If you're planning a visit to Yellowstone National Park, one of the most important decisions you'll make is where to stay. With nearly 3,500 square miles of wilderness, geysers, and wildlife to explore, staying close to the action is key to making the most of your trip. Whether you prefer a cozy lodge inside the park or a charming cabin in a nearby town, there are options for every type of traveler.
As travel enthusiasts who’ve spent years exploring America’s national parks, we understand how crucial it is to choose the right accommodation. We've compiled this comprehensive guide based on firsthand experiences and thorough research to help you navigate the best Yellowstone National Park lodging options in and around the Park.
Why Lodging Matters in Yellowstone
With long distances between attractions and limited cell service, staying within or near the park can save you time and stress. Plus, early morning and evening are prime times for wildlife viewing, something you won’t want to miss because of a long drive.
In-Park Lodging: Immersive and Iconic
Staying inside Yellowstone lodging offers a unique and immersive experience. You’ll wake up close to Old Faithful, hear elk bugling at night, and enjoy easy access to the park’s major attractions. The lodges and cabins are operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges, and they offer a range of amenities from rustic to comfortable.
Top In-Park Lodging Options:
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Old Faithful Inn – An architectural icon and the most popular lodging option. Its log and stone design and prime location near Old Faithful make it a bucket-list stay.
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Canyon Lodge & Cabins – Centrally located and recently updated, ideal for families and those wanting modern comfort.
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Lake Yellowstone Hotel – A beautiful spot overlooking the lake, perfect for those seeking a more elegant, relaxed setting.
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Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel – Open year-round and great for winter visits.
Note: In-park accommodations book up fast. Reservations open May 1 of the previous year, so plan ahead!
Best Lodging in Yellowstone National Park: You should try
Old Faithful Inn
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Address: 3200 Old Faithful Inn Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
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Phone: (307) 344-7311
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Price Range: From $167 per night
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Rating: 4.5/5
The Old Faithful Inn, constructed between 1903 and 1904, stands as a testament to rustic architecture, being one of the largest log-style structures globally. Designed by architect Robert C. Reamer, the inn showcases a towering 76-foot lobby adorned with a massive stone fireplace and a handcrafted clock made of copper, wood, and wrought iron. Its proximity to the iconic Old Faithful Geyser offers guests unparalleled views and a unique experience within Yellowstone National Park.
Beyond its historical significance, the inn provides a range of accommodations, from rooms in the original "Old House" to more modern additions. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant, relax in the lounge, or explore the nearby geothermal features. The inn operates seasonally, typically from early May to mid-October, offering a blend of historical charm and natural beauty.
Canyon Lodge & Cabins
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Address: 41 Clover Ln, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
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Phone: (307) 344-7311
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Price Range: Approximately $400 per night
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Rating: 4.0/5
Canyon Lodge & Cabins is the largest lodging facility within Yellowstone, boasting over 500 rooms and cabins. Situated near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, it offers guests easy access to breathtaking waterfalls and scenic vistas. The lodge's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring both the upper and lower loops of the park.
The accommodations range from rustic cabins to modern lodge rooms, catering to various preferences and budgets. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurants, relax by the fireplace in the lobby, or take advantage of nearby amenities in the Canyon Village area. The lodge's commitment to sustainability is evident in its LEED-Gold Certified buildings, reflecting an eco-friendly approach to hospitality.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins
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Address: 235 Yellowstone Lake Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
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Phone: (307) 344-7311
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Price Range: $264 - $706 per night
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Rating: 4.0/5
Established in 1891, Lake Yellowstone Hotel is the oldest operating hotel in Yellowstone National Park. Its Colonial Revival architecture and lakeside location offer guests a serene and elegant retreat. The hotel's Sun Room provides panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America.
Accommodations include both hotel rooms and cabins, many of which offer partial lake views. While rooms lack modern distractions like TVs and radios, they are equipped with essential amenities to ensure comfort. Guests can enjoy fine dining at the hotel's restaurant, embark on guided tours, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty surrounding them.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
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Address: 2 Mammoth Hotel Ave, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
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Phone: (307) 344-7311
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Price Range: $181 - $1,025 per night
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Rating: 4.0/5
Located near the north entrance of Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins offers guests a unique experience close to the park's famous travertine terraces. The hotel, with its rich history dating back to 1936, provides a range of accommodations, including hotel rooms and various cabin types.
Cabin options include Frontier Cabins with private bathrooms, Hot Tub Cabins featuring private six-person hot tubs, and more rustic cabins without baths but with nearby communal facilities. All accommodations are non-smoking and lack modern amenities like TVs and air conditioning, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Grant Village Lodge
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Address: 24 Rainbow Loop, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
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Phone: (307) 344-7311
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Price Range: $329 – $349 per night
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Rating: 3.5/5
Grant Village Lodge, established in 1984 and named after President Ulysses S. Grant, is situated near the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake. The complex comprises six two-story buildings, each housing 50 rooms, totaling 300 guest rooms. The lodge offers a full-service restaurant, a lakeside restaurant with a casual menu, a lounge, and a gift store. Its location provides convenient access to the West Thumb Geyser Basin and is the closest in-park lodging to Grand Teton National Park.
