Madison Campground

From Teach And Discover Wiki

Madison Campground

Through the trees at Madison
State	Wyoming
District	Yellowstone National Park
Forest	National Parks Service
Season	May - October
Fee	$19.60 per night
Reservations	Yes
Activities	Biking Camping Fishing Hiking Horseback Riding Picnicking Winter Sports
Services	277 Campsites Drinking Water Restrooms RV Sites No Hookups RV Dump Station

Madison Campground in Yellowstone National Park is a gorgeous place to stay during the early-season. May and June are the perfect monhts to park your trailer and enjoy your stay in the Park. There are very few amenities, but the ones that are there are great. The scenery is spectacular. The entire campground is chock full of pines and is surrounded by the Madison River.

Even though it may be warm enough to walk around in shorts during the day in the months the campground is open, because of the near 6,800 ft above sea level, it gets very cold at night. Make sure that you have a furnace or heater that works off gas to keep you warm at night, or your stay anywhere in the park will not be a comfortable one.

Fishing is available in the Park, but licenses cost around $20 (USD) per day (last time I checked). Hunting in the park (or discharging a firearm at all) is a federal offense anywhere within national park boundaries, so I'd recommend against trying it, but he fishing is enough to keep anyone happily busy.

The campground is about 17 miles from Old Fathful. There you can find the Old Fatihful Lodge and Restaurant. I haven't eaten in too many places in the park, but the food at the Lodge is more than adequate. There are several options on the menu (from American to Italian) and each is full of flavor. As with all things in the park, the food is expensive (about $20 per person, and $10 for kids) but well worth it. The gift shop in the Lodge sells a beautiful collection of souvenirs and artwork. The Old Faithful area also has showers, stores, and gas stations.

If you want more amenities at cheaper prices, you'll have to exit the park and head west about 14 miles to the town of West Yellowstone. I have relatives there who offer cabins and guided river and snowmobile tours (during applicable months). West Yellowstone offers all amenities that any old town would offer, including grociery stores, gas, movie theaters, restaurants, etc.

And, best of all, this is all within a short gorgeous drive of Madison Campground on the west side of Yellowstone National Park!

http://www.yellowstone-natl-park.com/camping.htm#Madison