Is it possible to get a drycamp (or one with hookups) site in or near Yellowstone the first half of August without reservation? Looks like those bookable are booked already and there are many first come first served,but I have no experience with them. I don't mind driving 30-40 miles if none in the park.

If you don't mind driving 30-40 miles, drop down to Colter Bay on Jackson Lake and "dry" camp at the campground. It's about 40 miles, more or less, from Colter Bay to the South entrance and about 20 miles past Lewis Canyon and Lake to get to the junction for Lake or Old Faithful. We do that quite a bit as we tow our FW and boat to Jackson Lake, park in Colter Bay Campground and fish. Then, if we are a little tired of fishing then we may go to Yellowstone for a day trip. It's not too bad, but folks on here will tell you to go to West Yellowstone because it's a shorter drive into the Park, and it is, but I don't think it's anymore convenient than Colter Bay. If Colter Bay is too far, might try for Grant Village, it's in the Park close to the junction I noted above and has "dry" camping on a first come/first served basis I believe. If you get there sometime mid-morning, you probably shouldn't have a problem getting a spot in August, same at Colter Bay.

it's really hard to get a campsite in yellowstone without a reservation, but we have, in the past, been able to get a couple days of no hookup with just a few days ahead call. but do call if you can. or you can try your luck in west yellowstone which has several rv parks etc.

We decided not to stay in the Park and chose Red Rock RV Park only 20 min. from the West entrance. For us a great choice not only because of the CG and close proximity to Yellowstone but also we were on our way to the Oregon coast and on departure when getting back to the highway just took a right and being past Yellowstone and the traffic headed out.Red Rock RVParkYellowstoneSafe travels.

Last year we dry camped 4th of july week in Yellowstone and had our pick of sites and campgrounds. Literally none of the non-reservables were full. If all else fails you can always pop outside the park to a private or forest service campground. If you aren't aware already this is your Best resource for all cgs in and around YellowstoneSide note... if all sites are full you can take a handicap site for one night but must share it should a handicap vehicle arrive later.

Red Rock is fine but not likely to have open spaces. We were there in mid-September one year and it was packed. Early August is still in Yellowstone's prime time. I'm not into serendipity, so we have never tried to stay in/near Yellowstone without a reservation, but if you are able to arrive at the non-reservable CGs in the park by 9:30-10 AM, you may get one. For that time of year, though, I do recommend reservations, even at the CGs outside the park.

Yellowstone in early August? | Good Sam Community

pawatt
Explorer
May 25, 2015
We stayed 3 weeks, four different campgrounds late August no reservations other than calling a day ahead. Most were pretty full but always found a spot.
Murphsmom
Explorer
May 25, 2015
Also check out Henry's Lake State Park on the Idaho side. It is right on the lake...pretty wide open...but they do have hookups and take reservations.
BozemanTrail
Explorer
May 26, 2015
Mammoth Hot Springs Campground doesn't take reservation (first come, first serve). Typically it fills up by 9-10 in the morning... so stay somewhere outside of the park (near Gardiner) and try to get there early.
ewarnerusa
Nomad
May 26, 2015
For a full boondocking experience that is a 45 min drive from the West Yellowstone entrance, try Beaver Creek which drains into Hebgen Lake. Lots of primitive campspots available even during the busiest weekends at the Park. I didn't note what kind of camper you have, but these primitive spots might not be too conducive to really large rigs.

Beaver Creek turnoff
johntank
Explorer
May 27, 2015
DaveG39 wrote:
Is it possible to get a drycamp (or one with hookups) site in or near Yellowstone the first half of August without reservation? Looks like those bookable are booked already and there are many first come first served,but I have no experience with them. I don't mind driving 30-40 miles if none in the park.

I have had luck in the past with Grizzly RV in West Yellowstone and Lions Head about 7 miles south of West Yellowstone on hwy 20. There are at lest 4 more in and around W. Yellowstone that I know of, one is a KOA close to Lions Head two more in town, one north of town about 10 miles away as well as I remember.
newk
Explorer
May 27, 2015
I've made many, many camping trips to Yellowstone and very seldom make reservations ahead of time. As other have stated, some of the FS campgrounds outside the park are outstanding (no hookups) and we prefer to use them, maybe half the time. Inside the park, if we can get there at check out time, we've usually had good luck. Your rig will make a difference. Big ones are harder to find spots for.

When you enter a gate in the morning, ask where there are spaces available. They keep an updated list.

We do it this way because we don't live that far from the park and usually go on the "spur of the moment."
kknowlton
Explorer II
May 27, 2015
I believe Lions Head is now a KOA - and yes, that means there are two of them within a few miles of each other. Same owners, is my understanding.

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