Pros & cons
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
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.
Where it is
44.9752, -110.6938Tips for Mammoth Campground
- 01Reservations are needed mid-April to mid-October; outside those dates it’s first-come.
- 02Check the exact site’s driveway length, width, and entry type before booking.
- 03There’s no dump station or showers in-camp—plan to use services in Gardiner.
- 04In winter, rigs over 30 feet total aren’t allowed in the campground.
- 05Expect elk and bison in camp; keep distance and follow strict food storage.
Amenities
Near Mammoth Campground
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayFort YellowstoneHistoric Army post with sandstone buildings and an easy walking tourRestroom · Exhibit
0.3 mi awayMammoth ChapelQuiet 1913 chapel where elk often wander the groundsParking
0.3 mi awayMammoth Springs Post OfficeHistoric New Deal post office with character and bear sculpturesParking
0.3 mi awayAlbright Visitor CenterHistoric year‑round hub for exhibits, permits, and ranger intelVisitor Center · Exhibit
0.5 mi awayMammoth Hot Springs Lower Terrace BoardwalkShort, ever-changing travertine terraces with big payoff fastEasy · 0.8 mi · 45 min
0.5 mi awayMammoth TerracesStair-filled boardwalks through ever-changing travertine sculpturesEasy · 2.5 mi · 1.5 hr
0.5 mi awaySepulcher Mountain TrailSteep summit loop with huge Yellowstone views and real solitudeChallenging · 11 mi · 7 hr
0.6 mi awayBeaver Ponds Loop TrailWildlife-rich loop from Mammoth to serene ponds and ridge viewsModerate · 5.6 mi · 2.4 hr
