When Planning a trip to Yellowstone, one of the biggest question you might face is “Where Should you stay?” because Yellowstone is massive with multiple park entrances and 2.2 millions acres of land to explore. Choosing Where to stay in Yellowstone can make or break your trip! If you choose wrong place to stay, you’ll spend hours of driving instead of experiencing the park’s iconic sights!
When I was planning my trip, I researched a lot about various options for best places to stay in Yellowstone. And what are the best alternative places to stay near Yellowstone National Park if Yellowstone accommodation is either not available or way above your budget?
After the trip, I’ve learned firsthand that the right lodge or location can save you time, help you avoid crowds, and give you the best chance to see Yellowstone’s famous wildlife. That’s why I’ve put together this guide for Where to stay in Yellowstone to get the best experience in this iconic National Park.
Whether you’re looking for convenience, budget-friendly options, or unique lodges, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Yellowstone. This post covers the best Yellowstone summer lodging options highlighting the best places to stay inside the Park. In addition, I’ll also include the best alternatives just outside the park – Best Hotels near Yellowstone National Park for all budgets depending on your itinerary and length of stay.
This guide works well with my 3-5 days Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary, including recommended hotel locations for each day.
Since we don’t prefer Camping, I am not going to cover camping options. If you’re traveling in high season, book the campsites as early as you can! Most of Yellowstone campings for the summer months are usually fully booked more than a year in advance!
Money Saving Tip: Instead of Staying inside the Park, stay near Yellowstone. There are more lodging options, it’s cheaper, you’ll have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and other facilities like swimming pools, TV, more choice of restaurants, etc. Also, the Park is so big, you’ll absolutely need to do some driving either way, NO matter where you stay! And lastly, staying at one place during whole trip makes lots of sense, at least for me if you are visiting just for 3 days or less!
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Quick Overview of the Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone National Park
If you don’t have the time to read the entire Post, here is a quick summary of the best places to stay in Yellowstone that can help you decide based on what’s most important for your visit
- Best for First-Time Visitors: Canyon Lodge & Cabins – Central, modern, and ideal for covering all the main attractions without long drives. But often limited availability.
- Best for Budget Travelers: Stage Coach Inn – Budget-friendly option just outside the park’s West Entrance.
- Overall Best: Kelly Inn, West Yellowstone – Close to the West Entrance with more availability than lodges inside the park.
- Best for 4+ Day Stays: Canyon Lodge & Cabins + The Roosevelt Lodge – Split your stay between the southern and northern parts to cut down on driving time.
- Best for Families: Kelly Inn, West Yellowstone – Spacious rooms, indoor pool, and family-friendly amenities. Overall, highly recommended option.
- Best for Luxury Travelers: Old Faithful Inn or Lake Yellowstone Hotel – Stay at Yellowstone’s most iconic lodges with stunning views, formal dining rooms, and historic charm.
Important Things to Know When Booking your Yellowstone Lodging
Choosing where to stay in Yellowstone depends on several factors: how many days you plan to visit Yellowstone, how far in advance you are making your reservations, and where you plan to go, both before and after your visit.
If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park for at least three days, consider staying in at one location only. It will be lots of hassle packing and unpacking in just short period of time.
The best location to stay within the Park is Canyon Village. It is centrally located in the park. From here, it is a short drive Hayden Valley, Tower Falls, and Norris Geyser Basin. You’re also near to Lamar Valley, Old Faithful, and Grand Prismatic Spring. And Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone will be right next to you!
Accommodation inside Yellowstone is very popular, and expensive. Despite high prices, the lodges inside of Yellowstone National Park sell out far in advance. The lodging reservations open up 13 months in advance and sells out as soon as it opens for booking.
So if you are visiting Yellowstone in high season (June to mid-September), make sure to book the best Yellowstone lodges (Inside the Park) more than a year in advance.
So, what happens if you can’t reserve a lodge within the park? Not to worry. There are plenty of options just outside of Yellowstone. We had done last minute trip to Yellowstone, booked hotel just 10 days in in advance, and stayed outside of the park and still had an amazing experience.
The best location to stay outside of the Park is West Yellowstone. There are many hotel and restaurant options in this small town. And I highly recommend this option! But keep in mind, as Yellowstone is very Popular National Park, and the best price/quality hotels near Yellowstone are quickly sold out as well.
