DeLacy Creek Picnic Area

Overview

A low-key, convenient picnic stop in the Old Faithful area, DeLacy Creek Picnic Area sits beside its namesake creek and just a short stroll from the DeLacy Creek trailhead. It’s an easy place to regroup before or after the scenic walk to Shoshone Lake.

Amenities & Rules

Expect a simple, functional setup: 10 picnic tables and a single vault toilet. Standard park rules apply—no overnight camping, don’t feed wildlife, and use only approved devices for cooking (camp stoves and self‑contained charcoal grills are okay). Campfires are only permitted in picnic areas that have provided grates; follow posted guidance on site.

Why Stop Here

If you’re eyeing the Shoshone Lake day hike, this is the perfect staging area for a relaxed lunch. The vibe is usually calm, and you’re close enough to wander creekside without committing to the full hike.

Nearby Hike: DeLacy Creek to Shoshone Lake

The trail is a mellow out‑and‑back (about 6 miles round trip) along meadows and forest to lake views. Reports consistently note gentle grades, occasional muddy stretches, and summer mosquitoes—none of it deal‑breaking, but start prepared so you can enjoy the scenery instead of swatting.

Wildlife

Keep your eyes peeled around the creek and meadows for elk and birdlife; along the broader route to Shoshone Lake, people sometimes report bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and even river otters. As always in Yellowstone, give animals plenty of space and store food properly.

Best Time to Visit

Pair a late‑morning or early‑afternoon picnic with the hike for warm temps and time to linger at the lake. Early season can still hold snow on the trail; check conditions before you go. Summer is prime, but mosquitoes are part of the deal—repellent makes all the difference.

Good to Know

• If you’re meeting a guide, look for the trailhead sign across the road—don’t assume the picnic tables are the meetup spot.
• Lakes in this region are cold year‑round; wading or swimming is not advised at Shoshone Lake.