Mid-Range Travel Guide: Yellowstonenationalpark

Accommodation

$120-280 per night

Mid-range hotels in gateway towns, park lodges with standard rooms, vacation rentals shared with others

Food & Dining

$45-85 per day

Mix of hotel dining and local restaurants, some packed meals, casual dining establishments

Transportation

$40-80 per day

Rental car with fuel and parking fees, occasional guided tour transportation, shuttle services

Activities

$30-100 per day

Guided wildlife tours, boat trips, educational programs, souvenir shopping, some premium experiences

Camp instead of staying in lodges - typically saves 60-80% on accommodation costs

Bring your own food and cook at campsites - can reduce meal costs by 70-85%

Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for 25-40% lower accommodation rates

Use your own vehicle instead of guided tours for transportation - saves 50-75% on daily transport costs

Take advantage of free ranger programs instead of paid guided tours - offers similar educational value at no cost

Stay in gateway towns rather than park lodges - typically 30-50% cheaper accommodation

Purchase an America the Beautiful Annual Pass if visiting multiple parks - pays for itself after 3 park visits

Booking accommodation last-minute during peak season - can cost 100-200% more than advance bookings

Eating all meals at park concessions - typically 150-300% more expensive than bringing your own food

Not accounting for fuel costs when driving long distances within the park - can add $30-60 daily to transportation budget