No matter if you are planning to stay inside or near the park, I advise booking your Yellowstone hotels as soon as you know when you are planning to go. Or, if you’re late like us, just find the best available options and book your stay first, before, planning the rest of the trip.
My recommendations for Best Hotels and lodges in Yellowstone National Park are for the summer season, May through October. From November through mid-April, many roads and close in the park. While it is still possible to visit the park in the winter, it is a much different experience. Many lodges will be closed during this time and you will need to get around by snowmobile.
Best Places to Stay Inside Yellowstone National Park
Staying inside Yellowstone can make your trip so much more convenient, especially if you want to cut down on driving and be closer to the park’s top attractions. Here’s my take on the best lodges based on location, and amenities.
Lodges inside the Yellowstone National Park
There are Nine lodges inside of Yellowstone National Park, all scattered throughout the park.
Canyon Lodge & Cabins (My top Pick): This is the largest and one of the nicest accommodations within the park. Since it is centrally located, Canyon Lodge is my top pick for anyone wanting the best place to stay in the park in terms of location! It’s easy to explore both the northern and southern parts of the park from this lodge. The lodge is bit dated but comfortable enough to stay at the best location. If you’re trying to avoid long drives, this is the best choice.
Old Faithful Inn (My 2nd Favorite): There are three lodges at Old Faithful. Among all, Old Faithful Inn is a National Historic Landmark and one of the last remaining log hotels in the United States. While staying here feels like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s bit pricier but ambience and facilities are the best! And the best part is you’ll have the chance to watch an eruption of Old Faithful from your room.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins: If you want the convenience of staying near Old Faithful but are looking for something a bit more modern, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge is a great alternative. It doesn’t have the same historic vibe as Old Faithful Inn, but it’s a little more affordable while still offering easy access to the Old Faithful Geyser.
Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins: If you’re looking to stay near Old Faithful without spending a fortune, Old Faithful Lodge Cabins are a good budget-friendly option. The cabins are pretty basic, but has the central location and easy to see the Old Faithful Geyser without breaking the bank.
Yellowstone Lake Hotel & Cabins: The Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins is a National Historic Landmark, with a more elegant feel and stunning views of Yellowstone Lake. I recommend it for couples or anyone looking for a quieter, more relaxed stay. But keep in mind, it’s less central, so you’ll need a lot of driving further to reach most of the park’s main attractions.
Lake Lodge Cabins: It features a main lodge and 186 cabins, some with views of the lake. These budget-friendly cabins are right by Yellowstone Lake and offer a simple, rustic experience. If you’re looking for an affordable option with beautiful lake views, this is a solid choice.
Grant Vill Lodge: Grant Village is located near the West Thumb area of Yellowstone Lake and has 50 rooms. It doesn’t have a charm and very basic spot for a quick overnight stay if you’re just passing through.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins: Located near the Northern entrance is the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins. It’s not very central as other options, but it’s perfect for those planning to spend time around Mammoth Hot Springs or Lamar Valley. I really don’t recommend staying here for your whole trip. Instead, split your time between another lodge to cut down driving distance to the main attractions.
Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins: Roosevelt Lodge is perfect if you want a more rustic, off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s near Tower Falls and Lamar Valley, which is great for wildlife viewing, and it feels a lot quieter than the more touristy areas of the park. But you’ll be further away from the park’s main attractions.
Each lodge or village also has at least one restaurant. Several of the bigger villages (for example, Old Faithful) have multiple restaurants, a convenience store, and/or a gift shop.
You can find all the information you need on the official website of Yellowstone National Park, where you can also book your Yellowstone accommodation. But I recommend to book these hotels inside the Park on here – which might be easier for an overview of everything that’s available.
So instead of comparing all the Yellowstone lodges, I am going to share my best suggestions on which lodge to choose for sightseeing in Yellowstone and why.
Best Location to Stay in Yellowstone for Sightseeing
So, don’t get confused with all above options of lodges! If you are looking for just one best-located area to stay in Yellowstone, you should know that Canyon Village is the absolute-best central location for sightseeing. From here, you can reach all parts of Yellowstone National Park without having to spend hours and hours in a car.
However, depending on the duration of your stay in Yellowstone, I would suggest booking one or two strategically located accommodations to avoid lots of driving time.
