Yellowstone National Park: planning guide
A large volcanic plateau with geysers, wildlife, and big loops of park road across Wyoming (and bits of Montana/Idaho).
Yellowstone National Park is in WY, United States. The nearest town is Cody — roughly 71.2 mi (115 km) out, about 2 hr 8 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: July through mid-September, once the high country is clear of snow. Shoulder season: late June and late September.
High passes and trails hold snow from October into June, and some roads close entirely for the winter.
Afternoon thunderstorms build fast above treeline in summer. Start early and be off exposed ridges by early afternoon.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Cody | 71.2 mi (115 km) | 2 hr 8 min |
| Moose Wilson Road | 76.2 mi (123 km) | 2 hr 15 min |
| Wilson | 78.2 mi (126 km) | 2 hr 18 min |
| Jackson | 78.5 mi (126 km) | 2 hr 18 min |
| Rafter J Ranch | 82.5 mi (133 km) | 2 hr 24 min |
| South Park | 82.7 mi (133 km) | 2 hr 24 min |
| Powell | 86.3 mi (139 km) | 2 hr 30 min |
| Hoback | 92.2 mi (148 km) | 2 hr 38 min |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Creek | Reservable | — |
| Lewis Lake | Reservable | — |
| Mammoth Campground (Yellowstone) | Reservable | — |
| Slough Creek | Reservable | — |
| Tower Fall | Reservable | — |
Permits
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone National Park Backcountry Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
Where Yellowstone National Park sits
Official Yellowstone National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Parks you could combine with it
- Grand Teton National Park
A steep mountain wall rising above Jackson Hole in Wyoming. Lakes, valley floors, and short approaches to big scenery.
- Glacier National Park
Sharp peaks, lakes, and leftover glaciers in northwest Montana. Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main corridor when open.
- Grasslands National Park
Mixed-grass prairie and badlands on the Saskatchewan–Montana border. Rare undisturbed prairie and fossil country.
- Waterton Lakes National Park
Where Rockies meet prairie on the Alberta–Montana border. Twin of Glacier (US) in the peace park.
Common questions
Where is Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone National Park sits in WY, United States, and the closest town of any size is Cody — about 2 hr 8 min away.
When is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
Generally July through mid-September, once the high country is clear of snow, with late June and late September quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Yellowstone National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 5 campgrounds at Yellowstone National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.