Snake River backcountry campsites are designated primitive camping sites located along the South Boundary Trail in the southern portion of Yellowstone National Park. The South Boundary Trail is a moderate 11.6-mile one-way route that follows the Snake River for most of its distance, traveling between the South Entrance in the west and Harebell Creek Patrol Cabin in the east. The trail intersects with the Continental Divide Trail and passes through remote wilderness areas and thermal zones. Multiple designated campsites serve backpackers in the Snake River watershed including sites 8C1 (near Snake Hot Springs), 8C2 (9 miles from South Entrance), 8C4 (Snake River near Basin Creek), 8C5 (Heart River Trail access), and 8C6 (first major river ford). Access requires fording the Snake River near the South Entrance trailhead, which presents significant hazards as the crossing can be waist-deep even during low water periods with swift, cold currents. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight use and must be obtained in advance.
Open May through Oct
South Boundary Trail moderate 11.6-mile one-way route following Snake River, passing thermal areas. Fording of Snake River at western end can be dangerous, waist-deep even during low-water periods
293 designated backcountry campsites throughout park, permits required year-round for overnight stays
South Boundary Trail campsites 8C2, 8C1, 8C5 provide access through Snake River valleys, overlapping with Continental Divide Trail
South Boundary Trail in remote southern Yellowstone with designated campsites throughout the region
Yellowstone Backcountry Permits
CampgroundTour strives to provide accurate campground information but cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Information is subject to change — please confirm details with the agency managing this facility before booking or making travel decisions. See our Terms of Use.
Snake River backcountry campsites are designated primitive camping sites located along the South Boundary Trail in the southern portion of Yellowstone National Park. The South Boundary Trail is a moderate 11.6-mile one-way route that follows the Snake River for most of its distance, traveling between the South Entrance in the west and Harebell Creek Patrol Cabin in the east. The trail intersects with the Continental Divide Trail and passes through remote wilderness areas and thermal zones. Multiple designated campsites serve backpackers in the Snake River watershed including sites 8C1 (near Snake Hot Springs), 8C2 (9 miles from South Entrance), 8C4 (Snake River near Basin Creek), 8C5 (Heart River Trail access), and 8C6 (first major river ford). Access requires fording the Snake River near the South Entrance trailhead, which presents significant hazards as the crossing can be waist-deep even during low water periods with swift, cold currents. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight use and must be obtained in advance.
Open May through Oct
South Boundary Trail moderate 11.6-mile one-way route following Snake River, passing thermal areas. Fording of Snake River at western end can be dangerous, waist-deep even during low-water periods
293 designated backcountry campsites throughout park, permits required year-round for overnight stays
South Boundary Trail campsites 8C2, 8C1, 8C5 provide access through Snake River valleys, overlapping with Continental Divide Trail
South Boundary Trail in remote southern Yellowstone with designated campsites throughout the region
Yellowstone Backcountry Permits
CampgroundTour strives to provide accurate campground information but cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Information is subject to change — please confirm details with the agency managing this facility before booking or making travel decisions. See our Terms of Use.