Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
West Yellowstone is the busiest and most commercial gateway, located directly outside the park's West Entrance. The town is a full-fledged tourist hub packed with restaurants, souvenir shops, attractions like the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, and a wide range of lodging. The drive from town to the entrance is less than 5 minutes, providing incredibly easy access to the geyser basins and Madison Junction.
- Closest gateway to Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin
- Huge variety of lodging and dining options
- Walkable downtown with shops and attractions
- Year-round access (snowmobiling in winter)
- Can feel crowded and touristy
- Highest concentration of traffic, in summer
- Prices are at a premium during peak season
A reliable, no-frills chain motel with an indoor pool, located just a few blocks from the park entrance.
Popular, well-maintained hotel with a fantastic indoor waterpark, perfect for families after a day in the park.
Modern, upscale cabin suites with full kitchens and fireplaces, offering a rustic-luxe retreat just minutes from the entrance.
Gardiner is the original gateway, situated at the iconic Roosevelt Arch at the park's North Entrance. This is the only entrance open to regular vehicles year-round. The town has a genuine, historic Montana feel with a mix of motels, restaurants, and outfitter shops lining the Yellowstone River. It's a 5-minute drive from the entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs.
- Year-round vehicle access to the park
- Authentic Old West town atmosphere
- Excellent wildlife viewing in the nearby Lamar Valley
- Close to the Boiling River hot spring soak
- Limited upscale dining and shopping
- Long drive to major attractions like Old Faithful (over 1.5 hours)
- Can be windy and dusty
Simple, clean rooms with unbeatable riverfront balconies overlooking the Yellowstone, just steps from the entrance.
Charming, updated cottages with kitchenettes set right on the river, offering privacy and fantastic views.
Gardiner's newest and most upscale hotel, featuring modern rooms, a rooftop bar, and impressive park views.
Jackson is a major destination resort town about 60 miles south of Yellowstone's South Entrance, via Grand Teton National Park. It has a sophisticated blend of Western charm and luxury, with excellent dining, art galleries, and high-end shopping. The drive is spectacular but long—allow at least 1.5 hours to reach Yellowstone's interior from Jackson.
- Extensive high-end lodging, dining, and shopping
- Gateway to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone
- Major airport (JAC) with direct flights
- Year-round activities and cultural events
- Farthest drive to Yellowstone's core attractions
- Most expensive gateway area
- Can feel disconnected from the Yellowstone experience due to distance
A classic, centrally located Jackson motel with a heated pool, offering solid value in an otherwise pricey town.
A historic Jackson landmark with Silver Dollar Bar, live music, and comfortable rooms blending Western heritage and modern comfort.
An ultra-luxurious sanctuary perched on a butte with impressive Teton views, offering an exceptional serene retreat.
Cody is a lively Western town located 52 miles east of the park's East Entrance. Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, it leans heavily into its cowboy heritage with nightly rodeos in summer and excellent museums like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. The drive to the entrance is beautiful, following the winding Buffalo Bill Reservoir and climbing over Sylvan Pass.
- Rich Western history and excellent museums
- Nightly rodeo (June-August)
- Scenic drive to the park over Sylvan Pass
- More affordable than Jackson or West Yellowstone
- East Entrance and Sylvan Pass are closed seasonally (typically Nov-May)
- Longest drive to geyser basins (2+ hours to Old Faithful)
- Town is a destination itself, so it's a commitment to stay here for park access
A unique historic cabin village in central downtown, offering simple, authentic accommodation steps from Cody's main attractions.
A modern, boutique hotel with upscale Western decor, complimentary evening wine reception, and incredibly friendly service.
A historic, literary-themed boutique inn with beautifully appointed rooms and suites, offering an intimate and sophisticated stay.
A handful of historic lodges and rustic cabin complexes are operated by Xanterra Travel Collection within the park itself. These include the iconic Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Canyon Lodge. Staying inside means you are immersed in the park 24/7, with wildlife and geothermal features right outside your door. Rooms are basic to moderate; you're paying for the exceptional location.
- Unbeatable location inside the park
- Ability to explore before and after day-trippers leave
- Historic charm and atmosphere
- Reduces daily commute time significantly
- Must be booked 12-18 months in advance for summer
- Rooms are expensive for the basic amenities provided
- Very limited dining options, often with fixed meal times
- No TV, AC, or sometimes even private bathrooms in older lodges
Offers some of the most affordable in-park lodging, including historic hotel rooms and rustic cabins near the park's headquarters.
The iconic, historic log hotel sitting directly opposite Old Faithful geyser, offering a once-in-a-lifetime National Park lodging experience.
The park's most elegant lodging, a colonial revival hotel on the lake shore with a sunroom, fine dining, and impressive sunset views.
Find Hotels in Yellowstone National Park
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Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Historic hotels and rustic cabins operated by Xanterra and other concessions. Locations are exceptional but amenities are basic. They offer dining rooms, but options are limited.
Best for: Travelers prioritizing location and immersive experience over luxury amenities.
The most common option, ranging from national chains to independent motels and boutique hotels. Amenities and quality vary widely by town.
Best for: Most visitors, families and those wanting reliable amenities and dining options.
Available in towns like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Island Park, and in resort areas like Big Sky. Offer more space, kitchens, and privacy.
Best for: Groups, families, longer stays, or those wanting to self-cater.
Options include first-come, first-served and reservable sites inside the park, as well as private RV parks with full hookups in gateway towns.
Best for: Budget travelers, RV owners, and those who love camping.
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Minimizing drive time is the single biggest factor in enjoying Yellowstone. Choose a gateway town closest to the areas you plan to explore most. A longer daily commute can add 2-4 hours of driving on top of park exploration.
For popular guided tours (like snowcoach trips in winter) or in-park activities, secure those first, then book your lodging accordingly. Tour operators often have partnerships with local hotels.
Consider late May/early June or September. You'll find better availability, lower prices, and fewer crowds, though some services or roads may be in transition (opening/closing for season).
Many smaller lodges and motels near Yellowstone have strict cancellation policies (e.g., 14-30 days notice). Always opt for refundable rates if your plans are uncertain, even if it costs slightly more.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
For stays June-August, book in-park lodges 12-13 months ahead. Book gateway town hotels 6-9 months in advance. Last-minute summer bookings are extremely rare and very expensive.
For May and September, aim to book 4-6 months in advance. You'll have more flexibility, but popular properties still fill up.
For winter (Dec-Mar), book 3-4 months ahead, for Gardiner or West Yellowstone which are hubs for snowmobiling. Note that most park entrances and roads are closed to regular vehicles.
If you know your dates, book your lodging as soon as possible. It's never too early to start looking for a Yellowstone trip.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.