What is Cell Phone Reception Like Near Yellowstone?
Published: July 18, 2025
Cell phone reception in and around Yellowstone National Park is limited and varies greatly by location. You can expect fairly dependable service in the gateway towns (like Gardiner, West Yellowstone, and Cody) and along some major highways leading to the park.
Inside Yellowstone, coverage is only available in and around developed areas and entrance points.
Location Coverage Quality
| Location | Coverage Quality | Main Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| Mammoth Hot Springs | Good to strong | Verizon, AT&T, Union |
| Old Faithful | Good to strong | Verizon, AT&T, Union |
| Grant Village | Good to strong | Verizon, AT&T, Union |
| Lake Village | Good to strong | Verizon, AT&T, Union |
| Mt. Washburn | Variable, strongest at summit | Verizon, AT&T |
| Canyon Village | AT&T usually best | AT&T |
| North/West Entrances | Dependable | Verizon, AT&T |
| Roads between Mammoth & Gardiner | Some coverage | Verizon, AT&T |
Verizon generally has the best coverage and fastest speeds in the park.
AT&T also provides decent service, particularly around Canyon Village.
Reception is extremely limited away from these developed regions. Large areas of the park—including many scenic and backcountry spots—have no coverage at all.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Network congestion: During the busy summer months, even areas with coverage may have very slow or completely unavailable service due to high visitor numbers.
- Data Speeds: Even in areas with a signal, data speeds are not always fast; Verizon median speeds, for example, are around 4.8 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload.
- Best communication method: Texting is usually the most reliable way to communicate inside the park when service is available.
- 911 access: You can dial 911 anywhere in the park, regardless of your carrier.
Coverage in Nearby Communities
Most surrounding towns—like Gardiner (north), West Yellowstone (west), and Cody (east)—offer solid, modern cell coverage with all major U.S. carriers.
Alternate Connectivity Options
- WiFi: Available for purchase at select park lodges and dining facilities, but not free or widely available.
- Satellite Internet: If you require reliable internet (for work, etc.), a Starlink setup from LEOLinx would be far more dependable than relying on cellular in the park, especially if you plan to spend time beyond the main developed areas. LEOLinx has complete kits that allow you to use a Starlink system while in motion, mounting the starlink to the front of your RV with magnetic mounts. They also supply all of the cords and adapters you will need to power the system.
In Summary
Cell phone reception around Yellowstone is strong in towns and at park entrances, but very spotty and unreliable throughout much of the park itself. Verizon generally provides the widest coverage, but all carriers experience dead zones. If being continuously connected is important during your visit, a satellite internet solution from LEOLinx is a wise setup.
Plan ahead, consider a backup communication device if you need to stay connected, and enjoy the remote beauty of Yellowstone!