YellowstonePark :: Park Regulations

Entrance Fees:
Entrance passes are good for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Private vehicle: 7-day permit: $20; $40 for an annual pass; National Parks Pass: $50; Golden Eagle Pass: $65; Golden Age Pass: $10 (lifetime pass for citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who are 62 years or older).; Single entry (foot, bike, ski, etc.): $10 for a 7-day pass.; Individual snowmobile or motorcycle: $15 for a 7-day pass.

Bicycling is permitted only on established public roads, parking areas, and designated routes. Bicycles are prohibited on boardwalks and backcountry trails.

Boaters must have a Coastal Guard-approved "wearable" flotation device for each person boating.

Calling to attract wildlife - bugling to elk, howling to wolves, etc. - is illegal.

Disturbing park features - possessing, collecting, removing, defacing or destroying any natural or archaeological objects or plants, animals or minerals - is prohibited.

Feeding wildlife is against the law.

Fires are permitted only in designated campgrounds, in picnic areas with fire grates and in some backcountry campsites. Any dead-and-down material may be used as firewood, but chainsaws are prohibited. Thoroughly extinguish all fires.

Fishing tackle must be non-toxic. Lead split-shot sinkers, soft lead-weighted ribbon for nymph fishing and other toxic tackle is not allowed.

Food must be attended to while not in storage, and must be stored properly. Never leave food outside your vehicle or around your campsite when you're away or sleeping.

Littering is illegal.

Motorcycles, motor scooters and motor bikes are not allowed off-road or on trails. Operators must have a valid driver's license and vehicles must display valid state license plates.

Climbing is allowed in only a few areas of Yellowstone Park. It is illegal in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area and is not recommended elsewhere due to loose, crumbly rock. (Contact backcountry office in Yellowstone for more information) If you're interested in climbing in Grand Teton National Park, stop in at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station, staffed by climbing rangers during peak season who can advise on weather and route information.

Pets must be leashed, and are prohibited from trails, in the backcountry and in thermal basins. Pets are not allowed more than 100 feet from a road or parking area. Leaving a pet unattended or tied to an object is prohibited. In Grand Teton Park, pets are also not allowed in boats on the Snake River, or on lakes other than Jackson Lake.

Seatbelts must be worn by all people driving or riding in vehicles.

Slow-moving vehicles must pull over to let others pass. Never stop or pause in the middle of the road. Use pullouts!

Speed limit is 45 m.p.h.

Spotlighting - viewing animals with an artificial light - is illegal.

Weapons and firearms, including state-permitted concealed weapons, are not allowed in Yellowstone. Unloaded firearms may be transported in a vehicle when the weapon is cased, broken down or rendered inoperable, and kept out of sight. Ammunition must be placed in a separate compartment of the vehicle.

Boat Permits:
Yellowstone Park: A 10-day motorized boat permit for Yellowstone Park costs $10; an annual permit is $20. Non-motorized boat permits cost $5 for 10 days or $10 for the season.

Grand Teton Park: A 7-day motorized boat permit for Grand Teton National Park costs $10; an annual permit is $20. Non-motorized boat permits cost $5 for seven days or $10 for an annual permit.

Fishing Permits:
Yellowstone Park: to fish in Yellowstone park requires a special permit. The cost is $10 for a 10-day pass or $20 for the season. Purchase at a ranger station, visitor center or at Hamilton Stores. (See ad on page 82.)

Grand Teton Park and in the Rockefeller Memorial Parkway: A Wyoming fishing license is required, which can be purchased at Moose Village Store, Signal Mountain Lodge, Colter Bay Marina and Flagg Ranch Village.

Campgrounds:
Grand Teton National Park operates five campgrounds. The fee is $12 per night per site. Jenny Lake Campground is open to tents only. Other campgrounds will accommodate tents, trailers and recreational vehicles. The maximum length of stay is seven days at Jenny Lake, and 14 days at all other Grand Teton Park campgrounds. Campgrounds are operated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations are not accepted inside Grand Teton Park.

Inside Yellowstone Park, Yellowstone National Park Lodges operates 12 campgrounds. Fees for each range from $10-27. You can remain in a campground for up to 14 days between June 15 and Sept. 15. Reservations are accepted at the Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV, Grant Village, and Madison campgrounds. To reserve space at one of these campgrounds, call 307-344-7311 or 344-5395. (See ad on page 82)

Backcountry Use Permits:
In order to camp in the backcountry of both Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, a backcountry use permit is required. The permit is free for both parks, unless a reservation is made and then the cost is $15. (Reservations in Yellowstone are accepted after April 1 of each year, but only when made in person or by mail; in Grand Teton Park a faxed request is also accepted, and reservations are accepted from Jan. 1-May 15)

Once money and request is received, you'll be sent a confirmation notice. Backcountry use permits must be obtained in person at a ranger station in the park, not more than 48 hours in advance of the first camping date. You must pick up the permit before 10 a.m. on the day of your trip or your site(s) will be released to other campers. For Yellowstone, get a backcountry "trip-planning" worksheet by calling 307-344-2160 or write: Backcountry Office, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. To request a reservation for the backcountry in Grand Teton Park, include your name, address, phone number, number of people in your party, and your preferred campsites and dates. (It's best to include alternative dates and campsites.) Write: Grand Teton National Park, P.O. Drawer 170, Moose, WY 83012 or fax 307-739-3438. Or, reservations may be made at the Moose Visitor Center. Phone reservations are not accepted. For more information, call 307-739-3309 or 739-3397.