where to stay in yellowstone park

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Yellowstone National Park, a sprawling wonderland of geysers, hot springs, and breathtaking landscapes, is a dream destination for many. But planning a trip isn’t complete without figuring out where to stay. Choosing the right accommodation can significantly impact your Yellowstone experience. This guide will break down the best options, from in-park lodges to gateway towns, helping you plan a memorable adventure.

Understanding Your Yellowstone Accommodation Options

Before diving into specifics, understanding the different types of lodging available is crucial. Your best choice will depend on your budget, desired level of comfort, and how much time you want to spend inside the park. Options generally fall into these categories:

• In-Park Lodging: Operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra Travel Collection), these are the most convenient option. However, they book up extremely fast (often a year in advance), especially during peak season (June-August).
• Gateway Town Hotels: Located just outside the park’s entrances, these towns offer a wider range of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. They’re often more affordable, but require driving time to access the park.
• Camping: Yellowstone has numerous campgrounds, offering a budget-friendly (and immersive!) experience. Reservations are essential, particularly in summer.
• Vacation Rentals (Airbnb, VRBO): Found in gateway towns, these provide more space and amenities, making them great for families or groups.

Bold Red In-Park Lodging: A Look at the Iconic Choices

Staying inside Yellowstone is the ultimate convenience. Here’s a look at the most popular in-park lodges:

• Old Faithful Inn: Perhaps Yellowstone’s most famous landmark, the Old Faithful Inn is a National Historic Landmark known for its impressive rustic architecture and proximity to the iconic Old Faithful geyser. Rooms range from basic to luxurious, but book well in advance. Old Faithful Inn
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel: Situated on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, this hotel offers stunning views and a touch of elegance. The hotel’s Dining Room is legendary, and boat tours are a popular activity. Lake Yellowstone Hotel
• Grant Village: A more modern option, Grant Village provides convenient access to the southern part of the park and Yellowstone Lake. It’s a good base for exploring West Thumb Geyser Basin. Grant Village
• Canyon Lodge & Cabins: Located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, this complex is made up of multiple lodges and cabins offering various price points and styles. Canyon Lodge & Cabins
• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins: Close to the North Entrance and the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, this hotel offers unique views and easy access to the park’s northern region. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
• Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins: Experience a rustic, "Old West" feel at Roosevelt Lodge. Enjoy horseback riding and a nightly chuckwagon cookout. Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Geyser Grill: A newer, modern lodge near Old Faithful, offering a more contemporary feel. Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Geyser Grill

Pro Tip: Book your in-park lodging exactly one year in advance when reservations open. Be prepared to be flexible with your dates and lodge choices. Check for cancellations frequently, as they do happen.

Bold Red Gateway Towns: Your Off-Park Options

If in-park lodging is unavailable or your budget is tighter, consider staying in a gateway town.

• West Yellowstone, Montana: The most popular gateway town, West Yellowstone offers the widest range of hotels, motels, restaurants, and shops. It’s located just outside the West Entrance, providing easy access to the park’s geyser basins.
• Gardiner, Montana: Situated near the North Entrance, Gardiner is the only year-round entrance to Yellowstone. It has a charming, small-town atmosphere.
• Cody, Wyoming: Located about an hour east of the East Entrance, Cody offers a rodeo, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and a broader range of amenities.
• Jackson, Wyoming: This town is about 58 miles south of the South Entrance. While slightly further away, Jackson boasts a vibrant tourism scene and access to Grand Teton National Park. It tends to be a more expensive option.
• Island Park, Idaho: Conveniently located near the West Entrance, this town offers a more rural atmosphere and often better deals on vacation rentals.

Bold Red Camping: Embrace the Outdoors

Camping inside Yellowstone is an exceptional experience, but requires meticulous planning.

• Reservations: Reservations are absolutely crucial, made through Recreation.gov. Book as soon as they open (typically six months in advance).
• Popular Campgrounds: Madison, Grant Village, Bridge Bay, and Canyon Village are highly sought-after.
• First-Come, First-Served: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis but expect to arrive very early in the morning.
• Backcountry Camping: For experienced campers, backcountry permits are required.

Comparison Table: Yellowstone Lodging Options

Tips for Choosing the Best Location

• Consider your itinerary: Prioritize location based on the areas you plan to explore most. Focus on the Old Faithful area if you want to see geysers, or Canyon Village if you’re interested in the Grand Canyon.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews from other travelers to get a better understanding of the accommodations and surrounding area.
• Factor in travel time: Yellowstone is vast! Factor in driving times between locations when planning your daily activities.
• Be aware of altitude: Yellowstone sits at a high altitude. Stay hydrated and take it easy during your first few days.

Staying in Yellowstone National Park is an unforgettable experience. With careful planning and consideration of your priorities, you can choose the perfect accommodation to make your trip truly remarkable.

Sources:

• Yellowstone National Park Lodges: https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/
• National Park Service – Yellowstone: https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
• Recreation.gov (Camping Reservations): https://www.recreation.gov/