Lamar Valley
Yellowstone, WY
A wide grassland valley in Yellowstone’s northeast corner, known for bison herds, pronghorn and wolf-watching at dawn and dusk. The road stays open all year to Cooke City; pull fully off the road when you stop.
Lamar Valley in the northeast of Yellowstone is crucial winter range for large mammals and home to some of the largest wild herds of bison and elk in North America. Pronghorn and deer live here too, and several wolf packs hunt in the valley; it is considered one of the best places in the world to watch wild wolves. When only 25 wild bison were counted in the park in 1901, 21 more were purchased and bred at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch.
Your best chances of seeing wildlife are early in the morning and late in the evening. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope and plan on several hours; patience pays off. Stay at least 91 m (100 yards) from bears and wolves and 23 m (25 yards) from all other animals; bison and elk have injured people too. The road from the North Entrance at Gardiner via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley to Cooke City is the only one in the park open year-round.
- Nearest town
- Yellowstone, WY
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.8960, -110.2350
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Slough Creek CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Lamar Valley · 16 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterToilets
- Tower FallCampsite8 mi from Lamar Valley · 31 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterToilets
- Canyon CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Lamar Valley · 273 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Fox Creek CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Lamar ValleyTentsCaravans
- Fishing Bridge RV ParkCampsite24 mi from Lamar Valley · 310 pitchesCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Indian CreekCampsite25 mi from Lamar Valley · 70 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in Wyoming · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lamar Valley?
Lamar Valley is in Yellowstone, WY, at GPS 44.8960, -110.2350. It is about 17 mi from Cooke City.
Can you camp near Lamar Valley?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Slough Creek Campground, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 15 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Lamar Valley?
Lamar Valley is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Chief Joseph Byway and Yellowstone’s northern range and Geysers, grizzlies and granite peaks – through Grand Teton and Yellowstone to Cody.
What is there to see near Lamar Valley?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tower Fall (7 mi), Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (17 mi), Hayden Valley (21 mi) and Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces (23 mi).
When is the best time to visit Lamar Valley?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)