Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday Blog
Camp Near The Yellowstone Action. RV Sites Available For An Unforgettable Yellowstone Summer!
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
Planning a trip to West Yellowstone does not have to be overly expensive. Some of the most memorable experiences in the area are free or very low cost. From scenic drives and waterfalls to smart savings tips and campground perks, you can explore Yellowstone National Park without stretching your budget.
One of the easiest ways to save money is by visiting during National Park free entrance days. In 2026, entrance fees are waived on select dates for U.S. residents.
Here are the official 2026 free entrance days:
February 16, 2026 – Presidents Day
May 25, 2026 – Memorial Day
June 14, 2026 – Flag Day
July 3 to July 5, 2026 – Independence Day weekend
August 25, 2026 – National Park Service anniversary
September 17, 2026 – Constitution Day
October 27, 2026 – Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
November 11, 2026 – Veterans Day (National Park Service)
Planning your trip around these dates can help you save on entrance fees while still experiencing everything Yellowstone has to offer. Keep in mind these days are popular, so arriving early and planning ahead is key.
If you plan to visit Yellowstone more than once or explore other parks, the America the Beautiful Pass is one of the best values available.
For 80 dollars, this annual pass:
Covers entrance fees for your entire vehicle
Works at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites
Is valid for a full year
There are also free options available for military members, fourth graders, and individuals with permanent disabilities. For many travelers, this pass pays for itself after just a few visits. Learn more here.
Some of the best views in Yellowstone can be experienced right from your car. You do not need to book a tour to enjoy the park.
The Grand Loop Road is a must see. This 140 mile drive connects many of Yellowstone’s most famous features including geysers, wildlife viewing areas, and waterfalls.
Pack snacks, bring your camera, and enjoy a full day of sightseeing at your own pace.
Yellowstone is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, and many are easy to access.
Popular stops include:
Gibbon Falls for a quick roadside stop
Tower Fall for a short walk with big views
The Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River for iconic scenery
These stops are included with your park entry, so you can explore as many as you like without any additional cost.
There are countless hiking opportunities near West Yellowstone that do not cost anything beyond park entry.
You can explore:
Boardwalk trails around geyser basins
Scenic overlooks near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Whether you are looking for a short walk or a full day hike, there is something for every skill level.
Food costs can add up quickly while traveling. A little planning can go a long way.
Consider these tips:
Pack picnic lunches for your park days
Bring a refillable water bottle
Cook meals at your campsite
Stock up on groceries before entering the park
Picnic areas throughout Yellowstone offer incredible views, so your meals become part of the experience.
Choosing the right place to stay can help you save both time and money. Staying near the park reduces gas costs and makes it easier to explore early in the day.
Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday offers a convenient location near the entrance along with amenities that help you get more value out of your stay. Having a comfortable home base means you can spend more time exploring and less time driving.
Joining KOA Rewards is an easy way to stretch your travel budget even further.
Members receive:
10 percent off daily registration rates
Points toward free stays
Access to exclusive offers
If you camp more than once a year, the savings can add up quickly.
A trip to West Yellowstone does not have to come with an extremely high price tag. With free entrance days, scenic drives, accessible hiking trails, and a few smart planning tips, you can experience everything the area has to offer while staying within your budget.
All it takes is a little preparation and the right place to stay to create a memorable and affordable adventure.
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.
