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Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park

Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park Wyoming, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Within Yellowstone National Park

  • Historic Hotels

    Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Unique charm and prime locations near attractions.

  • Cabins

    Found at Old Faithful, Canyon, and Roosevelt. Options range from rustic (shared bath) to modern (private bath). Traditional park experience.

  • Hotel-style Rooms

    Newer buildings at Canyon Lodge and Grant Village provide contemporary hotel room experiences.

  • Limited Amenities

    Most in-park lodging remains rustic. Often no TVs, radios, or air conditioning. Wi-Fi is generally limited and slow, often available only in common areas.

Camping & Gateway Towns

  • Developed Campgrounds

    Yellowstone has 12 developed campgrounds. Some are reservable through Recreation.gov, others operate first-come, first-served.

  • Backcountry Camping

    A permit and specialized gear are necessary. Solitude and pristine nature await experienced campers.

  • Gateway Town Lodging

    Towns outside the park entrances offer more varied options and amenities, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.

  • Unique Local Accommodation

    Dude ranches near Cody or Jackson provide an authentic Western experience. Some private operators offer glamping options.

Neighborhood Guide

Yellowstone National Park is extensive. Lodging clusters in specific areas or "villages" and in surrounding gateway towns.

Old Faithful & Canyon

Pros
  • Near iconic geysers (Old Faithful) or central for exploration (Canyon).
  • Old Faithful: Quintessential Yellowstone experience.
  • Canyon: Modern lodging, close to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
  • Generally safe.
Cons
  • Most popular and crowded.
  • Higher prices.
  • Canyon: Fewer historic vibes.
  • Can feel very busy during peak season.

Mammoth & Lake/Grant

Pros
  • Mammoth: Year-round access, historic Fort Yellowstone, wildlife viewing.
  • Lake/Grant: Lakeside access, boating, scenic views.
  • Grant: Modern, motel-style lodging.
  • Generally safe.
Cons
  • Mammoth: Far from Lower Loop geysers.
  • Lake/Grant: Can be buggy, far from main geyser basins.
  • Relatively distant from core thermal areas.
  • Fewer direct park attractions.

Gateway Towns

Pros
  • West Yellowstone: Closest to geyser basins, many amenities.
  • Gardiner: Year-round entrance, authentic Western feel.
  • Cody: Rodeo Capital, Western museums.
  • Jackson: Diverse dining, activities, gateway to Grand Teton.
Cons
  • West Yellowstone/Jackson: Very touristy, crowded, expensive.
  • Gardiner: Far from Old Faithful.
  • Cody: Distant from central park areas.
  • Cooke City: Isolated, limited services, winter road closures.

Roosevelt Lodge & Tower-Roosevelt

Pros:

Rustic, historic Western feel. Close to Lamar Valley for wildlife. Horseback riding opportunities.

Cons:

Basic accommodations, some cabins lack private baths. Relatively far from main geyser basins.

Booking Strategies

Plan ahead, notably for peak season, to secure your preferred lodging.

Advance Booking

  • In-Park Lodging: Reservations open 13 months in advance and fill very quickly for summer. Book as soon as dates are firm.
  • Campgrounds: Reservable campgrounds on Recreation.gov also fill months in advance. First-come, first-served campgrounds call for early arrival during peak season.
  • Gateway Town Lodging: Recommended to book several months ahead for summer, especially for popular towns.
  • Seasonal Prices: Prices are highest during peak summer. Shoulder seasons and winter generally see lower rates.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • In-Park Lodging: Book directly through Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the official park concessioner.
  • Gateway Towns: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Hotels.com are reliable. IHG Hotels.
  • Vacation Rentals: For vacation rentals, use Vrbo or Airbnb.
  • House/Pet Sitting: Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Policy Variations
  • These vary by property.
  • In-park lodging typically has a deposit.
  • Cancellation policy (e.g., 30-day notice for a full refund) often applies.
  • Always read the terms carefully before booking.
Budget Accommodation
  • Hostelworld for budget options.
  • Smaller motels in gateway towns may have more flexible terms.
  • Always check directly with the specific accommodation.

Consider Shoulder Seasons

Spring (April-May)

Fewer crowds, active wildlife, but some roads/services may be closed.

Fall (September-October)

Fewer crowds, crisp weather, fall colors, good wildlife viewing.

Winter (November-March)

Snowy landscapes, quiet park, unique experience, limited accessibility.

Accommodation Recommendations

Find examples for different budget levels and traveler types. Availability and specific rates vary.

In-Park Lodging Examples

Budget: Campgrounds / Roosevelt Lodge Cabins

Basic facilities, restrooms, water. Roosevelt offers rustic cabins, some with shared baths, close to Lamar Valley.

  • Madison, Canyon, Grant Village for campgrounds.
  • Roosevelt Lodge Cabins for rustic stay.
  • Limited RV hookups at specific sites.
Mid-Range: Old Faithful Lodge Cabins / Canyon Lodge & Cabins

Simple cabins (some with private baths) near Old Faithful or modern lodging centrally located in Canyon Village.

  • Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, walking distance to geyser.
  • Canyon Lodge & Cabins, eco-friendly, central.

In-Park Luxury Lodging

Lake Yellowstone Hotel

Historic, elegant hotel overlooking Yellowstone Lake. Offers dining and upscale services.

  • Overlooks North America's largest high-altitude lake.
  • Known for its Colonial Revival architecture.
  • Often booking well in advance.
Old Faithful Inn

Iconic, historic log structure. Prime location, unique atmosphere. Can book up over a year in advance.

  • Largest log structure in the world.
  • Steps away from Old Faithful geyser.
  • Free historic tours are often available.

Gateway Town Lodging Examples

  • Budget Motels

    Chain motels (e.g., Super 8, Days Inn) in West Yellowstone, Gardiner. Provide basic, clean rooms.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    Independent and chain hotels (e.g., Holiday Inn, Best Western) in West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Cody. Offer more amenities.

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    Upscale properties with full services, spas, fine dining in Jackson, Cody (e.g., Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, The Wort Hotel).

  • Vacation Rentals

    Homes or apartments in gateway towns, good for families or longer stays. Provides kitchens for self-catering.

Traveler Specific Options

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Cabins in the park (Canyon, Old Faithful) make a good base. Vacation rentals in gateway towns offer more space and kitchen access.

  • Solo Traveler Options

    Campgrounds offer community. Budget motels in gateway towns or hostels (e.g., Hostelling International in Jackson) provide affordable and social options.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation rentals in gateway towns are best for stays longer than a few days. They offer more space, privacy, and amenities like kitchens.

  • Cultural/Historical Significance

    Consider staying at Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, or Roosevelt Lodge for connection to park history.

Specialized Accommodation

Dude Ranches

All-inclusive experiences focusing on horseback riding, fishing, and Western activities. Located outside Cody/Jackson area.

  • Example: Triple Creek Ranch, Brush Creek Ranch.
  • Consult specific ranch websites for bookings.
  • Authentic Western adventure.
  • Often luxury tier.
Glamping Options

Some private operators outside the park provide glamping tents or cabins. These combine outdoor living with comfortable amenities.

  • Comfortable camping experience.
  • Often with private baths and beds.
  • A more upscale outdoor stay.
  • Check individual operator websites.

Important Considerations

Peak Season Crowds

Expect high crowds and traffic within the park during summer months.

Limited Connectivity

Cell service is spotty within the park; Wi-Fi is generally limited to common areas in lodges.

Wildlife Safety

Maintain safe distances from all wildlife, even near lodging areas.