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Where to Stay in Wyoming

Where to Stay in Wyoming

Wyoming Rocky Mountains, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging

  • Hostels

    The Hostel at Jackson Hole, located in Teton Village. Hostels are an option for budget solo travelers or small groups seeking affordable lodging and social opportunities.

  • Motels/Budget Hotels

    National chains like Days Inn, Super 8, and Quality Inn offer basic, clean rooms, often with amenities like continental breakfast. They are a practical lodging option for travelers on a budget.

  • Mid-range Hotels/Lodges

    Common in gateway towns. Chains like SpringHill Suites and Hampton Inn, alongside locally owned lodges, offer amenities like pools, fitness centers, and sit-down restaurants. These offer a good balance of comfort and value.

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    Concentrated in Jackson Hole (Hotel Terra, Four Seasons Resort). Iconic lodges like Old Faithful Inn and Jenny Lake Lodge feature luxury experiences with premium amenities, fine dining, and prime locations with unparalleled access to attractions.

Vacation Rentals & Camping

  • Vacation Rentals

    Widely available via platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and local property management companies. These are especially common in Jackson Hole, Teton Village, Cody, and near other popular attractions. Vacation rentals feature more space, kitchens for self-catering, and privacy, making them suitable for families or groups.

  • National Park Campgrounds

    Available in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Reservations are well in advance (months ahead) for most sites. Some sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but these fill quickly.

  • National Forest/BLM Campgrounds

    Numerous sites exist outside park boundaries. They are often less crowded and cheaper, with some offering free dispersed camping. Facilities range from basic (vault toilets, picnic tables) to none.

  • RV Parks & Glamping

    Dedicated parks with hookups (water, electricity, sewer) and amenities for RVs are found throughout the state. Some luxury tent or cabin options offer a "glamorous camping" experience outside the parks, combining outdoor immersion with comfort.

Unique Local Accommodation

Wyoming features several distinct lodging experiences.

Guest Ranches/Dude Ranches

Highlights
  • Immersive Western experience, often including horseback riding and cattle drives.
  • Many are all-inclusive with meals and activities.
  • Opportunities to learn about ranch life and cowboy culture.
  • Unique setting for an authentic Wyoming adventure.
Considerations
  • Availability varies and can be seasonal.
  • Some require multi-night stays.
  • Can be a significant investment.
  • Book well in advance, especially for peak seasons.

Historic Lodges

Highlights
  • Iconic lodges within national parks (Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel).
  • Unique historical ambiance and character.
  • Prime locations with easy access to attractions.
  • Often feature unique architectural styles.
Considerations
  • Booking 6-12 months in advance is typical due to high demand.
  • Amenities can be limited in some rustic locations.
  • Expect higher prices compared to off-park lodging.
  • Often no TV or Wi-Fi available in rooms.

Cabins

Highlights
  • Available for rent in many areas, from rustic to luxurious.
  • Often in scenic locations, providing a more secluded experience.
  • Great for privacy and a connection to nature.
  • Options for various group sizes.
Considerations
  • Facilities vary greatly (e.g., kitchen, heating, plumbing).
  • Some are remote, requiring dirt road access.
  • Check for minimum stay requirements.
  • Seasonal availability for some mountain cabins.

Homestay & Community-Based Options

Local Interaction

Organized homestay programs are less common in Wyoming. Choosing vacation rentals in residential areas can foster a local feel and greater interaction with the community.

Booking Considerations

Formal community-based tourism programs are not widely established for lodging. Focus on self-guided exploration and connect through local events. Always review cancellation policies, as they vary by property, and peak season may have stricter rules. Check seasonal access for unique properties like ranches or remote cabins.

Neighborhood Guide

Understand the character of areas to select your ideal base.

Jackson Hole / Jackson Teton County

  • Character: An upscale mountain town serving as a gateway to Grand Teton and southern Yellowstone. Bustling with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Scenic views of the Teton Range.
  • Pros: Closest town to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole Airport. Features a wide range of accommodations, dining, and activities.
  • Cons: The most expensive area in Wyoming for lodging and dining. It becomes very crowded in summer.
  • Proximity: Excellent access to Grand Teton (15-minute drive) and Yellowstone's South Entrance (1-hour drive). Generally very safe.

Teton Village near Jackson Hole

  • Character: Forms the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Offers ski-in/ski-out lodging in winter and a hub for mountain adventures in summer. More resort-like feel.
  • Pros: Direct access to skiing and the aerial tram or gondola. Often quieter than the main Jackson town square.
  • Cons: Limited non-resort dining and shopping options. Driving or taking a bus into Jackson for more variety is typical.
  • Proximity: Adjacent to Grand Teton National Park, with direct mountain access.

Other Areas

Cody
  • Known as the "Rodeo Capital of the World."
  • Gateway to Yellowstone's East Entrance.
  • Strong Western heritage, home to Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
  • Generally more affordable than Jackson.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks (Inside)
  • Iconic lodges and cabins at major points of interest (Old Faithful, Lake Yellowstone, Jenny Lake).
  • Unbeatable proximity to attractions, wildlife, and natural features.
  • Extremely high demand, booking 6-12 months in advance is typical.
  • Very expensive, amenities can be limited or rustic.

Noise Levels and Ambiance

Jackson Hole

Towns like Jackson can be lively and busy, especially in summer, with active nightlife and events.

National Parks

National park lodges and campgrounds typically offer a quieter, more natural ambiance, though popular areas can still experience crowds during the day.

Other Towns

Smaller towns tend to be very quiet, especially after dark, with limited evening entertainment.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure preferred accommodations, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

High Season Summer

Booking accommodations, especially in-park lodges and popular campgrounds, 6-12 months in advance is absolutely typical.

  • Rental cars book out quickly and become very expensive.
  • Popular tours and activities also fill up quickly.
  • Plan early for best selection and rates.
  • Expect higher demand everywhere.
Shoulder Season May, Late September - Early October

Book 3-6 months in advance for popular areas; 1-3 months for less popular spots.

  • Fewer crowds and often better rates.
  • Some seasonal services may have limited hours or be closed.
  • Weather can be unpredictable.
  • Good time for wildlife viewing.

Trusted Booking Platforms & Policies

Platform Recommendations

National Park Lodges: Book directly through official concessionaires (Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra), Grand Teton National Park Lodges (GTLC)).

  • Hotels/Motels: Use trusted platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, or book direct with hotel chains.
  • Vacation Rentals: Use Airbnb, Vrbo, or local property management websites.
  • Campgrounds: Use Recreation.gov for federal campgrounds (National Parks, National Forests).
Deposit & Cancellation Policies

Policies vary widely by property. In-park lodges often have stricter cancellation policies due to high demand. Always read the policies carefully before booking.

  • Check refund eligibility.
  • Note cut-off dates for penalty-free changes.
  • Consider travel insurance for flexibility.
  • Seasonal price fluctuations: Prices are significantly higher in summer, lowest in winter (excluding major ski holidays), and moderate during shoulder seasons.

Family-Friendly & Solo Travel

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Many vacation rentals, lodges with pools (e.g., Snow King Resort in Jackson), and campgrounds feature amenities suitable for families. Look for properties with family suites or kid-friendly activities.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels in Jackson Hole, or smaller motels outside peak season. Camping is also an option for solo adventurers seeking independence and connection with nature.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation rentals are generally best for stays longer than a week, offering more space and flexibility. Some hotels offer extended-stay rates.

  • Negotiation Customs

    Negotiation is not generally practiced in the U.S. Posted rates are firm.

Properties with Exceptional Significance

  • Old Faithful Inn (Yellowstone NP)

    An iconic log structure and a National Historic Landmark.

  • Lake Yellowstone Hotel (Yellowstone NP)

    An elegant, historic hotel on the shores of Yellowstone Lake.

  • Jenny Lake Lodge (Grand Teton NP)

    Offers rustic luxury cabins with refined dining in a stunning setting.

  • Wort Hotel (Jackson)

    A historic downtown Jackson hotel featuring the famous Silver Dollar Bar.

Accommodation Recommendations Overview

Budget Options

Super 8, Days Inn (in towns), some basic motels. National Forest/BLM campgrounds (dispersed camping can be free).

  • Cost-effective lodging.
  • Basic amenities often available.
  • Good for travelers prioritizing savings.
  • Wider availability in smaller towns.
Premium Options

Hotel Terra (Jackson), Four Seasons (Teton Village), Old Faithful Inn (Yellowstone NP), Jenny Lake Lodge (Grand Teton NP).

  • Luxury options in national parks book 6-12 months in advance.
  • Private luxury homes, expansive cabins with mountain views in Jackson Hole.
  • Glamping sites (e.g., Fireside Resort in Jackson Hole).
  • Premium services and unique experiences.

Considerations for Your Stay

Accessibility

Check with properties for accessibility features if needed. Newer hotels often have more accessible rooms.

Pet Policies

Many accommodations, especially vacation rentals and some hotels, are pet-friendly. Always confirm pet policies and fees in advance.

Local Infrastructure

In more remote areas, cell service and Wi-Fi might be limited. Plan accordingly if you rely on connectivity.