Where to Stay in Yellowstone (& Where NOT to Stay!)

Choosing where to stay in Yellowstone National Park isn’t the simplest of tasks.

Not only is the park huge, but you also have to decide on some priorities before you go. Do you want efficiency, which means staying within the confines of the park?

Are you looking to stick to a budget, which can mean more driving time to get to and from the best Yellowstone has to offer?

While we typically pay more to stay closer to the big sights, it only worked out for part of our trip to Yellowstone. You’ll hear all about that, too. We’d never gatekeep that kind of information, especially when park lodging is so expensive!

Best Areas to Stay in Yellowstone at a Glance

Best Place to Stay in Yellowstone for First-Time Visitors

If you’re visiting Yellowstone for the first time, Canyon Village is the best overall base in the park. It’s centrally located between the park’s major attractions.

That makes it easier to reach both the geyser basins and the northern wildlife areas without spending hours backtracking each day. It’s also a lot more budget-friendly compared to anything near the geysers.

I can also personally vouch for this one. We were in a lodge room, but they also have a set of cabins to choose from if you prefer those vibes.

If you want a quick list of all of the lodging available inside Yellowstone, because you don’t trust me just yet, here you go:

• Canyon Lodge and Cabins
• Grant Village Lodge
• Lake Hotel and Cabins
• Lake Lodge Cabins
• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
• Old Faithful Inn
• Old Faithful Lodge
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge
• Roosevelt Lodge Cabins

Most of those will be booked through one main site: Yellowstone National Park Lodges. I’m not a camper, so I can’t speak to the camping accommodations in the park. You can read more about your camping options on the main accommodations site for the park.

Where to Stay in Yellowstone by Area

Let’s dive into a more detailed look at accommodations located within the park, including a bit more on our own experiences there.

The Canyon Area

Yellowstone has one official lodge for the Canyon Village area of the park: Canyon Lodge & Cabins. This was our pick for two nights at the tail-end of our Yellowstone trip. See the geysers first thing on your first day, and you won’t have a need to get back there.

Note: They have the most rooms out of any accommodations in the park, too, so you may even have some luck here if you’re looking to book something that’s more last minute. We still booked this one about three months out, though.

I can’t get into the nitty-gritty on the Canyon Lodge vs. the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, as we didn’t stay by the lake, but I can say we loved our overnights at Canyon Lodge. There’s no air conditioning, but summer temperatures in the park are generally mild.

It was much less expensive than the more luxe options out there and just as convenient to the big-time Yellowstone attractions.

Old Faithful

You have three options for accommodations in proximity to the active geysers in the Upper Geyser Basin, including the Old Faithful geyser. The geysers are the most popular feature in the park, so these will have the most tourist activity.

These lodges are:

• Old Faithful Inn: Built in 1904, this is a national historic landmark and the largest log structure in the world. It’s also expensive and difficult to book. If you’re shut out of reservations, I’d highly recommend a visit inside to see the embellished interior.
• Old Faithful Lodge Cabins: These are a more casual alternative to the lodge above. Cabins come with or without private baths, so make sure you know what you’re booking before you do so. They’re still expensive, though.
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins: This is a less pricey alternative to the inn, so naturally, we booked a room in the lodge without hesitation for the first few nights of our trip. Mistakes were made. Let’s talk about it.

We were initially impressed by the check-in process and the cleanliness of the rooms, on top of the convenience of being so close to Old Faithful.

After a long day of hiking, we were ready to get our relaxation on while we waited for our laundry, but soon realized how futile any form of relaxation would be. 

It began as intense thumping noises coming from what had to be a demon upstairs.

It sounded like someone was wearing lead shoes and stomping across their room for the better part of an hour. Then, the screaming started, along with the shouting to stop said screaming, followed by more thumping, for at least another full hour.

We left for dinner, hoping that the noises would relax a bit as the night wore on, but we were wrong. We called down to the front desk and got a very apologetic voice promising security would handle the issue.

We were hopeful the folks upstairs got a stern talking to about how this was not a lucha libre venue. When the security guard came by our room, however, he told us he heard nothing when he went by.

He told us to consider it may be the building’s old pipes (?!?), adding this chestnut: “Families do stay here, you know.” 

Fun fact: Most families don’t turn their hotel rooms into a WWE venue.

We started getting ready for bed as we had more long hikes to hit the following morning, when lo’ and behold, here comes the stomping, the screaming, the pounding. This was 10pm.

I decided to go upstairs myself to talk to these guests, but they were so loud in their room that they didn’t hear my knocks. There was screaming at one another, pounding on furniture, and foul language.

I then called them on their room phone, thanks to my room directory. A kid answered and hung up when I asked to talk to a parent. More stomping, yelling, pounding.

11pm. 

11:30pm. 

I was losing it by this point, so I called the front desk again. It was the same girl, same apology, same response. They would call security. The noise didn’t stop until 1am, only to begin again at 5:30am.

