Hey there, it’s your favorite park ranger, Matthew Taylor, here to answer all your questions about parking overnight in Yellowstone National Park.
So a few years back, I decided to take my trusty old pickup truck on a road trip through the western United States and one of my stops was, you guessed it, Yellowstone. And let me tell you, it was a trip to remember.
I remember pulling into the park and immediately getting hit with the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. I mean, the geysers and hot springs and wildlife, oh my! I couldn’t believe I was actually seeing it all in person.
But as the day started to wind down and the sun began to set, I started to panic a little bit because I realized I had nowhere to park for the night.
So I pulled over to the side of the road and started frantically Googling “can you park overnight in Yellowstone?” And let me tell you, the search results were not exactly what I was hoping for.
Most of the campgrounds in the park only allowed RVs and tents, and there was no mention of pickup trucks anywhere. I started to get a little worried that I was going to have to sleep in the bed of my truck.
But then, as luck would have it, I stumbled upon the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, which actually did allow overnight parking for vehicles.
I was so relieved that I practically jumped for joy (well, as much as a grown man can jump for joy without looking ridiculous). I quickly made a reservation and spent the next few days enjoying all that Yellowstone had to offer without having to worry about where I was going to park for the night.
Table of Contents
Where Can I Park Overnight in Yellowstone?
So if you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone and you’re wondering where you can park overnight, there are a few options.
First and foremost, the park has several campgrounds that allow RVs and tents, as well as a few cabins and lodges that you can stay in. Additionally, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge both offer overnight parking for vehicles.
FAQ
Can I park my car overnight in any of the campgrounds in Yellowstone?
Unfortunately, you cannot park your car overnight in any of the campgrounds in Yellowstone. The campgrounds are only for RVs and tents, and cars are not allowed to park overnight.
However, as mentioned above, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge both offer overnight parking for vehicles.
Is there a fee for overnight parking in Yellowstone?
Yes, there is a fee for overnight parking in Yellowstone. The fees vary depending on the location and type of vehicle you have.
For example, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel charges $20 per night for passenger cars, $30 per night for RVs and trailers, and $50 per night for buses and commercial vehicles. The Old Faithful Snow Lodge charges similar fees.
Are there any restrictions on the type of vehicles that can park overnight in Yellowstone?
Yes, there are some restrictions on the type of vehicles that can park overnight in Yellowstone. For example, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel only allows passenger vehicles, RVs and trailers, and buses. They do not allow semi-trucks or other large commercial vehicles.
Additionally, there are size restrictions for RVs and trailers, so it’s a good idea to check with the hotel or lodge directly before making a reservation. The Old Faithful Snow Lodge has similar restrictions on the types of vehicles they allow for overnight parking.
Can I park in the same spot for multiple nights in a row?
It depends on the location and availability. Some of the campgrounds in Yellowstone have designated spots for RVs and tents, and you can usually park in the same spot for multiple nights in a row as long as you have a valid reservation.
However, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge do not have designated parking spots and it’s first come, first served. So it’s possible that you may have to move your vehicle to a different spot if the lot is full.
So, Can You Park Overnight in Yellowstone or What?
In short, yes, you can park overnight in Yellowstone as long as you follow the rules and regulations set forth by the park.
There are several campgrounds, cabins, lodges, and hotels that offer overnight parking, but it’s important to remember that there are size and vehicle type restrictions in place. Additionally, there are fees for overnight parking, so be sure to budget for that as well.
And most importantly, always make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time to ensure that you have a place to park for the night.
The Ultimate Conclusion: Don’t Be Like Me, Plan Ahead!
So there you have it, all the information you need to know about parking overnight in Yellowstone National Park.
And let me tell you, it pays to plan ahead. I learned the hard way that it’s not fun to be driving around at night, frantically searching for a place to park your car.
Trust me, you don’t want to be that guy (or gal). So take it from me, do your research and make your reservations ahead of time so you can enjoy your trip to Yellowstone without any unnecessary stress.