Mammoth Campground

Year-round basecamp near hot springs and roaming elk

InsideYellowstone National Park

Overview

Mammoth Campground is the park’s year-round basecamp: 85 sites at 6,200 feet, five miles from the North Entrance and right by the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces. Expect wildlife—elk and bison regularly drift through camp—and easy access to fishing, hiking, and the historic Mammoth area.

Campsites & Facilities

Sites are standard nonelectric with a picnic table and fire ring. Potable water is available at spigots. Restrooms in-camp are basic; plan on using village facilities if you prefer flush toilets. There are no showers or a dump station in the campground—both are available in nearby Gardiner. Food storage is crucial here; use the shared lockers and store everything scentable.

Generator use is allowed during posted daytime hours; follow quiet-hour rules. Shade is limited, though scattered juniper and Douglas-fir offer some relief in summer. Nights stay cool even in July, so pack warm layers.

RVs and Vehicle Limits

The campground accommodates a range of rigs. Some sites fit up to 40 feet combined, and a few extend to about 75 feet total, but many are shorter and may not be perfectly level. In winter (mid-October through April), the total vehicle length limit drops to 30 feet. Sites are a mix of back-in and pull-through—always check the driveway length, width, and entry type for the exact site you’re booking.

Wildlife & Safety

Elk frequent the Mammoth area, and the September rut brings intense activity—give them extra room. Bison do roam through camp on occasion. Black bears are found in the region as well. Keep a clean camp and follow strict food storage rules.

Nearby & What to Do

You’re minutes from the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces (walk the boardwalks and drive the Upper Terrace Loop) and the Albright Visitor Center. Gardiner, MT is just outside the North Entrance with food, fuel, showers, laundry, and other traveler essentials. Scenic stops like Golden Gate Canyon and Undine Falls are easy add-ons.

Best Time to Visit

Summer: Reserve well ahead; shade is limited and the area is popular.
Fall: Cooler temps and elk rut action around Mammoth make this a standout time.
Winter: Quiet, starkly beautiful, and first-come-first-served—mind the 30-foot vehicle limit and pack for real cold.
Shoulder seasons: Great balance of availability and wildlife activity; weekdays are calmer than weekends.

Pros

Only campground open year-round
Elk and bison often wander through
Steps from Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner services

Cons

No hookups or dump station
No showers on-site; use facilities in Gardiner

Tips

Reservations are needed mid-April to mid-October; outside those dates it’s first-come.
Check the exact site’s driveway length, width, and entry type before booking.
There’s no dump station or showers in-camp—plan to use services in Gardiner.
In winter, rigs over 30 feet total aren’t allowed in the campground.
Expect elk and bison in camp; keep distance and follow strict food storage.