BobTheCamper.com

Yellowstone National Park

Old Faithfull Area

Old Faithful Area

Y ellowstone Map

You can't talk about the Old Faithful area without first
showing a photo of Old Faithful. Its not the biggest
geyser in the park, but it is definitely the most famous. It's
not as faithful as it was prior to the 7.3 magnitude
earthquake in August 1959. Before the quake it was very
regular, every hour plus or minus a minute or two, Now it
erupts about every hour, give or take 10 or 15 minutes.

I have visited Yellowstone at least 6 times through
the years, my first being the night of August 17, 1959. ,
I was just a kid and my family and I were staying in the cabins
at West Thumb (torn down long ago).
It was an eventful evening and night. I was chased
around and around a Volkswagen by a bear.
Later, after dark, another bear came up on the porch of our cabin
and stood up - looking through the screen door.
Then, about 11:30 that night, the 7.3 earthquake.
below.

I think the Old Faithful Lodge is one
of best kept secretsin the park
(#2 on the map below). You can sit on the porch
and watch Old Faithful erupt

The snack shop and souvenir shop used to be at
#1 on the map at left. It was closed the last time I was there.
It's unfortunate, it was the best place in the area for lunch.

Everyone should tour the Inn (#3 on the map). It's one
giant log cabin! If you want to stay in the Inn, make your
reservations well in advance. We've tried to get a room
on short notice, and could have, for about $600 a night.

I do not recommend the restaurant at the Inn. It's pricey
and the food just isn't that good.

There is no campground at Old Faithful, but the cabins
are the next best thing. The cabins have a lavatory, a
heater, a fan and a small desk. They are just one step
above camping and at $72 a night, not much more
expensive than the RV campground at Fishing Bridge.

The restroom's and showers are in separate buildings
close by. If your camper is not much bigger than a full
size van you can park it right next to your cabin.