If you’re visiting Yellowstone for 4 days: spend 3 nights at Canyon Village Lodge and 1 night at Old Faithful Inn. Old Faithful lodges need to book far in advance due to it’s popularity!
But all in all, Canyon Village is the the best location for sightseeing in Yellowstone! Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is just a few minutes drive from here. Hayden Valley, Norris Basin, Mount Washburn, Tower – Roosevelt area, Yellowstone Lake, and even Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs – all these places are easily accessible from Canyon Village.
So if you are looking for the best centrally located accommodation in Yellowstone, you cannot go wrong with staying at the Canyon Village. The only area that is a bit far for sightseeing is the Old Faithful and the surrounding geyser basins. But even the Old Faithful can be visited from your lodge in Canyon Village; just expect some delays due to busy traffic.
Best Places to Stay Outside Yellowstone National Park
If you can’t find availability inside Yellowstone or prefer more amenities and flexibility, staying just outside the Park is a great option. Just outside of the park entrances sit several towns that make a great home base for exploring Yellowstone.
Ideally, it is best to stay inside the park, if you want to minimize driving time, but there are several advantages to staying outside of the park. Accommodations are typically cheaper, modern with best amenities in the nearby towns. You’ll have a wide range of restaurant options and a grocery store, and it is generally easier to make a reservation, even if you plan your trip last minute! Plus, cellular service is better outside of the park.
We stayed outside the Yellowstone as we prefer local restaurants, and cafes, also a good hotel with wifi signal! And we don’t mind waking up early for a longer drive into the park.
I’ve included the best places to stay near each entrances of Yellowstone National Park to help you pick the best spot based on your budget and needs. Read my absolute recommended lodging options outside of Yellowstone.
MY PICK: The best towns to stay near Yellowstone National Park are West Yellowstone and Gardiner.
If you’re looking for current availability, this interactive map can help you search all the available hotels and rental properties near Yellowstone National Park! Simply scroll and click the map below to see what is available!
West Yellowstone, Montana (West Entrance)
West Yellowstone,MT is the the best location for staying outside the Yellowstone National Park, for a good reason. You’ll be just short drive away from the West Entrance, so you can easily access main attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Plus, it also has the best facilities with nice choice of hotels, plenty of dining options, outdoor activities, and a variety of other accommodations to fit any budget. If Yellowstone accommodation inside the park isn’t available, West Yellowstone is really the best alternative, and everything is located within reasonable driving distance.
Driving distances and times from West Yellowstone to main Yellowstone attractions:
- Grand Prismatic Spring: 25 miles, 40 minutes
- Old Faithful: 32 miles, 50 minutes
- Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: 40 miles, 1 hour 10 minutes
- Mammoth Hot Springs: 47 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yellowstone Lake: 55 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes
- Lamar Valley: 72 miles, 2 hours
So, you can see the only exception is Lamar Valley, which is located near the northeast corner of the Park. But it’s manageable looking to the other nearby sights!
Best Hotels in West Yellowstone
As I mentioned, West Yellowstone offers the best price-quality accommodation at a good location for visiting Yellowstone National Park. From hotels, simple cabins, motels, or Airbnb to a variety of upper price resorts, it is the best place to find your kind of accommodation to visit Yellowstone.
Here is an overview of some of the best-rated hotels in West Yellowstone:
- Kelly Inn West Yellowstone (My Pick) — This is a best choice for first time visitors and families. Rooms are large, clean, and quiet and the Wi-Fi works well. It also has an indoor pool and offers complementary breakfast. It’s very close to the West Entrance. It’s great value for money with the rustic lodge vibe you love! This is my one of the top picks in West Yellowstone in the upper mid-range budget.
- Under Canvas Yellowstone — This isn’t your typical resort or hotel… but more Glamping experience. Under Canvas has safari-style tents just outside of West Yellowstone. You can select from several styles of safari-style tents. All tents have their own, private bathrooms and some can accommodate up to 4 people. It’s a great choice for those looking to combine nature with a bit of luxury, perfect for adventurous couple!
LUXURY:
- Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone — These cozy, cabin-style accommodations are perfect for families or groups who want extra space. These cottages have one or two bedrooms, a separate seating area, a kitchenette, and a fireplace. There is an indoor pool onsite. The location, just a short walk from town, is super convenient for the families.
- Holiday Inn West Yellowstone — One of the nicest accommodations with hotel-style rooms, perfect for families and couples.
