Spanning across Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, Yellowstone National Park features 2.2 million acres of vibrant geological wonders, hiking trails within dense forests, and a history that makes this park one-of-a-kind. With one day in Yellowstone, your day will be action packed with tons of world-class landscapes and viewpoints.
In this post, I will go cover an itinerary for an epic day getaway in Yellowstone, along with recommendations to try and capture the most beauty from the park!
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Is One Day in Yellowstone National Park Enough Time?
Yellowstone National Park, with over 2 million acres, is a park that would take much more than a day to explore everything there is to see. If you are wondering whether one day in Yellowstone National Park is enough time, here’s the verdict:
Most people don’t have the time to stay in Yellowstone National Park for more than 1 week. For some, even 3 days might be too long.
This guide highlights some of the most awe-inspiring spots, such as the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs and the Old Faithful Geyser, and much more.
I consider these spots must-visits, and should be seen by everyone having the chance to visit Yellowstone NP.
Where to Camp in Yellowstone National Park
Best Campsites in Yellowstone National Park
Lewis Lake on Yellowstone Map
Yellowstone has a plethora of lodging options raging from primitive campsites to grand hotels such as the famous Old Faithful Inn. I stayed Lewis Lake Campground, located near the south entrance of the park.
However, the best campground in Yellowstone National Park is Indian Creek Campground, located along the northern loop of Yellowstone because of its proximity to some of the best spots within the park with 70 spots to choose from:
Bridge Bay Campground
Near Yellowstone Lake, great for fishing and boating; 432 sites.Canyon Campground
Close to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; 273 sites.Fishing Bridge RV Park
Full hookups for RVs near Yellowstone Lake; hard-sided campers only.Grant Village Campground
Near West Thumb Geyser Basin; 430 forested sites.Madison Campground
Near Madison River, great for fishing; 278 sites.Lewis Lake Campground
By Lewis Lake, ideal for water activities; 85 sites, first-come, first-served.Mammoth Campground
Open year-round near Mammoth Hot Springs; 85 sites.Pebble Creek Campground
Secluded in Lamar Valley; 27 sites.Slough Creek Campground
Prime wildlife watching near Lamar Valley; 23 sites.Tower Fall Campground
Near Tower Fall and Lamar Valley; 31 sites, first-come, first-served.Norris Campground
Central location near Norris Geyser Basin; 111 sites.
Best RV Parks in Yellowstone National Park
For those entering Yellowstone with an RV, the best RV park in Yellowstone National Park is Fishing Bridge RV Park, which is also the only RV park within the Yellowstone’s boundaries. Keep these details in mind:
- Location: Near Yellowstone Lake, east of the park’s center.
- Facilities:
- Full hookups (water, sewer, and electric).
- Laundry and shower facilities available.
- Dump station on-site.
- Restrictions:
- Only hard-sided RVs are allowed due to bear activity.
- No tents or soft-sided campers.
- Capacity: 310 RV sites.
- Amenities:
- Nearby access to Yellowstone Lake and fishing opportunities.
- Close to hiking trails and scenic drives.
- Reservations: Required and highly recommended to book in advance due to high demand.
- Season: Typically open from late spring to early fall (specific dates vary annually).
2025 Updates in Yellowstone National Park
As of 2025, Yellowstone received a large funding grant to repair the bridge in your gardener river. Keep in mind that there may be slow traffic enclosures near the area.
Indian Creek Campground and pebble Creek campground or close for the 2025 season for improvements.
In December 2024, many err eruptions began in steamboat geyser. The park of suggest that a potential major eruption might happen in 2025.
Morning- Old Faithful, Hot Springs
Old Faithful Geyser
Smoke blows out of the Old Faithful Geyser as it erupts!
First, the morning in the park started with a drive to Old Faithful Geyser to catch an early eruption and beat the crowds.
Luckily, we arrived around 7:45 am with the next eruption around 8:10 am, so we didn’t have to wait around long. Our first buffalo was seen along the way!
To check geyser eruption times, visit the NPS website.
Bison seen along the road to Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone NP
After arriving to the parking zone, grab a light breakfast and walk over to the geyser around 8:00 am.
After seeing what crowds were like in the afternoon, we were really happy that we decided to go early.
Keep in mind that Old Faithful Geyser erupts about every 2 hours, so you will have the chance to see it all throughout the day if you aren’t an early riser!
Getting ready to see Old Faithful Geyser
Walk the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Trail
Posing in front of a Hot Spring during a sunny day!
After watching the eruption of the geyser, take a stroll along the boardwalks of Yellowstone which offer up-close-and-personal views of mini-geysers and hot springs.
Wherever you look, this trail as a museum exhibit, with each little hot spring displayed around the bordwalk like a piece of artwork.
To cover the most distance as we could, we decided to take the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop trail. This allowed us to see a majority of the hot springs and geysers along the trail.
Heart Geyser seen along the Upper Geyser Basin Trail
Find the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop Trail Alltrails
Mid-Day: North Yellowstone
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs
Next, head north toward Mammoth Hot Springs. Along the way, tour different observation points such as the Fountain Paint Pot and Gibbon Falls.
Then, stop at Mammoth Hot Springs, located in the upper-northwest corner of the park. This drive takes around 1.5 hours from Old Faithful Geyser.
Definitely, Mammoth Hot Springs is a must see. The brown, tan, and white crystal-like formations are something truly unique to Yellowstone.,
Then drive around the parks North Loops past the Tower-Rosevelt take a break near Canyon Village for a picnic or a stretch break. We decided to cook up delicious quesadillas and veggies!
Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls
Upper Yellowstone Falls
After filling up, drive south along Grand Loop Rd. to admire Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls. Here, take the short “Brink of the Lower Falls Trail” to gain the best view of the waterfall!
Evening: Hayden Valley
Admire Wildlife in Hayden Valley
Capturing the sunset in Hayden Valley,
As the sun started to creep its way to the horizon, pull off at Hayden Valley to see spectacular glimpses of the sunset and all the wildlife that Yellowstone had to offer.
Herds of Bison, a pack of Elk, a pair of Coyotes, a small black bear, and a plethora of birds were all in view!
The beauty of the scenery combined with the ability to see the variety of animals definitely put Hayden Valley at the top of my experiences in Yellowstone.
Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park for Wildlife
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park for wildlife is in the spring, where animals are emerging from hibernation, and baby animals are easier to spot.
Ultimately, Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are some of the best areas within the park to spot wildlife.
Hayden Valley offers Miles of flatland, making it easier to spot a bison, bear, or birds.
Conclusion
I hope that this guide provided some insight on some of the best sights to see in Yellowstone!
Please let me know if there was anything that I missed or that you would recommend seeing within your day at Yellowstone. Cheers!