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
Pet-Friendly Things to Do in West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone is one of the best places to explore with your dog by your side. While Yellowstone National Park has specific rules about pets, there are still plenty of ways for you and your pup to enjoy the fresh mountain air, beautiful scenery, and a true outdoor escape—together.
Stay and Play at a KOA Paw Pen® Site
If you're camping with your dog, you'll love our new KOA Paw Pen Sites™—now featured on KOA’s list of Paw Pen campgrounds. These upgraded RV sites include a private, fenced area so your dog can safely relax off-leash right at your campsite. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about tethers or tangled leashes.
Explore the Outdoors Beyond the Park Gates
Just outside the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park, you’ll find lots of places to walk, hike, and take in the views with your dog on leash:
Riverside Trail – An easy, scenic walk that follows the Madison River right from the edge of town. This peaceful path is great for early morning strolls or sunset walks with your pup.
Hebgen Lake – Let your dog dip their paws in the water while you enjoy the wide-open views. This is a great spot for a picnic or relaxing afternoon by the shore.
Earthquake Lake (Quake Lake) – Located about 30 minutes from West Yellowstone, this area offers short walking trails and interpretive signs with fascinating geologic history. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Gallatin National Forest – Many of the forest service roads and trails outside of town are pet-friendly and uncrowded. Bring a leash, water, and waste bags, and enjoy a peaceful walk in the woods.
Scenic Drives with Your Dog
If your dog loves a good car ride, West Yellowstone is the perfect launching point for a scenic drive. While pets aren’t allowed on boardwalks or trails in Yellowstone National Park, they are allowed in developed areas, parking lots, and within 100 feet of roads and campgrounds. That means you can:
Cruise through the park with your dog safely buckled in the back seat
Stop at overlooks and scenic pull-outs for photo ops and fresh air
See geysers like Old Faithful from designated pet-accessible areas near the parking lots
For full details on where pets are allowed in the park, check out the official Yellowstone pet policy.
Just in Case
“Expect the unexpected” is a motto campers and pet owners both understand well. Taking the time to pack the extra leashes and collars, for instance, means that you don’t have to take time away from your camping adventure to purchase new ones.
And Don’t Forget….
If your pet has never camped before, it’s important to properly prepare them prior to taking them to the campground. Close quarters, new surroundings and lots of new people can be difficult for pets to process.
Make sure your pet is comfortable being on a leash, and that they obey your commands, such as coming when called and staying close to you. If your pet has behavior problems, such as barking in your absence or is aggressive around other people or animals, it may dampen the fun of your camping experience, as well as those around you.
Make It a Trip to Remember
Your four-legged friend can camp in comfort too! Complete with everything you need, a number of our Deluxe Cabins and Camping Cabins offer pet-friendly accommodations for an additional fee. All RV and Tent sites are also pet-friendly with an additional fee for RV sites with a KOA Paw Pen™.
It is always a good idea to check on the specific pet policies at the campground of your choosing, as some locations may limit pets to certain campsites or certain types of accommodations.
Camping is all about memories with the ones you love most, including our furry family members. Book your pet-friendly site 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.
