Camping in Yellowstone with your family may be your kids favorite part of the whole trip. Our kids are obsessed with roasting marshmallows, playing in the hammock and making up games with sticks and pinecones. Yes camping is a lot of work but your kids with thank you for it and you are going to save a lot of money compared to staying in the Yellowstone lodges.
Pro Tip: Check out our full guide “Why an RV Is the Best Place to Stay in Yellowstone with Kids in 2025” for the most flexible accommodation strategy!
Why Yellowstone is the Ultimate Family Camping Destination
Yellowstone receives over 4 million visitors annually, with families seeking the perfect blend of adventure and education. This park isn’t just a vacation – it’s a living, breathing classroom that’ll have your kids learning without even realizing it!
Pro Budget Tip: Don’t miss our “Yellowstone National Park on a Budget: 2025 Family Guide” for money-saving insights!
Top Yellowstone Campgrounds for Families: Ranked and Reviewed
#1 Madison Campground: Best All Around Location
Madison isn’t just a campground – it’s your family’s Yellowstone headquarters! Located centrally, this campground is the Swiss Army knife of camping locations.
Why Madison Takes the Top Spot
- Central location – In the middle of the perfect one day Yellowstone Itinerary with Kids
- Spacious sites that can accommodate various family sizes
- Close proximity to wildlife viewing areas
- Easy access to “Where to See Animals in Yellowstone with Kids” hotspots
- Perfect jumping-off point for daily park adventures
#2 Canyon Campground: Wilderness Meets Comfort
If Madison is the Swiss Army knife of campgrounds, Canyon Campground is the luxury SUV of wilderness camping. Located near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, this site offers a perfect blend of comfort and adventure.
What Makes Canyon Campground Awesome
- Proximity to the stunning Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- Multiple hiking trails perfect for families (Best Yellowstone Hikes for Families)
- Well-maintained facilities
- Educational opportunities
- Safe environment for kid exploration
#3 Fishing Bridge RV Park: The RV Family’s Paradise
For families rolling in with an RV, Fishing Bridge is your home away from home. Pro Tip: Our “Best RV Rental Companies for Yellowstone National Park (2025 Guide)” will help you find the perfect ride!
RV-Friendly Features
- Full hookups
- Spacious sites
- Close to major attractions
- Convenient facilities
- Perfect for families wanting comfort and convenience
#4 Mammoth Campground: Historic Charm Meets Family Fun
Mammoth offers a unique camping experience with its historic buildings and unique landscape. It’s like camping in a living museum!
Mammoth Highlights
- Historic location
- Proximity to visitor facilities
- Unique geological features
- Great for families interested in park history
Additional Campgrounds for the Adventurous Family
Slough Creek Campground – Remote but most wildlife
- Closest campground to the Lamar Valley
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Perfect for families wanting a more secluded camping experience
Pebble Creek Campground
- Scenic mountain views
- Smaller, more intimate setting
- Great for families seeking a quieter camping experience
Tower Fall Campground
- Rustic and remote. Biggest campground close to Lamar Valley
- Close to dramatic landscapes
- Ideal for families wanting a true wilderness experience
Yellowstone Campground Booking Guide
Booking a campsite in Yellowstone requires strategy! Check out our comprehensive booking chart below to plan your family’s perfect camping adventure. Pro Tip: Popular campgrounds fill up months in advance, so early planning is crucial!
| Campground | Reservation Window | Booking Method | Season Dates | Price Range | Reservations Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison | Up to 6 months in advance | Recreation.gov | Mid-May to Early October | $27-$36/night | Strongly Recommended |
| Canyon | Up to 6 months in advance | Recreation.gov | Late May to Early September | $30-$42/night | Highly Recommended |
| Fishing Bridge RV Park | Up to 6 months in advance | Recreation.gov | Mid-May to Early September | $47-$59/night | Mandatory for RVs |
Essential Family Camping Tips for Yellowstone
Wildlife Safety
- Stay in your vehicle when viewing large animals
- Keep a safe distance (at least 100 yards from bears and wolves)
- Store food properly. Use bear boxes
- Make noise on trails to avoid surprising wildlife
Final Thoughts
We have spent many a day in Yellowstone seeing beautiful waterfalls and wildlife encounters only to have our kids ask when are we going to go to our camp to make a fire. This is where the kids have the most fun with each other.
Bonus Travel Tip
Planning your approach? Don’t miss our “Driving to Yellowstone from Salt Lake City with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide 2025” for the ultimate road trip strategy!
Call to Action
Camped in Yellowstone with kids? We want to hear your story! Drop a comment below with your favorite moment, wildest adventure, or top camping tip.
Happy camping, family adventurers! 🏕️🐻🌲
