Where to Stay When Visiting Yellowstone National Park?
By Nicole Westcott. June 07, 2023
Yellowstone is the oldest national park, and it is also one of the most popular. The park is made up of more than 2-million acres and a 300-mile loop road makes it impossible to see the entire park in a day. Luckily, there are nine lodges in Yellowstone that boast more than 2,000 rooms and a variety of campgrounds that offer accommodations for the more adventurous travelers. These lodges open in late spring and stay open until the fall except for the Old Faithful Snow Lodge which stays open through the winter.
While there are a variety of lodging options to choose from, Yellowstone’s popularity can make it difficult to reserve a room. Especially if it’s last minute. Plus, the competitive nature of Yellowstone’s lodging can make these options less than affordable (Avg. cost of a room is $300-$400/night).
The good news is that there are plenty of lodging options outside of the park as well. Yellowstone has five entrances to the park and each entrance is located at the foot of a town. Some of these towns are smaller than others so make sure to read through this article to see which town is a right fit for you.
If you are interested in where to stay in Yellowstone, you may also be interested in where to stay in Yosemite and where to stay in Grand Canyon.
Where to Stay Inside of Yellowstone
1. Old Faithful
Old Faithful is the most sought-after lodging area in the park. The Old Faithful is listed as a national historic landmark and is known for being one of the largest log-style structures in the world. There are no campgrounds in the Old Faithful area.But what really makes the Old Faithful area so popular is its proximity to Old Faithful itself. This famous geyser is the reason that many people come to Yellowstone National Park.
Old Faithful also has a large variety of dining options which can be hard to come by in Yellowstone. There is a deli for grabbing lunch on the go, a cafeteria for a casual meal, and the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room for when you want to have an extravagant experience.
Old Faithful is in the southwest corner of the park and the fastest way to get there is by coming in the West Entrance.
2. Canyon Village
Known for having the largest number of accommodations in the park, Canyon Village is your best bet at getting a room in Yellowstone. The village has more than 500 rooms and accommodations range from a standard room to a western cabin. Some of the cabins are even pet-friendly for an additional $25 fee.
Canyon Village is also a great hub location for other adventures in the park. Located at the middle of the grand loop, the village is just a short drive from the famous Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the wildlife watching mecca known as Hayden Valley. You can also easily take day trips to other parts of the park including Yellowstone Lake, Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Old Faithful.
In Canyon Village you can find a variety of quick service dining options and a full-service campground. There is also a gas station and a variety of souvenir shops.
3. Tower-Roosevelt
Named after President Theodore Roosevelt, Tower-Roosevelt is a historic option that is much different from every other part of the park. Tucked in the northeastern corner of the park, the Tower-Roosevelt is a bit out of the way from most attractions in Yellowstone but the few that you can find here are some of the best.
In less than 10 minutes, you can be in Lamar Valley which is also known as America’s Serengeti. Here you can see all the mammals that call Yellowstone home including bison, grizzly bears, and wolves. In fact, there are two wolf packs that live in Lamar Valley, and they are often spotted near Slough Creek.
When you aren’t out looking for wildlife, you can spend your time enjoying some of Tower-Roosevelt’s other activities such as the Stagecoach Adventure and the Old West Dinner Cookout. There are three nearby campgrounds in Lamar Valley.
4. Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is easily the most expensive and picturesque lodging option in Yellowstone National Park. When you arrive, it feels like you have traveled back in time. Listed on the park’s Register of Historic Places, Lake Yellowstone Hotel is the oldest standing hotel in the park, and it maintains its colonial-style charm both inside and out.
With floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake and an exquisite seasonal menu, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation in advance for the Lake Hotel Dining Room. Guests who spend a night here get first dibs on a reservation (60 days in advance). There is also a grab-and-go deli and a canteen.
Other lodging options include two campgrounds and lodge cabins. The nearest entry point is the East Entrance. From the entrance, it takes about an hour to get to Lake Village.
