10 Tips for Visiting Yellowstone National Park [Summer 2022]

by Brian | Last Updated: June 11, 2022

Yellowstone National Park is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and the amazing rangers at the park have compiled 10 great tips for those looking to visit the park this summer. With Yellowstone being one of the most popular National Parks in the country (4.9 million visits in 2021!) you can expect large crowds this summer, so make reservations early and plan ahead.

Purchase Your Pass Online

You don’t need a reservation to enter the park, just an entrance pass. If you want to save time at the gate, purchase your pass online before you arrive at GO.NPS.GOV/YELLFEES

For 2022 the Fee Structure is: 

• $70 Yellowstone Annual Pass: Valid for 12 months (admits pass holder and passengers, up to 15) 
• $35 Private Vehicle Pass: Valid for 7 days (1 vehicle & up to 15 passengers) 
• $30 Motorcycle / Snowmobile Pass: Valid for 7 days
• $20 Individual Pass: Valid for 7 days (1 Hiker, Bicyclist, or Pedestrian visiting the park without a vehicle)

Arrive with Accommodation Plans

All campgrounds and lodging in the park require a reservation and are usually full. Camping and overnight parking is only allowed in designated campsites in the park. If you don’t have a reservation, the nearest place to stay could be hours away, so be sure to have a plan before you arrive.

You can look for available reservations at the following link:

• Yellowstone Camping 
• Recreation.gov Yellowstone
• Backcountry Camping in Yellowstone
• Yellowstone NP Lodging 

Expect Construction, Crowds, & Limited Connectivity

As you load up for the day, don’t forget to pack your patience. Expect a crowded boardwalk, traffic delays, and limited parking. Cell service is also limited, so download the National Park Service app and offline content before you arrive for information at your fingertips.

Give Wildlife Room, Use Zoom

Practice safe selfies by never approaching wildlife to take a picture. Keep 100 yards away from bears and Wolves and 25 yards away from everything else, especially bison and elk.

Be Bear Aware

Protect your family and friends and the bears you came to see by hiking in groups, making noise, carrying bear spray, and knowing how to use it.

Follow the Beaten Path

Boardwalks lead you to amazing places, protect our park and keep you safe. People have been severely burned or killed when leaving boardwalks or trying to touch hot water, so stay on boardwalks and trails when exploring our thermal areas.

Protect Your Pets

Yellowstone is a wild place and many pets have been lost, injured, or killed in the park. Bringing your furry friend may limit your activities because they can only accompany their humans where a vehicle can go like roads and campgrounds.

Flood Your Flames

Check the current fire restrictions before you burn. Always keep an eye on your campfire and make sure it’s cold at the touch. Before you leave, remember to soak stir, feel and repeat.

Stash Your Trash

If a trash can happens to be full, find another. Always make sure to keep your food and garbage secure. If animals get into human food, they could eventually be killed. Always remember to keep your food scraps in the trash and off the trail.

Enjoy The Ride!

Always follow the speed limit. Use pullouts when you want to take a picture or to let others pass. Do not stop in the road. When you do, pull over, make sure all four tires are outside the white line. 

If you really want to share your love for Yellowstone, take the Yellowstone Pledge.

Encourage your friends and family to do the same and please share your photos online using the hashtag #YellowstonePledge.
Please enjoy your visit and take care.

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