Yellowstone Hot Springs

Unfortunately for us that’s where it ends. The people camping there are just odd. We pulled into our campsite and the people next to us seemed to be full timers. They had their crap everywhere outside the camper, and the guy was pissed about something and yelling and screaming inside the camper. He did it a few more times as well, but fortunately they were quiet for most of our stay, but left us with an uneasy feeling. Next issue was using the laundry facility. Went about 8 PM and the only two washers they had were open. I started putting my clothes in them and a lady came up to one like she was going to put clothes in. I had already started using both the machines and she started heckling me to let her use one. I said I am sorry but there are only two and it will take three hours to do two loads if I only use one. It’s too late and I’m leaving in the morning Sorry, but I got here first and loaded my laundry. She gave me the stink eye and a lot of attitude. I think she may have worked there or was a full timer as her trailer was right next to the laundry room, and it looked more permanent. She probably could have done laundry at any time, but was pissed at me. She came back right after I took my laundry out to put in the dryer and again gave me a ton of stink eye. After my laundry had dried, I took it out and put it on the table to fold to free up the dryers. I spent 20 minutes folding laundry and she never came back to remover her laundry from the washer. Additionally that laundry area is weird too. It’s tucked way back in a corner and there are what appear to be staff (not vacationers) in/out of the area regularly. Again, just an odd feeling. To be honest, they need triple the washers and dryers for a complex this size. Lastly, it’s attached to the Hot Springs, which again just felt odd. I went in to inquire, but the people were just different. You might honk I’m a prude or something and I’m not. You just get weird feelings about people at times and this was one of them. On the positive side, the sites are nice, they are electric only, but have water and dump stations. WiFi is the best I’ve ever had at a campground. Our site was right on the river and the limited time we spent there, we had a nice view. I still give 4 stars as I think the campground is nice and again the owners on the phone and in person are great. Hopefully others will not have the odd experiences we did. I would still recommend the place for visiting North Yellowstone, but just be advised of our experiences.

Nora got us checked in last minute for a one night stay with electric only site. The price is a bit high for the ammenities offered but I believe they are still recovering from a flood last year so giving them a bit of grace there. Site 33 that we were booked for had a bad breaker for the 50 amp so they were able to get us moved to site 41 pretty seemlessly. There are no trees, the sites are fairly level, the sewer dump area was really rutted and mud puddles were plentiful. I almost had to put it on 4WD going through one. We were parked next to a long term resident and we are glad we didn't want to hang outside in our campsite (too busy going and seeing with only a one night stay). Check out is early at 10 am and there was a line to dump around that time but there is plenty of room over at the hot springs parking lot to take your camper and park there after check out. There is a discount for folks who stay at the RV park. We relaxed over there for another hour and used the showers and then got on our way.

We choose Yellowstone Hot Springs for the springs. Our site was riverside and was visited by elk early in the morning. We chose electric only and used water fill at dump station. Spacious level sites with table and fire ring. Discounted Springs admission which is across the street from campground. The springs are great-go early to avoid crowds.

We stayed here Three nights and the rate is kinda high for electric only, but the site was level and the views are fantastic. Since the flood in early summer washed out some of river front sites and you cannot enter Yellowstone because the North Gate is closed. The place is pretty empty, and I am sure lots of people canceled their stays, because of the flooding. Nice showers and they are in the process of building a Laundry. Talked to a man in Gardener and he said that this season they are only seeing about 500 tourists a day compared to 15-20 thousand usually. The flooding has really hurt their livelihood. We are going to have to drive an extra 3 hours to get into Yellowstone, but the good people of Gardener are worth it.

They are obviously building this place out with cabins, more spots, etc. The space between rigs is fine but nowhere to walk your dogs or relax. There is a boon-docking spot 7 miles up the road right in the river that’s FREE. If you have the ability to disperse camp I would recommend that instead! $65 is what we would pay normally for a full hookup at a nice campground with amenities!