If you’ve tried to stay at one of the hotels or campgrounds found inside a US national park, you know that many parks offer only a few lodging options and that these reservations often go fast. Fortunately though, Yellowstone National Park lodging options are some of the most robust found throughout the National Park system. With more than 21 options for places to stay in Yellowstone (with more than 4,000 reservable rooms or campsites), there are plenty of options for those on the hunt for lodging in Yellowstone National Park—both for early planners and more spontaneous visitors alike.
In the summer, Yellowstone operates nine lodges, 11 campgrounds, and one RV park—with two of these lodges and one campground operating through the winter. The multitude of options allows visitors to more easily access this vast 2.2-million-acre landscape. From the park’s abundance of wildlife to its world famous collection of geysers, there is more to see in Yellowstone than can fit onto most people’s itineraries. Staying in the park saves a significant amount of commute time on your trip, and leaves room to see more of the area during your visit.
This story was created in partnership with Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
Yellowstone Hotels and Lodges
Yellowstone offers five hotel-style lodges that are a great choice for those looking for the most comfortable option. Many of the park lodges have on-site restaurants and are the meeting point for excursions within the park (like guided water and horseback tours).
Although most roads, hotels, and campgrounds in Yellowstone are closed in the winter, there are a few unique transportation options that can take you into the park to stay at one of the three all-season lodging options.
Some of our favorite hotels and lodges are:
- Canyon Lodge: Located near the Yellowstone Grand Canyon, this lodge features 400+ guest rooms spread across five hotel-style buildings.
- Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel: Large lodge with hotel-style rooms right by some of the park’s most famous geothermal areas. This hotel is open to both summer and winter guests.
- Old Faithful Snow Lodge: One of the few accommodations in the park that is open during both winter and summer. This lodge is centrally located at the famous Old Faithful geyser.
Rustic Yellowstone Lodging
There are eight different options for rustic lodges and cabin villages in the park, with many featuring prime locations near some of the area’s most famous attractions. Some of our favorite rustic options for both summer and winter guests are:
- Roosevelt Lodge: Historic lodge built near a campsite once used by President Theodore Roosevelt. Home to the popular Old West Dinner Cookout.
- Mammoth Hot Springs Cabins: Cabin accommodations that are a popular place for elk viewing and is famous for its signature Map Room. These cabins are open year-round.
- Old Faithful Inn: This rustic lodge is a historic landmark and is the most requested lodging facility in the park. The inn was built with local logs and stone, and is one of the largest log-style structures in the world.
- Canyon Cabins: With over 100 cabins (and 400+ nearby hotel rooms), this sprawling facility features the most lodging accommodations in the park. The Canyon Cabins are located near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
- Old Faithful Snow Cabins: Beautiful wooden cabins located close to Old Faithful. The cabins are close to the Snow Lodge, which has on-site dining options as well as a gift shop.
Yellowstone Camping
Yellowstone National Park operates 11 campgrounds, with all closing in the winter months except Mammoth Campground. Some of our favorites places to camp in the park are:
- Bridge Bay: Stay on the shores of Yellowstone Lake—the Bridge Bay campground is located near the Marina in a quiet, scenic, and wooded area. Popular for those coming to the park to fish or boat.
- Canyon Village Campground: One of the most popular campgrounds in the park, Canyon Village offers easy access to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone but is also centrally located.
- Fishing Bridge RV Park: This RV-only campground was recently renovated and is located near the mouth of the crystal-clear Yellowstone River. Fish for native Cutthroat Trout or watch for White Pelicans along the water, right from your site.
- Grant Village: Named after Ulysses S. Grant—who was president when Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872—this campground is on the southwest shore of Yellowstone Lake. Camp among towering lodgepole pines, and only a few miles away from the West Thumb Geyser Basin.
- Madison: Located a short distance from the Madison River, this campground is known for its great fishing and close proximity to famous geysers such as Old Faithful and the Upper, Midway, and Lower Geyser Basins.
- Mammoth: A great option for last-minute planners, Mammoth campground does not accept reservations and operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. The campground is also open year-round for those brave enough to face Yellowstone’s cold winter temperatures.
Yellowstone In-Park Dining & Experiences
One really unique experience found within Yellowstone is the option to spend time in the park’s rugged backcountry, and then hike back for world-class dining and drink options.
Some of the “must do” experiences in the park are:
- Old West Dinner Cookout: Famous western-style cookout at the Roosevelt Lodge. Those who feel like getting in the true western spirit can ride on horseback or a covered wagon to the cookout.
- Mammoth Hotel Map Room Bar: Signature cocktails and beverages at this historic spot in the Mammoth Hotel. Great stop before dinner at Mammoth Hotel Dining Room.
- Wolf & Elk Discovery: If you’re coming to Yellowstone for wildlife viewing, this is the way to do it. Visit popular elk and wolf hangouts on this guided tour that takes you deep into the park. Participants get one-on-one access to a Yellowstone Forever field educator for up-to-date information about wildlife biology in the park.
- Essential Yellowstone Package: For those too busy to plan, get in-park transportation, guided hikes, and four nights at in-park lodging options. One of the easiest ways to see the park!
With over 3,400 square miles (8,900 square km) to explore, the amount of attractions you can see during your visit to Yellowstone depends widely on your access to the park. Staying within the park boundary gives visitors easy access to trailheads, guided tours, and unique park amenities. Yellowstone National Park lodging includes 21 options (and over 4,000 reservable rooms and campsites), the hardest question really is exactly which amazing experiences to add to your itinerary for your visit.
