Beginner’s Guide to Boondocking at Yellowstone National Park

Discovering the majestic beauty of Yellowstone National Park is a delight for many outdoor enthusiasts. However, the adventure becomes even more memorable when you choose boondocking as your mode of accommodation. Here’s a comprehensive guide from us over at RVnGO on everything you need to know about Yellowstone National Park boondocking.

Introduction to Boondocking at Yellowstone

Boondocking, also known as free camping or wild camping, entails setting up camp outside designated camping areas, usually in remote locations. Yellowstone National Park offers an exceptional opportunity for boondocking with its sprawling wilderness and diverse landscapes. However, due to its high altitude and challenging terrain, boondocking in Yellowstone requires careful planning and preparation.

Understanding the Terrain

Yellowstone’s terrain is mostly mountainous, making it a haven for hikers and nature lovers. However, these trails are often situated at altitudes over 7,000 feet, which means snow cover can persist until late May or even early June. Some mountain passes remain snow-clad until late July. Additionally, many paths necessitate crossing rivers that can be wide, deep, and frigid, especially during late spring runoff.

Finding a Campsite

Yellowstone is home to 293 recognized boondocking campsites. Each of these campsites has a specific limit on the number of people and livestock permitted per night. Stays at a single campsite can range from one to three nights, with group size limits fluctuating between four and twelve individuals. Aside from a few exceptions, only one group is allowed at each campsite. If your party exceeds the campsite limit, you’ll need to secure a second permit and maintain separate cooking and sleeping groups.

Ensuring Food Safety

To protect your food and other attractants from bears, every campsite provides a food storage pole or box. However, campers are responsible for bringing their own rope, 35 feet in length or more, to secure food at sites equipped with food poles.

Acquiring Backcountry Permits

All overnight stays in Yellowstone’s backcountry necessitate a permit, irrespective of the season. A backcountry permit allows you and your group to camp at a particular location. Day hikers, however, do not require a permit.

Peak Season Permits

During the peak season, which runs from May 15th to October 31st, backcountry permits can be acquired online in advance or in-person during the walk-up period. Advance reservations can be made on Recreation.gov during the Early Access Lottery and General On-Sale period. Walk-up permits can be obtained in person at a backcountry office up to two days before the start of the trip.

Non-Peak Season Permits

For the non-peak season, from November 1st to May 14th, backcountry permits are available online or in person up to two days before your trip. After booking a permit online, you must contact the Central Backcountry Office to have your permit issued. Permits can be printed or downloaded at home within five days of the trip’s start date after receiving a backcountry orientation from the backcountry office staff.

Making Reservations

While reservations aren’t mandatory, they are strongly recommended. Approximately 75% of backcountry campsites can be reserved in advance. Reservation requests must be made at least three days prior to the start date of the trip. Remaining campsites can be claimed on a first-come, first-serve basis at a park Backcountry Office no more than two days before the trip start date.

Participating in the Early Access Lottery

Due to the high demand for backcountry campsites during peak periods, Yellowstone offers an Early Access Lottery. This lottery employs a fair and randomized process, ensuring each applicant has an equal opportunity for selection. Successful applicants receive early access to reservations, with those gaining earliest access having more options to secure a reservation for popular areas.

General On-Sale

On April 26th, the remaining permits for open campsites become available on Recreation.gov. Reservations must be completed at least three days before the trip’s start date.

Walk-up Permits

Walk-up backcountry permits can be obtained at a Yellowstone Backcountry Office on a first-come, first-served basis, payable by debit or credit card. These permits can be secured up to two days before the start of the trip and cannot be issued over the phone or online.

Backcountry Permit Fees

The Early Access Lottery Application Fee is a non-refundable $10. A Recreation Fee of $5 per person, per night, plus a $10 reservation fee, is charged year-round for permits obtained through Recreation.gov or in-person at a backcountry office.

Booking Guided Trips

Several commercial enterprises are authorized to offer guided overnight backpacking, boating, llama packing, and horseback excursions into Yellowstone’s backcountry. These businesses handle the necessary permits for the trips they facilitate. Unlock the secrets of boondocking with our Expert’s guide to boondocking. It’s packed with insider tips and tricks to enhance your off-grid camping adventures. Dive into the article now and discover how to make the most of this incredible camping experience.

Contacting the Backcountry Office

For assistance with trip planning and any questions, the Central Backcountry Office staff can be reached via email or phone at 307-344-2160.

Boondocking in Yellowstone National Park is a unique experience that combines the thrill of adventure with the serenity of nature. With careful planning and the right permits, you can enjoy a memorable camping experience amidst the park’s rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.