Old Faithful
Yellowstone, WY
Erupts roughly every 60 to 110 minutes. Rangers post the predicted time in the visitor center.
Old Faithful is the best-known geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin, where at least 150 geysers, hot springs and other hydrothermal features are packed into about 2.6 km² (1 square mile). Its eruptions last 1.5 to 5 minutes, reach 32 to 55 m (106 to 180 feet) and expel 14,000 to 32,000 liters (3,700 to 8,400 gallons) of water. It is so predictable because the length of one eruption determines the wait for the next: short eruptions mean shorter intervals. Recently the median interval has been about 100 minutes (as of January 2025).
You can find the next predicted eruption at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, which also posts predictions for five other geysers, at the lodges, or in the NPS App. Use the wait to explore the boardwalks through the basin, and plan on at least half a day. Also worth seeing is the Old Faithful Inn, built in 1903–04, a log hotel nearly 213 m (700 feet) long. The visitor center has exhibits on geysers, hot springs and the geologic forces beneath Yellowstone.
- Nearest town
- Yellowstone, WY
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.4605, -110.8281
- 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 June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Grant Village CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Old Faithful · 430 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Lewis Lake CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Old Faithful · 84 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Buffalo Crossing RV ParkMotorhome stopover19 mi from Old FaithfulMotorhomes
- Yellowstone Grizzly RV ParkMotorhome stopover19 mi from Old Faithful · 240 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Bridge Bay CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Old FaithfulTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Fishing Bridge RV ParkCampsite24 mi from Old Faithful · 310 pitchesCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Wyoming · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Old Faithful?
Old Faithful is in Yellowstone, WY, at GPS 44.4605, -110.8281. It is about 19 mi from West Yellowstone.
Can you camp near Old Faithful?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Madison Campground, about 13 mi away; within 25 mi there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Old Faithful?
Old Faithful is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Grand Teton, Yellowstone and the Beartooth Highway and Geysers, grizzlies and granite peaks – through Grand Teton and Yellowstone to Cody.
What is there to see near Old Faithful?
Places worth a stop nearby: Old Faithful Inn (0 mi), Grand Prismatic Spring (4 mi), Madison Campground (13 mi) and West Thumb Geyser Basin (13 mi).
When is the best time to visit Old Faithful?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)