Where to Stay in Yellowstone: Best Hotels, Lodges, and Campgrounds

Yellowstone National Park, one of the largest and most visited in the U.S., spans nearly 3,500 square miles and offers endless activities. Choosing the right place to stay can significantly impact your trip your visit, potentially saving hours of driving each day.

This guide covers where to stay in Yellowstone, including lodges and campgrounds inside the park, and hotels outside. You’ll find everything here, from budget-friendly lodging to more luxurious stays. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to book the perfect accommodation for your upcoming trip to Yellowstone.

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Summary of the Top Places to Stay in Yellowstone

I’ll cover each of these places in more detail throughout this post, but here’s a quick summary before we dive in.

• Best Lodge Inside the Park: Canyon Lodge & Cabins
• Best Historic Lodge Inside the Park: Old Faithful Inn
• Best Budget Lodge Inside the Park: Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins
• Best Campground Inside the Park: Canyon Campground
• Best Campground for RVs: Fishing Bridge RV Park
• Best Hotel Near West Entrance (West Yellowstone): Kelly Inn
• Best Hotel Near North Entrance (Gardiner): The Roosevelt Hotel
• Best Hotel Near Northeast Entrance (Cooke City): Elk Horn Lodge
• Best Hotel Near East Entrance (Cody): Hampton Inn & Suites Cody
• Best Hotel Near South Entrance (Grand Teton): Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch

Get the Yellowstone Itinerary & Guidebook

The step-by-step itinerary and ultimate guidebook covers all the must-see geysers, hot springs, hikes, and sights. This 87-page guide is filled with detailed itineraries, insider tips, maps, regional overviews, and more for planning a stress-free trip to Yellowstone!

Get the Yellowstone Itinerary

Best Places to Stay Inside Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone has nine lodges and twelve campgrounds inside the park, providing a mix of affordability, amenities, and location.

Ranking of Lodges Inside Yellowstone

These are the nine lodges inside Yellowstone National Park, ranked by how central their location is and their amenities:

1. Canyon Lodge & Cabins, a community of hotels and small cabins a short drive from Hayden Valley and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Due to its central location and recent renovations, this is my top pick inside the park!
2. Old Faithful Inn, a luxury inn and national historic landmark walking distance to Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
3. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins, a quaint hotel in the picturesque town of Mammoth, walking distance to Mammoth Hot Springs and perfect for exploring the northern part of the park
4. Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins, a more modern lodge near Old Faithful that is open year-round, a good alternative to the more famous inn
5. Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins, a more budget-friendly, but rustic and minimalistic lodge walking distance to Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
6. Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cottages, a higher-end, historic hotel overlooking Yellowstone Lake
7. Lake Lodge Cabins, more budget-friendly, rustic cabins along Yellowstone Lake
8. Grant Village Lodge, a waterfront hotel near the South Entrance
9. Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins, a rustic, western-inspired lodge and cabins near Tower Junction

If you’re visiting Yellowstone National Park in the winter season, most lodging options in the park are closed. Due to the intense, snow-filled winter weather, the park consolidates its operations into two lodges: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge.

Ranking of Campgrounds Inside Yellowstone

All campgrounds inside Yellowstone now require reservations. I’ve ranked these campgrounds based on how central their location is to Yellowstone’s top attractions and the amenities each campground provides.

1. Canyon Campground: This campground in Canyon Village has 270 tent and RV sites, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet long. There are also paid showers and laundry facilities.
2. Madison Campground: This campground near the West Entrance offers 270 tent and RV sites, accommodating RVs up to 60 feet long.
3. Fishing Bridge RV Park: This campground near Yellowstone Lake offers 310 RV-only sites, accommodating vehicles with combined length (RV and tow vehicle) up to 95 feet long. There are also paid showers and laundry facilities. This is the only campground in the park with RV hookups.
4. Mammoth Campground: Walking distance to Mammoth Hot Springs, this is the only campground open year-round, with 85 tent and RV sites, accommodating RVs up to 45 feet long.
5. Norris Campground: Walking distance to Norris Geyser Basin, this campground has 111 tent and RV sites, accommodating RVs up to 50 feet long. Note: This campground is closed in 2024.
6. Grant Village Campground: This campground near the South Entrance has 400 tent and RV sites, accommodating RVs up to 50 feet long. There are also paid showers and laundry facilities.
7. Bridge Bay Campground: This campground close to Yellowstone Lake offers 400 tent and RV sites, accommodating RVs up to 60 feet long.
8. Tower Fall Campground: Near Tower Junction, this campground has 31 tent and RV sites, accommodating RVs up to 30 feet in length. Note: This campground is closed in 2024.
9. Slough Creek Campground: Located between Tower Junction and Lamar Valley, this small campground has 16 tent and RV sites, accommodating RVs up to 30 feet in length.
10. Indian Creek Campground : This campground south of Mammoth Hot Springs has 70 tent and RV sites, accommodating RVs up to 35 feet long.
11. Pebble Creek Campground: This campground near the Northeast Entrance offers 27 tent and RV sites. Note: This campground is closed in 2024.
12. Lewis Lake Campground: This campground near the South Entrance offers 84 tent and RV sites, accommodating RVs up to 25 feet long.