Accommodations at Grant Village are designed for comfort and convenience, featuring deluxe lodge rooms with modern amenities. The lodge also includes a gas station with propane, a post office, an amphitheater, a boat launch, and the Grant Village Visitor Center. Guests can enjoy various activities and services, making it an ideal base for exploring the southern regions of Yellowstone.
Old Faithful Lodge Cabins
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Address: 725 Old Faithful Lodge Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
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Phone: (307) 344-7311
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Price Range: $138 – $249 per night
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Rating: 3.7/5
Old Faithful Lodge, constructed in the 1920s, is a historic cabin facility located near the iconic Old Faithful Geyser. The one-story main lodge features massive logs and stone pillars, embodying the rustic National Park Service architectural style. From the lobby area, guests can enjoy tremendous views of the geyser, enhancing their Yellowstone experience.
The lodge includes a bakery/snack shop and a cafeteria-style food court, providing convenient dining options for guests. Accommodations consist of detached cabins surrounding the lodge, offering a rustic and immersive stay in the heart of Yellowstone's geothermal area.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins
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Address: 2051 Snow Lodge Ave, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
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Phone: (307) 344-7311
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Price Range: $174 – $585 per night
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Rating: 4.0/5
Old Faithful Snow Lodge, the newest full-service hotel in Yellowstone, is located near the Old Faithful Geyser. Built with heavy timber construction, exterior log columns, and a cedar shingle roof, the lodge is a significant example of classic "parkitecture." Its design blends rustic charm with modern comfort, providing a unique lodging experience.
The lodge features a full-service dining room, the quick-service Geyser Grill, and the Bear Den Gift Store. Fireplaces in the lobby and between the bar and dining room create cozy gathering spots for guests. Open year-round, the Snow Lodge offers a peaceful retreat, especially during the winter months when access is limited to snowcoaches or snowmobiles.
Roosevelt Lodge Cabins
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Address: 100 Roosevelt Lodge Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
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Phone: (307) 344-7311
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Price Range: $276 – $300 per night
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Rating: 4.2/5
Roosevelt Lodge, built in 1919, is located near Tower Junction in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park. The lodge was constructed of unpeeled logs and originally surrounded by 43 small log cabins, some of which date back to the 1920s. Named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt, who camped in the area in 1903, the lodge offers a rustic, Old West atmosphere.
Accommodations include 80 cabins, with options like the Roughrider Cabins featuring wood-burning stoves and communal bathrooms, and the Frontier Cabins offering private bathrooms. The lodge provides family-style dining, a lounge, and a tour desk. Guests can enjoy horseback trail rides, stagecoach adventures, and the popular Old West Dinner Cookout, making it a favorite among families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Tips for Booking Yellowstone National Park Lodging
Planning your Yellowstone National Park lodging requires more than just picking a date and place to sleep. It’s about building your ideal park experience. Here are expanded tips to help you secure the best stay:
• Book Early, Really Early: Lodging inside the park opens for reservations up to 13 months in advance, and the most popular lodges like Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel fill up quickly. Aim to book as soon as the reservation window opens to secure your ideal dates.
• Choose Locations Based on Your Itinerary: Yellowstone is vast, and driving between areas can take hours. Consider planning your stay in stages. Spend a few nights in different parts of the park like Canyon, Old Faithful, or Lake to reduce drive time and maximize what you can explore each day.
• Mix In Park and Gateway Town Lodging: If you cannot find availability inside the park for your whole trip, consider combining in park nights with stays in West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Cody. This hybrid approach gives you access to both convenience and amenities.
• Expect Rustic Conditions: While park lodges offer an authentic and historic experience, they do not always come with modern conveniences. Wi-Fi and cell service are limited or non existent, and many rooms do not have air conditioning or televisions. This is perfect if you’re looking to unplug, but worth knowing ahead of time.
• Use Travel Alerts and Waitlists: If your preferred lodge is fully booked, sign up for travel alerts or check back frequently. Cancellations happen often, especially closer to the travel date.
• Travel in Shoulder Seasons: Visiting in May, early June, or September can provide better availability, lower prices, and fewer crowds. The scenery is just as spectacular.
• Consider Lodging Packages: Some gateway towns and park concessionaires offer packages that combine lodging with guided tours, meals, or activities. These bundles can add value and reduce the stress of planning.
• Know the Cancellation Policies: Park lodges often have strict cancellation windows and may require deposits. Be sure to review the fine print to avoid unexpected fees.
Final Thoughts: Your Basecamp to Adventure
Choosing the right lodging in Yellowstone is more than just a place to sleep. It is your basecamp for one of America’s most unforgettable adventures. Whether you opt for historic lodges, charming gateway towns, or a tent under the stars, where you stay can enhance your connection with Yellowstone’s stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife.
So start planning early, consider your travel style, and get ready to create lasting memories in the heart of America’s first national park.