- Showers – None
Lewis Lake Campground—elevation 7,800 ft (2377 m)—is about eight miles from the South Entrance and a short walk from the southeast shore of Lewis Lake. A boat ramp is located near the campground information and registration area. Canoes, kayaks, and motor boats are allowed on Lewis Lake. Boat permits and an aquatic invasive species inspection performed by park staff are required.
This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.
TOTAL SITES: 85
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Slough Creek Campground
- Food Storage Lockers – Seasonal
- Trash/Recycling Collection – Seasonal
- Staff or Volunteer Host On Site – Seasonal
- Potable Water – Seasonal
- Vault Toilets – seasonal
- Showers – None
Slough Creek Campground—elevation 6,250 feet (1905 m)—is near some of the best wildlife watching opportunities in the park. Located at the end of a two mile dirt road, this campground is best suited for tents and small RVs. There are plenty of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area, including the Slough Creek Trail which begins nearby. Nighttime offers a quiet, unimpeded view of the stars and the possibility of hearing wolves howl.
This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.
TOTAL SITES: 16
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 0
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
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