Bridge Bay Campground
The Quick Take
Bridge Bay is Yellowstone's lakeside megacamp -- one of the park's largest campgrounds, sprawled across a forested flat just steps from the shore of Yellowstone Lake. The setting is legitimately stunning, with the Absaroka Range filling the eastern horizon, but let's be honest: with hundreds of neighbors, this is not where you come for a wilderness experience. What you get instead is convenience. The marina is next door, Lake Village (with its general store and dining) is a short drive north, and you're centrally positioned for day trips to both Canyon and West Thumb. The trade-off? No showers, no hookups, and pit-style facilities despite the reservation-only price tag. Choose Bridge Bay if you want a reliable base camp on the lake with easy boat access, and you don't mind trading atmosphere for location.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 432 sites are reservable.
Book at Yellowstone LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups. Generators permitted during designated hours.
Accessibility
Paths in the campground area are compacted gravel/dirt with limited gradient change. Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Rules to Know
- Fires:Unless posted otherwise, wood and charcoal fires are permitted in all campgrounds except the Fishing Bridge RV Park.
- Generators:Where permitted, generators may only be operated from 8 am to 8 pm (60 dB limit).
- Bear Safety:All odorous items that may attract bears, including food, cooking gear, toiletries, and garbage, must be kept secured when not in use.
- Checkout:Checkout time is 11 am.
- Occupancy:Campsite occupancy is limited to six people per site.
- Stay Limit:Camping is limited to 14 days from July 1 through Labor Day, and 30 days for the rest of the year.
Pro Tips
Reservations open well in advance and the lakeside loops fill first -- book early and request loops closest to the water for morning views across the lake. If you strike out, check for cancellations starting about two weeks before your dates, as plans shift frequently.
The Bridge Bay Marina rents boats and offers guided fishing trips on Yellowstone Lake, home to native cutthroat trout. Even if you don't fish, an hour on the lake at sunset rivals any scenic drive in the park. Storm Point Trail, a mellow two-mile loop starting nearby, is an underrated morning walk with bison and pelican sightings.
No firewood gathering is allowed in Yellowstone, so buy bundles at the camp store before it closes for the evening. Bear boxes are at each site -- use them religiously, because this lake corridor is prime grizzly habitat. Nights at nearly 7,800 feet get cold even in July, so pack layers you would not need at lower-elevation parks.
Photos
NPS/Renkin
NPS/Renkin
NPS/RenkinGetting There
Directions
Located on the Grand Loop Road just a few miles southwest of Lake Village and next to the Bridge Bay Marina.
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