Does Madison Campground have cell service?

Cell signal at Madison Campground: Essentially none inside Yellowstone. Download all maps, weather, and park info before entering any gate. This is non-negotiable.

What are the fire rules at Madison Campground?

Fire rules at Madison Campground: Campfires in rings only. Fire restrictions common in dry summers. No firewood gathering in the park. Check nps.gov/yell for current conditions.

What is the best time to visit Madison Campground?

May: Newborn bison and elk. Snow can still fall but fewer crowds. Most dramatic wildlife. Sep–Oct: Elk rut. Fall color. Crowds drop. Bears feeding before hibernation near the river.

What are the best things to do near Madison Campground?

Near Madison Campground: Madison Valley wildlife walk at 6am — bison and elk guaranteed. Firehole River swimming area (2 mi south) — geothermally heated, 80°F, often empty at dawn. Grand Prismatic Spring (4 miles) — most vivid thermal feature in the world, best seen from the overlook trail. Old Faithful Upper Geyser Basin (14 mi) — arrive before 9am or after 4pm. Norris Geyser Basin (14 mi) — most geologically active area, often overlooked for Old Faithful.

Is there wildlife at Madison Campground?

Wildlife alert for Madison Campground: BISON right-of-way always. Never approach — 2,000lb animals that charge with no warning. Grizzly bears present throughout Yellowstone. Bear spray required on all backcountry hikes.

What are the common problems at Madison Campground?

At Madison Campground: No hookups at Madison — only Fishing Bridge has hookups inside Yellowstone (hard-sided RVs only). Solution: Fishing Bridge RV Park (requires hard-sided RV only — no soft-sided) for hookups. West Yellowstone gateway town has multiple full-hookup options 10 miles west.

What are the insider tips for Madison Campground?

Insider tips for Madison Campground: The Firehole swimming area is 2 miles south — best kept secret in Yellowstone Enter the park before 9am or after 5pm — road congestion at Old Faithful is genuinely severe midday Wyoming fishing license required for Madison River — available online before you arrive

What makes Madison Campground unique?

The Firehole River swimming area — 2 miles south of Madison Junction — is one of the only places in Yellowstone where swimming is permitted. The water is heated by geothermal activity to a perfect 80°F in summer. It's free, often empty by 7am, and one of the most surreal swim spots on Earth. Most Yellowstone visitors never know it exists.

What amenities does Madison Campground have?

Madison Campground amenities: Flush Toilets, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Fire Rings, Bear Boxes, Amphitheater, Ranger Programs, Picnic Tables, Recycling, Accessible Sites. Hookups: No hookups. Dry camping only. Dump station available. Only Fishing Bridge has hookups inside Yellowstone (hard-sided RVs only)..

How do I book a campsite at Madison Campground?

Book Madison Campground directly at camperwatch.org/book/madison-yellowstone. No booking fees. Select your dates, site type, and pay online. CamperWatch takes 5% only on completed bookings.

Bison herd grazing in Yellowstone National Park Madison Valley at dusk

Bison and elk graze through Madison Valley every morning

Madison Campground

✓ Sites Available

Dead center in Yellowstone — geysers, wildlife, and the Madison River at your door

Yellowstone National Park, WY4.4 (1203)6,913 ft

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The most strategically located campground in Yellowstone National Park. Madison sits at the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon rivers where they form the Madison River — world-class fly fishing steps from your tent. Positioned exactly halfway between Old Faithful and Norris Geyser Basin, it's the only campground in the park interior with a ranger amphitheater. 278 individual sites plus 3 group sites — RV, tent, and combination available. Hikers and cyclists can walk in for $10/person (non-reservable). No hookups of any kind — dry camping with a dump station on site. No showers at Madison (nearest are at Canyon Campground). Max RV length 40ft. Bison and elk graze through the Madison Valley every morning. Open May 1 – October 18, 2026.

Best For

Fly fishermenWildlife watchersFamiliesYellowstone loop travelers

Site Types

RVTent

Amenities

Flush Toilets

Drinking Water

Dump Station

Fire Rings

Bear Boxes

Amphitheater

Ranger Programs

Picnic Tables

Recycling

Accessible Sites

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Season

May 1 – October 18, 2026 (dates subject to change). Booked via Yellowstone National Park Lodges (not Recreation.gov — moving to Recreation.gov for 2027 season).

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

No hookups — dry camping only. Nearest full service is Old Faithful 14 miles south. Books months ahead for summer. No generators. Flies and mosquitoes can be intense June–July.

Cancellation Policy

Yellowstone National Park Lodges: cancel in advance to avoid forfeiting first night. Senior/Access Pass holders get 50% off — use promo code PASS when booking.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Madison Campground cost per night?+

Madison Campground costs $30–$35 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: No hookups. Dry camping only. Dump station available. Only Fishing Bridge has hookups inside Yellowstone (hard-sided RVs only).

What season is Madison Campground open?+

Madison Campground is open May 1 – October 18, 2026 (dates subject to change). Booked via Yellowstone National Park Lodges (not Recreation.gov — moving to Recreation.gov for 2027 season).. Check-in is 12:00 PM, check-out is 11:00 AM.

Does Madison Campground have hookups?+

No hookups. Dry camping only. Dump station available. Only Fishing Bridge has hookups inside Yellowstone (hard-sided RVs only).

What is the maximum RV length at Madison Campground?+

Madison Campground can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long.

How far is Madison Campground from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Madison Junction has no store — Old Faithful Village 14 miles south

Open in OpenStreetMap ↗

$30 – $35/night

4.4· 1203 reviews

SeasonMay 1 – October 18, 2026 (dates subject to change). Booked via Yellowstone National Park Lodges (not Recreation.gov — moving to Recreation.gov for 2027 season).

Max RV40 ft

HookupsNo hookups

BeachMadison River — swimming not recommended (thermal waters)

GroceryMadison Junction has no store — Old Faithful Village 14 miles south

Phone(307) 344-7381

🏕 Book Directly — No Extra Fees Also on external site

No fees added by CamperWatch.