Norris Geyser Basin
Yellowstone, WY
The hottest and most changeable geyser basin in Yellowstone, home to Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser, and boardwalks through the milky Porcelain Basin. The parking lot fills by mid-morning in summer.
Norris Geyser Basin is a geothermal area in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and, according to the park, the hottest, oldest and most dynamic of its thermal areas. A drill hole recorded 459 °F (237 °C) at a depth of 1,087 feet (326 m), the highest temperature measured in Yellowstone. At 300 to 400 feet (91 to 122 m), Steamboat Geyser counts as the world's tallest geyser; major eruptions are unpredictable and often years apart, while the more frequent small eruptions reach 10 to 40 feet (3 to 12 m).
Two areas can be explored on foot. Porcelain Basin is treeless and served by a 0.75-mile (1.2 km) path. The more wooded Back Basin is circled by a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop. Highlights there include the acidic Echinus Geyser (pH around 3.5), Porkchop Geyser and Vixen Geyser with its irregular eruptions. The Norris Geyser Basin Museum of 1929/30 is a National Historic Landmark.
For your route planning: stay on the paths; black bears and grizzlies are occasionally seen in the area. Most park roads close to cars on November 1, 2026; nothing more specific could be found for the Norris section (as of October 2026, check ahead).
- Nearest town
- Yellowstone, WY
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.7262, -110.7034
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Norris CampgroundMotorhome stopover1 mi from Norris Geyser BasinMotorhomes
- Canyon CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Norris Geyser Basin · 273 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Bridge Bay CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Norris Geyser BasinTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Fishing Bridge RV ParkCampsite20 mi from Norris Geyser Basin · 310 pitchesCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Yellowstone Grizzly RV ParkMotorhome stopover20 mi from Norris Geyser Basin · 240 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Grant Village CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Norris Geyser Basin · 430 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Wyoming · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Norris Geyser Basin?
Norris Geyser Basin is in Yellowstone, WY, at GPS 44.7262, -110.7034. It is about 20 mi from West Yellowstone.
Can you camp near Norris Geyser Basin?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Norris Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 23 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Norris Geyser Basin?
Norris Geyser Basin is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mesa Falls to Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley and Cody.
What is there to see near Norris Geyser Basin?
Places worth a stop nearby: Madison Campground (10 mi), Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (11 mi), Hayden Valley (13 mi) and Grand Prismatic Spring (15 mi).
When is the best time to visit Norris Geyser Basin?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)