Camping in Cody, Wyoming
A complete guide to camping in Cody
Photo Credit: V Karkalas
Overview
Cody sits at 5,016 feet at the eastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park, 52 miles from the park's East Entrance gate. The town was founded by Buffalo Bill Cody and maintains an Old West identity with nightly rodeos, a nationally recognized western museum, and a downtown built around that heritage. The North Fork Highway (US 14/16/20) between Cody and Yellowstone follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River through Wapiti Valley, one of the most scenic highway corridors in the West.
Ponderosa Campground and Cody Trout Ranch Camp provide the primary private campground options in town, both along the Shoshone River with mountain views. Green Creek Inn and RV Park and Old Faithful RV Park offer full-hookup RV sites. Clearwater Campground sits further up the valley toward Yellowstone. Cody/Yellowstone East KOA Holiday provides the branded resort campground experience with pool and organized activities.
On the public side, North Fork Campground at Buffalo Bill State Park sits on the reservoir with fishing, boating, and mountain views. Lake Shore Campground on the opposite side of the reservoir adds a second state park option. The Shoshone National Forest surrounding the highway corridor has developed Forest Service campgrounds and dispersed camping on forest roads. Rex Hale Campground along the river between Cody and Yellowstone provides a Forest Service option in the canyon.
Weather & Best Seasons
Best months: June through September
Summer is the camping season, aligned with Yellowstone's peak visitation. July highs average 85 degrees in Cody but cool rapidly with elevation as you climb toward the park. Nights drop into the 40s and 50s in the valley. Yellowstone's East Entrance typically opens by early May and closes in early November. Snow is possible in any month above 8,000 feet. Fall brings golden cottonwoods along the river and fewer crowds after Labor Day.
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