- 1872 Inn Adults Exclusive — This boutique hotel looks amazing. If you are traveling as a couple and looking for an upscale hotel, look no farther.
Mid Range:
- Stage Coach Inn — If you’re on a mid budget, Stage Coach Inn is a simple, Western-style hotel that won’t break the bank. It’s no-frills but has everything you need for a comfortable stay near the Park.
- Gray Wolf Inn & Suites ― Conveniently located adjacent to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, this hotel features an indoor heated pool, hot tub and free wifi, All guest rooms include free Wi-Fi. They offers clean and spacious deluxe rooms.
- The Evergreen — Simple motel-style building with beautiful rooms and fabulous reviews. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is 10 minutes’ walk from here.
- Yellowstone West Gate Hotel — Located near the west entrance, it features deluxe spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and offers complementary breakfast. It’s rated best and highly reviewed.
- Terra Nova Cabins — My Top Pick, this is where I stayed during my trip to Yellowstone National Park. Not very far from the busy West Yellowstone, located by the Quake Lake this was one of my best stay during the trip. The cabins are very spacious, and clean, offers quiet stay by the lake. You’ll also get a small fridge, nice coffee pot & even a small heater to make hot water for hot tea or cocoa. It’s perfect for both the couples and families.
For me, stay at Terra Nova Cabins is far better than spending a fortune on lodges inside the Park!
BUDGET:
Apartment Rentals: There are also quite a few short-term rental options in West Yellowstone. These are perfect if you are visiting with a family or groups.
Cabins in West Yellowstone
Here are some best options for staying in Cabins for all budgets:
- LUXURY: Elkhorn Cabins and Inn – This place offers beautiful cottages with nice outdoor area, an indoor swimming pool and other facilities nearby.
- MID-RANGE: Hibernation Station — It’s lovely rustic wooden cabins with a porch, located in Quiet area, just near the park entrance. It’s within walking distance to restaurants and attractions in town.
- Budget: Bar N Ranch — This beautiful ranch is located about 6 miles from West Yellowstone, in nature, and surrounded by wonderful scenery. They have some really nice wooden cabins, a heated outdoor pool, and a hot tub. There’s also a good restaurant on-site.
Gardiner, Montana (North entrance)
Located right outside Yellowstone’s North Entrance, Gardiner in Montana is another best towns to stay near Yellowstone National Park, and it is much quieter than busy West Yellowstone. This is a great place to stay to explore the northern area of Yellowstone National Park.
From Gardiner, it is just 15-minute drive on winding roads to get to Mammoth Hot Springs. It’s a good base to explore Mammoth Hot Springs and around with avoiding the crowds. Plus, it’s the only entrance open year-round.
If you’re driving from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), it’s 1.5 hours drive to Gardiner. Also, if you’re arriving from Glacier National Park in North, this is a great place to stay, for at least one night.
While Gardiner doesn’t have the same infrastructure as West Yellowstone, there are some nice stay options here as well. Hotels and cabins in Gardiner are generally also more affordable than in West Yellowstone. So Gardiner is also a good place to stay for those looking for better value for the money during Peak summer season.
Driving distances and times from Gardiner, MT Yellowstone’s Top attractions:
- Mammoth Hot Springs: 6 miles, 15 minutes
- Lamar Valley: 40 miles, 1 hour
- Grand Prismatic Spring: 50 miles, 1 hr 20 minutes
- Yellowstone Canyon: 40 miles, 1 hr 10 minutes
- Yellowstone Lake: 55 miles, 1 hr 40 minutes
- Old Faithful: 57 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes
Best Hotels in Gardiner
Here are some of the best hotels in Gardiner, just a few minutes drive from the North Entrance of Yellowstone:
LUXURY:
- The Roosevelt Hotel — This is one of the highest-rated, but also one of the most expensive hotels in Gardiner. This hotel is ideal for couples or small groups looking for comfort and easy access to the park. It offers spacious rooms with mountain views, and it’s priced as per its location! This is the place where you get what you pay for!
- Yellowstone Gateway Inn — Perfect for families or groups, this place offers apartment-style one bedroom suites with kitchen, giving you more space and flexibility for longer stays. It’s a good value option for families. You’ll see elk on the property and there is grocery store nearby.
- Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel — This spot is located on bank of the Yellowstone River. If you’re up for something unique, staying in a luxury Tipi, is very unique way to enjoy the Yellowstone. This is really best for couples looking for a special experience. Also, guests reported seeing elk, deer, and bison from the cabins. So, If you like the idea of staying in a quiet, secluded place with views of the wildlife, this is a nice place to consider.
MID-RANGE:
- The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone — This is one of the nicest hotels in Gardiner, with a heated indoor pool, sauna, spacious rooms, and free breakfast.
- The Antler Lodge — This is one of the best price/quality hotels near North entrance of Yellowstone. The location is excellent and the prices are really reasonable for the area. They offers spacious rooms and suite rooms with mountain views.
BUDGET: I will say, there’s no such thing as like budget hotels, because usually peak summer time rates for Yellowstone hotels starts from $200 per night! But if you’re really low on budget, check out these Gardiner hotels: Travelodge by Wyndham and Super 8 by Wyndham. All these hotels have decent customer ratings.
OVERALL Best for FAMILIES: One of the best-value hotels in Gardiner for families is Yellowstone Gateway Inn. Their 2-bedroom suites are quite reasonably priced and can accommodate up to 8 people.
Cabins in Gardiner
Please note that finding a nice cabin near Yellowstone is really not easy if booking last-minute. For the summer months, try to book a year in advance. Also, some cabins require a minimum stay of at least several nights.
- LUXURY: The Antler Lodge — This is one of the nicest and most beautiful lodge near Yellowstone North entrance with best views. It offers spacious rooms that can accommodate really big families or groups of friends. It’s located at an excellent location.
- MID-RANGE: Yellowstone’s Treasure Cabins — These 1-2-bedroom cabins are some of the most popular cabins near Yellowstone. It can accommodate 3-4 adults and 2-3 kids, some are a bit bigger. If you are staying here with a bigger family, it’s quite good value.
- BUDGET: Yellowstone Riverside Cottages — This one is very popular in the budget range. These are quite small, but good-value studios and cottages that can accommodate 4 people. The locations is excellent with river views.
Cooke City-Silver Gate, Montana (Northeast entrance)
Cooke City and Silver Gate are small towns near the Northeast Entrance. There are vert few amenities and dining options here, it is only worth staying here if you are struggling to find accommodation elsewhere or have plans to continue your road trip through central Montana. Though this is good for people who wants to spend their time looking for wildlife in Lamar Valley.
Driving Distances from Cooke City to Top Sights in Yellowstone :
- Old Faithful: 93 miles, 2 hours, 30 minutes
- Grand Prismatic Spring: 87 miles, 2 hours 20 minutes
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: 54 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes
- Lamar Valley: 19 miles, 30 minutes
Best Hotels in Cooke City
- Silver Gate Lodging — Just one mile from the northeast entrance, it’s really near to the Park entrance. You can choose from a wide range of cabins, bungalows, and family studio cabins that can accommodate from two to ten people.
- Elk Horn Lodge — This family friendly lodge is Located in Cooke City, but with good reviews. Rooms are simple but clean and can accommodate up to four people. If you like to spend your time seeing wildlife in Lamar Valley, this is a great value option.
- High Country Motel and Cabins — This is best budget option to spend one or two nights on budget! They offers deluxe rooms and one bedroom chalet that can accommodate up to 5 people.
If you stay in Cooke City or Silver Gate, don’t miss the spectacular Beartooth Highway. It is one of the most scenic drives in the USA and it starts in Cooke City.
Cody, Wyoming (East Entrance)
Cody, Wyoming is located about an hour from East Entrance of Yellowstone. And from the east entrance, it can easily take another hour to drive to Yellowstone’s main attractions. For example, from Cody to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, it is a 2 hour drive.
Due to the longer distance and driving times, Cody does not make a good base to explore Yellowstone, but it is great for a one night stay if you’re roadtripping through Wyoming or South Dakota. If you’re into Western history, rodeos, or want to explore the outdoors, Cody is fun place to stay.
Best Places to Stay in Cody, Wyoming
- The Cody Hotel — Located in Cody town, this is highly rated hotel. This modern hotel offers spacious and clean rooms, an indoor pool and gym onsite. Rooms are large, clean, and quiet and decorated with a western theme. This is great for families or couples who want comfort.
- The Chamberlin Inn — A charming historic hotel in downtown Cody, perfect for who loves a bit of comfort with history. If you are looking for a upscale luxury, this is a best hotel in Cody. Each room comes with a TV Screen, AC and suites with Kitchen. There is a garden, library, and on-site bar. It’s further from the park, but the ambiance is good.
- Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites — If you are traveling as a family and want to stay in one of the top rated hotels in town, this is the best one to consider. You can choose to stay in a suite or a standard room, some of which can accommodate up to 5 people. Some rooms have patios and some room have balconies.
- Moose Creek Lodge & Suites — Another highly rated option to stay in Cody, Moose Creek lodges offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and city views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, and refrigerator. It is in walking distance to the Buffalo Bill museum, shopping in town, and restaurants in town.
South Entrance (Near Grand Teton National Park)
If you’re planning to explore both Yellowstone and Grand Teton, the South Entrance is a great base. Accommodations here are limited but convenient for visiting both Parks.
Grand Teton National Park is located near South Entrance of Yellowstone, but because of the distance it’s really not a good option to explore both the Parks from here.
If you still want to take a chance, check out Headwaters Lodge & Cabins. This is best choice to access both the Parks. The rustic cabins and lodge rooms are basic, but the location is unbeatable for splitting time between Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Best Hotels in Yellowstone for Big Families
If you’re traveling as a big family, there are only two places where you can book a big family suite inside the park: Canyon Lodge or Lake Yellowstone Hotel. If it’s not available, you can book two separate rooms.
Alternatively, you can opt to stay outside the park, which is also more affordable.
Where we stayed When Visited Yellowstone
We visited Yellowstone for 3 days, I chose to stay all days at Terra Nova Cabins, West Yellowstone. I wasn’t ready to check in and out in short duration. It was long driving day to visit Mammoth Hot Springs but it was manageable! If you’re visiting Yellowstone for three or less than three days, I recommend to staying at one place to explore Yellowstone National Park.
But if you have more days in hand, split your time between Gardiner, Montana and West Yellowstone, Montana. If you get bookings for accommodation inside the Park, it’s really best choice.
If I will visit again the National Park, I’ll consider staying near North Entrance in Gardiner or East Side to explore more areas of the Park. So, it really depends from where you enter the Park!
How To Decide on Where to Stay in Yellowstone
So, now that you know the locations and the best hotels in Yellowstone, how do you choose where to stay? The biggest factors are budget, your Itinerary and where you fly into!
But Overall, inside the Park, lodging will be more expensive than staying outside of the Park. So, if price is a factor, consider staying in West Yellowstone or Gardiner.
If you have just two to three days in the park, I recommend picking one central location, ideally Canyon Village. I think it isn’t worth packing and unpacking if you are here for a short stay. But for three days or longer, staying in two different locations can save you some time.
I also suggest to consider your route through the Park for choosing best accommodation option. Most people visit Yellowstone on a road trip, which means you will be entering through one park entrance and exiting through another. If you enter from West Entrance, consider staying in Canyon Village inside the Park or West Yellowstone outside the Park. And if ending your trip in North, stay in lodges at Mammoth or Gardiner.
If you start your trip from South Yellowstone, consider stay near Yellowstone Lake and then few nights in West Yellowstone/Canyon Village.
Check my detailed guide and recommendations for Salt Lake City to Yellowstone Roadtrip Guide and 5 DAY YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON ITINERARY.
My recommendations based on itinerary
With 1 to 2 days in Yellowstone, the Canyon Lodge and Cabins in Canyon Village is my top pick, because of its centrally located. Inside of Yellowstone, the Old Faithful Inn is another great option, since it is a unique and historical place to stay. Outside of Yellowstone, I recommend staying in West Yellowstone.
With 3 or more days, I recommend staying in two different locations. Choose few days stay at Canyon Village, or Old Faithful Village, or near Yellowstone Lake. For the second half of your trip, stay in Mammoth or West Yellowstone.
Insider Tips for Securing Best Yellowstone Lodging
- Book Early for In-Park Lodging: If you want to stay inside the park, you’ll need to book as early as possible — think more than a year in advance! Old Faithful and Canyon Lodge tend to be the first to book up. However, there are always some last minute cancellations, so keep checking 30 to 60 days before your trip to snag last minute deals.
