With more than 270 non-electric campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs, the Madison Campground is a popular overnight spot for various reasons. If you are a fly-fishing enthusiast, this is your spot. Madison Campground is also the closest to the Lower, Upper, and Midway Geyser Basins of the park, which are places that should be on your must-see list.

All overnight users share access to restrooms equipped with running water (yeah!), and each campsite comes with a fire pit and picnic table. 

This one is closest to the West Entrance and near one of my favorite little towns, West Yellowstone. You'll find several restaurants here and some of the best frozen yogurt I've had. If you like shopping for souvenirs, you'll love all the little shops. I'm partial to the fantastic used bookstore that I've spent many hours browsing, and of course, purchasing the perfect book I didn't know I needed.

Here is the official website for this one. You can make a reservation on there too: https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodgings/campground/madison-campground/

This one is located in Central Yellowstone and is a national park-operated campground. It has 100 non-electric campsites on a first-come, first-served basis.

You'll be surrounded by lodgepole pines, and grazing bison are occasionally known to pay a visit. You'll have a fire-ring and picnic table, and each campsite shares access to food-storage boxes, flushing toilets, and potable water. Most of the campsites here are best for tents and small trailers, but a few can host RVs up to 50 feet in length.

For me, the stand-out reason to camp here, especially if you have children, is the evening campfire programs hosted by Park Rangers during the summer months. These are fun for young and older alike.

Norris Geyser Basin is close by too. In fact, it's just about a one-mile hike, and you're there. You really need to do this hike. There is even a museum here, The Museum of the Park Ranger. You should check this out too.

Here is the official site: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/norrishscg.htm

If you want a less busy, more remote campsite, I've got one for you. Lewis Lake Campground is positioned between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes in southern Yellowstone, and it has 85 non-electric sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. This campsite allows tents, trailers, and RVs up to 25 feet in length. Overnight users share access to potable water and vault toilets.

Lewis Lake Campground is also close to the Lewis Lake boat launch, so you can get your boating and fishing permit right here. Then you have easy access to explore all the nearby water features.

What I like the most about this campground, even though it is located only eight miles from the Southern Entrance of Yellowstone, is that it's close to the Tetons as well, so you'll have quick access to some of the best hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park.

Here's the official site for this campground: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/lewislakecg.htm

So there are my three favorites, but that is by no means the only ones for you to look at. I've listed a site below for all the other major campgrounds, as well as openings, closings, etc., to help you plan your visit. Enjoy!

Bookmark this site for updated information about the major camping sites in Yellowstone. Remember, many of these sites fill up fast, so make a reservation as soon as possible: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

My next article will be my favorite places to stay outside the park. See you then! =]:)