We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming, USA

Yellowstone Lake is located in the southeast corner of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The Park was established in 1872, making it the first national park in the world. Yellowstone is one of the most visited National Parks in the United States, and many visitors use the Lake as their ‘base camp’ for all of the wonders in the Park. Yellowstone Lake is particularly suited as a base…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Yellowstone Lake! Article topics include:

Looking for Yellowstone Lake cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Yellowstone Lake, WY

    Lake Locations: USA - US West Region - Wyoming - Northwest Wyoming -

    Yellowstone Lake is located in the southeast corner of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The Park was established in 1872, making it the first national park in the world. Yellowstone is one of the most visited National Parks in the United States, and many visitors use the Lake as their ‘base camp’ for all of the wonders in the Park. Yellowstone Lake is particularly suited as a base camp, with over 110 miles of shoreline, hundreds of well developed campsites, and an area of over 87,000 acres. Yellowstone Lake is a utopia for the 3 million visitors that seek out its recreational opportunities. Being nestled in the Park, the recreational activities include fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, camping and visiting a multitude of Yellowstone’s scenic wonders. With Geyser Basin (approximately 300 active geysers), Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Old Faithful and a wide variety of wildlife nearby, Yellowstone Lake is an ideal location from which to head out for a day’s sightseeing and play.

    Yellowstone Lake is a natural lake, managed by the National Park Service. Its maximum and minimum surface levels vary by no more than six feet. It is the home territory for many fish species, mammals and birds. Boating is mostly for scenic enjoyment and fishing, with two launch sites at Bridge Bay and Grant Village right on the lake. No water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing and the like are allowed. Yellowstone Lake is fed by over a hundred tributaries, and its outlet is the Yellowstone River.

    Superb fishing is a major enjoyment on the gorgeous waters of Yellowstone Lake. Bridge Bay, a fully stocked marina, has supplies, boat rentals and tours. Cutthroat, brown, rainbow, brook and lake trout are eagerly sought by most anglers and are found in the most likely spots. Check with a ranger station for fishing regulations. In 2006, over 50,000 fishing licenses were issued. No state license is required, but a Park fishing license is.

    Developed camping is available from both the Park Service and concessionaires with campsites numbering in the hundreds found around Yellowstone Lake. There are even some sites on one of the islands (Frank Island). The camping possibilities are endless and memorable, providing great sites for wildlife viewing. Just some of the more significant animals to be watched are bison, elk, grizzly and black bear, moose, wolves and mule deer. Bald eagles and osprey top the list of hundreds of bird species. This is a veritable wonderland for wildlife viewing. Alas, for geocachers, there are no caches, since this is a National Park.

    Hiking is mostly for backcountry hikers, since much of Yellowstone’s trails are in managed wilderness. Hikers should follow the Park’s backcountry guidelines to be safe from hiking dangers, including remote thermal areas, changing weather conditions, unpredictable wildlife, cold water lakes, and turbulent streams.

    Yellowstone Lake is a spectacular setting in which to enjoy all of the wealth of outdoor activities. A trip to the lake and National Park will provide a multitude of treasured memories.

    Things to Do at Yellowstone Lake

    These are some activities in the Yellowstone Lake, WY area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Jet Skiing
    • Water Skiing
    • Wakeboarding
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • National Park

    What Kind of Fish Are in Yellowstone Lake?

    Yellowstone Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Lake Trout
    • Trout
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Yellowstone Lake

    If you’re considering a Yellowstone Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Yellowstone Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Yellowstone Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Yellowstone Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 84,288 acres

    Shoreline Length: 141 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 7,733 feet

    Average Depth: 140 feet

    Maximum Depth: 390 feet

    Water Volume: 12,095,264 acre-feet

    Water Residence Time: 9 years

    Yellowstone Lake Map
    Local Weather Forecast

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Yellowstone Lake Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Captain / First Mate Custom 20 oz Tumbler

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    On Lake Time Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    SHOP NOW
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Yellowstone Lake news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Yellowstone Lake forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Yellowstone Lake photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Yellowstone Lake article with your fellow LakeLubbers: