Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park – Guide to the Best Hotels

Yellowstone National Park is one of the best national parks in the US. The 2.2-million-acre park is home to some of the most fascinating things to do, with unique geological and hydrothermal attractions dotted around the reserve. You could be watching Old Faithful erupt into the skies or admire the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Or you could embark on one of the national park’s best hikes. In short, visit Yellowstone, and you’ll never forget it.

But where to stay in Yellowstone National Park is another question. With so much to do and see, you’ll want at least a few nights to stay near or in Yellowstone National Park.

Best places to stay in Yellowstone National Park

This guide will cover everything you need to know about choosing accommodation when visiting Yellowstone. We’ll break things down into the best neighborhoods inside and outside the park.

What are the best Yellowstone hotels and accommodations? Let’s find out the best place for you.

Where to stay inside The park

Staying inside the park has some serious benefits. After all, what could be easier than exploring Yellowstone from the most central location possible? Most Yellowstone National Park hotels and lodges are located just a stone’s throw from major attractions. And by staying inside the park, you’ll be fully immersed in Yellowstone living.

Yellowstone National Park lodging within the park can be harder to find since it books out quickly. But if you are organized and book in advance (or visit in the off-season), you can make the most of high-quality lodgings in the perfect location. And if you prefer a more adventurous approach, there are many campgrounds inside the park.

We’ll take a look at which Yellowstone lodges and campgrounds to choose from inside Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone Lodges

Canyon Lodge in Yellowstone

There are nine Yellowstone National Park lodges in total, and we’ll cover the best areas and the Yellowstone lodging below. You can see why booking accommodation inside the park can get quite competitive, and there are around just 2,000 rooms on offer inside the entire park.

Remember that many of these Yellowstone hotels run seasonally, from spring to fall. Only Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel remain open in winter. Where you stay in Yellowstone will likely depend on when you visit.

Canyon Village

Canyon Lodge is one of the best Yellowstone lodges with a good central location for exploring the national park. It has over 500 guestrooms and cabins spread across five lodges, leaving you with plenty of room options. Canyon Lodge also has more than 100 cabins.

Canyon Village is next to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and is a great place to stay for those wanting to explore the numerous viewpoints along this famous section of the Yellowstone River. It is the largest sustainable lodge in the parks system. This is where we stayed in Yellowstone and it made for a great base to explore the national park. There is a restaurant, two cafes and an ice cream shop. Rooms are good with refrigerators, private bathrooms, and comfy beds. See reviews and availability on TripAdvisor / Expedia

Old Faithful

Historic Old Faithful Inn

As you may have guessed, Old Faithful is the area around the world-famous geyser Old Faithful. This area is an exciting place to stay. It has three lodging options: Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and Old Faithful Lodge.

Old Faithful Inn is a rustic-style lodge with guest rooms. It is perfect if you want visually aesthetic accommodation with hotel-like room choices and structure. The Old Faithful Inn a national historic landmark and one of the most popular places to stay in Yellowstone. Expedia

It was built in 1904 and is considered the largest log structure in the world. log-and-stone property dates back to 1903, and the lodge still has a dramatic stone fireplace and chimney. And, if you are lucky, you might even bag a room with geyser views. It is recommended to book at least a year in adventure when choosing to stay at the Old Faithful inn. See rates and reviews on TripAdvisor / Expedia

Old Faithful Snow Lodge is a massive traditional-style lodge with guestrooms and further cabin accommodation on its grounds. The property has a cozy atmosphere and a mountain-style decor featuring exposed wooden beams. As we explained above, it is one of the two lodges that stay open over winter, so jot it down if you are visiting Yellowstone then. See rates and reviews on TripAdvisor / Expedia

Old Faithful Lodge offers only cabin accommodation. The Old Faithful Lodge cabins are rustic and built in the 1920s style. The main draw of Old Faithful Lodge is its fabulous location and the option for self-catering cabins. Guests can also enjoy a fireplace and shared lounge inside the main lodge. See rates and reviews on TripAdvisor

Grant Village

Grant Village is an area situated on the shores of West Thumb. Visitors who choose Grant Village as a base inside the park will enjoy unwinding with lakeside living and scenic views. Plus, you are less than a ten-minute drive from the Continental Divide.