The bottom line is that the walls are paper-thin, and it’s expensive for what it is.

I would have still considered recommending it because of its being so close to the geysers, but then we stayed at the Canyon Lodge & Cabins the following two nights.

We had a much more pleasant experience at a much lower cost, with similar convenience. You’ve been warned.

Mammoth Hot Springs & The North

While still on the general tourist loop at the park, accommodations at the northern end of the park feel a bit more remote, in a good way. There are two options for official park accommodations there:

• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins: These are in the backyard of the Mammoth Hot Springs. You have a few options depending on whether you want hotel- or cabin-style accommodations. Reviewers seem to prefer the hotel rooms.
• Roosevelt Lodge Cabins: This 1920s property is on the National Register of Historic Places, making it an important stop on your trip, whether you’re staying there or not. The style at the cabins is very much Western.

Note: The location is also ideal for hikers looking to tackle Mount Washburn, as it’s about half an hour north of that trailhead, and for those seeking some bison activity right outside their door.

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is gorgeous, with several places for you to stay while in Yellowstone.

This area also puts you close to the West Thumb Geyser Basin and the Fishing Bridge area, making it a convenient base for travelers exploring the southern half of the park:

• Grant Village: This one is west of Yellowstone Lake on the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Named after former President Ulysses S. Grant, there are 50 rooms at the property across two buildings.
• Lake Lodge Cabins: Enjoy expansive views of Yellowstone Lake from this one. In addition to the lodge, you can also book one of the 186 cabins that sit behind the main lodge. There are two main cabin styles, one more basic than the other.
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cottages: This is the more upscale option for your stay on Yellowstone Lake. It also has National Historic Landmark status, boasting a 125-year-old history in the park. Former President Calvin Coolidge was a big fan.

If you’re doing price comparisons on Grant Village vs. Lake Yellowstone Hotel, the two are fairly comparable, but prices can vary throughout the year.

READ MORE: Traveling to Grand Teton National Park on your trip? Grant Village is about 45 minutes north of that park.

Best Places to Stay Outside Yellowstone

If you’re headed to Yellowstone and want to save some money, staying outside the park is your best option for staying on a budget. That’s generally the deal with our national parks. You pay for convenience.

Here are a few tips before you decide where to stay outside of Yellowstone:

• You’ll need to rent a car regardless, but even more so if you’re staying outside of the park. Always book your rentals for summer park travel well ahead of time.
• You’ll be driving more. That means car snacks, a full tank of gas, and early start times added to a road trip itinerary. Expect traffic, both the car and animal kind.
• You’ll have more access to budget-friendly food. Take advantage of that. Hit the grocery store and stock up rather than relying on park dining room options.
• The towns surrounding Yellowstone have a vibe all their own. I know you’ll be tired at the end of each day, but try to explore them a bit, too. This is the American West.

The hotels near Yellowstone you’ll see below focus on the towns of Gardiner and West Yellowstone, both in Montana. Those offer the most accessibility for your Yellowstone exploring.

I’ll include a few in Cooke City, Montana, too, if you’re here for the Lamar Valley. The small town offers fewer amenities for you overall.

West Yellowstone, Montana

This is the most convenient town to target when looking for accommodations just outside of Yellowstone, especially if you’re coming in from the Montana side.

West Yellowstone also has quite a bit to offer in terms of adventure just outside of town. It’s a fishing hub with a good historic center, alongside its status as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park.

For some perspective, it should take you about 45 minutes to an hour to get to Old Faithful from hotels in West Yellowstone.

The Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone are a popular option, but use the map below for more:

Gardiner, Montana

Gardiner is a good option if you’re interested in hanging out around Mammoth Hot Springs, as it’s just a short drive from those lovely terraces. That also means you’re closer to the north end of Yellowstone, the more remote side.

Fun fact: The North Entrance to Yellowstone is the only entrance that’s open year-round, so Gardiner may be a good option if you’re traveling outside of the summer season.

If I found myself in the area again, I’d consider the Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel. This is one of the more unique accommodations near the park. Yes, you’re staying in a tipi here. This is more glamping vs. roughing it, though. There’s a bar for Pete’s sake.

Check out more options for well-reviewed accommodations in Gardiner on the map below:

Cooke City, Montana

If you’re here for wildlife spotting, Cooke City is about 30 minutes from the Lamar Valley. It’s also a good base for traveling the scenic Beartooth Highway.

For those with limited time in Yellowstone, it’s not a great base for the rest of the park’s biggest attractions. It can take you up to three hours to get to Old Faithful from here.

If you’re already heading out that way on the backend of your Yellowstone trip, use the map below to browse your options:

Places I Wouldn’t Choose as a Yellowstone Base

I’ve seen these spots recommended in Yellowstone guides more than once, but I’d think twice before making them my main base. They’re not bad places to visit by any means. They just make more sense for specific itineraries than for a Yellowstone-focused trip.

Cody, Wyoming

While Cody is a cool-enough town, I wouldn’t use it as my primary Yellowstone base unless Yellowstone is just one stop on a larger Wyoming road trip.

READ MORE: Traveling elsewhere in Wyoming? Use my detailed guide to the state after multiple stays.

The town sits east of the park and works best if you’re entering Yellowstone through the East Entrance. The issue is that you’ll still spend a significant amount of time driving just to reach many of Yellowstone’s biggest attractions.

If your Yellowstone wish list includes places like Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, expect some long days in the car.

I’d consider Cody if:

• Yellowstone is part of a larger Wyoming itinerary.
• You’re interested in Western history and rodeo culture.
• You’re planning to continue toward places like the Bighorns afterward.

Otherwise, I’d prioritize staying closer to the park.

Jackson, Wyoming

I see Jackson recommended for Yellowstone trips all the time, and I don’t really get it unless you’re pairing Yellowstone with Grand Teton National Park.

Jackson is beautiful, but it’s expensive and adds quite a bit of driving time to a Yellowstone-focused itinerary. If Yellowstone is your main destination, there are simply more efficient options.

Jackson makes more sense if:

• You’re spending several days in Grand Teton.
• You want a more upscale resort atmosphere.
• Yellowstone is only one part of your trip.

For Yellowstone alone, I’d save myself the extra driving.

Where to Stay in Yellowstone on a Budget

If you’re trying to save money, your best bet is usually staying outside Yellowstone rather than inside the park.

Inside-the-park accommodations come with a convenience premium, especially during the summer season. Staying in West Yellowstone often gives you more hotel choices, lower nightly rates, and easier access to grocery stores and casual restaurants.

A few ways to cut costs:

• Stay in West Yellowstone rather than inside the park.
• Travel in May, early June, or September if your schedule allows.
• Consider cabins instead of historic lodges.
• Book as early as possible because last-minute Yellowstone prices can get painful.

You will spend more time driving, but for many travelers, the savings are worth it.

Where to Stay in Yellowstone for Wildlife

If wildlife viewing is high on your priority list, I’d focus on the northeastern side of Yellowstone near Lamar Valley.

Lamar Valley is often called America’s Serengeti because of its wildlife activity. This is one of the best places in the park to spot bison, elk, wolves, pronghorn, and sometimes even bears.

For wildlife-focused trips, I’d look at:

• Cooke City, for the closest access to Lamar Valley.
• Mammoth area accommodations for easier access to the park’s northern section.
• Roosevelt Lodge, if you’re staying inside the park.

Just know that choosing a wildlife-focused base can mean longer drives to Yellowstone’s geothermal attractions like Old Faithful. Yellowstone usually rewards picking priorities before you book.

Tips Before Booking Yellowstone Lodging

Here are some final tips when staying inside the park:

• Yellowstone is one of the most popular parks in the country. Treat it as such in your planning process. Peak season at Yellowstone is short —July and August — so park accommodations get booked up well in advance.
• Along those lines, it’s not unheard of for the Old Faithful Inn to get booked six months in advance or more. If you’re fancy and that’s the one you’re after, keep that in mind.
• There are differences in price and style of accommodations even at the properties themselves. If there’s a deep discount on a cabin vs. a lodge or vice versa, read the details as to what’s included with your stay.
• Don’t assume that because you’re staying at the park, you won’t need a rental car. That’s just not a thing here. You’ll need a car to get around Yellowstone. Book one as soon as you know when you’re traveling to save some money.
• Explore outside your lodge or hotel in Yellowstone. Please don’t tell me you came all the way to this remote corner of the country to hang around the lodge. Get out there!
• If you’re traveling outside of the summer months, assume that you may not be able to stay inside the park, as amenities do close down. That will mean smaller crowds, though.
• You should be booking accommodations inside the park through their main site. What you see available on a third-party site may not actually be available. At worst, it could be a scam.
• That said, if you’re seeking reviews for the places inside the park, use all of the tools at your disposal. What you may see on the main site will be incomplete in that regard.
• For the most up-to-date booking information, call the main reservations desk. Yes, sometimes it pays to be old school. They’ll know about last-minute cancellations, too.

Choosing Where to Stay in Yellowstone

The best place to stay in Yellowstone really depends on your priorities. Canyon Village is my pick for first-time visitors, West Yellowstone works well for travelers on a budget, and Cooke City is tough to beat for wildlife lovers.

No matter where you stay, book early. Yellowstone accommodations fill up fast, especially during the summer months.

Looking for more adventures nearby? Check out the posts below:

• A Travel Guide for Cheyenne, WY
• Incredible Day Trips from Cheyenne, WY
• Laramie, Wyoming: A Complete Guide
• Where to Go on Salt Lake City Road Trips
• We Visited Fort Collins Five Times. Here’s Why!

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• How to Prioritize Your Time in the Badlands
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