Boondocking in a national park lodge parking lot?
Any rules against overnighting in the parking lot of Old Faithful Lodge, or some other busy place? What if you have a room, and some of the family were to sleep out in a camper?
Forum Discussion
The answer is no.
First, it isn't even boondocking. It would be dry camping in a parking lot. But the technical law that you would be violating is, Out of Bounds Camping. Which applies anywhere in Yellowstone and most other parks, including pullouts.
In 1970 there were two people that were illegally camping in the Old Faithful area and one was killed by a grizzly bear. Yes, the LE Rangers I force this very strictly, whether Old Faithful Inn, Lodge or Budget Cabins. Why risk it and incomvenience someone else? Plus how are you going to level out your camper? Typically the Backcountry office issues a permit to place in the window for vehicles being left overnight in a specific area/trailhead. The lodge Concession does the same thing for their guests. Will you have one to place in your windshield?
Enjoy the parks!
b
First, it isn't even boondocking. It would be dry camping in a parking lot. But the technical law that you would be violating is, Out of Bounds Camping. Which applies anywhere in Yellowstone and most other parks, including pullouts.
In 1970 there were two people that were illegally camping in the Old Faithful area and one was killed by a grizzly bear. Yes, the LE Rangers I force this very strictly, whether Old Faithful Inn, Lodge or Budget Cabins. Why risk it and incomvenience someone else? Plus how are you going to level out your camper? Typically the Backcountry office issues a permit to place in the window for vehicles being left overnight in a specific area/trailhead. The lodge Concession does the same thing for their guests. Will you have one to place in your windshield?
Enjoy the parks!
b
