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Yellowstone/Norris
Overview
Norris Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience in the heart of the world's first national park. Positioned along the Gibbon River, this facility provides a rustic retreat for those looking to disconnect from modern distractions and reconnect with nature. It is one of the more popular sites due to its central location, allowing travelers to reach various corners of the park with ease while sleeping under a canopy of lodgepole pines and enjoying the crisp mountain air.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at the junction of the park's loop roads, the campground sits near the Norris Geyser Basin, which is known as the hottest and oldest thermal area in Yellowstone. The surrounding landscape features a mix of open meadows and dense forest, often frequented by roaming bison or elk. The proximity to the Gibbon River offers a serene backdrop, where the sound of flowing water complements the quiet of the Wyoming wilderness at night.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional National Park Service site, Norris prioritizes nature over luxury. While the park is primitive, it provides essential comforts for a comfortable stay:
- Flush toilets and potable water stations are located within each loop.
- Each site includes a steel fire ring and a picnic table.
- Generator use is permitted during designated hours for self-contained RVs.
Please note that there are no electricity, water, or sewer hookups available, and no dump station exists on-site.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Staying here puts you steps away from the Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser. Visitors can explore boardwalks through the colorful Porcelain Basin or visit the Museum of the National Park Ranger, housed in a historic log cabin. For those who enjoy fly fishing or photography, the adjacent meadows and riverbanks provide ample opportunities to witness the park’s vibrant ecosystem without a long drive.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for self-contained RVers who value proximity to major thermal features and central park access over resort-style amenities. It appeals to those seeking a quiet forest immersion experience where the primary entertainment is the great outdoors. If you prefer a shorter commute to Yellowstone’s iconic landmarks and don't mind dry camping, Norris provides an unmatched sense of place in the Wyoming high country.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jason Henderson
If you are looking for campground in yellowstone this one is nice. It has spaces large enough for the bigger campers. The stream that twists through the open prairie right next to the campground is very nice. We were lucky enough to see a black bear and a large heard of bison from the campground. Really nice spot to camp for a bit.even did a little fishing while we were camped. (You can buy a park fishing liscence at the ranger station)
Adrien
I would give more stars except the is no TP and the sink is constantly clogged. If I wanted to go backpacking and clean my pots with a water bottle I would have hiked. If you are reading this far you know this is a centrally located, first come first serve, beautiful place.
Scott Talling
Nice campground. We stayed three nights and had a very comfortable time. We arrived at 6am in late July and joined the line to get a pitch which is the way it works. We did feel that compared with other sites the process of getting everyone allocated a pitch was not as slick as it could have been. Other sites allow you to sit in line in the warmth of your car or to establish your place on a list and return later when pitches are vacated. Here you had to stand in the morning cold until a pitch became available which can be a long process. People have until 11am to vacate or renew. The walk to the geothermal area of Norris Basin is just one mile from this camground along a pleasant trail and is highly recommended.
Jen
Beautiful walk in site near the river. Loop A W-1 Doesnt really have proper trees to put up a tarp and slightly on a hill. Rained the duration we camped here and ultimately got rained out. Buffalo frequent the open meadow and even saw trumpeter swans. Fire pit and table on site. Firewood is 7.99 a bundle. Ice also sold here.
Alan Stellpflug
This is a first come, first served campground, but we'll worth the risk! The camp sites are larger and more spread out than Canyon's reservation sites. Each campsite has its own fire ring, table and food storage box. The sites in loop A are right on the Gibbon river and the views are amazing.