“He’s a good big brother, helping his little sisters like that,” said an older woman as she walked past us on her way to her picnic table.
“Thanks,” my husband and I mumbled together, remembering.
Our kids were playing quite happily together along the shore of the Firehole River while we made lunch at a nearby picnic table. Just moments before, they’d been snarling at each other. While I was busy wondering how I would survive this vacation—and possibly their childhood—my husband simply turned in at the nearest picnic area.
It was a wise move.
The kids ran off some energy and I enjoyed some peace. They remembered that they were friends and my husband and I recalled why we’d set off on a family vacation in the first place. They ceased squabbling and we moved forward into the day, happy once again.
Because I promote picnicking as the best way to deal with the inevitable and recurring need for food, here are some YNP picnicking realities and a few of our favorite picnic areas. (Note: Each is near water—either beside a river or above Yellowstone Lake.)
Tips for Picnicking in Yellowstone
- Yellowstone’s picnic areas are small, as in a dozen or fewer tables. They are busiest right at the traditional mealtimes. At other times, they are often empty.
- Basic (very basic) groceries are available at general stores in the developed areas of the park. During the summer, stores are open and well-stocked. Early and late in the season, some areas have shut down completely. The remaining stores have shorter hours and fewer supplies.
- Given their place in the middle of a national park, the picnic areas are picturesque but primitive. They typically don’t have water available. While most have bathroom facilities, they are of the non-flushing variety. Most, but not all, provide hand sanitizer.
- Because Yellowstone is bear country, you must stow it securely in your vehicle if you are not with your food.
- The weather is not always conducive to making food outside. Be prepared with a plan B–something you can assemble and eat in your vehicle.
- Check out this list of my family’s favorite picnic areas.
happy trails ~ Natalie
Additional Resources
- Find information about Yellowstone’s picnic locations and regulations here and information about planning a visit to Yellowstone can be found here.
- Feeling overwhelmed by planning your Yellowstone vacation? Let me help you map out a satisfying Yellowstone experience. For more information or to schedule, contact me here.
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I find that food always seems to improve everyone’s mood! We love picnicking outdoors.
Good point! Food does improve everyone’s mood–and sometimes we need that when we travel.
Sounds like such a beautiful place to picnic! Great tips too.
It is a lovely place–our favorite! Thank you!
We’ve not been to Yellowstone. My husband always wanted to go. I’m not sure if we ever will now that we both have health issues. But I appreciate this advice. My husband is better at “roughing-it” style camping and picnicking and has some equipment to do so. Even some of our local parks here in TN only have portable bathrooms (non-flushing) and very basic facilities.
Roughing it isn’t always easy, is it? Pit toilets are not my favorite part of spending time in Yellowstone.
Sure wish I could get out there sometime but with my chronic issues that is a huge dream. I’ll just have to live vicariously through the pictures of others! Thanks for sharing this
I know from experience that chronic health issues make leaving home a challenge. The pictures and experiences of others are a big help in broadening our worlds.