Does this sound like somewhere you’d like to stay? There’s just one lodge in Grant Village; Grant Village Lodge.

Grant Village Lodge is casual and laidback – a perfect addition to its relaxed lake surroundings. Rooms are spacious and minimalistic, and guests can enjoy access to a stunning on-site restaurant set on a pier with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking West Thumb. See it on TripAdvisor

Mammoth

Mammoth is one of the largest places to stay inside the park, and you’ll find a few more facilities, including a general store. Mammoth is home to Fort Yellowstone, which is a National Historic Landmark. You’ll also find the Ranger Station and Mammoth Hot Springs. Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the best places to visit in Yellowstone and staying at this hotel allows you to enjoy it before and after the crowds. It is a good base if you want more creature comforts and a slightly more residential atmosphere.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is a one-star property with glowing reviews. It was closed during the 2022 summer season, but is scheduled to re-open on December 15, 2022. It is rustic but modern, which is a nice balance. You’ll be staying just a ten-minute walk from Mammoth Hot Springs, and the hotel also remains open for winter. Compare rates on TripAdvisor / Expedia

Tower Fall

Tower Fall is the area around the famous 132ft waterfall, Tower Fall. Tower Fall is hardly residential and is only home to a lodge and a campground. Still, there is a general store that comes in handy. You’ll be within walking distance of multiple overlooks as well.

Roosevelt Lodge Cabins is the area’s traditional-style lodge, and the property offers cabin accommodation to guests. Most cabins provide wood-burning stoves, all boasting a cozy atmosphere. You’ll get a porch with a rocking chair at Roosevelt Lodge Cabins – perfect for channeling your inner Western movie dreams. Compare on TripAdvisor / Expedia

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is Yellowstone’s enormous freshwater lake. If you stay in this region, you’ll have scenic hikes and fishing opportunities galore. Lake is located on the northern shore of Yellowstone Lake and is where you’ll find the area’s two lodging choices.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel is where to stay for luxury. Lake Yellowstone Hotel is set in a historic, 1891-built property revived from the colonial era. It features extravagant furnishings – from a grand piano to soaking tubs. There are cabins too if you don’t fancy a guestroom in the lodge. Compare rates on TripAdvisor / Expedia

Lake Lodge Cabins offers ‘straightforward rooms’ with ensuites and comfortable furnishings. The two-star property is connected to Yellowstone Lake by a series of footpaths, and you’ll never be more than a few minutes’ walk from the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Compare rates and availability for Lake Lodge Cabins on TripAdvisor / Expedia

Campgrounds and RV Parks

Visiting Yellowstone doesn’t have to mean staying in a guestroom or cabin. Yellowstone National Park also has some fantastic campgrounds and RV parks, which we will explore briefly. You’ll find camping spots in Grant Village, near Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon Village, Tower Fall, and Bridge Bay. While Fishing Bridge RV Park is perfect if you want an RV spot instead when you stay in Yellowstone.

There are 12 different campgrounds spread across Yellowstone National Park, and these are the four best.

Canyon Campground is beautifully set in a pine forest in Canyon Village. You have laundry, food storage, firewood, and trash collection facilities. Plus, you’ll be ideally located to explore the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Grant Campground is located in Grant Village on the southern shores of Yellowstone Lake. It has plenty of facilities, with wheelchair-accessible areas as well. You’ll have multiple stores, a restaurant, a gas station, and a visitor center.

Boardwalk through Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Campground is the only campground in Yellowstone National Park that is open all year. Mammoth Campground will be your only option if you visit Yellowstone in winter. The site is surrounded by juniper and fir trees and is just a short walk from Mammoth Hot Springs. You might even spot free-roaming elk and bison. Book it on TripAdvisor

Madison Campground is relatively isolated and is around 16 miles from Old Faithful. Because of this, you’ll usually see elk and bison around Madison Campground. It is a wonderful place to stay in Yellowstone to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and minimalistic outdoor living.

