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Where to Stay in Yellowstone Montana

Where to Stay in Yellowstone Montana

Yellowstone Montana Montana, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Traditional Lodging

  • In-Park Lodges

    Historic hotels, cabins, and motel-style rooms run by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Book 6-12 months ahead.

  • Hotels/Motels

    Found in gateway towns like West Yellowstone and Gardiner, from budget to mid-range.

  • Cabins

    Rustic or secluded experiences, often spacious, found in gateway towns and nearby areas.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Houses, condos, and cabins via platforms like Vrbo or An airbnb rental, offering kitchen amenities.

Unique & Outdoor Stays

  • Dude/Guest Ranches

    An immersive Western experience beyond the park's borders, often with riding and meals.

  • Glamping

    Luxury tent or cabin accommodations by private operators near the park.

  • Yellowstone Campgrounds

    12 campgrounds within the park (7 reservable, 5 first-come, first-served), filling quickly in peak season.

  • National Forest Camping

    Numerous rustic campgrounds in surrounding national forests, some reservable.

Neighborhood Guide

Each gateway town surrounding Yellowstone has a distinct character.

Gardiner, Montana

Benefits
  • Relaxed atmosphere, year-round park access.
  • Direct access to Mammoth Hot Springs.
  • Excellent for winter wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley.
  • Gateway to scenic Paradise Valley.
Considerations
  • Dining and shopping options are more limited.
  • Further from major geyser basins.
  • Feels less touristy.
  • The area is very safe.

West Yellowstone, Montana

Benefits
  • Bustling, tourist-focused town, notably in the summer months.
  • Nearest to major geyser basins and Old Faithful.
  • Wide range of amenities and services.
  • Main hub for winter snow sports.
Considerations
  • Can feel very crowded and commercialized.
  • Prices are generally higher.
  • The town is very safe.
  • Less secluded atmosphere.

Cooke City/Silver Gate

Benefits
  • Small, remote, rugged mountain communities.
  • Exceptional for wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley.
  • Quieter and more remote feel.
  • Unique access point to the park.
Considerations
  • Amenities are limited.
  • Can become snowed in during winter (Beartooth Highway closure).
  • These communities are very safe.
  • Less direct park access during winter.

Proximity Highlights

Gardiner:

Mammoth Hot Springs (5 min), Lamar Valley (1 hour), Bozeman (1.5 hours).

West Yellowstone:

Old Faithful (1 hour), Grand Prismatic Spring (45 min), Bozeman (2 hours).

Booking Strategies

Guaranteeing your lodging in advance can make for a seamless journey.

Booking Timelines

  • High Season (Summer): In-park lodging 9-13 months, gateway 6-9 months, campgrounds 6 months.
  • Shoulder Season: Lodging 3-6 months in advance.
  • Low Season (Winter): Lodging 1-3 months ahead for popular tours/packages.
  • Walk-in rates are not common for negotiation; peak season rates are higher or unavailable.

Platforms & Policies

General Advice

Booking In-Park Lodging:
  • Be flexible with your dates.
  • Consider booking one night in a different location.
  • This can open up availability for your preferred longer stay.
Trusted Booking Sources:
  • Always use official park concessionaire sites for in-park.
  • Major online travel agencies are reliable for gateway towns.
  • Direct hotel websites may have unique deals.
  • Be aware of third-party booking site policies.

Important Note on Pricing

Peak Season

Expect higher prices and limited availability, especially in summer.

Shoulder Season

May offer better rates and fewer crowds than summer.

Winter Season

Often has the most affordable rates, but fewer lodging options might be open.

Accommodation Recommendations

Specific suggestions for different traveler types.

Family-Friendly Options

Vacation Rentals

With multiple bedrooms and kitchens, these are excellent for space and meal prep.

  • Consider West Yellowstone for amenities.
  • Search for accommodations with outdoor space.
  • Book well in advance for summer.
Hotels with Amenities

Hotels with pools or family suites provide appealing characteristics for children.

  • West Yellowstone has many suitable hotels.
  • Confirm use of the swimming pool and hours.
  • Look for breakfast inclusions.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

Hostels

West Yellowstone hostels foster social interaction with other travelers.

  • The Hostel in West Yellowstone is a popular choice.
  • Shared dorms or private rooms available.
  • Good for meeting like-minded adventurers.
Campgrounds

A budget-friendly option, providing solitude and connection with nature.

  • Both park and national forest campgrounds.
  • Offers a truly independent experience.
  • Prepare for primitive facilities in some areas.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Vacation Rentals

    For stays longer than a few days, rentals offer kitchen facilities and more living space.

  • Extended-Stay Hotels

    Some hotels in larger gateway towns may have kitchenettes or weekly rates.

  • Seasonal RV Parks

    If you travel with a RV, seasonal parks provide full hookups for longer durations.

  • House Sitting

    Platforms like TrustedHousesitters sometimes list opportunities in the wider region.

Culturally Significant Properties

  • Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel

    Located at the park's historic headquarters, it features classic park architecture and a rich history.

  • Old Faithful Inn (Wyoming Side)

    An iconic park lodge, noteworthy if your visit extends to that part of Yellowstone.

  • Dude/Guest Ranches

    Provide a taste of Montana's ranching heritage, often with authentic Western experiences.

  • Historic Campgrounds

    Mammoth Campground, among others, has a long history of visitor accommodation.

Budget & Mid-Range Overview

Budget Stays

Camping (park/national forest) is the lowest cost. Hostels and basic motels (like The Hostel in West Yellowstone) are affordable.

  • Camping: Immersion in nature, affordable, but competitive booking.
  • Hostels: Affordable, social, limited privacy.
  • Basic Motels: Basic comfort, often limited amenities.
Mid-Range Options

Gateway hotels and cabins provide a balance of comfort and price with convenient locations.

  • Gateway Hotels: Best Western Desert Inn (W. Yellowstone), Yellowstone Riverside Cottages (Gardiner).
  • In-Park Cabins: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins.
  • Comfortable, but can be crowded and pricey in peak season.

Premium & Vacation Rentals

Luxury Hotels

The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone (W. Yellowstone) or Yellowstone Park Hotel (W. Yellowstone) provide high coziness and conveniences.

Vacation Rentals

Private cabin/home rentals via Vrbo or Airbnb offer more space and kitchen facilities.

Booking Outlook

Luxury and vacation rentals are often booked far in advance; quality can vary with rentals.