What are the fire rules at Mammoth Campground?

Fire rules at Mammoth Campground: Campfires in fire rings only. Generators prohibited. No outside firewood. Fire restrictions posted at campground entrance — check on arrival.

What is the best time to visit Mammoth Campground?

Sep: Elk rut. Bugling from the campground. Wildlife very active. Oct: Fall foliage. Fewer visitors. Geothermal steam more dramatic. Nov: Near-solitude. Cold but spectacular. Check road conditions.

What are the best things to do near Mammoth Campground?

Near Mammoth Campground: Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces at sunrise. Palette Spring and Liberty Cap. Lamar Valley drive (18 mi east). Norris Geyser Basin (21 mi south).

Is there wildlife at Mammoth Campground?

Wildlife alert for Mammoth Campground: Elk literally walk through the campground, especially during September rut. Males are aggressive — maintain distance. Bison common near the terraces. Bears active in spring and fall.

What are the common problems at Mammoth Campground?

At Mammoth Campground: Must notify campground of late arrival by calling (307) 344-2289. Solution: If you're arriving after the check-in window, call before your reservation arrival day. No-shows get cancelled at checkout time on the day after your scheduled arrival.

What are the insider tips for Mammoth Campground?

Insider tips for Mammoth Campground: The Mammoth Hotel general store stocks basic groceries and camping supplies — last resupply before heading to the Northern Range Park headquarters is adjacent — rangers here know current wildlife locations and road conditions better than anywhere Off-season (Oct-Nov): ask at the visitor center for daily wildlife report cards — staff will tell you where animals were spotted that morning

What makes Mammoth Campground unique?

Mammoth in early November — geothermal steam visible from miles away in cold air, elk still bugling through the terraces, and the campground nearly empty. The entrance fee gets you into the park but the crowds are gone.

How do I book a campsite at Mammoth Campground?

Mammoth Campground is a federal campground — book at Recreation.gov (search "Mammoth Campground"). Sites are released 6 months in advance and sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/mammoth-campground-yellowstone to be notified the moment a site opens up.

Mammoth Campground

Yellowstone’s only year-round reservable NPS camp — steps from the hot spring terraces

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, WY4.6 (2760)6,239 ft

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Mammoth is the only NPS-managed, Recreation.gov-reservable Yellowstone campground open essentially year-round (mid-April through November). At 6,239 ft near Mammoth Hot Springs and park headquarters, it offers spectacular access to the terrace formations and year-round wildlife. 85 sites in high sagebrush steppe with scattered juniper and Douglas fir. Elk, bison, pronghorn, and mule deer regularly wander through the campground. No hookups, generators prohibited. The Mammoth Hot Springs boardwalk is a 10-minute walk.

Things to do nearby

Mammoth Hot Springs TerracesMammoth HotelLamar ValleyMammoth Hot Springs Terraces at sunrise

Best For

Year-round Yellowstone visitorsHot springs enthusiastsElk watchers in SeptemberFall and winter campers

Site Types

TentRV (sites are snug, max ~30 ft recommended)

Amenities

Flush Toilets (seasonal)

Vault Toilets (winter)

Potable Water

Picnic Tables

Fire Grates

Adjacent Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor Center and Hotel

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

10:00 AM

Season

April 15 – November (typically year-round)

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

Generators prohibited. 14-day limit summer, 30-day rest of year. No hookups. Must call (307) 344-2289 to notify of late arrival or reservation may be cancelled. No rental RV delivery permitted.

Cancellation Policy

Recreation.gov standard: full refund if cancelled 2+ days before arrival. $10 non-refundable reservation fee.

Why campers love Mammoth Campground

Mammoth is Yellowstone's most versatile campground. It's the only one open essentially year-round, the only NPS-managed one reservable on Recreation.gov, and the closest to park headquarters and services. The hot spring terraces are a 10-minute walk. Wildlife including elk and bison wander through the campground routinely. Fall and early winter camping here is spectacular — you have the park almost to yourself.

What's new in 2026

2026: Reservations required starting April 15 through the season. Reserve on Recreation.gov as early as possible.

What campers say about Mammoth Campground

"October at Mammoth: geysers steaming in cold air, elk everywhere, basically no tourists. One of the best camping experiences of my life."

— The Dyrt

"Walked the terraces at 6am before anyone else arrived. Magical."

— TripAdvisor

"Summer can feel crowded with day visitors using the terraces. Camp here for the off-season experience."

— Campendium

Not the right fit if…

✕You need hookups or generators
✕You want lake or geyser basin access from camp (those require driving)
✕You're renting an RV and can't drive it to the park

Frequently asked questions

How much does Mammoth Campground cost per night?+

Mammoth Campground costs $25 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: None. Generators prohibited.

What season is Mammoth Campground open?+

Mammoth Campground is open April 15 – November (typically year-round). Check-in is 12:00 PM, check-out is 10:00 AM.

Does Mammoth Campground have hookups?+

None. Generators prohibited.

What is the maximum RV length at Mammoth Campground?+

Mammoth Campground can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Mammoth Campground?+

Mammoth Campground is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.

What is the cell service like at Mammoth Campground?+

Moderate signal at Mammoth — better than most of Yellowstone. Verizon gets 2-3 bars near headquarters. Degrades quickly heading east toward the Northern Range.

How far is Mammoth Campground from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel general store — 0.3 miles.

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