Where to stay outside the park

Now that we have covered where to stay inside the park, where should you stay near Yellowstone National Park? Many towns are dotted around the outskirts of the park’s perimeter, and you’ll find more varied accommodation choices than inside the park.

In this section, we will cover the best areas to stay outside of the park but still near Yellowstone. We will also list each area’s four best hotels, plus essential information like how to get there, the closest attractions, and the nearest national park entrances. Ready? Let’s dive straight in.

Cody Wyoming

Cody is an excellent base if you want a wild west feel located near Yellowstone park entrance at the East Gate. Cody, Wyoming is located just 52 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, and the founder, Buffalo Bill Cody made sure that anyone visiting Yellowstone from the Eastern United States, had to drive through his town. The tradition continues today and the only way to the world’s first national park from the East is through America’s most exciting western town. Read more Things to do in Cody Wyoming – Wild West Gateway to Yellowstone

Those staying in Cody can reach the park’s East Entrance along a scenic section of byway called North Fork Highway.

Driving to Yellowstone from Cody is beautiful

Cody has a cowboy-style atmosphere and plenty of traditional buildings to admire. Especially at the Old Trail Town, a re-created 19th-century frontier town. Cody is also packed with things to do, including the Buffalo Bill Center of the West – a massively popular, award-winning museum dedicated to Buffalo Bill and exploring old western history. Cody is a hotspot for museums and has three more: the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum, The Historic Cody Mural and Museum, and the Cody Firearms Research Museum. Don’t forget to venture out to the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center as well, as the reservoir is spectacular.

Another strong point in Cody’s favor is its airport, Yellowstone Regional Airport. It is easy to reach if you fly domestically, which is nice and straightforward. Just rent a car when you arrive, and you are ready to tackle Yellowstone.

Cody is where to stay in Yellowstone National Park if you want an authentic stay in a western town. For those interested in Buffalo Bill and Cody’s cultural scene, it is worth the extra driving time to Yellowstone’s major attractions.

Chamberlain Inn

The Chamberlain Inn is an excellent boutique hotel located in downtown Cody that is walking distance to many of its major attractions. Each room has its own theme taking you back to the turn of the 20th century. Hemingway stayed here when he made a base in Cody and you can even stay in his room that has been restored to what it was like during his time at the Chamberlin.

There is a wonderful cocktail bar and terrace and even though the hotel has kept its historic feel, the rooms are modern and chic. Check rates and availability here.

Comfort Inn

The Comfort Inn Cody is newly renovated and located in the Buffalo Bill Village. It offers a fantastic hot breakfast and is within walking distance to downtown. There is free parking on site and there is a gift shop right next door. This hotel is great for road trippers and we thoroughly enjoyed our time here and the rooms were quite modern. See more information here.

Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel is the original hotel in Cody and if you want to have a nostalgic visit, stay in the hotel that was built by Buffalo Bill Cody himself. If it is located right downtown and has a popular restaurant, bar and nightly recreation outside its doors of a genuine cowboy gunfight. See full reviews on TripAdvisor

Cody Hotel

In true Cody style, The Cody Hotel has a subtle Western-themed decor. The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk away from Old Trail Town and fits in perfectly with the pioneer town feel. The hotel’s facilities include an indoor pool, hot tub, gym, business center, and meeting rooms. Guests can pick rooms or suites – the latter, which include private whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. Compare rates TripAdvisor

Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites

Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites has a restaurant and cocktail bar, an indoor pool, whirlpool tub, fitness center, and a business center. Some rooms have balconies and mountain views. It’s a little out of town so you will have to drive everywhere but Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites is an good choice if you want a mid-range option in Cody. See more on TripAdvisor / Expedia

West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is one of the best places to stay near Yellowstone National Park. The small town is located in southern Montana and is closest to the national park’s West Entrance. It is an ideal base to explore major attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone since these spots are just a short drive away.

