Yellowstone Park Rules and Regulations

Bicycling
Permitted only on established public roads, parking areas and designated routes, so feel free to bring bikes on your vacation to Yellowstone National Park. However, keep in mind that bicycles are prohibited on boardwalks and backcountry trails.

Boating
This makes for a fun and exciting adventure during your Yellowstone vacation in the Park. Be sure to obtain a boating permit before you take to the water. Boaters must have a Coast Guard-approved "wearable" flotation device for each person boating.

Yellowstone Park Boating Permit: A 10-day motorized boat permit costs $10; an annual permit is $20. Non-motorized boat permits cost $5 for 7 days or $10 for the season.

Grand Teton Park Boating Permit: A 7-day motorized boat permit costs $10; an annual permit is $20. Non-motorized boat permits cost $5 for seven days or $10 for an annual permit.

Camping
Grand Teton National Park operates five campgrounds. The fee is $12 per night per site. Jenny Lake Campground is open to tents only (7-day maximum). Other campgrounds will accommodate tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (14-day maximum). Campgrounds are operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted inside Grand Teton Park.

Yellowstone camping can be arranged through Yellowstone National Park Lodges which operates 12 campgrounds (14-day maximum). Fees for each range from $10-$27. Reservations are accepted at the Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV, Grant Village and Madison campgrounds or by calling 307-344-7311 or 307-344-5395.

Backcountry Use Permits A backcountry use permit is required for those who wish to visit this area during their stay at Yellowstone. Camping permits in the backcountry of either Yellowstone Park or Grand Teton National Park are free unless a reservation is made and then the cost is $20. (Reservations in Yellowstone are accepted after April 1 of each year, in person or by mail. In Grand Teton Park, a faxed request is also accepted and reservations are accepted from January 1 to May 15.)

Once the money and request are received, you'll be sent a confirmation notice, with instructions for picking up your permit. For Yellowstone camping, get a backcountry "trip-planning" worksheet by calling 307-344-2160 or write: Backcountry Office, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. To request a reservation for the backcountry in Grand Teton Park, write: Grand Teton National Park, P.O. Drawer 170, Moose, WY 83012 or fax 307-739-3438. Reservations may be made at the Moose Visitor Center. Phone reservations are not accepted. For more information, call 307-739-3309 or 307-739-3397. Yellowstone Park Visitor Information Phone Number: 307-344-7381. (Visitor Information for the Hearing Impaired (TDD) - call 307-344-2386); Yellowstone Park's official website: http://www.nps.gov/yell.

Calling to attract wildlife
Bugling to elk, howling to wolves, etc. - is illegal.

Climbing
A great adventure to include during your Yellowstone vacation. Climbing is allowed in only a few areas of Yellowstone National Park, however it is illegal in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Park area. Contact the backcountry office in Yellowstone for more information. For climbing information in Grand Teton National Park, stop in at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station, staffed by climbing rangers during peak season who can advise on weather and route information.

Disturbing Yellowstone Park features
Possessing, collecting, removing, defacing or destroying any natural or archaeological objects or plants, animals or minerals - is prohibited.

Driving
Motorcycles, motor scooters and motorbikes are not allowed off-road or on trails. Operators must have a valid driver's license and vehicles must display valid state license plates.

Seat Belts Must be worn by all people driving or riding in vehicles. Slow-moving vehicles must pull over to let others pass. Never stop or pause in the middle of the road. Use pullouts! Speed limit is 45 m.p.h.

Entrance Fees
Private, Non-commercial Vehicle: $25 - 7 Days, or $50 - Annual
Individual: hike, bicycle, etc.: $12 - 7 Days, or $40 - Annual
Motorcycle: $20 - 7 Days, or $40 - Annual
Commercial Sedan: 1 to 6 passenger capacity: $25 + $12 per person - 7 Days
Commercial Van: 7 to 15 passenger capacity: $125 - 7 Days
Commercial Minibus: 16 to 25 passenger capacity: $200 - 7 Days
Commercial Motorcoach: 26 or more passenger capacity: $300 - 7 Days
Entrance fees do not include Yellowstone camping fees.

Feeding wildlife
Is against the law.

Fires
Permitted only in designated Yellowstone camping areas, in picnic areas with fire grates and in some backcountry campsites. Any dead-and-down material may be used as firewood, but chainsaws are prohibited. Thoroughly extinguish all fires.

Fishing
Want to catch your own dinner during your Yellowstone vacation or camping experience? Fishing is a popular activity that those who vacation in Yellowstone National Park participate in. Fishing tackle must be non-toxic. Lead split-shot sinkers, soft lead-weighted ribbon for nymph fishing and other toxic tackle are not allowed.

Yellowstone Park Fishing Permit: Special permit required. $15 for a 3-day pass; $20 for seven days, or $35 for a season permit. Purchase at a ranger station, visitor center or at any Yellowstone General Store.

Grand Teton Park and Rockefeller Memorial Parkway: a Wyoming fishing license is required, which can be purchased at Moose Village Store, Signal Mountain Lodge, Colter Bay Marina and Flagg Ranch Village.

Food
Your food must be attended to while not in storage, and must be stored properly. Never leave food outside your vehicle or in Yellowstone camping areas when you're away or sleeping, as it may very well attract unwelcome visitors.

Littering
Illegal throughout the park and in Yellowstone camping areas.

Pets
Pets are allowed to come with the family on your vacation to Yellowstone National Park; however, certain restrictions (for their own safety) are in place. Whether in a Yellowstone camping area or just exploring the park, pets must be leashed and are prohibited from trails, in the backcountry and in thermal basins. Pets are not allowed more than 100 feet from a road or parking area. Leaving a pet unattended or tied to an object is prohibited. In Grand Teton Park, pets are also not allowed in boats on the Snake River, or on lakes other than Jackson Lake.

Spotlighting
Viewing animals with an artificial light - is illegal. Flashlights kept in your car or at your Yellowstone camping site should not be used for viewing wildlife.

Weapons and firearms
Weapons, including state-permitted concealed weapons, are not allowed in Yellowstone. Unloaded firearms may be transported in a vehicle when the weapon is cased, broken down or rendered inoperable, and kept out of sight. Ammunition must be placed in a separate compartment of the vehicle.

Yellowstone Park Visitor Information
For more information call 307-344-7381. Visitor Information for the Hearing Impaired (TDD) - call 307-344-2386. Yellowstone Park's official website: http://www.nps.gov/yell.

Yellowstone Journal is an independent magazine dedicated to Yellowstone. With 5 editions per year, you’ll learn all about geysers, gray wolves, grizzly and brown bears, hiking, fishing and more.

> Learn more

Sign up for our e-newsletter today, and never worry that you’re missing anything Yellowstone related.

> Learn more / subscribe