Where to Stay in (and Near) Yellowstone: Best Hotels, Lodges, & Vacation Rentals

Wondering where to stay in Yellowstone? You’re not alone! 

On our first trip to Yellowstone, it was one of my first questions. And it’s one of the first things you need to decide when planning your trip to this awesome National Park.

Yellowstone National Park is a breathtaking, massive area of land spanning portions of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. During our trip, we were blown away by the incredible scenery with hot springs, lakes, and mountains, as well as wildlife to see. 

However, because it’s so large, it’s easy to spend a LOT of time in the car so choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With so many lodging options inside and outside the park, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. 

But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this guide, I’ll walk you through where to stay in Yellowstone to help you find an option that best fits your needs! 

I’ll start with some important things to know before booking any lodging arrangements, then will cover lodging throughout (and near) the park – including campgrounds, lodges, hotels, and vacation rentals. Plus, we’ll explore the benefits of staying inside Yellowstone National Park, as well as the best areas to stay in. Last, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions to help you plan the perfect trip to Yellowstone. Let’s get started!

Below, I’ve pulled together a map of some of the best places to stay in the park. There are lots of options, but I’ve marked my top picks with an orange hotel for you.

Things to Know Before Booking Yellowstone Accommodations

Is it Best to Stay Inside Yellowstone National Park? 

Yes, I highly recommend staying inside Yellowstone National Park to maximize your time and see as much as possible. Otherwise, I’d recommend staying as close to one of its four entrances as possible, depending on your planned activities.

We loved staying inside the boundaries of Yellowstone for these reasons: 

• Proximity to Attractions – When you stay inside the park, you’re only a short drive (or walk) away from the park’s most popular attractions, such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yellowstone Lake. This means it’s much easier to beat the crowds or even slip out after dinner to see more of the park’s beauty or wildlife than you’d be able to staying outside the park.
• Wildlife Viewing – One of the highlights to our stay in Yellowstone was seeing the diverse wildlife throughout the park, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison. By staying inside the park, you increase your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. 
• Authentic Experience – Staying inside Yellowstone National Park offers a more immersive experience than staying outside the park. You can enjoy the park’s tranquility during early mornings and late evenings, away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby towns. We loved our quiet evenings at camp! 

I know what you’re thinking – staying inside the park must be expensive and hard to book, right?

While it’s true that some lodgings can be pricey, there are affordable options such as camping and budget-friendly cabins. And with the recent policy change, all campgrounds run by Yellowstone National Park now accept reservations, so you can book your spot in advance.

Overall, we think that staying inside Yellowstone National Park is ideal and offers a unique and memorable experience that’s worth the investment.

Types of Lodging in Yellowstone National Park

When it comes to choosing your lodging in Yellowstone National Park, there are a variety of options to consider. Here are some of the most popular types of accommodations:

• Lodges – Yellowstone National Park has several lodges, including the famous Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel. These lodges offer comfortable rooms and are a great option for those looking for a more luxurious experience. However, they can be on the pricey side and tend to book up quickly.
• Cabins – If you’re looking for a rustic experience, cabins may be the way to go. Yellowstone has several cabin options, ranging from basic to deluxe. Cabins offer a more private and secluded experience compared to lodges and can be a great option for families. I’d suggest checking out Canyon Lodge & Cabins, Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins, or Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins.
• Campgrounds – Camping is a popular option in Yellowstone, and for good reason. You can stay in the heart of the park and be surrounded by nature. Yellowstone has several campgrounds to choose from, ranging from primitive to full hookup sites. Keep in mind that while all campgrounds now accept reservations, not all sites are reservable and some may be first-come, first-served. You can check availability at Recreation.gov (for those managed by the park service) and at Yellowstone National Park Lodges. 

As you might expect, each lodging option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Lodges offer comfort and convenience but can be expensive, cabins offer a more rustic experience but may not have all the amenities of a lodge, and camping offers the most affordable option but requires a bit more preparation and work.

If you do decide to stay inside the park, keep in mind that the most centralized location for lodging is Canyon Village. This area is located near many of the park’s popular attractions and is a great starting point for your Yellowstone adventure.

Staying Outside Yellowstone National Park

If you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly option or want to be close to a wider range of amenities, staying outside of Yellowstone National Park may be the way to go. 

Like with all things in life, there are some tradeoffs to consider if you stay outside the park. For us, we had limited time so we opted for the convenience of staying in the park. 

But, every situation is different so I’ll share what I know so you can make the best decision for you!

Here’s a rundown of the upsides and downsides of staying in nearby cities:

If you opt to stay in a nearby, some of the closest cities to Yellowstone National Park include West Yellowstone, Montana, and Cody, Wyoming. Both offer a variety of lodging options and amenities, so you can find a spot that meets your needs.

When to Book Yellowstone Lodging

In addition, keep in mind that you’ll want to book your accommodations as far ahead as possible, as it’s common for things to book up 6-12 months in advance during high season! This is especially true for popular places within the park itself. Lodging in nearby towns may not book up quite as fast, but anything that is a short drive will still book quickly.

If you’re camping, the majority of sites managed by the National Park Service open the majority of sites for reservations 6 months in advance with the remaining sites released 2 weeks in advance. Sites managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges accept reservations up to 13 months in advance. 

Operating Seasons

Not all lodging within the park is open year-round. In fact, only two are open during the winter, Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins.

During the summer season, you’ll find plenty of options starting in late May or June, with a few opening in April. The majority of campgrounds and lodges close down by late September or October.

You can find up-to-date details and this year’s opening and closing dates on the NPS website.

How to Choose Where to Stay in Yellowstone

Sleeping Arrangements

When visiting Yellowstone, you have a few options for where to sleep. First, we recommend deciding how you want to travel and what’s important to you. For instance:

• How do you prefer to sleep? Will you be camping in a tent? A campervan or RV? Maybe you want to stay in a hotel or lodge. Or maybe the rustic cabins available in the park are more your style. Either way, knowing your preference will help you choose your lodging. During our trip, we rented a campervan and it was the perfect balance for us, allowing us to have meals anywhere during the day, but giving us an affordable and comfortable place to sleep at night.
• What amenities do you need? Will you be bringing most of your meals or do you need a dining room? Are you okay with more rustic accommodations or do you need an indoor pool or hot tub?

Knowing these details makes it so much easier to narrow down the best lodging for you.

Planning Strategy

Once you decide on your preferred sleeping arrangements, it’s time to start planning your accommodations. 

One thing we see people doing often is booking one location for the duration of their stay. While that can be convenient for settling into your room or campground, you may want to consider your itinerary first before making any lodging commitments due to the park’s vast size.

Next, make a rough draft of your road trip plans using the Roadtrippers app first. (Click here and use code: STOKEFAM for $5 off) That way, you’ll be able to stay in the best areas for quick access to your destinations each day – whether you’re planning to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring or spend the day at West Thumb Geyser Basin.

Then, once you’ve decided where to stay in (or near) Yellowstone, you can make adjustments to your itinerary as necessary as you secure your lodging.

Okay, now that we have those important details out of the way, let’s get into some of the best hotels and lodges to choose from.

Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone: Hotels & Lodges

Within Yellowstone, you have several inviting and comfortable options for park lodging in the summer months if camping isn’t your jam. Though, it’s good to remember that lodging in the park is typically a bit more sparse than you may be used to. Even the lodges and cabins are mostly without televisions, radios, and air conditioning.

Let’s take a look at the nine lodges and hotels available in Yellowstone National Park, including their locations, amenities, and unique features.

• Old Faithful Inn: This grand dame of Yellowstone is located next to the world-famous geyser and features a massive stone fireplace, a towering lobby, and rooms with rustic charm. Be sure to check out the Inn’s giant clock made entirely of wood! This iconic national historic landmark is a must-see, whether you choose to stay here or not and is only a short walk from Old Faithful.
• Old Faithful Lodge Cabins: These quaint cabins are perfect for families and are located near the geyser basin. You can even catch a glimpse of Old Faithful from the lobby! 
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins: The Snow Lodge was built more recently than other park lodges and has a full-service restaurant, the quick-service Geyser Grill, and a gift shop. Plus, it’s one of the few Yellowstone Lodges that remains open during the winter months! 
• Canyon Lodge & Cabins: Situated in the heart of the park at Canyon Village, this lodge has both the biggest number of rooms in the park. It’s central location makes it ideal for exploring almost anywhere in the park and the Canyon area has several options for dining, ranging from full-service restaurants to grab-and-go options.
• Lake Lodge Cabins: If you want a unique experience with views of Yellowstone Lake from a rocking chair on the porch, this is an excellent choice for you! These cozy cabins are perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. 
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins: A perfect spot for exploring West Thumb and Yellowstone Lake, this elegant hotel was renovated in 2014 and features a beautiful sunroom overlooking the lake. The hotel also has several dining options, including fine-dining at the Lake Hotel Dining Room.
• Grant Village Lodge: Grant Village is near West Thumb and Yellowstone Lake as well and has several buildings with deluxe lodge rooms that feature one queen or two double beds, making them a good value for families. I love that they are also equipped with a mini-refrigerator and coffee maker, making it easier to fuel your day of adventures. It is a great base for exploring the southern part of the park or venturing into Grand Teton National Park.
• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins: Located near the park’s north entrance, this hotel has a historic vibe and is near the unique and beautiful terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. It’s also the only hotel with rooms that offer satellite television inside the park. If you’re arriving through the northern entrance or if you’re planning to spend the day exploring the town of Gardiner and the Roosevelt Arch, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabin is the perfect place to stay.
• Roosevelt Lodge Cabins: These rustic cabins are located near the Lamar Valley towards the east side of the park and are a great option for those who want to be close to wildlife. The lodge also offers a variety of adventures including horseback rides, an Old West Dinner Cookout, Stagecoach Adventures, and more.

No matter which lodge or hotel you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in Yellowstone National Park.

However, keep in mind, if you’re traveling in the winter, you’ll only have two to choose from: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge. 

Best Hotels, Lodges, and Vacation Rentals Near Yellowstone 

Though lodging inside the park is often the most convenient, it is also generally more expensive and books up quickly. As a result, you may find yourself looking for options of where to stay near Yellowstone instead.

In addition, if you’re looking more amenities than the camping, rustic lodges, or cabins within the park can provide, you may find locations outside the park to be a great option.

That said, sometimes it still makes sense, so I’ve included approximate drive times for each area below to help you as you plan. 

West Yellowstone, Montana Accommodations

Located just a few minutes from the West Entrance of the park, this small town just outside the park’s west entrance is a popular choice. It offers a wide range of lodging options, from cozy cabins to luxury hotels, as well as restaurants, shops, and attractions.

If you choose to stay in West Yellowstone, you’ll be approximately: 

• 45 minutes from the Grand Prismatic
• 1 hour from Old Faithful
• 1 hour and 15 minutes from Mammoth Hot Springs
• 2 hours from Lamar Valley (pending any traffic or Bison jams, of course. 🤪)

Gardiner Accommodations

Located at the park’s north entrance, Gardiner is a charming small town with a historic downtown area. 

If you choose to stay in Gardiner, you’ll be approximately: 

• 1 hour 20 minutes from the Grand Prismatic
• 1 hour 30 minutes from Old Faithful
• 15 minutes from Mammoth Hot Springs
• 1 hour 10 minutes from Lamar Valley 

Cody, Wyoming Accommodations

This remote mountain town on the park’s northeast edge is a great choice for those seeking a quieter, more secluded experience. We haven’t personally made it to Cody yet, but we have friends who rave about it’s beauty. 

That said, if you’re planning to spend most of your time in the park, keep in mind that this location is approximately an hour from the East Entrance. You’ll be approximately: 

• 3 hours from the Grand Prismatic, Old Faithful, and Mammoth Hot Springs 
• 2 hours from Lamar Valley 

Cooke City/Silver Gate Accommodations 

If you’re looking for a quieter, more secluded experience, you may want to check out Cooke City or Silver Gate. Located approximately 10 minutes from the northeast entrance, this mountain town has some of the most budget-friendly stays near Yellowstone.

If you choose to stay in Cooke City, you’ll be approximately: 

• 2 hours 20 minutes from the Grand Prismatic
• 2 hours 30 minutes from Old Faithful
• 1 hour 15 minutes from Mammoth Hot Springs
• 30 minutes from Lamar Valley 

Lodging Near the South Entrance

Options are somewhat limited near the South Entrance, as Grand Teton National Park is so close. Though technically in Grand Teton National Park, a popular option is the Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch which is only about 40 minutes from the South Entrance of Yellowstone.

Best Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone has a total of twelve campgrounds, which vary in size and amenities. Some campgrounds are primitive, and others have showers, laundry facilities, dump stations, and more. If you’re on a tight budget or plan to spend a lot of time in the park, camping is often the best option to save a little cash.

You can find the details for each campground at the National Park Service website, including operating dates, shower facilities, and fees. 

Of those twelve, five are reservable with Yellowstone National Park Lodges. All of these have accessible sites, flush toilets, a dump station, and allow generator use from 8 am to 8 pm. Canyon, Fishing Bridge, and Grant Village offer laundry facilities and pay showers.

• Bridge Bay Campground – The largest campground, Bridge Bay has 432 sites and also has group sites available.
• Canyon Campground – A popular campground, this is one of the best campground options if you’re hoping to be more centrally located.
• Fishing Bridge RV Park – This is the only campground in the park with full hookups.
• Grant Village Campground – This campground is also one of the biggest with 430 sites and has group sites as well.
• Madison Campground – Located near the Madison River on the west side of the park, this campground is a great place to stay when you’re exploring the western side of the park.

In addition, these campgrounds are reservable through Recreation.gov. Most of them open for reservations 6 months in advance, with the remaining sites releasing 2 weeks in advance:

• Mammoth Campground – This is the only year-round campground and is located near the north entrance to the park.
• Norris Campground (closed in 2024) – This campground has two spots for RV’s up to 50 feet long, flush toilets, and allows for daytime generator use.
• Pebble Creek Campground (closed in 2024) – Pebble Creek has vault toilets and does have some longer pull-through sites available for RV’s.
• Slough Creek Campground – A smaller campground with only 16 sites, this campground has vault toilets RV sites up to 30′.
• Indian Creek Campground – Indian Creek Campground is located between Mammoth Springs and Norris Geyser Basin on Grand Loop Road, has vault toilets, and can accommodate a select number of RV’s up to 35 feet.
• Lewis Lake Campground – Lewis Lake has 84 sites, vault toilets, and can accommodate RV’s 25 feet or less.
• Tower Fall Campground (closed in 2024) – Tower Fall Campground has vault toilets and has sites for RV’s 30′ or less, however, it does have a hairpin curve in the loop that you’ll have to be able to navigate.

We were able to book our campsites in September just 2-3 weeks out, but I wouldn’t recommend waiting this long 😅, especially if you want to stay at one location. We split our time and spent one night at Grant Village Campground and two nights at Canyon Village Campground.

It is also important to note that boondocking and dispersed camping are not allowed in Yellowstone. Unfortunately, you cannot just pull off and sleep in your car or camper on the side of the road. That said, there are a few areas between Yellowstone and Grand Teton where boondocking is an option. If you’re thinking you might try this, I suggest using dispersed camping apps to confirm and help you find the best sites.

Grant Village: Quick Look at Our Campsite

The campsite we ended up with at Grant Village was a pull-through site, which made it super easy to pull in after dark. This was a great place to camp on the way up from Jackson Hole and Grand Teton as it is located near the southern entrance of the park.

Canyon Village: Quick Look at Our Campsite

Our site at Canyon Village Campground was back in. It wasn’t as easy as the pull-through site at Grant Village, but it definitely offered us more privacy behind the van. John had a much easier time pulling in than I did. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Both areas had shower and laundry facilities, a dump station, and convenience facilities. The Grant Village showers were larger and newer inside. John and the boys said they did not notice a difference at either one. However, I had much hotter water in the women’s showers at Canyon Village for whatever reason.

FAQ’s About Where to Stay in Yellowstone

Map of Lodging Options

Sometimes it’s helpful to see the layout on a map as you plan your trip. I mapped out several of these suggestions so you can see them in relation to several of the main attractions in the park.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park has plenty of places to stay, whether you’re more of a camping person or a hotel person. Ultimately, when choosing your lodging, we suggest picking the option that will give you as much time as possible to do the things you love – whether that’s taking a scenic drive, hiking in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, or photographing bighorn sheep.

Ready to Plan All the Details of Your Trip?

Grab a copy of our printable Yellowstone National Park Trip Guide & Itinerary and take the stress out of planning – you’ll get links to our personal Roadtrippers maps, packing lists, trip journal and road trip bingo for kids, plus itineraries already done for you! 

Just download your maps ahead of time, print (or download) the guide, and off you go!

Additional Resources for Planning Your Yellowstone Trip

Because planning a trip to Yellowstone is so much more than simply where you’ll stay, I’ve put together a few additional guides to help you make the most of your Yellowstone vacation.

• Getting Started: Planning a Trip to Yellowstone
• Tips for Visiting: Don’t Visit Yellowstone Without Knowing These Things
• Itinerary Suggestions:The Perfect Yellowstone 3-day Itinerary to See the Most
• Things to Do: 10 Activities You Shouldn’t Miss in Yellowstone National Park
• What to Pack: Yellowstone Packing List: What You Need (and What You Don’t)
• Best Small RV’s for Families (Under 5,000 lbs)

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