When visiting Yellowstone National Park, there are several lodging options both inside the park and in nearby gateway towns:
Inside Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone offers nine lodges with over 2,000 rooms, open mainly from late spring through fall, with only two open in winter
. Key lodging areas include:
- Canyon Village : Canyon Lodge & Cabins is centrally located, providing easy access to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and both park loops. It is one of the largest and nicest hotels in the park, with nearby visitor centers and dining options
- Old Faithful Area : Offers three lodging options including the historic Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, and Old Faithful Snow Lodge. The Old Faithful Inn is famous for its rustic architecture and proximity to the geyser
- Lake Village : Home to Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Lake Lodge Cabins, offering lakeside accommodations with historic charm
- Grant Village : Located in the southern part of the park with a small lodge near Yellowstone Lake, suitable for splitting stays with northern lodges to reduce driving
- Tower-Roosevelt : Features Roosevelt Lodge Cabins near Tower Fall and Lamar Valley, ideal for wildlife viewing and a rustic experience
- Mammoth Hot Springs : Recently renovated hotel and cabins located near the northern entrance, great for wildlife viewing and access to Lamar Valley. It is one of the few lodges open year-round
Reservations for in-park lodging are highly competitive and should be made up to 13 months in advance
Gateway Towns Near Yellowstone
For those who prefer accommodations outside the park, popular gateway towns include:
- West Yellowstone, Montana : Located near the west entrance, it has many hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. It is a convenient base for exploring the park
- Gardiner, Montana : Near the north entrance, offering hotels and inns with easy access to Mammoth Hot Springs and northern park areas
- Cooke City-Silver Gate, Montana : Good for accessing the northeast entrance and Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing
- Cody, Wyoming : Located east of the park, a larger town with more lodging options and amenities
Camping Options
Yellowstone also offers eleven campgrounds inside the park, some in popular areas like Canyon and Madison, and others more remote. Campgrounds are another way to stay immersed in the park's natural environment
. In summary, if you want to stay inside Yellowstone for convenience and immersive experience, consider Canyon Lodge, Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, or Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel depending on your itinerary. For more lodging variety and amenities, gateway towns like West Yellowstone and Gardiner are excellent choices. Book well in advance to secure your preferred lodging