5. Mammoth Hot Springs
A popular choice for people flying into Bozeman, Mammoth Hot Springs is a great option for people who want nearby access to town amenities while still being inside of the park. Mammoth Hot Springs can be accessed from the North Entrance and is just 10 minutes away from the town of Gardiner.
Enjoy views of the famous travertine terraces and keep your eyes out for a herd of bison and their calves during the spring. Recent renovations of the Mammoth Hot Springs hotel also ensure the highest quality regardless of whether you are staying in a deluxe room or a hot tub cabin.
There is also a campground. Plus, Mammoth Hot Springs makes food easy with two delicious restaurants right on the property!
Lodging in Mammoth Hot Springs
Where to Stay Outside of Yellowstone
1. West Yellowstone
Known for being the most visited gateway to Yellowstone, West Yellowstone has an abundance of lodging options to choose from. In less than five minutes you can be at the west entrance of the park and the entrance’s proximity to major attractions such as Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone make West Yellowstone the most convenient choice.
Have your pick between chain hotels, budget motels, vacation rentals, and more during your stay. Plus, you can benefit from the town’s many amenities. West Yellowstone is lined with unique souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. There are even two supermarkets to choose from which is impressive for a town of its size. There are also other fun things to do in town like visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.
Keep in mind that because of West Yellowstone’s size and popularity, it can become very busy during the summer months, so it isn’t recommended for people looking for solitude.
2. Cody
Located at the east entrance of the park, Cody is a bit out of the way for people who are hoping to see sights like Old Faithful or Mammoth Hot Springs. Even a drive to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone will take you about two hours. However, the drive from the east entrance is incredible and the amenities offered in Cody are unmatched.
Cody has the largest selection of souvenir shops, western wear, outdoor gear shops, restaurants and more. Not to mention city comforts like a Walmart and a large selection of fast-food restaurants.
Cody was also the home of Buffalo Bill! This western celebrity shapes everything you see in town and there are even daily shootout reenactments right on Main Street! Other western activities include horseback riding, the rodeo, and a visit to the dude ranch.
3. Gardiner
With the Yellowstone River running right through the center of town, Gardiner is one of the most picturesque places to stay outside of the park. Gardiner is located right outside of the north entrance and makes a quick getaway to parts of the park like Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley. It is also the closest gateway town to the Bozeman airport.
It is not uncommon to see elk making their way through the main street and herds of bison are never too far away. This is a great location for people who want to feel like they haven’t left Yellowstone when it’s time to go to bed.
The town of Gardiner is small but there is a surprisingly large number of hotels available. You won’t find a luxurious five-star hotel here, but the budget friendly options make Gardiner a great choice.
4. Cooke City
If you are looking for solitude, look no further than Cooke City. This gateway town is located at the Northeast entrance and less than a hundred people live here year-round. Due to its small size, there are only a few hotels here but plenty of cabins available for rent. This is the place to stay if you want more of a remote wilderness experience.
There are a handful of restaurants to choose from so you can’t be too picky about what you want to eat after a day in Yellowstone. Except for one taco place, you will be limited to saloon style dining.
Cooke City is also the closest gateway town to the famous Lamar Valley. Wake up early and drive into the park for your best chance to see sought after wildlife like bears, moose, bison, and wolves. Plus, a short drive in the opposite direction of the park will take you to incredible views on the Beartooth Highway.
5. Flagg Ranch
Flagg Ranch is a great option for people looking to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. Located on the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, the Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch is the only lodging option near Yellowstone’s south entrance. Just two miles from Yellowstone and five miles from Grand Teton, there isn’t a better lodging option to visit both parks.
Free interpretive programs are held at the amphitheater every night to help give insight into things like the history, ecology, and geology of both parks. There are also paid experiences available like rafting on the Snake River and horseback riding in Grand Teton.
Featuring a bistro, saloon, and restaurant, there are enough dining options at Flagg Ranch to support breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a convenience store for basic needs since you will be very remote.
Our recommended hotels in Yellowstone
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in YellowstoneNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
