Lone Star

For residents of Wyoming, there's a special kind of pride that comes with exploring the vast and untamed wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. As locals, we know that to truly appreciate its splendor, you have to step away from the crowded boardwalks and venture into the backcountry. Lone Star is more than just a name on a map; it represents a destination that rewards effort with an intimate and spectacular natural show. It's a prime example of a Wyoming campground that offers a genuine, unfiltered experience of the park's geothermal wonders.

This campground is a backcountry site, which means it requires a hike to reach. This is not a car-camping destination, but rather a place that promises an immersive, peaceful escape. The journey itself is a significant part of the experience, leading you to a serene spot where you can set up camp and witness one of Yellowstone's most impressive and less-crowded geysers. Lone Star is a place that feels like a discovery, providing a sense of solitude that is often hard to find in such a popular park.

In this guide, we'll provide a comprehensive and factual overview of what makes Lone Star a special place. We will cover its location, the services it offers, its standout features, and why it's a choice worth making for your next family adventure. The tone will be friendly and professional, offering a local's perspective on this hidden gem and encouraging others to experience the incredible moments that await them here.

Lone Star is located within the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park, with the address Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA. Its specific location is a backcountry site near the famous Lone Star Geyser. Reaching the geyser, and the nearby campground, requires a scenic hike. It's a relatively flat and pleasant walk along an old service road, which is now a trail that is closed to vehicles, making it ideal for hiking or biking. This 6-mile round trip trail offers a peaceful journey alongside the Firehole River.

The trailhead is situated 3.5 miles south of the Old Faithful intersection on Grand Loop Road. This provides a convenient starting point for those based in the Old Faithful area, a major hub in the park. The accessibility of the trailhead, coupled with the relatively easy terrain of the trail itself, makes Lone Star a fantastic entry point for those new to backcountry camping or for families with children. The journey to the site is part of the charm, as it allows you to gradually leave the crowds behind and become fully immersed in the natural environment.

This particular location means that upon arrival, you are already in a privileged spot to witness the geyser's eruption. The reviews from real customers highlight the beauty of the hike and the excitement of witnessing the eruption, emphasizing that it's a "beautiful moment with just us and nature." This sense of seclusion and personal connection to the natural wonder is a direct result of its backcountry location.

As a backcountry campground, Lone Star offers a more minimalist and self-sufficient camping experience. The services are designed to support a traditional, leave-no-trace outdoor adventure.

• On-site parking: While the campground itself is not accessible by vehicle, the term "on-site parking" refers to the parking available at the Lonestar trailhead. This is a critical service for any backcountry trip, as it provides a secure place to leave your vehicle while you are away. The trail is well-known, and the trailhead has dedicated parking, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.

• Good for kids: Lone Star is designated as "good for kids," a significant factor for families. The relatively flat and non-strenuous nature of the trail makes the hike manageable for younger campers. The adventure of hiking into the wilderness and the thrill of seeing a geyser erupt makes for an exciting and educational experience for children, fostering a love for the outdoors from a young age.

• Geyser viewing: Although not a traditional service, the primary attraction and a key feature of this campground is the proximity to the Lone Star Geyser. The geyser erupts approximately every three hours, providing multiple opportunities to witness its power and beauty. Campers can wait for a major eruption, which can last for about 30 minutes, in a much less crowded setting than more famous geysers. This unique access to a natural wonder is a huge draw.

• Backcountry amenities: While specific amenities can vary, backcountry sites in Yellowstone are typically equipped with essential features such as a fire ring and a bear pole for food storage. These features are crucial for a safe and responsible camping trip in bear country, ensuring that campers can properly store their food and other scented items away from wildlife.

Lone Star's appeal lies in the combination of its natural beauty and the exclusive experience it provides.

• Lone Star Geyser: The undeniable highlight is the geyser itself. Unlike the crowds at Old Faithful, the Lone Star Geyser offers an intimate viewing experience. As one reviewer mentioned, it's a "beautiful moment with just us and nature." This secluded environment allows you to truly connect with the spectacle, rather than just observing it from a distance.

• Scenic Hike: The journey to the campsite is a highlight in itself. The trail follows the beautiful Firehole River, offering stunning scenery and a peaceful walk. The trail is also a great option for biking, providing a faster and equally enjoyable way to get to the geyser. This adds a layer of flexibility to the trip, making it appealing to different types of adventurers.

• Secluded and Quiet: The backcountry location ensures that the campground is quiet and serene. It's an ideal spot to escape the noise and crowds of the front country, offering a sense of peace that is hard to find elsewhere in the park. This is a place for true relaxation, where the sounds of the geyser and the river are your primary soundtrack.

• Wildlife Viewing: Being away from the main roads increases your chances of spotting wildlife. The reviews mention seeing bison and other animals along the trail, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the hike. This closer proximity to nature is a major draw for any Wyomingite who loves the outdoors.

As with all backcountry sites in Yellowstone National Park, there is no direct public phone number for Lone Star. Information and reservations for these sites must be obtained through the official National Park Service channels. It is essential to secure a backcountry permit in advance to legally camp at this location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including permit regulations and trail conditions, visitors should consult the official Yellowstone National Park website or contact the backcountry office directly. The main park address is:

Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA

Choosing Lone Star is a decision to embrace a more authentic, and rewarding, Yellowstone experience. For a Wyoming resident who appreciates the quieter, more raw side of nature, this campground is a perfect fit. It's a place where the simple act of hiking becomes a part of the adventure, leading you to a secluded spot that feels like your own personal discovery.

The on-site parking at the trailhead provides a practical starting point, while the "good for kids" designation ensures that it's a viable option for families seeking to introduce their children to the joys of backpacking. The main highlight, of course, is the geyser itself. Waiting for its eruption in a quiet, intimate setting is a memory that will last a lifetime, far surpassing the experience of watching a more crowded geothermal feature. It's a chance to witness nature's power on your own terms.

One reviewer’s note about the "hike through snow" and being "pleasantly surprised to be right on time" for the eruption speaks volumes about the dedication and reward that this trip entails. This is not a passive vacation; it’s an active engagement with the wilderness. Lone Star is for those who find joy in the journey as much as the destination, for those who seek solitude and an intimate connection with the land. It’s a place that embodies the rugged, adventurous spirit of Wyoming, offering an unforgettable escape into the heart of our most celebrated national park.

Lone Star

Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA