Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey Blog
Book Your 4th of July Stay for Stars, Stripes & Camping Nights!
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
From Yellowstone: 7.5 miles west of West Yellowstone, MT and the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park on US Hwy 20.
From Idaho: 1.5 miles east of the MT/ID border on US Hwy 20 - next to Mountain Vista Hotel.
GPS: N44.6866. W111.251811
*Please note that this KOA Journey is 1.5 miles west of the Yellowstone Park/ West Gate KOA also on US Hwy 20
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Yellowstone is a must-see destination with spectacular fishing throughout the year. Each season offers the chance to catch different species of fish, and there are multiple places in the park where you can cast your line and take in the peaceful beauty of nature. Many fly fishing destinations in West Yellowstone have abundant wildlife. During your fly fishing trip, respect the wildlife and follow the recommended guidelines for safe distances, food storage and more.
It is hard to look through any fishing publication without seeing at least one mention of Yellowstone. This national park has multiple fishing areas to explore.
Madison River is one of the most popular rivers for West Yellowstone fly fishing. It is also a great spot for walk-and-wade fishing. Many anglers prefer to try their luck at the area of the river between Hebgen Lake and Quake Lake for brown and rainbow trout. From our campground, Madison River is about 94 miles away. Take US 20 East through West Yellowstone. After about 15 miles, the Madison River runs alongside the highway. Total travel time is about an hour and a half.
Nez Perce Creek starts at Mary Lake and flows into the Firehole River. It offers great chances to catch brown and rainbow trout. From Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey, take US 20 East and Highway 191 to Yellowstone National Park. Hike the Mary Mountain Trailhead to the bridge over Culex Basin to get to the Nez Perce Creek.
Hebgen Lake is a popular destination for “gulper” fishing, which is when large trout rise to the surface to catch flies. Anglers will also find the waters teeming with rainbow and brown trout for plentiful chances to reel in the big one. Hebgen Lake is about 20 miles from our campground. Drive on US 20 East to West Yellowstone, then turn onto US 191 North. After that, take US 287 North to Lakeview, Montana. It takes about 40 minutes to get there.
Located between the border of Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky, Gallatin River is perfect for pool fishing and is stocked with large rainbow trout. Take US 20 East to West Yellowstone, then take Highway 191 North for 20 miles. At this point, Highway 191 runs parallel to Gallatin River. The drive takes around 30 minutes from the campground.
Henry's Fork is in the Island Park area and is well-stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout. Anglers enjoy this spot for wade and float fishing, and it is one of the top places for fly fishing in West Yellowstone. Drive on US 20 West into Idaho. From there, you can fly fish Henry's Fork from a pull-off in Island Park. This 20-mile drive takes about 20 minutes.
Firehole River is unique in that it receives geothermally heated water, so it tends to be warmer than many other rivers in Yellowstone, especially in the colder months. This river is home to many large rainbow and brown trout, and anglers can partake in wade, drift and fly fishing. From Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey, take US 20 East to US 191 South into Yellowstone National Park. Firehole River is visible from the road, so you can pull off in designated parking areas between Biscuit Basin and Firehole Falls. You can also fish south of Old Faithful for small brook trout. This route is 36 miles long and takes about one hour to drive.
Earthquake Lake, or Quake Lake, is six miles long and over 120 feet deep. It is ideal for fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout. To get to Earthquake Lake, which is 29 miles from our campground, drive on US 20 West, then turn onto ID 87 North to where it meets US 287 South. Earthquake Lake is right next to the road. Expect the drive to take about 30 minutes.
Trout Lake is aptly named as it holds some of the largest trout in Yellowstone. This beautiful lake offers the best fishing in early summer as it becomes very weedy in the late summer. Drive on US 20 East and US 191 South to Yellowstone National Park, which is about 29 miles or 47 minutes away from our campground. Hike to the lake by using Trout Lake Trail. The trail starts at a pullout on Northeast Entrance Road.
Grayling Creek is a sparkling stream only 18 miles from our campground and home to Native Arctic Grayling, which provides an exceptional Yellowstone fly fishing experience. Take US 20 East to West Yellowstone, then turn on US 191 North. After this 22-minute drive, you'll reach the Grayling Creek Bridge that crosses Grayling Creek. You can fish from the bridge or park in pullouts along Highway 191.
Lewis River is part of the Snake River drainage and home to many brown and lake trout. There are many different areas of Lewis Lake you can fish, with one of the top being the channel where the Lewis River flows into Lewis Lake. Get to Lewis River by driving on US 20 East and US 191 South until the road runs parallel to Lewis Lake. This route is about 60 miles long and takes one hour and 45 minutes to drive.
Packing the right gear is essential to prepare for a day on the river. Before you head out, pack these key items:
An insulating layer for cold weather, like a sweater or jacket
Waterproof rain jacket in case it rains
Insulating hat for cold weather
Brimmed hat for sun protection
Wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry
Water to stay hydrated
Snacks in case you get hungry
Bug spray to protect from insects
Sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburns
If spending the day by gently babbling rivers, casting your line at tranquil ponds or wading into mountain-fed rivers sounds like heaven on earth, then book your stay at Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey. Just minutes from Yellowstone National Park, the campground is the perfect spot to stay as you make your fly fishing dreams come true. Our general store has all of your fly fishing necessities.
You will also have many amenities to explore, including fire rings at every site, ATV trails and casting ponds. Take a look at the campsite options and book your stay today!
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.
