Best RV Parks & Resorts near Yellowstone National Park

We stayed here while we spent some time on the west side of Yellowstone National Park. The site we stayed in was a Premium Pull Thru- 80', which was wide, level, and had a nice patio and grassy areas. The mobile network connectivity was great for working during the week. There is WiFi available, but we didn't use it and relied on our cell phone/hotspot plans. The staff was friendly. The grounds were well maintained. There's no traffic noise, which is nice. The location is close and convenient for getting into Yellowstone National Park as well as the small town of West Yellowstone.

Access to Rex Hale was easy following the website instructions. Basically, you follow the signs through Cody to Yellowstone National Park via US 14, the park is right off US 14. There was no formal check-in. We had a reservation and that was noted on the post at our back-in site 9 with 50/30 AMP. There was confusion on our part whether we needed to get water before or after arriving based on several campground(CG) reviews. We called the ranger station the day prior who confirmed the water was on at the CG. Then we found out upon arrival that the sites as you come into the CG on the right side of the road up to site 12 have not only electric but also water! This was a recent addition and why water had been nonexistent or off in recent CG reviews. We were told there was a camp host but the host had actually already departed for the season. There was no cell signal nor OTA channels. There are about 30 sites with only sites 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 12 having electric and, now, water. The middle sites, the far CG end to the east and along the riverside of the CG have no utilities. There are water spigots periodically placed throughout the CG. There are several vault toilets but no showers. There is no dump station in the CG, but there is one in Buffalo Bill State Park near Cody. We were staying at an RV park in Cody and just dumped there. We were very impressed with this CG and really enjoyed our spacious site, the mountain views and the peacefulness of the place. We were here when they closed the CG for the season on 20 September and would definitely come back.

Forested campground 30 minutes from Yellowstone National Park

Beaver Creek Campground is the good spot for a Yellowstone National Park jumping off point. Located 30 minutes form the park the distance improves your chances of finding a campsite in the busy season. The campground sits above Quake Lake, if you enjoy fishing there is a steep trail leading to the lake from the“A” loop, however there is no boat launch at the campground, you will need to drive a½ mile down the highway to find a boat launch for the lake. The campground features paved roads with gravel parking pads, vault toilets, picnic tables and metal fire rings at each site, and their are bear proof food storage if you need it, but you might need to share space with another spot. Campsite can be reserved. The campground has 62 sites spreed apart in 3 loops. Two fully ADA sites are available. Drinking water is available at three locations in each loop. The camp hosts are very friendly and helpful, they also have firewood for sale if needed for$6 A word of caution about the road driving in. The road is paved but narrow, so drive slow and watch out for cars.

Ranger review Outdoor Element's Woolly Mammoth Survival Braid

Got my wife the Woolly Mammoth Survival Braid and have to say that this is a nice survival bracelet. We did wonder if the Jute it is made with would be a little itchy when put on, but found it to be quiet comfortable. We like the idea to place the ferro rod and striker in in the bracelets buckle. It sparks up very nicely making our charred cloth and cotton balls with Vaseline easy to get started. We then tried to start a fire with the sample piece of jute, made a little nest and gave the striker a try and after a few attempts got a spark to take hold and had a fire. Nice to now that we now have a wrist full of fire starting material if we ever need it. Might just want to take this off when starting fires as it didn't take much to get the sample burning. All in all a great survival tool to have around.

Camped here many times over the years, it was our favorite place in the park. It's a bit more like a National Forest CG because it's somewhat off the beaten path and quiet. It is certainly more crowded these days than it used to be, back then it rarely filled.  

The site are good, some more private than others. It is NOT a place for Big Rigs, I think the length limit was 35' last time I was there (vehicle + trailer or whatever you're pulling) and they strictly enforced that. The volunteers at the entrance cabin actually brought out a tape measure and measured my 4Runner and 17' Casita at 31' so we got in. Many rigs behind us in line were too big and were turned away.

The creeks (Indian & Obsidian) contain small Brook Trout. For supplies, Mammoth is the closest place. 

Have been the in June, July August & September.

The campground is totally on the reservation system unlike a few years ago. No 1st come, 1st serve anymore.

When it comes to Yellowstone camping can be difficult unless you plan far in advance and prices can soar in the summer months.   For those wanting a little better price points and convenient access to the northern most entrance visiting the Gallatin National Forest is a great option for finding that perfect location and still maintaining access.

I visited this area and was very impressed with the campground and the spacing it provided.   But more importantly I was happy to see that unlike the Yellowstone campgrounds which lack cell signal, at this location I was able to utilize my services through AT&T.    Sure that might not be something everyone considers when traveling, but when you work remotely being able to access the internet through my cell phone is very important.  I had been in the park for several days so stopping here was a good catch up opportunity.

The sites were each well spaced and offered a soft grassy pad for my tent when staying, unlike the darkened dry grassy lands around.   It was almost as though this location was an oasis, despite having no services.

Each sight provides a bear box, picnic table and fire ring, overall very standard for this area.    Additionally there were basic vault toilets which were very well maintained.  One person at the campground actually joked about that being a great hiding place should a bear enter camp...lol

Camping at this location has a 16 night limit and sites are only $7 per night, which is $20 less expensive than the closest Yellowstone campground.  Similar rules apply to this campground as others in the area.   There are no trash services so you have to pack in and out all of your trash.   Generators can be use throughout the camp during certain hours and there are fire restrictions during certain conditions and times (posted on the entry kiosk).   This is an honor system campground with a pay box at the entry, however I did notice it was patrolled at least once nightly by area Forest Service, unlike the pull off sites just beyond camp.

TIPS:

• If you need anything you can stop off just before turning onto the road at any number of stores, shops or restaurants in the low laying community.
• If you need high speed WIFI Subway in the local community has the best access for free.
• West Entrance allows you to split to to east which is where you will spot more wildlife versus the Western side of the park where you will find more of the geothermal features.