- Check Last Minute Deals: Almost all the Yellowstone lodges reservations can be cancelled for a minimal fee. So it might happen that a room becomes available a month or even a week before your planned trip. And there is No wait list system, so you need to check availability online.
- Split Your Stay to Minimize Driving: If you’re spending more than three days in the park, I recommend splitting your stay between two locations. For example, staying a couple of nights at Canyon Lodge to explore the central and southern areas, then moving to Mammoth or Gardiner for easier access to the northern parts of the park. This cuts down on driving time.
- Stay Outside the Park for Last-Minute Trips: If you’re planning a trip within three months, you’ll have better luck finding lodging in West Yellowstone or Gardiner. These towns have a wider range of last-minute availability, and from my experience, West Yellowstone is the best for access to the park’s key attractions.
How far in Advance to Book lodging in Yellowstone?
You must book your Yellowstone lodging as soon as you know your travel dates and when the reservations of lodges open up, i.e 13 months in advance! After fixing your stay, figure out about the flights, and car rental bookings.
You can reserve Yellowstone accommodations inside the Park up to 13 months in advance for lodges and campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges, and 6 months ahead for campgrounds on Recreation.gov. Set your reminders, particularly for peak summer months when things book up fast. So, if you are traveling to Yellowstone in next year, you’ll need to book your lodges inside the Park this Year and so on.
FAQS about Where to Stay in Yellowstone
Should i stay inside or outside the Park?
If you want to minimize driving and spend more time at attractions, staying inside the park is best choice. However, if you’re on a budget or planning last minute, West Yellowstone and Gardiner are great alternatives.
What is the best area to stay in Yellowstone?
There is No one area to stay in Yellowstone as the Park as the park is too big! You can choose to stay at nice lodges inside the Park or nearby nearby the park entrances. That being said, Canyon Village (inside Yellowstone) is the best place to stay in Yellowstone for sightseeing. Its central location makes it easy to visit all parts of the park from here. And West Yellowstone is your best bet if looking for a place to stay near the Park.
Where should I stay for the first time in Yellowstone?
Canyon Village is an ideal location for first-time Yellowstone visitors. It’s centrally located, and all the top attractions of Yellowstone are easily accessible from here. There are two lodges in Canyon Village.
Is it better to stay inside Yellowstone National Park or outside?
If you want to minimize driving and spend more time at attractions, staying inside the park makes sense. However, if you’re on a tight budget or traveling as a family, enjoys amenities like TV, pools, wifi, and better dining choices, Staying Outside in West Yellowstone and Gardiner are great alternatives.
Which is the Best Yellowstone Lodge to stay inside the park?
For first timers, Canyon Lodge is one of the best of all Yellowstone lodges. It’s relatively new and modern, but the biggest advantage is its central location makes it easy to access all the major sights without too much driving. If you’re in the Park for just short stay, consider The Old Faithful Lodge due to its proximity to iconic Old Faithful Geyser and short drive to Grand Prismatic Spring. The Lodge is iconic and worth seeing, but the rooms here are dated and overpriced.
What is the best place to stay near Yellowstone?
West Yellowstone, just outside the park, is the best place to stay near Yellowstone. The town is centrally located for exploring all parts of the park and offer wide variety of facilities. Gardiner just near the North Entrance is another good place to stay for exploring Yellowstone, but it has fewer accommodation options and other facilities. I also suggest splitting your stay between West Yellowstone and Gardiner if you’re staying more than 3 days to cut down on driving time.
Is there WIFI and Cell Service in Yellowstone Lodges?
WiFi is available in some lodges, like Canyon Lodge and Old Faithful Snow Lodge, but service can be slow. Also, Cell service is spotty throughout the park, so I always recommend downloading offline maps and reservation info ahead of time.
How many days do you need in Yellowstone?
I recommend at least 3 days to visit Yellowstone. It will allow you to explore the entire Grand Loop and all the main landmarks without having to rush. For a quick visit 2 days is an absolute minimum to cover Grand Prismatic Springs and Mammoth Hot Springs area. 4-5 days will allow you to explore park’s more features.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Yellowstone
Choosing the right place to stay is one of the biggest factors in having a memorable to Yellowstone National Park. Whether you’re staying inside the park for convenience or just outside for more options, don’t forget to book early, Plan your itinerary, and think about how much driving you want to do each day. Read my tips to find the the best place to stay in Yellowstone National Park.
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