Yellowstone National Park is one of America’s most popular national parks, drawing millions of visitors every year. If you’re planning a trip, booking your lodging well in advance is essential.
This guide offers a bird’s-eye view of your lodging options, focusing on location, amenities, and, most importantly, how to use a map of Yellowstone Park lodging to make the best choice for your trip.
We’ll explore lodging both inside the park and in the surrounding areas, including hotels, cabins, and RV parks. As you plan, consider what matters most to you: Do you want to be close to specific attractions? Are you on a tight budget? Do you need particular amenities?
Understanding Yellowstone’s geography and entrances
Yellowstone has five entrances, each leading to a different area of the park. Knowing a little about where they are can help you decide where to stay.
Navigating Yellowstone’s entrances
The West Entrance is the closest to geyser basins like Old Faithful and the Lower Geyser Basin. The North Entrance will put you near Mammoth Hot Springs and the Roosevelt Arch.
Where you decide to enter Yellowstone will have a big impact on where you should stay. For example, if you want to spend most of your time exploring geysers, you might want to stay near the West Entrance. On the other hand, if you’re hoping to see wildlife and learn about the park’s history, you might choose lodging near the North Entrance.
Why location matters
The closer you are to the places you want to see, the less time you’ll spend driving and the more time you’ll spend exploring.
In-park lodging is often more expensive, but it can save you a lot of travel time. Lodging just outside the park may be easier on your budget, but you’ll probably spend more time on the road.
Lodging Options Within Yellowstone National Park
Staying inside Yellowstone National Park can be a fantastic way to maximize your time and immerse yourself in the park’s beauty. Here are a few well-known hotels, lodges, and cabins you might consider.
Iconic Hotels and Lodges
- Old Faithful Inn: This historic landmark offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Its rustic design and its proximity to the Old Faithful geyser make it a popular choice, so be sure to book well in advance.
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel: If you’re looking for elegant accommodations with views of Yellowstone Lake, this is your spot. It offers fine dining and a relaxing, upscale atmosphere.
- Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel: Located near the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces, this hotel provides easy access to that unique area of the park. You can choose from a variety of room types.
Cabins and Lodges Throughout the Park
- Canyon Lodge and Cabins: Located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, this area offers a range of options from modern lodges to rustic cabins.
- Grant Village: Situated near Yellowstone Lake, Grant Village offers comfortable lodging and is a convenient base for exploring the southern section of the park.
Lodging options near Yellowstone’s entrances
If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, you may want to stay in one of the gateway towns near the park’s entrances. Here are two options to consider:
West Yellowstone, Montana
The town of West Yellowstone, Montana, offers lots of hotels, motels, and cabins, with easy access to the park’s West Entrance.
You’ll find lodging options ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, with amenities like pools, restaurants, and complimentary breakfasts.
Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner, Montana, is located near the North Entrance of Yellowstone and is a charming town that offers hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals.
Yellowstone's Treasure Cabins are near the North Entrance and offer amenities such as kitchens, dining areas, TVs, air conditioning, and heating. You may find that booking directly on their website will get you a better rate than booking through a third-party site.
How to use a Yellowstone lodging map
A Yellowstone lodging map is a must-have for trip planning. It gives you a visual representation of all the different places to stay in and around the park.
Why use a lodging map?
- Compare locations: See at a glance how close each lodge is to the attractions you want to visit.
- Simplify decisions: Save time and make decisions quickly.
- Tailor your experience: Choose a lodge that matches your preferred park experience.
Think about the kind of trip you want to have – adventure-packed, relaxing, or a mix of both – and use the map to plan your stay and build the perfect itinerary.
Summary
Where you stay in Yellowstone can make or break your trip. Think about your budget, what amenities are important to you, and how close you want to be to the park’s main attractions.
A good Yellowstone lodging map can help you compare your options and plan your itinerary. Be sure to book your lodging well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the busiest times of the year. Competition for rooms can be fierce!
With a little planning, you can create a Yellowstone adventure you’ll remember for years to come. Enjoy the park’s unique natural wonders and make some lasting memories.