yellowstone national park

P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National
Park, WY 82190
307-344-7381
Visit the Web site

Season: Some areas are open all year; others are not. Most camping is done during the summer and fall season, from May through October; the most comfortable months for tent camping are June through September. Even in summer, nights are cool. Park entrances and roads open on different dates; check the Web site for specific information.

Fees: Click here to find out how much it will cost to reserve a campsite.

The oldest of our national parks, Yellowstone is also one of the most popular. There is an astonishing array of wildlife (particularly large mammals), glorious landscapes, and unusual geothermal activity, which includes approximately 10,000 hot springs and geysers. At 2.2 million acres, the park can't be seen in one visit, but with some advance planning, you can see a lot of what Yellowstone has to offer.

All campgrounds that accept reservations (except the Madison Campground) have hot showers.

Stores and restaurants are located throughout the park at various hotels and lodges (see the Web site or call the park for more information).

Wildlife in the park includes grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, bison, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, bald eagles, osprey, pelicans, otters, and coyotes. Bring binoculars, as you won't want to get too close to the animals. Be sure to read about wildlife safety on the park's Web site.

In addition to Old Faithful, check out The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone River's Lower Falls (nearly twice as high as Niagara), Hayden Valley (excellent wildlife viewing), and the Mud Volcano (known to hurl football-size balls of mud).

You can go boating and fishing and take a guided boat excursion on Yellowstone Lake. Swimming is permitted (part of the year only) in a section of Firehole River, which is warmed by geothermal streams.

The park has an official Junior Ranger Program open to children ages 5 to 12. The program introduces children to the natural wonders of Yellowstone and how they can play a role in preserving wildlife for the future.