Southwest Bay campground
Southwest Bay
Reservations are not accepted at Southwest Bay camping area, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a camping spot, especially during peak season when the campground can fill up quickly.
The best time to visit Southwest Bay camping area is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. This is an ideal time to enjoy water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming in the nearby bay.
While camping in the area, it is important to be cautious of wildlife encounters, as the campground is located in a natural setting. Visitors should properly store food and dispose of trash to minimize attracting animals. Additionally, be aware of weather conditions and any potential fire hazards, as wildfires can be a concern in the region.
In summary, Southwest Bay camping area in Wyoming provides basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Reservations are not accepted, so arriving early is recommended. The best time to visit is during the summer months, and visitors should be cautious of wildlife encounters and potential fire hazards.
What's on-site at Southwest Bay
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Southwest Bay, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7n4 | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Gowdy Camp | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Lower Grouse Creek | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Grouse Creek | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| 5l4 | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Southwest Bay -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone River At Yellowstone Lk Outlet Ynp | 1,770 cfs | → |
| Snake River Ab Jackson Lake At Flagg Ranch Wy | 1,700 cfs | → |
| Pacific Creek At Moran Wy | 549 cfs | → |
| Buffalo Fork Ab Lava Creek Nr Moran Wy | 1,080 cfs | → |
| Snake River Nr Moran Wy | 3,320 cfs | → |
| Firehole River Near West Yellowstone Mt | 277 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Southwest Bay -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two Ocean Plateau | 53.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Two Ocean Plateau Snotel | 52.0 in | -2.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Thumb Divide Snotel | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Thumb Divide | 2.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Sylvan Road | 1.0 in | 1.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Sylvan Lake Snotel | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Points of interest
- Grant Village Visitor Center
- Thumb Paintpots
- Fishing Bridge Museum
- Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
- Flagg Ranch Info Station
- Mud Pots
Paddle runs
- Southeastern Boundary Of The Park To Yellowstone Lake Inlet
- Confluence Of North/South Forks To Yellowstone Np Boundary
- Thorofare Creek Source To Yellowstone Np Boundary
- Outlet Of Yellowstone Lake At Fishing Bridge To Lower Falls
- The Headwaters To The Southern Yellowstone National Park Boundary
- Open Creek Source To Confluence With Thorofare
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Southwest Bay as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Southwest Bay
Can I make reservations at Southwest Bay?
Yes -- this campground accepts reservations. Snoflo recommends booking early for peak season; check the operator (Recreation.gov / state park system / private operator) for the booking window and cancellation policy.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Southwest Bay?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Southwest Bay.