Pros & cons
PROS
- Shady lakeside tables with a short walk to a sandy beach
- Easy shore access for fishing on Yellowstone Lake
CONS
- No potable water
- No campfires (stoves or self-contained charcoal grills only)
Overview
Tucked along Gull Point Drive near Bridge Bay, this is a mellow, tree-shaded picnic spot right on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. A short, sandy slope leads to a small beach/sandbar—great for relaxing, letting kids play by the water, or casting a line. It’s a low-key detour off the main road that feels peaceful compared to the park’s headline attractions.
Amenities & Setup
Expect about 21 picnic tables and a vault toilet (no running water). Bring your own drinking water. Camp stoves and self-contained charcoal grills are allowed; campfires are only permitted at picnic areas with fire grates, and Gull Point isn’t listed with any. Overnight camping is not allowed.
What It’s Good For
- A calm lakeside meal in the shade.
- Easy beach/sandbar access to stretch out or fish from shore.
- A quieter break compared to the geyser basins and canyon overlooks.
Wildlife & Food Storage
This is bear country. Keep food, coolers, and trash secured in your vehicle when not in immediate use, and never feed wildlife (even birds or squirrels). Make noise in brushy areas, carry bear spray, and if you encounter a bear, don’t run—back away slowly.
Best Time to Visit
Midday tends to draw the most picnickers, especially on weekends. For more elbow room, aim for early morning or later in the day. Expect only vault toilets here; if you want flush facilities, use nearby visitor services or campgrounds.
Nearby Alternatives
If tables are taken, nearby lakeside picnic areas like Bridge Bay or Sand Point offer additional options along the same corridor.
Where it is
44.5264, -110.4180Tips for Gull Point Picnic Area
- 01Bring your own drinking water—there’s no potable water on site.
- 02If you plan to fish, check current park regulations and carry your permit.
- 03Winds off the lake can be cool; pack layers even on warm days.
- 04Use a camp stove or self-contained charcoal grill—no fire grates here.
- 05If tables are full, try Bridge Bay or Sand Point just down the road.
Amenities
Near Gull Point Picnic Area
All places →All trails →
1 mi awayBridge Bay Picnic AreaLakeside picnic spot with fire grates near Bridge Bay MarinaPicnic Table · Restroom
1.1 mi awayBridge Bay CampgroundBig lakeside basecamp beside the marina, great for boats and fishingCampground · Restroom
1.1 mi awayBridge Bay Campground-Natural Bridge TrailShady out-and-back to a rhyolite arch steps from Bridge BayEasy · 2.5 mi · 1.2 hr
1.1 mi awayNatural Bridge TrailEasy forest walk to a rhyolite arch, with a short steep viewpointEasy · 3.1 mi · 1.2 hr
1.1 mi awayBridge Bay MarinaBoating, cruises, and fishing hub on Yellowstone LakeStore · Parking
1.8 mi awayLake Medical ClinicSeasonal walk-in clinic for injuries, illness, and transfersRestroom · Parking
2.2 mi awayElephant Back Mountain TrailShaded forest loop to a big Yellowstone Lake panoramaModerate · 3.8 mi · 2 hr
3.7 mi awayPelican Creek Nature TrailShort, shady loop to Yellowstone Lake with easy birding rewardsEasy · 0.6 mi · 30 min
