Mammoth Campground

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

Location: Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, WY, WY

Price: From $25 per night

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (2760 reviews)

Season: April 15 – November (typically year-round)

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

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): weak signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: Verizon. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 0%. T-Mobile 4G: 0%.

Amenities: Flush Toilets (seasonal), Vault Toilets (winter), Potable Water, Picnic Tables, Fire Grates, Adjacent Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor Center and Hotel

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/mammoth-campground-yellowstone to be notified when sites open up.

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.

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.

What is new at Mammoth Campground: 2026: Reservations required starting April 15 through the season. Reserve on Recreation.gov as early as possible.

Wildlife alert: 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.

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

Things to do 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).

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

Skip Mammoth Campground 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.

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..

Common issues at Mammoth Campground: Must notify campground of late arrival by calling (307) 344-2289. 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. No generators allowed. Plan accordingly. Bring a solar charger or battery pack for devices. No RV rental delivery permitted. If renting an RV, you must drive it yourself from outside the park.

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

Nearby campgrounds: Eagle Creek Campground - Custer Gallatin National Forest (Gardiner, MT), Indian Creek Campground (Wy) (Yellowstone, WY), Bear Creek Campground - Mt (Ennis, MT), Tower Fall Campground (YELLOWSTONE, WY).