West Yellowstone itself is small but has a handful of things to do and see, making it a perfect base for a short break.

The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is a great option. It is an animal refugee center that offers visitors the chance to get up close to its residents that have been deemed unfit for release back into the wild.

There’s Yellowstone Giant Screen, a cinema specializing in a film on Yellowstone’s scenery – a great way to get excited about venturing into the national park. Don’t forget the Museum of Yellowstone too, which offers a historical insight into the national park. Finally, West Yellowstone also has an aerial adventures course. You can test your nerves on high ropes courses suspended high in the sky.

West Yellowstone is best for visitors who want a pleasant base and launchpad that they can quickly jet off from to reach the major attractions in Yellowstone National Park. It is small but has a fun atmosphere and all the amenities that you could need. And you can also easily fly into West Yellowstone since it has Yellowstone Airport just 2.5 miles north of the town.

West Yellowstone is where to stay in Yellowstone National Park for convenient access to attractions and a fun, small-town atmosphere. If that sounds up your street, these are the four best hotels that you should choose between.

Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone

Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone is a hotel offering traditional cabins with kitchenettes and porches. Some cabins have fireplaces and multiple bedrooms. Each is tastefully decorated with local artwork and comfortable furnishings. See rates and availability on TripAdvisor / Expedia

Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone also offers gear rentals for those heading into the national park. You can pick up binoculars, guidebooks, or walking sticks. Alternatively, just relax on-site in the hot tub, outdoor pool, and gym.

Faithful Street Inn

Faithful Street Inn also offers a range of rental cabins in West Yellowstone. Each has a bathroom, kitchen, and living room, with straightforward but high-quality furnishings. The three-star hotel is situated in the heart of West Yellowstone and is a fantastic budget-friendly option. Check rates and availability on TripAdvisor

Stage Coach Inn

Stage Coach Inn is a traditional hotel with excellent facilities. Guests can enjoy an indoor pool for soaking after a long day and a handy launderette (helpful after a day in Yellowstone). Each booking includes daily complimentary breakfast plus all-day coffee. See more information on TripAdvisor / Expedia

Stage Coach Inn has been around since 1948 and has plenty of exciting stories, from bullet holes to secret rooms. It is a fascinating, budget-friendly spot in West Yellowstone.

The 1872 Inn

The 1872 Inn is an upmarket accommodation choice in West Yellowstone. The hotel features stunning, warmly furnished guest rooms and offers a gym and sauna. A complimentary hot breakfast is available each morning, and guests even receive a complimentary shuttle service. The 1872 Inn is trendy and luxurious – the accommodation treat you might just be looking for. See it on TripAdvisor / Expedia.com

Gardiner

Gardiner is a beautiful little town north of Yellowstone National Park and situated in Montana. It is best known for its iconic bridge, which spans the Yellowstone River, and its brilliant access to the North Entrance. It is worth noting that the North Entrance is the only one that remains open all year round. Gardiner is a fantastic base if you are visiting the national park in winter.

Since Gardiner is split in half by a river, it might not surprise you that one of the best things to do in the town is to go whitewater rafting. There’s a whitewater rafting tour operator on Scott Street. If you want an exhilarating day out, you should drop by. Prefer more educational, museum-style activities? There’s also the Heritage and Research Center to visit. The center has made it its mission to collect all the important cultural and natural history of Yellowstone National Park. You can learn about everything from its first Native American Indian population to artifacts found on archeological digs.

Some attractions, like Old Faithful, are quite a long drive away, so be prepared for long days of driving. Like West Yellowstone, Gardiner has its own airport (Gardiner Airport), located just 2.4 miles up the highway. So, the town is easy to access by flight, which makes the town a convenient base in that sense.

Park Hotel Yellowstone

Park Hotel Yellowstone is a 1902-built hotel with a selection of guestrooms with plenty of character. Each room is Western-themed and comes with a kitchen – perfect for cutting costs on eating out. If you want to splash out, you can pick a room with a patio, rock-walled shower, or period fireplace. See more on TripAdvisor

Yellowstone Gateway Inn

Yellowstone Gateway Inn is a ‘modest’ three-star hotel set across cabin-style buildings. Its setting is stunning, with mountain ranges on the horizon and meadows all around, often scattered with grazing bison. You can choose a one-bedroom or two-bedroom suite, most of which have private decks with mountain views. Each contains a kitchen, living room, and free wifi. See reviews on TripAdvisor

Yellowstone Riverside Cottages

Yellowstone Riverside Cottages has everything from studios to cottages and suites. Each option is designed with tasteful country decor and comfortable furnishings. Some come with a rear decking overlooking the river, but there’s a communal deck if you don’t mind sharing. From there, you can keep an eye out for any passing elk. Alternatively, head straight down to enjoy the river via a private access path. TripAdvisor

Yellowstone Village Inn and Suites

Yellowstone Village Inn and Suites is a beautiful property with incredible facilities like an indoor pool and basketball court. You can enjoy varied on-site activities, all with the view of mountains on the horizon. Room options are equally exciting, and you can choose between rooms or suites. Suites include a kitchenette, a living room, and a private porch. TripAdvisor / Expedia

Cooke City – Silver Gate

Cooke City and Silver Gate are two villages on the Montana border, sitting on the northeast border of Yellowstone National Park. They are so small and close together that they are frequently treated as a singular destination – hence the name Cooke City-Silver Gate. The area is a pretty niche place to stay, to be completely honest, and it won’t suit everyone. It is a long drive from major attractions like Old Faithful. It is best for those planning on driving through Yellowstone National Park as a road trip and looking for a place to stop, not use as a base.

Saying that the towns are just a 30-minute drive from Lamar Valley. If you’ve already seen the attractions in western Yellowstone, you’ll love the hikes and wildlife spotting in Lamar Valley. The towns also have their own attractions, including the Montana Museum. This museum tells the history and best stories about its local communities, ranging from mining and geology to social history, like an exhibition on ‘Women and Winter’. It is a great rainy day activity, especially since indoor activities are usually a rare find in and around Yellowstone National Park.

To reach this destination, you’ll have to drive. The closest domestic airport is Gardiner Airport, and the nearest international is Bozeman Yellowstone, a 4 hour and twenty-minute drive from Cooke City-Silver Gate.

Cooke City-Silver Gate is a great place to stay if you want to see the lesser-explored regions of Yellowstone National Park. But what about where to stay? These are the best Cooke City-Silver Gate lodging options.

High Country Motel and Cabins

High Country Motel and Cabins offers basic accommodation in traditional cabins and wood-paneled guestrooms. Cheap and cheerful, it is the perfect spot if you want budget-friendly and unfussy accommodation near Yellowstone. The property was built in 1954 and has a photogenic, aesthetic appeal. There’s also an outdoor hot tub that guests can use all year round. TripAdvisor

Super 8 by Wyndham Cooke City Yellowstone Park Area

Super 8 by Wyndham Cooke City Yellowstone Park Area is a budget-friendly property with useful facilities like a business center and meeting room. Guests receive a complimentary breakfast each morning, along with free parking. As a massive bonus, kids under 17 stay for free with an adult. TripAdvisor

Grizzly Lodge

Grizzly Lodge offers quintessential Yellowstone lodge living just outside the national park borders. You’ll find wood-paneling, traditional log cabins, and stunning mountain views. The lodge offers rooms, suites, or cabins – so take your pick. TripAdvisor

Silver Gate Lodging

Silver Gate Lodging is a family owned and run cabin rental site. Guests can enjoy a friendly property less than a mile from the northeast entrance to Yellowstone. You’ll find a general store on-site, and if you are lucky, you might catch glimpses of wildlife like bison, elk, and the occasional wolf. TripAdvisor / Expedia

Big Sky

Chances are, you’ve heard of Big Sky before. The town is famed for its skiing opportunities in winter and its hiking throughout the rest of the year. It is a hotspot for outdoor activities like mountain biking, climbing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and fly fishing. Big Sky has a massive reputation as a brilliant place to visit in the US. Essentially, it is heaven for the outdoors-loving adrenaline junkie.

You can easily rent a car in Big Sky and explore Yellowstone National Park on a day trip (or two). You can reach all the main attractions, like Old Faithful, in less than two hours through the West Entrance. While if you don’t fancy driving, there are plenty of tours running from the town that include transfers.When you aren’t exploring Yellowstone, you can be letting loose and enjoying Big Sky’s outdoor activity scene. There’s also Ousel Falls to hike to – a stunning waterfall set at the end of a scenic trail.

Big Sky might seem further out of the way, but it has another huge draw – it is just a 55-minute drive away from Yellowstone’s main international airport. Big Sky is sandwiched halfway between Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and the West Entrance, a perfect compromise, and straightforward base to have when staying outside of Yellowstone National Park. Big Sky is easy to access for international travelers.

Big Sky is where to stay in Yellowstone National Park if you love adrenaline sports and want to spend time doing its famous outdoor activities when you aren’t in Yellowstone. It is also ideal if you are traveling internationally and want to be near Yellowstone’s main international airport.

Rainbow Ranch Lodge

Rainbow Ranch Lodge is luxury living at its very best. From its private decks with river and pond views to the complimentary continental breakfast and home-baked cookies, Rainbow Ranch Lodge treads the line between upscale and homely with thoughtful details. Guests can access the shared garden, terrace, and spa. There’s also a restaurant and bar on-site – ideal for those lazy days when you don’t feel like journeying to the nearest town center. Compare reviews and prices at TripAdvisor / Expedia

The Lodge at Big Sky

The Lodge at Big Sky is where to stay if you love skiing and want to stay near Yellowstone as well. Guests get free ski lift access and complimentary shuttle service to get there. You are surrounded by ski slopes, and when you aren’t skiing, you can be watching other people ski from the mountain-view shared deck. The property also has an indoor pool, four hot tubs, a gym, and a business center. Idyllic? We think so. Compare reviews and prices at TripAdvisor / Expedia

Montage Big Sky

Montage Big Sky is a stunning property. Expect luxury at every turn, from the classiest bowling alley you’ve seen in your life to a beautiful indoor pool. You have ski-in and ski-out access to Big Sky Resort, plus a private 18-hole golf course. Montage Big Sky has splashed out on facilities, and it justifies you treating yourself to luxury accommodation. Compare reviews and prices at TripAdvisor / Expedia

Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky

Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky is another stunner. This ‘polished’ hotel is upscale and unapologetically so. Standout facilities include a patio overlooking (often snow-capped) mountains, complete with fire pits and barbecues. There’s also a fully equipped gym, games room, and an outdoor pool with impressive mountain views. Do we even need to mention that breakfast is complimentary? Compare reviews and prices at TripAdvisor / Expedia

To Conclude

Liberty cap at Mammoth Hot Springs

Deciding where to stay in Yellowstone National Park is a fascinating part of planning your national park trip. And, hopefully, you’ve now got a solid idea of which areas best suit you and your preferences. Have a fantastic trip.

If you’ve got a bit of extra time once you’ve visited Yellowstone National Park, there’s plenty of exploring to do around its wider area. You can always road trip down to Grand Teton National Park and stay in Jackson Hole. Grand Teton is another of the US’ best national parks and is well worth a detour.

In fact, you can see the mountains of Grand Teton from some of the lookouts in Yellowstone and many people combine a visit to Yellowstone with Grand Teton National Park. There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Montana too.

Don’t rush off; there are plenty of nearby attractions and other national parks to stop by when you visit Yellowstone. So start planning your Yellowstone adventure today!