South Arm

South Arm is not a typical roadside campground you can simply drive to. This is a unique and highly secluded backcountry campsite in Yellowstone National Park that is accessible only by boat. It offers a true wilderness experience, a world away from the park's more developed and crowded areas. As its name suggests, the site is located on the South Arm of Yellowstone Lake, an area known for its stunning natural beauty, clear water, and peaceful solitude. A reviewer notes that the site, also known as Campsite 7M6, is incredibly quiet, with only the sounds of loons and wind to break the silence. This is a destination for serious adventurers who are prepared to make a multi-hour boat trip to find their slice of paradise. It is a place for those who want to disconnect from the modern world and truly immerse themselves in nature, with no cell service or internet to distract from the experience. The campsite's primitive nature means campers must be fully self-sufficient, but the reward is an unparalleled sense of peace and a direct connection to one of Wyoming's most beautiful and remote landscapes. It is a place that feels untouched by the hustle and bustle, a rare find even within a park as vast as Yellowstone.

The South Arm campsite is located within Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and its general address is Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA. However, the most crucial detail about its location is that it is a boat-in only site. Access requires a journey of approximately 15.5 miles by boat from a marina on Yellowstone Lake, such as Bridge Bay Marina. This journey across the lake's expansive and sometimes unpredictable waters is a significant part of the adventure and requires careful planning and the right equipment. Campers must secure a boat permit and ensure their watercraft meets the park's specific regulations, including passing an aquatic invasive species inspection. Because the site is so remote, there is no on-site parking at the campsite itself; vehicles are left at the marina. The lack of land-based access is what makes South Arm so special and so quiet, as it filters out all but the most dedicated campers. The remoteness also means that once you are about 7.5 miles from the marina, you will lose cell coverage, which for many, is a welcome feature. For those with a boat, it provides a unique opportunity to explore parts of Yellowstone that most visitors never get to see.

• Primitive Campsite: The site is a primitive, designated camping area with minimal facilities. It is a place for campers who are fully self-sufficient.
• Composting Toilet: According to a reviewer, the site features a "luxurious composting toilet," which is a significant amenity for a backcountry site.
• Food Storage Poles: As with most Yellowstone backcountry sites, a food hanging system is provided to protect food and scented items from bears and other wildlife.
• On-site Parking (at marina): Parking is available at the marinas where you launch your boat, though not at the campsite itself.
• RV Sewer Hookup: Information about RV sewer hookups is not relevant to this primitive boat-in site. This amenity is generally available at front-country campgrounds, such as Grant Campground, but not at a backcountry site like South Arm.
• Running Water: The campsite does not have running water. The running water is the lake itself, which must be filtered or treated before use.

• Secluded and Quiet: The most prominent feature of South Arm is its extreme quietness and seclusion. It offers a peaceful retreat away from all human-made noise and crowds.
• Unique Boating Access: The boat-in access is a significant highlight, offering a rare opportunity to camp on the shores of Yellowstone Lake in a location that is impossible to reach by car.
• Exceptional Fishing: The site is a known spot for excellent fishing, with reviewers mentioning catching beautiful Cutthroat trout.
• Wildlife Viewing: Due to its remoteness, the campsite offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, with sightings of deer and other animals in their natural habitat.
• Stunning Scenery: The location on the South Arm of Yellowstone Lake provides incredible views of the water, the surrounding pine forests, and the dramatic Teton Range in the distance.

As a backcountry campsite, South Arm does not have a dedicated phone number or a specific address. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays, which must be obtained through 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. For boat permit information and reservations, you must contact the park's backcountry office or visit a ranger station in person. It is essential to plan well in advance for any trip to this site, as you will need to secure both a camping permit and a boat permit. There are no on-site staff or emergency services, so campers must be fully prepared for any eventuality.

South Arm is worth choosing for the adventurous and well-prepared camper who seeks the ultimate in solitude and natural beauty. Its unique boat-in access is a major selling point, as it ensures that the campsite remains pristine and uncrowded. This is not a place for a quick weekend trip, but rather a destination for a true multi-day adventure. The reward for the effort of getting there is a level of peace and quiet that is nearly impossible to find in a national park. It's a place where you can truly disconnect, listen to the sounds of nature, and feel like you have the entire lake to yourself. The excellent fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities add to the appeal, making it a dream destination for anglers and nature photographers. For a Wyoming local, this site represents the true, untamed spirit of the state—rugged, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful. It's an opportunity to experience Yellowstone's famous lake in a way that few visitors ever do, making it a truly unforgettable and rewarding camping trip.

South Arm

Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA