Planning a trip to Yellowstone? You’ve probably realized Yellowstone National Park is HUGE. Because of its size, it’s tough to know what area of the park to base yourself, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Add to that the park’s immense popularity and short summer season, and it can feel nearly impossible to secure Yellowstone lodging that suits your dates, budget, and location preferences.
That’s where we come in. This guide is the only resource you need when planning where to stay in Yellowstone. It breaks down every single lodging and camping option inside the park, as well as top-rated accommodations in nearby West Yellowstone and Gardiner. We’ve even included an interactive map to make it easy to visualize where Yellowstone lodges and campgrounds are compared to other popular attractions and answered common Yellowstone lodging FAQs.
Where To Stay In Yellowstone Guide
Table of Contents
- Yellowstone Lodging Map
- Best Places To Stay At A Glance
- Where to Stay In and Near Yellowstone
- Lodging Inside The Park
- Campgrounds Inside the Park
- Lodging in West Yellowstone – Gateway to the West Entrance
- Lodging in Gardiner, MT – Gateway to the North Entrance
- Yellowstone Lodging FAQs
Yellowstone Lodging Map
See where lodging in Yellowstone is in relation to other attractions.
Copy as a new map in Google and add your own points of interest to start to craft your own itinerary with lodging.
Other Yellowstone content you might like:
Best Places to Stay In Yellowstone At A Glance
The best of the best. Our Yellowstone lodging shortlist.
- Best Lodging Inside the Park
- Canyon Lodge and Cabins – Best for location
- Old Faithful Inn – Best for luxury
- Roosevelt Lodge – Budget-friendly
- Old Faithful Snow Lodge – Best for winter visits
- Best Camping Inside the Park
- Canyon Campground – Best for location and amenities
- Fishing Bridge RV Park – Best for RVers
- Slough Creek Campground – Best for seclusion
- Mammoth Campground – For winter camping
- Best Lodging in West Yellowstone
- Kelly Inn – Best overall
- Gray Wolf Inn & Suites – Best for Families
- Al’s Westward Ho – Budget-friendly
- Bar N Ranch – Something different
- Under Canvas – For glamping
- Best Lodging in Gardiner
- Yellowstone Riverside Cottages – Best overall
- Yellowstone Gateway Inn – Best for families
- Yellowstone Gateway Inn – Best pet-friendly option
- Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel – Something special
- Travelodge by Wyndham – Budget-friendly
Yellowstone Lodging Inside the Park
Lodge and Cabin Options Inside Yellowstone National Park
Canyon Lodge and Cabins
Rated 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the 2024 season | 2025 Dates: May 16th – October 26, 2025
Canyon Lodge and Cabins is on the east side of Yellowstone National Park near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Open from mid-May through early October, the property offers accommodation across five lodges and more than 400 guest rooms. The main building features a restaurant and gift shop, and an electric vehicle charging station is available in the parking lot.
Non-peak rates start at $219 per night | Peak rates average $309 per night
Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Certain cabins are pet-friendly at an additional fee. ADA rooms are available
Grant Village Lodge
Rated 3.0 out of 5 on TripAdvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season | 2025 Dates: May 30 – October 5, 2025
Set near the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, Grant Village features six buildings containing a total of 100 rooms. The lodging complex has a full-service lakeside restaurant, lounge, and gift shop. Open seasonally between late May and early October, the property is also located less than 30 miles from Grand Teton National Park for those wanting to park hop.
Rates average $289 per night. Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pets are not allowed. ADA rooms are available.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins
Rated 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season | 2025 Dates: June 27 – October 5, 2025
As the name alludes, Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins is located on Yellowstone Lake and offers hotel accommodations and budget-friendly cabins. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2015, the property has also received a Green Seal Lodging Certification for sustainable operations. The hotel is operational between mid-May and early October and has an on-site restaurant, deli, and bar.
Non-peak rates start at $179 per night | Peak rates average $299 per night
Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Select cabins are pet-friendly at an additional fee. ADA rooms are available.
Lake Lodge Cabins
Rated 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season. | 2025 Dates: June 10 – October 5, 2025
Comprised of 186 newly renovated cabins, the communal lodge area at Lake Lodge Cabins has a large front porch with spectacular views of the surroundings. There are also two communal fireplaces and a gift shop. Lodging is typically open from June through early October.
Rates average $196 per night. Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Select cabins are pet-friendly at an additional fee. ADA rooms are available.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
Rated 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
2025 Dates: December 15, 2025 – March 3, 2025; April 25 – November 30, 2025
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins has been an iconic Yellowstone accommodation option since it was built in 1936. In fact, the hotel maintains an entire wing of original guest rooms dating all the way back to 1911. The resort is located near the steaming limestone terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs and is just a few miles south of the park’s North Entrance. One of the only properties inside the park open in winter, it’s a terrific year-round option.
Rates start at $150 per night. Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pets are not allowed. ADA rooms are available.
Old Faithful Inn
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season. | 2025 Dates: May 2 – October 13, 2025
Established in the 1900s and built using local logs and stone, Old Faithful Inn is a National Historic Landmark and is considered the largest log structure in the world. The property overlooks Old Faithful Geyser and features 327 guest rooms, a full-service restaurant, a lounge, a snack bar, a gift shop, and daily tours. The most sought-after lodging in the park, the Inn is open seasonally from early May to mid-October. It’s recommended to book your room as far in advance as possible.
Non-peak rates start at $109 per night | Peak season rates average $239 per night
Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pets are not allowed. ADA rooms are available.
Old Faithful Lodge Cabins
Rated 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season | 2025 Dates: May 9 – October 5, 2025
Constructed in the 1920s, this property is a registered National Historical Landmark near Old Faithful Inn. The lodge features rustic cabin-style accommodation with ensuite and shared bathroom options. The main reception has stunning views of Old Faithful Geyser while also housing a bakery and cafeteria-style food court. Cabins operate seasonally between mid-May and early October.
Rates average $192 per night. Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Select cabins are pet-friendly at an additional fee. ADA rooms are available.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Rated 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
Winter 2024/2025 Dates: December 16, 2025 – March 2, 2025
Summer 2025 Dates: April 25 – October 26, 2025
Old Faithful Snow Lodge is one of the newest full-service resorts in Yellowstone National Park and has been awarded the Cody Award for Western Design and Travel. The most popular time to visit Old Faithful Snow Lodge is during winter when daily tours and shuttles provide access to places like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, Firehole Canyon, and Lone Star Geyser Trail.
Non-peak rates start at $160 per night | Peak season rates average $411 per night
Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Select cabins are pet-friendly at an additional fee. ADA rooms are available.
Roosevelt Lodge
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season | 2025 Dates: June 6 – September 1, 2025
Situated near Tower Falls, Roosevelt Lodge received its name from a nearby campsite that the late President Theodore Roosevelt once used. The lodge offers rustic cabins (with ensuite and shared bathroom options), a family-style dining area, and a large communal porch with rocking chairs. Horseback riding, stagecoach adventures, and the lodge’s famous Old West Dinner Cookout make it a favorite for families. It’s 18.7 miles from Mammoth Hot Springs and 14.5 miles from Lamar Valley.
Rates average $125 per night. Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Select cabins are pet-friendly at an additional fee. ADA rooms are available.
Yellowstone Campgrounds
Campgrounds and RV Parks Inside Yellowstone National Park
Madison Campground (Tent & RV; No Hookups)
#2 Traveler-Ranked Yellowstone Campground on TripAdvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season | 2025 Dates: May 2 – October 19, 2025
One of the most popular campgrounds in Yellowstone, Madison is known for its convenient location and excellent fishing, being 14 miles east of the town of West Yellowstone and 16 miles north of Old Faithful. In early summer, meadows teem with wildflowers and bison; in September and October, you can often hear bugling elk. Facilities include flush toilets, potable water, a dump station, and an amphitheater. Each site features a picnic table, a fire ring, and a bear food storage locker and accessible sites are available.
Reservations: All 281 campsites can be reserved up to one year in advance, and reservations are strongly recommended.
Rates: $38+ per site per night. Make a reservation now.
View: Madison Campground Map
Canyon Campground (Tent & RV; No Hookups)
#1 Traveler-Ranked Yellowstone Campground on TripAdvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season | 2025 Dates: May 30 – September 21, 2025
Set in a lodgepole pine forest near Canyon Village, Canyon Campground is another Yellowstone favorite. Located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the campground offers a variety of amenities, including flush toilets, hot water showers, potable water, laundry facilities, a dump station, and cell reception. Many of the best hiking trails in Yellowstone are a short drive from the campground, including Cascade Lake, Mount Washburn, and the Canyon Rim Trails. Nearby Canyon Village also offers stores, restaurants, and lodging, making it central and convenient.
Reservations: All 273 campsites can be reserved between June 6 and September 21, 2025. May 30 to June 5 is considered early season, and sites are first-come, first-served. Reservations are strongly advised and can be made up to a year in advance.
Rates: $45+ per site per night. Make a reservation now.
View: Canyon Campground Map
Norris Campground (Tent & RV; No Hookups)
#4 Traveler-Ranked Yellowstone Campground on TripAdvisor
Located near a large open meadow, Norris Campground is ideal for wildlife viewing, with bison known to meander through its campsites. Norris Geyser Basin is within walking distance, and the Museum of the National Park Ranger is on-site. Centrally located near Steamboat Geyser, 21 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris has 112 sites and features flush toilets, potable water, and an amphitheater. In addition, each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker.
Reservations: Norris Campground will remain closed in 2024. A 2025 re-opening has not yet been announced.
Rates: $25+ per site per night.
View: Norris Campground Map
Grant Village Campground (Tent & RV; No Hookups)
#3 Traveler-Ranked Yellowstone Campground on TripAdvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season | 2025 Dates: June 6 – September 14, 2025
Grant Village Campground is a fantastic option for those staying near Yellowstone Lake. With 430 sites, including group and wheelchair-accessible options, it is one of the larger campgrounds in the park. Facilities include flush toilets, potable water, laundry facilities, a camp store, and a dump station. Hot water shower facilities are available at the nearby camper services facility. Additionally, visitors can enjoy nearby amenities such as stores, a restaurant, a gas station, a visitor center, and a boat ramp at Grant Village.
Reservations: All 430 sites are reservable, except for the early season (June 6 – June 12), which is first come, first served. Sites can be reserved up to one year in advance.
Rates: $45+ per site per night. Make a reservation now.
View: Grant Village Campground Map
Mammoth Campground (Tent & RV; No Hookups)
#8 Traveler-Ranked Yellowstone Campground on TripAdvisor
Mammoth Campground is the only campground in Yellowstone open year-round, making it a great option for visitors looking for lodging outside peak season. With 85 sites, the campground is located five miles south of the park’s North Entrance and is close to fishing, hiking, and, of course, Mammoth Hot Springs. The campground features flush toilets, potable water, and cell phone reception, with hot water showers available at Mammoth Hotel for a small fee.
Reservations: Mammoth Campground is (usually) open year-round but only reservable during peak season (typically May 1st to October 15th). In 2024, sites can be reserved from May 24th to October 31st.
Rates: $25+ per site per night. Make a reservation.
View: Mammoth Campground Map
Fishing Bridge RV Park (RV Only; Full Hookups)
#6 Traveler-Ranked Yellowstone Campground on TripAdvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season | 2025 Dates: May 9 – October 11, 2025
Fishing Bridge RV Park is the top choice for most RV travelers visiting Yellowstone since it’s the only campground offering full hookups (water, sewage, and electrical). Due to the frequent presence of grizzly bears in the area, tents are not permitted. With 310 sites that book out months in advance, visitors enjoy access to on-site amenities like flush toilets, paid hot water showers, a camp store, laundry facilities, and a dump station. The campground is close to the Yellowstone River.
Reservations: All 310 sites can be reserved up to a year in advance. Reservations are essential and should be made as early as possible.
Rates: $94+ per site per night. Make a reservation now.
View: Fishing Bridge RV Park Map
Bridge Bay Campground (Tent & RV; No Hookups)
#5 Traveler-Ranked Yellowstone Campground on TripAdvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season | 2025 Dates: May 16 – September 1, 2025
Bridge Bay Campground is the largest campground in Yellowstone and is located near Fishing Bridge RV Park. It offers a variety of amenities, including flush toilets, drinking water, a dump station, a camp store, an amphitheater, and evening ranger programs. With over 400 regular sites and four group sites, this campground is popular among those wanting to enjoy the area’s fishing and boating. Nearby Lake Village provides additional amenities for guests, including restaurants, a general store, and shops.
Reservations: Campsites can be reserved between May 23 and September 1, 2025. May 16 to May 22 is considered early season, and sites are first-come, first-served. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made up to a year in advance.
Rates: $38+ per site per night. Make a reservation now.
View: Bridge Bay Campground Map
Indian Creek Campground (Tent & RV; No Hookups)
#12 Traveler-Ranked Yellowstone Campground on TripAdvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season | 2025 Dates: TBD
Indian Creek Campground is great for those wanting a less developed, off-the-beaten-path experience. Set near the base of the Gallatin Mountains and within easy access to fishing and hiking, the campground has 70 sites, vault toilets, and drinking water but no dump station, camp store, or shower facilities. Visitors can take in the breathtaking views of Electric Peak from the campground and enjoy its quieter atmosphere while still being only a short drive away from the amenities of Mammoth Hot Springs.
Reservations: 80% of sites can be reserved on a six-month rolling basis, while the remaining 20% of sites are available two weeks in advance.
Rates: $20 per site per night. Make a reservation now.
View: Indian Creek Campground Map
Lewis Lake Campground (Tent & RV; No Hookups)
#11 Traveler-Ranked Yellowstone Campground on TripAdvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season. | 2025 Dates: June 15 – October 14, 2025
Lewis Lake is a quiet campground offering access to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Located eight miles from the South Entrance and a short walk from the southeast shore of Lewis Lake, the campground has 85 sites and is classified as a limited-development campground. However, it has vault toilets and drinking water. It offers plenty of wooded sites for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 25 feet, and a boat ramp is located nearby.
Reservations: 80% of sites are reservable on a six-month rolling basis. The remaining 20% of sites are available two weeks in advance.
Rates: $20+ per site per night. Make a reservation now.
View: Lewis Lake Campground Map
Pebble Creek Campground
#9 Traveler-Ranked Yellowstone Campground on TripAdvisor
Pebble Creek will remain closed throughout 2024 due to damage caused by flooding in 2022. It has not yet been announced if it will re-open in 2025.
Pebble Creek Campground is another great choice for those after a more secluded experience. Located near the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone and set against the Absaroka Mountains, the campground provides limited development, featuring only vault toilets and drinking water. Fishing is available at Soda Butte Creek, and the nearby Lamar Valley provides some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, with bison, elk, wolves, and bears often spotted in the area. However, it’s far from other popular Yellowstone attractions, so it may not be ideal if it’s your first visit.
Reservations: Closed throughout 2024.
Rates: $20 per site per night.
View: Pebble Creek Campground Map
Slough Creek Campground
#7 Traveler-Ranked Yellowstone Campground on TripAdvisor
2024 Dates: Closed for the season | 2025 Dates: June 15 – October 14, 2025
Slough Creek Campground is remotely set in the Northeast section of the park down a two-mile dirt road. It offers 16 sites and limited amenities (vault toilets and drinking water). The smallest campground in Yellowstone, Slough Creek is best suited to tents and small RVs. It’s located near Lamar Valley and offers excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities (some of North America’s largest herds of bison and elk inhabit the area) and clear night sky views. Wolves can occasionally be heard howling at night, and the nearby Slough Creek Trail is an ideal starting point for day hikes.
Reservations: Some sites can be reserved on a four-month rolling basis, while others can be reserved two weeks in advance.
Rates: $20 per site per night. Make a reservation now.
Tower Fall Campground
#10 Traveler-Ranked Yellowstone Campground on TripAdvisor
Tower Fall Campground will remain closed throughout 2024. It has not been announced whether it will re-open in 2025.
Tower Fall Campground is situated near its namesake, Tower Fall, as well as Tower General Store, Dunraven Pass, and the Lamar Valley. Comprised of 31 sites, the campground is fairly undeveloped, with only vault toilets and drinking water available. Other amenities (such as showers and dining) can be found nearby at Roosevelt Lodge.
Reservations: Closed throughout 2024.
Rates: $20 per site per night.
View: Tower Fall Campground Map
Best Places to Stay in West Yellowstone
Hotel, Cabin, and Glamping Options in West Yellowstone
Kelly Inn
Rated 8.7 out of 10 on Booking.com
The closest to the national park gate of all West Yellowstone hotels, Kelly Inn is near numerous restaurants and shops and directly opposite the IMAX Theater and Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. The property features two separate buildings, the Canyon Building and the Grizzly Building, of which the latter is ideal for families. Both are pet-friendly and offer amenities such as indoor pool access and complimentary breakfast. The hotel also offers a free airport shuttle.
Non-peak rates start at $130 per night | Peak season rates average $360 per night
Check availability and book: Booking.com | Compare prices on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pet-friendly at no additional charge. ADA rooms are available.
Golden Stone Inn
Rated 9.5 out of 10 on Booking.com
Golden Stone Inn is a mere mile from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park and offers some of the best destination-angling in the world. The resort seamlessly blends rustic and modern design elements and offers private cabins with access to a communal outdoor fireplace. There is a shared lounge for guests to enjoy, and all reservations come with parking and WiFi. We personally love the attention to detail in the rooms – with elements like wader hangers and rod racks.
Non-peak rates start at $185 per night | Peak season rates average $423 per night
Check availability and book: Booking.com | Check prices on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Travel sustainable property. Pet-friendly, but additional charges may apply.
Gray Wolf Inn & Suites
Rated 8.5 out of 10 on Booking.com
Located adjacent to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, Gray Wolf Inn and Suites is an excellent mid-range option for families and features an indoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna, and 24-hour fitness center. All guest rooms have refrigerators, microwaves, A/C, and free WiFi, and complimentary self-parking is available on-site.
Non-peak rates start at $129 per night | Peak season rates average $369 per night
Check availability and book: Booking.com | Compare prices on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pet-friendly at no additional charge. ADA rooms are available.
Best Western Weston Inn
Rated 8.4 out of 10 on Booking.com
Just outside Yellowstone National Park, Best Western Weston Inn is less than a mile from the park’s entrance. The hotel offers guests complimentary breakfast and features an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. All rooms come standard with a coffee machine, microwave, and refrigerator.
Rates average $315 per night. This property closes for the winter season.
Check availability and book: Booking.com | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pet-friendly, but additional charges may apply. ADA rooms are available.
Holiday Inn West Yellowstone
Rated 8.4 out of 10 on Booking.com
If you’re in search of guaranteed value, you really can’t go wrong with Holiday Inn West Yellowstone. The hotel is highly rated by guests and is just a 10-minute walk from the entrance of the park. Free shuttles to and from West Yellowstone Airport are available. In addition, the property features amenities like a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and free WiFi.
Rates average $386 per night. This property closes for the winter season.
Check availability and book: Booking.com | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pet-friendly at no additional fee. ADA rooms are available.
Al’s Westward Ho Motel
Rated 7.6 out of 10 on Booking.com
Al’s Westward Ho Motel is a good budget option just a quarter mile from Yellowstone National Park. It’s within walking distance of the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theater, Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, and various local restaurants and shops. The only West Yellowstone property we found with rates below $200 per night, it’s open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October.
Rates average $199 per night. This property closes for the winter season.
Check availability on Booking.com | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pets are not allowed.
Elkhorn Cabins and Inn
Rated 8.8 out of 10 on Booking.com
Less than five minutes from Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance, Elkhorn Cabins and Inn features motel rooms and modern log cabins perfect for couples and families with small children. A short walk from Yellowstone Historic Center Museum, the property is close to the National Geographic IMAX Theater and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. All rooms have a mini-fridge, private bathroom, free WiFi, flatscreen TV, and A/C. The Madison Cabin is our personal favorite!
Rates average $259 per night. This property closes for the winter season.
Check availability and book: Booking.com | Check prices on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pets are not allowed. Rooms are not ADA-accessible.
Bar N Ranch
Rated 9.0 out of 10 on Booking.com
Set on a spectacular 200-acre ranch, this modern-rustic retreat is just 20 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. The resort features various amenities like a heated outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, children’s play area, fishing, and nightly s’mores around the campfire. You can also enjoy dining at the full-service restaurant. Our most-loved feature? All guest rooms have a fireplace.
Rates average $287 per night. This property closes for the winter season.
Check availability and book: Booking.com | Check prices on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pet-friendly on request, but additional charges may apply.
Under Canvas Yellowstone
Rated 8.4 out of 10 on Booking.com
One of the most popular Yellowstone Glamping options, Under Canvas West Yellowstone offers safari-inspired tents with uninterrupted views of the area’s natural surroundings. All tents have a wood stove and private bathroom with a shower, flush toilet, and luxury spa products. Guests can also enjoy cafe-style dining at the on-site restaurant. Only 20 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, the property is open seasonally from mid-May to early September.
Rates average $339 per night. This property closes for the winter season.
Check availability and book: Booking.com | Compare prices on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pet-friendly, but additional charges may apply. Suite Tent #15 is ADA-compliant.
Best Places to Stay in Gardiner, MT
Hotels, Lodges, and Glamping Near Yellowstone’s North Entrance.
Yellowstone Village Inn
#1 Traveler-Ranked Hotel in Gardiner on Tripadvisor
Open seasonally from mid-April through mid-October
Only six minutes from the park’s north entrance, Yellowstone Village Inn and Suites is one of the top-rated hotels in Gardiner with its picturesque mountain views. The inn was a Traveller’s Choice award winner on Tripadvisor in 2024, and all guest rooms come with the essentials – an ensuite bathroom, refrigerator, TV, and A/C. The hotel features a large indoor swimming pool.
Early season rates start at $159 per night | Peak season rates average $264 per night
Check availability and book: Booking.com | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pets are not allowed.
Yellowstone Riverside Cottages
#2 Traveler-Ranked Hotel on Tripadvisor
With cottage, suite, and studio accommodation available, Yellowstone Riverside Cottages is scenically located on the Yellowstone River, just 15 minutes from Mammoth Hot Springs. All lodging types have private entry and come with a kitchen or kitchenette. On-site, a large community deck overlooks the river, and the Roosevelt Arch can be seen in the distance. Cottages sleep up to six, making them a fabulous option for groups and families.
Non-peak rates start at $80 per night | Peak season rates average $247 per night
Check availability and book: Booking.com | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pets are not allowed.
Yellowstone Gateway Inn
Rated 5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
A great pet-friendly lodging option in Gardiner, Yellowstone Gateway Inn offers self-catering accommodation five minutes from the northern park entrance. All rooms have a kitchenette, A/C, and free WiFi, and numerous restaurants and bars are within walking distance. Communal BBQ facilities are on-site, and deer are known to roam the property. We particularly love that this inn is family-run by owners who strive to make it a place they would like to live themselves.
Non-peak rates start at $99 per night | Peak season rates start at $275 per night
Check availability and book: Booking.com | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pet-friendly, but additional charges may apply. ADA rooms are available.
Travelodge by Wyndham
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
Travelodge by Wyndham is just a mile from the park’s north entrance. All rooms feature A/C, a coffee maker, and a mini fridge. Cribs and rollaway beds are available on request, and the hotel offers on-site laundry facilities and a 24-hour reception desk. It’s the most budget-friendly option we found in the area.
Early season rates start at $135 per night | Peak season rates start at $199 per night
Compare rates and book: Booking.com | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pets are not allowed. ADA rooms are available.
Dreamcatcher Lux Tipi Hotel
Rated 5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
Open seasonally from early May through early October
Dreamcatcher Lux Tipi Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind Yellowstone glamping experience a mere five miles from the park’s North Entrance. Each tipi has a king or two double beds, luxurious bed linens and bath towels, heating, a private fire pit, and electrical outlets for charging devices. Modern shared bathhouses are on-site, and guests will love the communal dining area and campfire evenings with complimentary s’mores. An added bonus – small pets are welcome at an additional fee!
Early season rates start at $365 per night | Peak season rates average $499 per night
Check availability and book: Booking.com | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pet-friendly for small dogs (less than 25 lbs), but additional charges may apply. Accessibility: Tipis are not ADA-complaint but are on a single level with no steps to enter. There is an ADA bathroom with a slow closing hinge and a ramp in front of the shower on site.
Yellowstone Lodging FAQs
Which Yellowstone Entrance Is Best?
Yellowstone National Park has five entrances: North, Northeast, South, East, and West. The West Entrance is by far the most popular and offers easy access to many of the park’s main attractions (including Old Faithful), while the North Entrance leads to Mammoth Hot Springs and is the only entrance open year-round. The Northeast leads to wildlife-filled Lamar Valley, the East to Yellowstone Lake via Cody, and the South to Grand Teton National Park.
If you plan on staying outside the park, West Yellowstone is the closest town to the West Entrance. It offers a variety of restaurants and outdoor activities, making it the go-to spot for most visitors. Gardiner is another favorite and is located at the North Entrance. Being the two primary gateway towns for accommodation outside the park, they are the ones we’ve included in this guide. Both are roughly two hours from Bozeman International Airport.
Is It Better To Stay Inside or Outside Yellowstone?
You can have a great Yellowstone experience staying inside or outside the park. If you value being in the middle of the action and want an authentic national park experience with evening ranger programs and marshmallows around the campfire, staying inside the park is ideal. However, finding lodging during peak season can be challenging, and prices tend to be higher.
Staying outside the park is usually more affordable and offers a wider range of lodging options. Plus, gateway towns like West Yellowstone and Gardiner are packed with amenities and have a charming small-town feel that makes them fun to explore in their own right.
Best Area To Stay Inside Yellowstone National Park?
Canyon Village offers a central location with various lodging options, from hotel rooms to cabins and camping. It’s just a few miles from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, about an hour from Old Faithful, 45 minutes from Mammoth Hot Springs, and an hour from the wildlife-filled Lamar Valley. For first-time visitors hoping to cover a lot of ground, this is the best place to be.
However, if you plan on staying in the park for more than a few nights, it’s usually best to split your stay. Spend three nights at Canyon Village and then move on to lodging near Old Faithful (best for geysers), Mammoth Hot Springs, or Lamar Valley (our personal favorite).
What’s The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park?
Generally speaking, late Spring (late April to May) and early Fall (September to early October) are the best times to visit Yellowstone. These shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and better wildlife viewing. Late Spring is ideal for seeing bears, bison, and elk calves, while early Fall promises stunning autumn landscapes and the elk rut.
June to August is the peak summer season and the most popular time to visit. However, it’s also the busiest and most expensive, so booking your stay as far in advance as possible is crucial. Winter is best for those wanting to avoid crowds, but comes with icy conditions and limited accessibility.
How Many Days Are Needed For Yellowstone?
In our experience, four full days (five nights) is the perfect amount of time to experience the best that Yellowstone National Park offers. However, if you’re tight on time, you can see the essentials in two to three days.
Is Yellowstone Open Year-Round?
Yellowstone National Park is open 365 days per year, though many roads and attractions inside the park close for winter. The road connecting the North Entrance (near Gardiner, MT) to the Northeast Entrance (near Cooke City, MT) is the only road that remains open for vehicles throughout the year. Snowmobile tours can be organized to other parts of the park.
When Do Yellowstone Entrances Open and Close?
The West Entrance to Yellowstone typically opens in mid-April, with the South and East Entrances following close behind. By mid-May, all roads are usually open for the season. Conversely, most of the park’s roads close by early November. Visit the NPS website for exact dates.
Is Yellowstone Pet-Friendly?
Not really. Dogs are only allowed in developed areas, must be on leash at all times, and are not permitted on boardwalks, hiking trails, or in thermal areas. Essentially, bringing your pet into Yellowstone will greatly limit what you can do in the park. However, there are boarding options nearby.
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