What should I pack for Yellowstone National Park in winter?

Plan for Winter overnight lows around -5°F at 8,000 ft. Bring a rated sleeping bag, pad, rain layers, water treatment, and navigation tools. A backcountry permit is required for overnight stays.

Are bear canisters required at Yellowstone National Park?

Yes — approved bear canisters are required in wilderness areas. Store all food, trash, and scented items inside.

When is the best time to camp at Yellowstone National Park?

Peak season is typically June, July, August, September. Most campgrounds and roads close November–April; winter camping is limited and cold.

Do I need a permit for Yellowstone National Park?

Yes — overnight backcountry use requires a permit. Apply at https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm.

Can I bring my dog to Yellowstone National Park?

Pets are restricted to developed areas and are not allowed on most trails or in the backcountry.

Camping packing list for Yellowstone — Winter

8,000 ft · 11 essentials · Bear canister required · ~-5°F winter lows

Grizzly and black bears roam the entire park — carry bear spray and store food in approved containers.

Most campgrounds and roads close November–April; winter camping is limited and cold.

Geothermal features are fragile and dangerous — stay on boardwalks and downwind of bison.

Backcountry sites require a permit; many fill quickly for summer peak season.

Elevation averages 8,000 ft — nights drop below freezing even in early summer at higher camps.

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Permit requirements

Yellowstone National Park requires permits for most overnight backcountry use.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Look out across the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone or take in the beauty of the Yellowstone River and its waterfalls.
Snow Pass Ski Trail: The Snow Pass Ski Trail is a 4.2 mile (6.76 km), skier-tracked, one-way, easiest to most-difficult, ski that takes skiers through a steep heavily forested area to a semi-flat wide open area with views of Swan Lake Flats.
Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail: Follow the rim of the Yellowstone River valley, enjoying views of bighorn sheep, the Narrows of the Yellowstone, Overhanging Cliff, and the towers of Tower Falls.

Apply on Recreation.gov →

Updated daily

Bear & food storage

Bear canisters are required in all Yellowstone National Park wilderness zones.

Required zones

All designated wilderness camps
Above 3,000 ft in backcountry zones

Approved storage

BearVault BV450/BV500
Counter Assault Bear Keg
UDAP No-Fed-Bear

Stay Away From Bull Elk

Updated daily

Weather overview

At 8,000 ft, Yellowstone National Park sees wide temperature swings. Best camping: June, July, August, September.

Best months: June, July, August, September

Snow / closure months: November, December, January, February, March

Updated daily

Essential gear list

11 essentials for winter at 8,000 ft.

0°F sleeping bag(Sleep)
Winter nights at Yellowstone National Park often drop to ~-5°F at 8,000 ft — a 0°F bag gives safe margin.
Insulated sleeping pad (R-value 4+)(Sleep)
Cold ground saps heat fast at elevation; an R4+ pad pairs with your 0°F bag for West Yellowstone, MT-area shoulder seasons.
Three-season tent with rain fly(Shelter)
Yellowstone National Park weather shifts quickly — a freestanding tent handles wind and sudden rain common in Winter.
Water filter or purifier(Cook)
Abundant streams and lakes; Giardia is common — filter or boil all water.
Headlamp + spare batteries(Safety)
Trail work and camp chores run past sunset; a backup prevents being stuck in the dark on unfamiliar trails.
First aid kit (blister care, pain relief, gauze)(Safety)
Remote terrain near West Yellowstone, MT means self-sufficiency — treat blisters and minor injuries before they end a trip.
Rain shell + warm midlayer(Wear)
Layer for -5°F lows and daytime swings at 8,000 ft — cotton stays wet and dangerous.
Sturdy broken-in hiking boots(Wear)
Grizzly and black bears roam the entire park — carry bear sp rewards stable footing on rocky, uneven trails.
Approved bear canister(Safety)
Bear canisters are required in wilderness zones — hanging food is not permitted and rangers issue citations.
Printed backcountry permit(Navigation)
Permits are checked at trailheads — keep a paper copy even if you have digital confirmation.
Map + compass (or downloaded offline map)(Navigation)
Cell service is spotty in Wyoming backcountry — do not rely on live GPS alone.

Updated daily

Campground availability

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Road & trail closures

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Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for Yellowstone National Park in winter?: Plan for Winter overnight lows around -5°F at 8,000 ft. Bring a rated sleeping bag, pad, rain layers, water treatment, and navigation tools. A backcountry permit is required for overnight stays.
Are bear canisters required at Yellowstone National Park?: Yes — approved bear canisters are required in wilderness areas. Store all food, trash, and scented items inside.
When is the best time to camp at Yellowstone National Park?: Peak season is typically June, July, August, September. Most campgrounds and roads close November–April; winter camping is limited and cold.
Do I need a permit for Yellowstone National Park?: Yes — overnight backcountry use requires a permit. Apply at https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm.
Can I bring my dog to Yellowstone National Park?: Pets are restricted to developed areas and are not allowed on most trails or in the backcountry.

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