Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From West Yellowstone: 6 miles west of Yellowstone National Park West Entrance at West Yellowstone, Montana on US HWY 20, aka. the Targhee Pass Hwy.
From Idaho: 3 miles east of the Montana/Idaho border on US HWY 20, aka.the Targhee Pass Hwy.
Be aware that we are 1.5 miles east of the new Mountainside Journey KOA which is also on US Hwy 20.
GPS: N44.686. W111.2179
Get Google Directions
As the fourth most visited National Park in 2023, Yellowstone is popular for its abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes. This vast national park offers endless opportunities for photography throughout the year.
Yellowstone offers exciting photography opportunities year-round, each season offering different benefits and considerations. Whichever season you decide to visit in, early mornings or late evenings will provide some of the best chances to capture beautiful landscapes and active wildlife.
Witness the park come to life from late April to early June. As snow starts to melt and temperatures rise, plants and animal life begin to emerge and thrive. From rushing waterfalls and lush scenery to newborn animals and returning migratory birds, the reviving park offers countless opportunities for photographers of all interests.
Springtime comes with lingering winter weather that can be unpredictable, so be prepared for potential rain or snowstorms. The National Park Service (NPS) starts to open park entrances, visitor centers and roads in April, but some facilities and roads may still be closed depending on weather conditions. Check about road conditions and weather updates.
June to August is Yellowstone's summer season. Long, warm days and cool nights offer plenty of time to explore the park through hiking and biking. Roads, facilities and trails are typically accessible throughout the season, making wildlife watching and landscape photography easy.
While summer may be peak bison rutting season, it is also peak tourist season. The crowds can be large, so plan ahead and arrive at the park outside the busiest hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The warmer temperatures during the day can cause animals to hide from the heat, so coming to the park in the early morning or late evening is ideal to see the wildlife in action.
Visiting Yellowstone from September to October provides ample photography opportunities with smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. Vibrant fall colors from changing foliage can create breathtaking landscape shots. Wildlife photographers can take advantage of increased activity as animals prepare for the long winter ahead.
Most facilities and roads throughout the park are open, but some may close as the season progresses due to early snowfall or other weather-related factors. Plan for variable weather to ensure you get the most out of an autumn trip to Yellowstone.
Yellowstone's winter season lasts from November to March. You can explore the snowy wonderland through cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and guided snowmobile tours. The peaceful, uncrowded expanse gives way to one-of-a-kind landscape and wildlife photography opportunities.
Park access is limited in the winter. Only the north and northeast entrances in Montana are open for wheeled vehicle access, and many facilities and roads are closed. You will need to prepare for deep snow and subzero temperatures to stay safe as you navigate the park.
Stretching over 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone is filled with diverse landscapes and a variety of wildlife. Each area of the park offers unique sights and wildlife encounters to capture on camera.
Lamar Valley is a must-see for wildlife photographers. Nearly every species in the park can be found in this northeastern area, including bison, pronghorn, grizzly bears, wolves, coyotes, river otters and bald eagles. At sunrise or sunset, you can capture pictures of these majestic animals in a warm golden glow.
This valley in central Yellowstone is another hot spot for wildlife watching. Bison, wolves, coyotes, grizzly bears and coyotes roam along the Yellowstone River. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times to catch these animals in action. Hayden Valley also offers breathtaking landscape photos with its expansive wetlands and grasslands.
The stark contrast of vibrant geothermal features and neutral landscape colors makes Norris Geyser Basin a beautiful location to photograph. The landscape is ever-changing as geological events alter hydrothermal behavior, making the area a unique place to return to again and again. Elk, bison and a variety of birds can be seen in the area.
To make the most of your time in Yellowstone, be sure to pack essential camera equipment items, such as:
Follow general safety tips when visiting Yellowstone, such as letting someone know what you will be doing and when you should return. Cell service is limited, so bring a map or GPS device to keep yourself oriented and safe while exploring the park. Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, which can be dangerous. Always stay on the boardwalks and be cautious when viewing these sites.
In addition to basic safety measures, follow safety precautions and park rules regarding wildlife and weather events.
Yellowstone is home to a wide variety of wildlife that deserve respect. Never feed the wildlife, and be sure to give them appropriate space. Follow park rules and stay at least 25 yards from bison and elk and 100 yards from bears and wolves. Use a telephoto lens to get closer shots of wildlife while maintaining safe and respectful distances from them.
Weather in Yellowstone can be unpredictable. Monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly. Dressing appropriately can protect you and help you have an enjoyable experience in Yellowstone. Follow tips such as:
You want to make the most of your time in Yellowstone — the best way to do that depends on your budget and preferences. You can go on a photography tour that is either:
Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday offers a convenient home base for your Yellowstone wildlife photography or landscape photography adventures. Reserve your stay today to start planning your next Yellowstone trip!
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.
