Yellowstone Backcountry Camping

Backcountry Camping

Quick Facts about Backcountry Camping

• A permit is required for backcountry camping within Yellowstone National Park. 
• Camping is prohibited in any place other than a designated backcountry campsite. 
• Each designated backcountry campsite has a limit for the number of people and stock and on the number of nights you can stay at a site. 
• Campfires are permitted only in established fire pits and restrictions are sometimes set in place. 
• Store your food properly from a provided food storage pole. 
• Respect wildlife and remember to pack out what you pack in. 
• Hunting is prohibited in Yellowstone National Park.

Backcountry Permits

Yellowstone National Park requires that you obtain a backcountry permit in person and no more than 48 hours prior to your trip. Although permits are available at most visitor centers and ranger stations it is advised to obtain your permit at the center closest to the trailhead you wish to embark from in order to receive the most up to date information on trails, weather and restrictions. Please note that backcountry users must have their permits with them at all times in the backcountry and permits are only valid for the dates specified.

Reservations for Backcountry Campsites

Although you must pick up your backcountry permit in person, you can reserve a portion of backcountry campsites ahead of time in person or by mail. A non-refundable fee applies to request a backcountry campsite reservation. Not all campsites can be reserved ahead of time so you can sometimes wait until 48 hours ahead of time to reserve a campsite. It is advised to have more than one itinerary planned in case backcountry sites are unavailable. Call (307) 344-2160 for details on reserving backcountry campsites.

Where to Get Your Permit

During the summer season (June - August), permits are available at most visitor centers and ranger stations. During the fall, winter, and spring, permits can be obtained at the closest open visitor center. Check visitor center hours and seasons for details.

Bear Country

Wyoming's bears call Yellowstone home; therefore precautions must be made for their safety and yours. Please adhere to the following precautions.

• Camping: Avoid camping in areas that have obvious signs of recent bear activity evidence of bear activity such as digging, tracks, or scat. Sleep a minimum of 100 yards from where you cook and store your food.
• Food: Store food, cooking utensils and odorous items (like soap, toothpaste, etc.) properly as odors attract bears. Keep your campsite clean and never store food or odorous items in your tent. Most backcountry campsites are equipped with food poles. 
• Backpacks: Backpacks containing food and odorous items should never be left unattended. 
• A fed bear is a dead bear: If bears obtain human food it can result in them becoming aggressive in other situations to obtain more food. If a bear presents a threat to human safety, the bear is either removed from the park or killed.

If you encounter or see a bear, report it to a park ranger as soon as possible.

Rules and Guidelines 

• Trash must be carried out of the backcountry. 
• Human waste must be buried at least 100 feet from water and at least 6 inches below the ground. 
• Do not wash dishes or bathe in any waterway. 
• Make sure to filter, boil or treat any drinking or cooking water that is used from lakes or streams. 
• Remain on designated trails. 
• Thermal areas are fenced off for your safety. Do not swim or bathe in thermal pools.

Yellowstone National Park provides an in depth and very useful Backcountry Trip Planner. We try to provide the most up to date information but if you have additional questions, please contact the park service directly at (307) 344-2160.

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