How Much Does a Yellowstone Trip Cost?
A realistic budget for a Yellowstone trip — entrance fees, campgrounds, gear, and money-saving tips.
Cost breakdown
Park entrance fee
$35–$80
Campground (5 nights)
$100–$180
Food (2 people, 5 nights)
$150–$300
Gas
$50–$200
Activities
$0–$300
Total estimate$335–$1060
Yellowstone Trip Budget
A 5-night Yellowstone camping trip for two adults typically runs $400–800 all-in, depending on your setup. Here's the full breakdown.
Fixed Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Park entrance fee | $35/vehicle |
| Camping (per night) | $20–36 |
| Gas (varies by distance) | $50–200 |
Consider the America the Beautiful Pass ($80) — it covers entrance fees at all national parks and pays for itself immediately if you're visiting 2+ parks in a year.
Campground Comparison
| Campground | Type | Price/Night | Reservable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison | Tent/RV | $25 | Yes |
| Grant Village | Tent/RV | $36 | Yes |
| Pebble Creek | Tent | $20 | No (FCFS) |
| Slough Creek | Tent | $20 | No (FCFS) |
Food & Dining
| Option | Cost/Day/Person |
|---|---|
| Cook all meals at camp | $15–25 |
| Mix of camp + one park restaurant | $30–50 |
| Mostly restaurants (Old Faithful Inn, etc.) | $60–90 |
Tours & Activities
Most activities are free with park entry. Optional extras:
- Guided wildlife safari: $75–150/person
- Fly fishing guided day: $350–500/person
- Horseback riding: $45–90/hour
Total Budget Estimates
| Style | Per Person (5 nights) |
|---|---|
| Budget (cook all meals, tent camp) | $150–250 |
| Mid-range (mix of meals, some tours) | $300–500 |
| Premium (guided tours, mix lodging) | $600–1,200 |
Plan your trip with a budget in mind
Our AI planner generates a complete gear list, meal plan, and itinerary — all with cost estimates built in.