For more information on the pros and cons of each campground, read this post: 12 Best Campgrounds in Yellowstone

Best Hotels Outside Yellowstone National Park

Staying outside Yellowstone offers more availability, budget-friendly options, and better amenities. The entrances to Yellowstone National Park are open 24 hours a day, giving you unlimited access to the park even if you’re staying outside the park boundaries. 

Here are the top hotels near each entrance.

West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT)

If you’re staying outside the park, this area is my top choice. It’s convenient to most of the top attractions, provides plenty of accommodation and dining options, and is minutes from the West Yellowstone airport.

• Top All-Around Pick: Kelly Inn, a budget-friendly and pet-friendly hotel with 78 rooms, an indoor pool, and a great downtown location
• Best Luxury Hotel: 1872 Inn, an updated adults-only hotel with 18 guest rooms, minutes from the park entrance
• Best for Groups or Families: Explorer Cabins, a community of resort-style cabins with a pool, fire pits, and other amenities
• Best Glamping: Under Canvas, a resort with luxury cavas tents with private bathrooms, offering a unique stay near the park entrance

North Entrance (Gardiner, MT)

If you’re spending several days in Yellowstone, you could spend a few nights in West Yellowstone and a few nights in Gardiner to split up your time. Gardiner is also an excellent option for a night before heading to Glacier National Park.

• Top All-Around Pick: The Roosevelt Hotel, an updated property with hotel rooms and cabins along the Yellowstone River just outside downtown Gardiner
• Best Budget-Friendly Hotel: Yellowstone Big Rock Inn, a no-frills motel near the North Entrance, with some rooms featuring kitchenettes
• Best for Groups or Families: Yellowstone Gateway Inn, a community of quaint apartments and houses, only minutes to the North Entrance
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotel: The Ridgeline Hotel, a comfortable hotel that allows pets close to the park entrance
• Best Glamping: Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel, a property featuring luxury tipis with comfortable beds and modern amenities

Northeast Entrance (Cooke City-Silver Gate, MT)

I only recommend staying here if you can’t find lodging in West Yellowstone or Gardiner or its convenient to your next destination. The area is small and there aren’t many quality lodging options.

• Top All-Around Pick: Elk Horn Lodge, a rustic hotel with basic amenities, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi near the park entrance
• Best Budget and Pet-Friendly Hotel: Alpine Motel, a no-frills motel less than a 10 minute drive from the Northeast Entrance
• Best for Groups and Families: Silver Gate Lodging, a property with 30 rustic cabins, plus a game room, picnic area, grills, and a general store

Affordable accommodations with pet-friendly policies, providing clean and comfortable rooms for budget-conscious travelers and their pets.

East Entrance (Cody, WY)

If you’re heading out to explore more of Wyoming or South Dakota after visiting Yellowstone, staying in Cody is an excellent option for a one-night layover. But given it is over an hour from the East Entrance, I don’t recommend Cody as your home base for exploring Yellowstone.

• Top All-Around Pick: Hampton Inn & Suites Cody, a recently updated chain hotel with an indoor pool, fitness center, and excellent downtown location
• Best Luxury Hotel: Chamberlin Inn Cody, a luxury hotel with suites and standard hotel rooms, with an onsite restaurant and bar
• Best Budget-Friendly Hotel: Big Bear Motel, a minimalist motel less than a mile from Cody Stampede Rodeo with an outdoor heated pool
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotel: The Cody Hotel, a cozy hotel with an indoor pool, fitness center, and free buffet breakfast in downtown Cody, Wyoming

South Entrance (Grand Teton)

If you plan to spend most of your time in Grand Teton and only make a day trip to Yellowstone, stay in at Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch. This hotel has an onsite restaurant and is conveniently located 5 minutes to the Yellowstone South Entrance and less than an hour to the heart of Grand Teton.

Read More: 7 Day Grand Teton & Yellowstone Itinerary

Get the Yellowstone Itinerary & Guidebook

The step-by-step itinerary and ultimate guidebook covers all the must-see geysers, hot springs, hikes, and sights. This 87-page guide is filled with detailed itineraries, insider tips, maps, regional overviews, and more for planning a stress-free trip to Yellowstone!

Get the Yellowstone Itinerary

How to Book Lodges Inside Yellowstone

Lodges inside Yellowstone are highly sought after and sell out quickly. For the best availability, book 13 months in advance when reservations are released.

Yes, you read that right. Reservations for lodges inside the park are released on a 13-month rolling basis. On the 5th of each month, reservations will be released for the entire month the following year (e.g., July 5, 2024 for trips from July 1 to July 31, 2025)

On the 5th, reservations will be released at midnight (mountain time) via the online booking system. You have the best chance of getting a reservation using the online system as phone bookings encounter long wait times.

For trips in summer 2024:
Lodges are likely already full for the season. However, you may be able to snag a cancellation by calling the reservation office (307-344-7311) around 30 to 60 days before your trip.

How to Book Campgrounds Inside Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park has 12 campgrounds managed by two separate entities: the National Park Service and Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

Campgrounds Managed by Yellowstone Lodges

Yellowstone National Park Lodges manages Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison.

These campgrounds are reservable 13 months in advance Reservations are made via the Yellowstone Lodges website. Unlike lodges inside the park, campgrounds don’t fill up quite as quickly.

Campgrounds Managed by National Park Service

The National Park Service manages Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, and Tower Fall.

These campgrounds are reserved on a rolling 6-month basis via Recreation.gov.

Read More: Best Campgrounds in Yellowstone

Essential Tips for Your Stay in Yellowstone National Park

• Pick the Best Location: Minimize driving time by staying in Canyon Village if you have three days or less. For longer stays, split your time between Canyon Village and Mammoth Hot Springs. Outside the park, West Yellowstone is the most convenient, but you can also split time between West Yellowstone and Gardiner for longer trips.
• Visit in Summer: Most lodges and campgrounds are open from May/June to September/October. In winter, only Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge. are available.
• Save Money: Stay in nearby towns like West Yellowstone or Gardiner for more affordable lodging options. I recommend using Hotels.com to find budget lodging available during your trip dates.
• Avoid Crowds: Start your day early, especially if staying outside the park. Trails and attractions get crowded by 9 AM. Aim to start around sunrise to beat the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best place to stay in Yellowstone National Park?

The best place to stay in Yellowstone National Park is Canyon Village. This area provides a convenient, central location to most of the park’s top attractions. However, if you’re only visiting Yellowstone for one day, consider staying in Old Faithful instead.

What hotels in Yellowstone have nice views?

Lake Yellowstone Hotel has nice views of Yellowstone Lake, especially from the historic lounge area at the front of the building. Old Faithful Inn provides unparalleled views of Old Faithful geyser from the upper deck, a perfect spot for lunch.

Which entrance of Yellowstone is best to stay at?

The best entrance to stay at near Yellowstone National Park is the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana. This entrance is closest to top park attractions like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.

What are the best cities to stay at in Yellowstone?

The best cities near Yellowstone National Park are West Yellowstone at the West Entrance and Gardiner at the North Entrance. Both towns offer plenty of hotel options, restaurants, and close access to the park.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The perfect place to stay in Yellowstone will depend on your interest. Here’s a quick recap of the top places to stay in and near the park:

• Best Lodge Inside the Park: Canyon Lodge & Cabins
• Best Historic Lodge Inside the Park: Old Faithful Inn
• Best Budget Lodge Inside the Park: Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins
• Best Campground Inside the Park: Canyon Campground
• Best Campground for RVs: Fishing Bridge RV Park
• Best Hotel Near West Entrance (West Yellowstone): Kelly Inn
• Best Hotel Near North Entrance (Gardiner): The Roosevelt Hotel
• Best Hotel Near Northeast Entrance (Cooke City): Elk Horn Lodge
• Best Hotel Near East Entrance (Cody): Hampton Inn & Suites Cody
• Best Hotel Near South Entrance (Grand Teton): Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch

Get the Yellowstone Itinerary & Guidebook

The step-by-step itinerary and ultimate guidebook covers all the must-see geysers, hot springs, hikes, and sights. This 87-page guide is filled with detailed itineraries, insider tips, maps, regional overviews, and more for planning a stress-free trip to Yellowstone!

Get the Yellowstone Itinerary

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