Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey Blog
Your RV Wants To Visit Yellowstone. We Have The Perfect Site For You!
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
From Yellowstone: 7.5 miles west of West Yellowstone, MT and the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park on US Hwy 20.
From Idaho: 1.5 miles east of the MT/ID border on US Hwy 20 - next to Mountain Vista Hotel.
GPS: N44.6866. W111.251811
*Please note that this KOA Journey is 1.5 miles west of the Yellowstone Park/ West Gate KOA also on US Hwy 20
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If you're planning a trip to Yellowstone and can't imagine leaving your furry friend behind, you're in luck—West Yellowstone is full of dog-friendly activities that make it easy to include your pet in the adventure. From scenic drives and lakeside picnics to KOA’s exclusive Paw Pen sites, there’s something for every member of your family—two-legged and four.
We’re excited to share that our campground is now part of the growing list of KOA locations offering Paw Pen sites. These RV sites feature a private fenced area right at your campsite—perfect for giving your dog some off-leash time while you relax. It’s camping made more comfortable for everyone.
See the full list of KOA Paw Pen campgrounds here:
https://koa.com/blog/koa-paw-pen-sites-camp-with-your-dog/
While pets aren’t allowed on trails or boardwalks within Yellowstone National Park, there are still several ways to explore the area with your pup. The National Park Service outlines the full pet policy here:
https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/pets.htm
Here are a few local dog-friendly activities your pup will love:
Scenic drives: Take in the breathtaking sights of Yellowstone right from your vehicle. Dogs are welcome at overlooks and pullouts as long as they remain leashed and supervised.
Picnics: Stop at a picnic area outside the park boundary where dogs are allowed and enjoy lunch with a view.
Refuge Point Loop: This moderate 2.5-mile loop trail in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest offers beautiful views of Earthquake Lake—and it’s dog-friendly.
Old Faithful viewing area: While dogs aren’t allowed on the boardwalk, you can still catch a glimpse of Old Faithful from the designated pet area near the visitor center.
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center: Leashed dogs are welcome in certain areas of this educational and interactive center just minutes from the West Yellowstone entrance.
Hebgen Lake: A great spot to relax, swim, or kayak while your dog explores the shoreline on-leash.
Pet-friendly patios: Several restaurants in West Yellowstone offer pet-friendly outdoor dining, so you and your dog can enjoy a meal together.
At KOA, we know pets are part of the family. Here are a few tips to make your camping trip smooth for you and your four-legged companion:
Bring familiar food and water: Sudden changes can upset your pet’s stomach. Stick to what they know and consider bringing bottled water.
Pack health records: If an unexpected vet visit is needed, you’ll be glad you have them on hand.
Comfort items: Bring your pet’s favorite bedding, toys, and treats to help them feel at home in a new environment.
Extra gear: Pack spare leashes, waste bags, and a collapsible bowl. It’s always better to have more than you need.
Practice good behavior: Before your trip, make sure your dog is comfortable around people, other pets, and obeys basic commands. Camping can be overwhelming for pets who aren’t used to new surroundings.
Your four-legged friend can camp in comfort too! Complete with everything you need, a number of our Deluxe Cabins and Camping Cabins offer pet-friendly accommodations for an additional fee. All RV and Tent sites are also pet-friendly with an additional fee for RV sites with a KOA Paw Pen.
It is always a good idea to check on the specific pet policies at the campground of your choosing, as some locations may limit pets to certain campsites or certain types of accommodations.
Camping is all about memories with the ones you love most, including our furry family members. Book your pet-friendly site today!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
