Pelican Creek

Pelican Creek is a remote backcountry camping area that provides a genuine and peaceful retreat into the vast wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. It's a place that is a world away from the park's main roads and bustling tourist areas, offering a truly authentic Wyoming outdoor experience. Unlike the front-country campgrounds that can feel crowded and commercialized, Pelican Creek is a primitive site where you can disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. It is often a first-come, first-served location, which appeals to spontaneous travelers and those who want to avoid the long-term planning required for reserved sites. This campground is situated in a quieter section of the park, which makes it an ideal spot for wildlife viewing and quiet contemplation. It is known to be a good spot for kids, offering a sense of adventure and the opportunity to learn about nature in a safe, controlled environment. The simple amenities and focus on the natural environment are a major draw for campers who appreciate a back-to-basics approach. It's an excellent choice for those who are prepared to be self-sufficient and who value solitude and the beauty of an unadulterated landscape.

Pelican Creek is located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and its general address is Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA. This places it within the park's borders, but it's important to understand that this is not a roadside campground. Accessibility to Pelican Creek often involves a hike, as it is a designated backcountry site. The site's remoteness is what preserves its tranquility and natural state. While specific hiking trails to the site vary, it's often associated with the Pelican Valley and the Pelican Creek Trail, which is a popular route in the area. The trail is known for being relatively easy, making it a viable option for families and those with a moderate fitness level. On-site parking is available at the trailhead, but not directly at the campsite itself, as you must hike in to reach the destination. The drive to the trailhead is part of the journey, offering spectacular views of Yellowstone's unique landscapes, from geysers to dense forests. This need to travel by foot ensures that only those who are truly seeking a wilderness experience will make the trip, which helps to maintain the serenity of the area. Its location is a key part of its appeal, offering a secluded feel while still being within the boundaries of one of the world's most famous national parks.

• On-site Parking: The campground offers on-site parking at the trailhead, ensuring a convenient place to leave your vehicle before beginning the hike to your campsite.
• Public Restrooms: The campground is equipped with public restrooms, though they are of a more rustic nature, typically being vault toilets as is common in remote park locations.
• Food Storage Poles: To ensure camper safety and protect wildlife, the site provides food storage poles for hanging food and other scented items away from bears.
• Water Source: The site is located near Pelican Creek, providing a natural water source for campers, which must be filtered or treated before use.
• Good for Kids: The campsite is known to be a good place for kids, offering a safe and exciting environment for them to explore and learn about nature.

• Secluded Location: The campground's remote location provides a tranquil and secluded camping experience, far from the noise and crowds of the main park roads.
• Wildlife Viewing: The site's position in a less-traveled area of the park provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of bison, elk, and other animals.
• Kid-Friendly Environment: The peaceful and safe atmosphere, along with the opportunity to see wildlife and hike, makes it an ideal spot for a family camping trip.
• First-Come, First-Served: The lack of a reservation system for this particular site is a major highlight for those who prefer to travel spontaneously and find their camping spot on the day of arrival.
• Proximity to Pelican Creek: The nearby creek offers a beautiful backdrop for camping and a source of water, adding to the authenticity of the wilderness experience.

As a backcountry site, Pelican Creek does not have a dedicated phone number. All inquiries and permitting must be directed to the official Yellowstone National Park Backcountry Office. The general phone number for Yellowstone National Park is (307) 344-7381. The mailing address for the park is Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA. Given that this is a primitive, backcountry location, there are no on-site staff or visitor services. It is crucial for campers to be fully self-sufficient and prepared before beginning their trip. This includes checking the park's official website for current conditions, bear activity, and any temporary closures. All backcountry campers are required to follow strict food storage regulations and carry bear spray, as this area is known for its bear population. Planning ahead and being prepared are the keys to a safe and enjoyable trip to Pelican Creek.

Pelican Creek is a top choice for those who are seeking a genuine, unadulterated wilderness experience in Yellowstone. It is a place for the prepared and adventurous camper who wants to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the park. What makes it worth choosing is its incredible sense of seclusion and the opportunity it provides to connect with nature on a deeper level. The first-come, first-served policy is a huge bonus, allowing for a flexible travel schedule that is often impossible with other campgrounds. The campsite’s location is a prime spot for wildlife viewing, offering a chance to see Yellowstone's magnificent animals in a more natural, undisturbed setting. For families, it offers a unique and memorable adventure that can teach children valuable lessons about self-reliance and environmental respect. While it lacks the amenities of a front-country campground, this is precisely its appeal; it provides just what you need and nothing more, allowing the natural beauty of the surroundings to be the main event. For a Wyoming local, this is an opportunity to experience a part of their home state that most visitors never see. It’s an invitation to hike in, set up camp, and enjoy the pristine beauty and tranquility of Yellowstone’s backcountry, making it a truly rewarding and unforgettable camping destination.

Pelican Creek

Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA