yellowstone picnic areas

Yogi Bear elevated picnicking in Jellystone Park to high art. But although the popular cartoon character claimed to be smarter than the average bear, he has nothing on real-life denizens of Yellowstone National Park, who can point the way to idyllic al fresco dining spots.

Yellowstone boasts 52 designated picnic areas with tables. A few even have grills. Some considerations before you pack the picnic basket: Cooking is permitted only on self-contained charcoal grills or on cookstoves. Open fires aren’t allowed except in areas with fire grates. Don’t feed wildlife. Store edibles in the car to avoid attracting animals. And be certain to pack out everything you packed in — including food scraps. Also note that most sites are equipped only with primitive toilets that lack running water.

Here are some of our favorite spots to enjoy an outdoor meal in Yellowstone’s spectacular surroundings.

At Yellowstone Lake

Steamboat Point Picnic Area offers epic views from the north shore of Yellowstone Lake. Pick up some grab-and-go fare from the Lake area, or order box lunches, then head east on East Entrance Road. The four-table area is a wonderful spot to catch the sunset. Nearby alternatives: Fishing Bridge and Sedge Bay picnic areas.

Near Old Faithful

After watching Old Faithful work its magic, stoke your appetite with a trek along the boardwalk that leads to adjacent geothermal wonders. Then pick up some sandwiches from the Old Faithful area and head south to the 10-table Delacy Creek Picnic Area. Nearby alternatives: Spring Creek and East Lot picnic areas.

Near Norris Geyser Basin

Gibbon Meadows Picnic Area lies in a flat meadow with an edging of forest on the Gibbon River. It’s popular among both fly fishers and grazing elk. After lunch, make the short drive south toward Gibbon Falls, where a half-mile loop trail is suitable for all skill levels. The picnic area has 10 tables. Beforehand, stock up on grub at the Canyon area, about 15 miles east of Norris. Nearby alternative sites: Norris Meadows and Caldera Rim picnic areas.

In Hayden Valley

The 20-table Nez Perce Ford Picnic Area in Yellowstone’s wildlife-rich Hayden Valley makes for a fine venue for an early morning breakfast, when animals are most active. You’re likely to see bison and maybe even some pelicans fishing for breakfast in the Yellowstone River. Be certain to maintain your distance (at least 25 yards) from bison, especially during the August mating season. Nearby alternatives: Cascade and LeHardy Rapids picnic areas.

Near Mammoth Hot Springs

Sheepeater Cliff Picnic Area, south of Mammoth, sits near an imposing basalt cliff on the Gardiner River. The five-table area is flat, making it a good spot for kids to burn off energy. An abundance of geothermal features are nearby. Grab-and-go fare is available at Mammoth Hot Springs. Nearby alternatives: Apollinaris Spring and Beaver Lake picnic areas.

Washington, DC-based freelance writer Jayne Clark has been a travel reporter at USA TODAY and several other daily newspapers.

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