Yes, boondocking is allowed in Yellowstone National Park. However, boondocking is limited to just tent camping only, and only in specific areas of the park. Yellowstone also requires campers to obtain permits. These boondocking permits require advance reservations.
Is Boondocking Allowed in Yellowstone?
Yellowstone National Park uses the term, “backcountry camping” to describe boondocking or dispersed camping.
They actually have over 300 designated backcountry campsites. These campsites are generally just single use sites. That is, sites are intended for a single party of campers. Because these are designated sites, they are not technically “boondocking” or “dispersed camping”. However, they are in fact miles away from any developed areas. These backcountry campsites place you deep inside the park, in total seclusion.
Backcountry camping is generally limited to just 3 days at any particular site.
Yellowstone Has a Dedicated Backcountry Office
For specific questions related to backcountry camping, call Yellowstone’s Backcountry Office…
Backcountry Office
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
307-344-2160 (phone)
307-344-2166 (fax)
Additional Resources for Yellowstone Backcountry Camping
- You can download the map of Yellowstone National Park’s background campsites. Click here to download.
- Yellowstone has also produced a comprehensive booklet about backcountry camping within its park boundaries. Click here to download a copy.
- There is also a “Backcountry Trip Planner” booklet, which has more information. Click here to download.
- Yellowstone also has a dedicated website for backcountry camping. Click here to visit.
Yellowstone Does Not Allow Motor Vehicles at any Backcountry Campsites
All of their 300+ backcountry campsites require you to hike in, and carry your gear with you.
Some of the campsites are situated along the banks of rivers and creeks, and may be approached by canoe or raft (no motorized boats). Some campsites can be reached on horseback or with packmules.
Those wanting to boondock in their cars, vans, or RVs, are restricted to developed campgrounds.
Boondocking is Allowed Outside of Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is surrounded by other national forests, and these forests permit boondocking.
Bridger-Teton National Forest, Shoshone National Forest, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and Custer Gallatin National Forest, surround Yellowstone’s boundaries. These forests have hundreds of sites located off of dirt roads where boondocking is permitted. You will need to study the Motor Vehicle Use Map in that forest to find what roads permit boondocking. Read our article, “How to Use Motor Vehicle Use Maps to Find Free Camping“
There are also many websites and apps that list boondocking sites in these national forests. Check out Free Roam, Campendium, and FreeCampsites.net.