Carbella Recreation Site

We came to Carbella Recreation Area with low expectations, but were pleasantly surprised. This is a big open space near a boat launch that will accommodate numerous rigs of any size, fairly level, with great views of the mountains and the Yellowstone River. I think there were approximately 8 picnic table / fire rings but the grounds can accommodate many many more units than that. Just outside Carbella Recreation Area there is a public waste site which allowed for free disposal of household garbage.

The outhouse was less than desirable. There was heavy traffic throughout the day, mostly fishermen dropping their motorless boats at the access, but it never interrupted our experience. This area did get some high winds mostly in the early mornings, be sure to bring your awning in before bed.

We tubed from the bridge just south of us up to the boat landing, lifejackets highly recommended, but at the time of year and the water level that we experienced, all of our kids ranging in age from 3-18 were able to handle the ride with adult supervision.

We checked this place out on our first day in Yellowstone. Wide open space leading to this spot, although the GPS did steer us across the bridge and directly across the river from the actual camp area. Unfortunately, as we were car camping, the idea was to camp close to wherever we found ourselves on a particular day. We ended up far from the North entrance on the first and second days in Yellowstone, but made it back on our third. Beautiful, quiet, lots of space. Definitely a great place to spend more than one night. Would highly recommend.

Easily accessible from the main road. Be aware the GPS coordinates take you past the entrance. But the recreation sign is immediately on your right as you make the turn from the highway. DO NOT got over the bridge, you've gone too far.

Sights are all first come, first serve. It was partly full while we were there at the end of June. Nice quiet spot at the edge of the Yellowstone river, about 20 min from the North park entrance.

We loved our night here on our way to Yellowstone...beautiful setting, right next to the river. Folks sort of parked/camped every which way but we were able to find a reasonably level spot parallel to the water. Was amazing to fall asleep to the sound of the rushing water. Lots of campers and tents but it was a very quiet environment -- no party animals the night we stayed. 360 degree views of the mountains and valley...took an awesome morning walk along the site access road a dirt road that intersected it. Just a lovely spot. And you can't beat free! Only slight issue was the access road...pretty rutted in spots but we took it slow and were just fine. (28' TT) Also, the vault toilet was pretty dirty. But all things considered, not much to complain about here!

This was a great place to stay while we visited Yellowstone. On our first night, we just picked a spot, and kept the trailer attached to the truck as we arrived a little later in the afternoon. The next day while scouting sites someone with a site right on the river was leaving. We grabbed the spot and loved it. We were right on the river with a great view of the mountains all around us. We had a picnic table and fire ring though these are not available at all sites.

The "driveway" into our site was a little rocky and pretty bumpy with our F350. Its not that we couldn't pass just got bounced around a little. There was another "driveway" we could use if no one was camping next to us. The road in was dirt with some pot holes, that for the most part could be driven around. It seemed someone did a little maintenance and filled in the pot holes around the cattle guard at the entrance which we noticed on our departure. I do not see any reason why pretty much any size rig could not get in here.

Internet was very good with our Verizon Hotspot so I could work. It was about a 20 mile drive to the North Entrance of Yellowstone. We spent four days of our visit in Yellowstone and one day we drove to Bozeman to get the truck serviced and do laundry. We visited the entire park from this location and probably put 800-900 miles on the truck.

Overall the place was very quiet even though it was fairly busy with more people spending a single night than an extended stay like us. There is also a boat launch which is used by rafting companies as an exit from the river.

Okay, so I haven't actually stayed here yet. Having just pulled in an hour ago, I wasn't convinced this place was for me due to its openness, and so I was sitting in my Jeep, on Campendium, looking at the sites around West Yellowstone, and was about to move on.

Having picked another spot to scout I reached to put the keys into the ignition. Then these two rabbits came chasing each other through the campsite. With my phone still in my hand I was lucky to capture a picture, and then I looked up to catch the pronghorns that had wandered in to graze while my head was buried in my phone. And if that were not enough to convince me to stay seconds later a hawk flew in and scooped something from the field in front of me. (I'm adding the pictures to this review)

No, I haven't stayed a single night here yet, but I'm convinced I'm going to enjoy the next 5 days here! The only reason I give this place 4 stars overall is that I generally don't like such an open area, but then that openness is probably what makes this place what it is and maybe I'm just being too greedy with my stars!

Edit: Okay, I've upgraded my rating to 5 stars as it should be. I'm now entering night number 6 here and plan to stay two more nights. There have been a steady flow of people here all week and it does fill up by early evening. Get here early if you want a good spot. That being said, if you arrive late and can't find one the gravel area in front of the boat launch is very large and I've seen many people spend the night there and move to an open spot the next day. I haven't seen as much wildlife as the 1st day, but that's probably only because with the convenience to Yellowstone I've spent every day in the park departing by 6:30am and not returning until it was time to light the fire and make a late supper. This has been an excellent place to camp right in Paradise Valley. It's hard to believe there are places this great for free and other people are paying for cramped quarters in a campground stacked one on top of each other.