How do people shower in Yellowstone?
Visiting Yellowstone National Park offers a unique opportunity to experience the great outdoors, and while you may find yourself fully immersed in nature, there are still basic amenities available, including showers. Whether you are camping, staying in lodges, or embarking on a multi-day backcountry adventure, it's important to know where and how you can maintain hygiene during your stay in Yellowstone. This guide will walk you through the different options for showering in the park, providing essential details for visitors who want to stay fresh and clean while exploring one of America’s most iconic national parks.
Showering in Campgrounds
Yellowstone National Park has 12 campgrounds, but not all of them provide shower facilities. If you plan to stay in one of the park’s campgrounds, it’s important to know which locations offer showers, as they are typically not available at most of the primitive or smaller campsites.
1. Grant Village Campground: Located near Yellowstone Lake, Grant Village is one of the largest campgrounds in the park and offers showers as part of its amenities. The showers are located at the Grant Village Visitor Center, which is adjacent to the campground. Grant Village is a popular option for families and campers seeking a more developed campground experience. Shower tokens are provided to registered campers, but you can also pay a small fee for additional or longer showers.
2. Canyon Village Campground: Canyon Campground is another large site with access to shower facilities. Located near the famous Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, this is a central location for many of the park’s top attractions. The campground offers tokens for campers, which allow a limited time in the showers. Non-campers can also use these facilities by paying a fee. The showers are well-maintained and have plenty of hot water, making them a convenient option for those staying in the northern part of the park.
3. Fishing Bridge RV Park: For visitors traveling in RVs, Fishing Bridge RV Park is one of the most developed campgrounds in the park and offers full hookups, including shower facilities. This campground is specifically designed for hard-sided RVs due to its location in bear country, and the showers are conveniently located at the RV park’s main facilities. Showers are typically included in the price of your stay here, providing an easy option for campers traveling with more modern conveniences.
Other Campgrounds If you’re staying in a more rustic or primitive campground, such as Lewis Lake or Norris, there will likely be no shower facilities. In these cases, visitors can drive to one of the nearby campgrounds or villages that offer showers for a fee.
Showering in Lodges
For those opting for a bit more comfort, Yellowstone’s lodges and hotels are equipped with private bathrooms and showers, making it easy to stay fresh after a day of hiking or exploring the park’s geothermal wonders. These facilities are comparable to regular hotel accommodations and are available to all guests staying in the lodges. Some popular lodges include:
1. Old Faithful Inn: Located near the famous geyser, Old Faithful Inn is one of the most iconic lodges in the park. Rooms in the newer sections come equipped with private bathrooms and showers. However, some rooms in the historic sections have shared bathroom facilities, so it’s worth checking your reservation details.
2. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel: Situated in the north of the park, this lodge offers both private and shared bathroom options, depending on the room type. Guests who stay in rooms with shared bathrooms will have access to clean and well-maintained shower facilities.
3. Lake Lodge Cabins: Located along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, these rustic cabins offer an affordable lodging option with private bathrooms, including showers, in the more modern units. This is a good choice for those who want both convenience and proximity to the lake.
Public Shower Facilities
In addition to showers available in campgrounds and lodges, there are also public shower facilities in certain areas of the park. These facilities are available to all visitors, whether they are staying in the park’s campgrounds or just passing through for the day. Public shower facilities can be found at:
1. Grant Village Visitor Center: The shower facility at the Grant Village Visitor Center is open to all visitors, including non-campers. You can purchase tokens at the visitor center and use them to access the showers. The facilities here are well-maintained and offer hot water, making them a great option for day visitors or campers at nearby primitive campsites.
2. Canyon Village: Similar to Grant Village, Canyon Village offers public showers that can be used by anyone in the park. Shower tokens are available for purchase at the village’s general store, and the facilities are located near the campground.
Showers for Backcountry Hikers
Backcountry camping in Yellowstone offers a more remote and rugged experience, where modern facilities, including showers, are typically not available. For those venturing into the backcountry, there are alternative ways to maintain hygiene during multi-day trips.
1. Solar Showers: A popular option for backcountry hikers is the use of portable solar showers. These lightweight, collapsible bags can be filled with water and left in the sun to warm up. After a few hours, you’ll have a warm shower that can be used at your campsite. Be mindful of where you set up your solar shower, as you should avoid contaminating water sources. Always use biodegradable soap to minimize environmental impact.
2. Sponge Baths: For shorter backcountry trips or areas where water is scarce, sponge baths are a simple way to stay clean. You can use a small amount of water from your water supply and a washcloth to wipe down your body. As always, be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and use biodegradable soap at least 200 feet away from water sources.
3. Natural Water Sources: While Yellowstone has many lakes, rivers, and hot springs, it’s important to note that you should never bathe directly in these natural water sources. Doing so can damage fragile ecosystems, and in the case of geothermal features, it can be extremely dangerous due to scalding temperatures. Instead, collect water from a lake or river and use it at a safe distance from the water body to maintain cleanliness while protecting the environment.
Staying Clean in the Wild
While showers are available in many locations throughout Yellowstone, it’s also important to note other ways to stay fresh and clean during your visit. Here are some additional tips for hygiene while camping or hiking:
1. Wet Wipes: Biodegradable wet wipes can be a lifesaver when there’s no shower available. They are great for a quick refresh after a long day of hiking.
2. Dry Shampoo: If you’re worried about keeping your hair clean, dry shampoo is an easy solution that doesn’t require water.
3. Hand Sanitizer: Always carry hand sanitizer to use after restroom visits or before eating, especially when soap and water are not available.
Conclusion
Showering in Yellowstone National Park depends largely on where you stay, but there are several options available to ensure you can maintain personal hygiene during your trip. Whether you’re staying in a developed campground, a cozy lodge, or venturing into the backcountry, the park provides enough resources for you to stay fresh while enjoying the wild beauty of the landscape. Just remember to be mindful of your environmental impact by using biodegradable soaps and following Leave No Trace principles when using natural water sources.
