Pros & cons
PROS
- Prime base for Lamar Valley wildlife viewing
- Quiet, shaded loop with bear boxes and fire rings
- Walkable to Tower Fall overlook and near a general store
CONS
- First-come, first-served and fills very early in peak season
- Tight loop and hairpin turn; best for tents and small rigs
- No hookups or showers; vault toilets only
Overview
Small, simple, and superbly located, Tower Fall Campground sits at about 6,600 feet on the hill above Tower Fall. This is the spot you choose for wildlife and quick access to the Lamar Valley—not for amenities. Expect a quiet, wooded loop and easy jumping-off to Tower Fall, the Yellowstone and Lamar Rivers, and the Mount Washburn trail system.
What You’ll Find
There are 31 basic sites in a single loop. Each has a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-resistant food box. Facilities are intentionally minimal: vault toilets and seasonal potable water; no showers, no hookups, and no laundry. Trash and recycling are provided, and a seasonal host is typically on site.
Sites, Rigs, and Layout
Pads can be short or sloped, and there’s a notorious hairpin curve on the loop. Tents, vans, truck campers, and small trailers do best; rigs around 25–30 feet are the practical upper limit. Generators aren’t allowed, and quiet hours run 10 pm–6 am.
Getting a Site
This campground operates first-come, first-served. In peak months it fills early, with campers queuing in the morning for departing sites. Bring water containers because the potable water is seasonal and may be off early or late in the season. Maximum occupancy is six people per site.
Wildlife & Safety
You’re in prime wildlife country: bison, elk, bears (black and grizzly), and birds of prey are common in the Tower/Lamar area. Store every crumb and scented item in the bear box or your vehicle, and never wash dishes at spigots—carry greywater to the toilets. Expect the occasional bison to wander through; give them space and wait them out.
Nearby Highlights
- Tower Fall overlook is just down the road.
- Lamar Valley is minutes away and shines at dawn and dusk for predators and herds.
- Roosevelt Lodge and the broader Tower–Roosevelt area make easy day-trip bases; popular hiking includes routes on Mount Washburn.
Best Time to Visit
For camping, arrive early on weekdays if you can; summer weekends fill fastest. For wildlife and photos, hit Lamar before sunrise or at golden hour. Midday is quieter at camp, but light and animal activity improve dramatically early and late. Shoulder-season visits are lovely but expect cold nights and the possibility that water is off or the campground is closed for the year.
Where it is
44.8900, -110.3907Tips for Tower Fall Campground
- 01Arrive around 6:30–7:30 a.m. in peak season to snag a departing site.
- 02Keep rigs under ~30 ft and bring leveling blocks for sloped pads.
- 03Bring water jugs—potable water is seasonal and not guaranteed early/late.
- 04Use the bear boxes and keep a spotless camp; wildlife passes through.
- 05No showers on site; look to nearby facilities in the park when available.
Amenities
Near Tower Fall Campground
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayTower Fall General StoreHandy snack-and-souvenir stop at the Tower Fall trailheadStore · Food
0.2 mi awayTower Fall TrailQuick waterfall fix: easy overlook, steep drop with no base accessEasy · 0.9 mi · 36 min
0.3 mi awayTower FallDramatic 132-foot falls framed by volcanic pinnacles and canyon viewsParking · Scenic Viewpoint
1.2 mi awayCalcite SpringsRoadside overlook of steaming vents and mineral-streaked canyon wallsPullout · Parking
1.9 mi awayYellowstone River Picnic AreaScenic picnic spot with a ridge hike above the Yellowstone RiverTrailhead · Parking
1.9 mi awayYellowstone River TrailClassic Black Canyon backpack with big river views and seasonal fordsChallenging · 15.5 mi · 6.9 hr
1.9 mi awayGarnet Hill LoopSage meadows, Elk Creek canyon, and a Yellowstone River bridge bonusModerate · 8.2 mi · 4 hr
1.9 mi awayTrilobite LakeBig miles to a quiet cirque lake beneath Mount Holmes—bring nav skills.Challenging · 15.9 mi · 6.6 hr
