Boat on a Lake

Duration:

1 minute, 10 seconds

Prevent the transport of aquatic invasive species to Yellowstone by making sure you clean, drain, and dry your boat before you arrive.

 

Exploring Yellowstone’s lakes by boat offers a great way to see the park from a different perspective. However, boating in the Northern Rockies presents significant risks. Water temperatures on park lakes are in the 40s (Fahrenheit) in June, and may reach the 60s by late summer. In addition, sudden strong winds can produce three to five foot waves, making open-water crossings very dangerous. Boaters in canoes, kayaks, and other small craft must be aware of these hazards and plan accordingly.

 

Ban on Certain Boats

Watercraft equipped with sealed internal water ballast tanks are temporarily banned in the park to minimize the risk of introducing aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Yellowstone waters. The banned boats have tanks filled with water to produce specific wakes for waterskiing and wakeboarding (neither activity is allowed in the park). Boats with sealed ballast tanks are extremely difficult to clean and drain, and even with the park's rigorous inspection and decontamination efforts, pose a high risk of AIS transmission into park waters. Read the park news release announcing the ban. 

 

Guided Trips & Rentals

Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides boat rentals and guided boat trips at Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake. Other companies offer guided services for canoeing, kayaking, and motorized boating.

Permits & Inspections

If you plan to use your own boat or angler float tube, you’ll need a permit and a Yellowstone aquatic invasive species inspection. You can speed up the inspection process by arriving with a boat that is clean, drained, and dry. Watercraft that arrive dirty or with standing water will be subject to decontamination. Watercraft that cannot be properly decontaminated will be prohibited from launching.

 

All watercraft, including angler float tubes, must pass a Yellowstone AIS inspection before a boating permit can be issued.

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

Locations

Permits and inspections are issued at the locations listed below. These facilities are open seven days a week from 8 am to 4:30 pm during the summer season. Boating season opens on the Saturday of Memorial day and ends October 31.

Motorized & Non-motorized Watercraft (including angler float tubes)

• Bridge Bay Ranger Station - open
• Grant Village Backcountry Office - open
• Lewis Lake Ranger Station - open

Angler Float Tubes Only

• Bechler Ranger Station
• Northeast Entrance

Inspection Station Contact Numbers

• Grant: 406 581-9040
• Lake: 406 823-9006

Fees

The following fees are charged for boating permits (includes required aquatic invasive species inspection):

• Non-motorized: $20 for 7 days or $30 for the season
• Motorized: $40 for 7 days or $60 for the season

Payable by debit or credit card.

Regulations

• Boating season begins the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (usually the last weekend in May) and extends through October 31.
• Transporting or introducing invasive species is prohibited: make sure you clean, drain, and dry boats and gear before arriving for your AIS inspection.
• Motorized boats are only allowed on Lewis and Yellowstone lakes. Boaters using motorized boats on Yellowstone Lake must familiarize themselves with the 5 mile per hour mileage zones and non-motorized boat zone locations.
• All park rivers are closed to boating except for the section of the Lewis River between Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake, which is open to non-motorized watercraft only.
• Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and other non-motorized boats are permitted on all lakes except Sylvan Lake, Eleanor Lake, Twin Lakes, and Beach Springs Lagoon.
• All vessels must have a US Coast Guard approved, wearable PFD (Type I, II, III, or V) for each person on board.
• Vessels must not exceed 40 feet in length.
• The use of jet skis, personal watercraft, airboats, submersibles, and similar vessels is prohibited in Yellowstone.
• Towing water skiers, wakeboards, parasails, or performing similar activities is prohibited.
• Swimming in the Bridge Bay Marina Channel is prohibited.
• Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips.
• Watercraft equipped with sealed internal water ballast tanks are temporarily banned in the park.

Addition regulations apply. If you plan to boat in the park, read our booklet on boating regulations and safety.