Visiting Yellowstone National Park is more than just a vacation—it’s an adventure into the wild heart of America. But before you can marvel at Old Faithful or hike past bison, you need to answer one key question: Where should I stay?
Choosing the best place to stay near Yellowstone can make or break your trip. Are you looking for rustic charm, luxury amenities, or something family-friendly? Maybe you’re on a budget or bringing your dog along. No matter your travel style, this guide has you covered.
Let’s break it all down with simple language, practical tips, and real insight—think of this as your personal Yellowstone lodging compass.
Table of Contents
| Sr# | Headings |
|---|---|
| 1 | Why Location Matters When Staying Near Yellowstone |
| 2 | Gateway Towns: Pros and Cons |
| 3 | West Yellowstone: The Most Popular Hub |
| 4 | Gardiner: Perfect for Northern Adventures |
| 5 | Cody: Ideal for Wild West Lovers |
| 6 | Jackson: Luxury Meets Nature |
| 7 | Cooke City and Silver Gate: Remote and Serene |
| 8 | Staying Inside Yellowstone: Is It Worth It? |
| 9 | Best Lodges Inside the Park |
| 10 | Best Budget-Friendly Options Near Yellowstone |
| 11 | Cabins, RV Parks, and Campgrounds |
| 12 | Luxury Resorts and Boutique Inns |
| 13 | Pet-Friendly Places to Stay Near Yellowstone |
| 14 | Family-Friendly Lodging Options |
| 15 | Booking Tips & Peak Season Advice |
1. Why Location Matters When Staying Near Yellowstone
Yellowstone is massive—over 3,400 square miles. That means where you stay affects how much you see and how long you drive. If you’re planning to explore multiple regions (like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs), being centrally located can save you hours.
Pro Tip:
Think of the park as a giant clock. Each “gateway” town gives you access to a different number on the dial.
2. Gateway Towns: Pros and Cons
Yellowstone has five entrances, each with its own nearby town. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- West Entrance: West Yellowstone, MT
- North Entrance: Gardiner, MT
- Northeast Entrance: Cooke City-Silver Gate, MT
- East Entrance: Cody, WY
- South Entrance: Jackson, WY
Pros: Variety, access to services, nearby attractions.
Cons: Some towns are hours away from popular park features.
3. West Yellowstone: The Most Popular Hub
If Yellowstone had a front door, this would be it.
Why Stay Here:
- Closest access to geysers like Old Faithful
- Lots of restaurants, shops, and tours
- Tons of accommodation options
Best For: First-timers, families, photographers
Example Lodging:
- Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone
- Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
4. Gardiner: Perfect for Northern Adventures
Gardiner is quaint, authentic, and the only entrance open year-round.
Why Stay Here:
- Closest to Mammoth Hot Springs
- Great wildlife spotting in Lamar Valley
- Walkable town with Yellowstone River views
Best For: Nature lovers, off-season travel, road-trippers
Top Stay:
- The Roosevelt Hotel – Yellowstone
- Yellowstone Gateway Inn
5. Cody: Ideal for Wild West Lovers
Founded by Buffalo Bill himself, Cody is 50 miles from the park’s East Entrance.
Why Stay Here:
- Western flair with rodeos and museums
- Great for those coming from Wyoming
- Scenic drive to Yellowstone through Shoshone Forest
Best For: Culture lovers, road trippers, long-stay guests
Notable Stay:
- Chamberlin Inn
- Cody Cowboy Village
6. Jackson: Luxury Meets Nature
Fancy sipping coffee with Teton views? Jackson’s your spot.
Why Stay Here:
- Gateway to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton
- High-end shopping and dining
- Perfect for luxury travelers and photographers
Best For: Couples, honeymooners, upscale adventurers
Stay Recommendations:
- Hotel Jackson
- Rustic Inn Creekside Resort
7. Cooke City and Silver Gate: Remote and Serene
Not into crowds? These tiny towns near the Northeast Entrance are peaceful and scenic.
Why Stay Here:
- Direct access to Lamar Valley (prime wildlife viewing)
- Quiet, off-the-grid vibes
- Stunning Beartooth Highway nearby
Best For: Wildlife watchers, photographers, hikers
Top Picks:
- Silver Gate Lodging
- Cooke City Alpine Motel
8. Staying Inside Yellowstone: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely—if you can snag a reservation.
Why Stay Here:
- Wake up in nature
- Less driving, more exploring
- Unmatched sunrise and sunset experiences
Drawbacks:
- No TVs or Wi-Fi in most places
- Sells out up to a year in advance
9. Best Lodges Inside the Park
Top In-Park Lodging:
- Old Faithful Inn – Historic, rustic, iconic
- Canyon Lodge & Cabins – Central location for canyon views
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel – Serene lakeside stay
- Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel – Great for winter visits
Each lodge has its own character, but all offer unbeatable access.
10. Best Budget-Friendly Options Near Yellowstone
Traveling on a tight budget? No worries. Here are wallet-friendly picks:
- Yellowstone Lodge (West Yellowstone)
- Absaroka Lodge (Gardiner)
- Pahaska Tepee Resort (Cody)
Or try Airbnbs, hostels, or vacation rentals. You can even camp for cheap!
11. Cabins, RV Parks, and Campgrounds
For a more hands-on experience with nature:
Cabins:
- Cosy and private
- Great for families and small groups
RV Parks/Campsites:
- Available both inside and outside the park
- Book months in advance—summer spots go fast!
Fan Favorites:
- Madison Campground (Inside Park)
- Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park (West Yellowstone)
12. Luxury Resorts and Boutique Inns
Want to feel pampered after a long hike?
Best Picks:
- Amangani (Jackson) – Upscale wellness retreat
- Under Canvas Yellowstone (Glamping near West Yellowstone)
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel – Elegant and historic charm
Ideal for anniversaries, honeymoons, or “just because” moments.
13. Pet-Friendly Places to Stay Near Yellowstone
Bringing your furry friend? You’re in luck.
Pet-Friendly Picks:
- Best Western Desert Inn (West Yellowstone)
- Absaroka Lodge (Gardiner)
- Cody Cowboy Village (Cody)
Note:
Pets are limited on park trails, so plan dog-friendly outings accordingly.
14. Family-Friendly Lodging Options
Traveling with kids? Look for:
- Spacious suites or cabins
- Pools or kid zones
- Proximity to attractions and easy food access
Top Family Favorites:
- Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone
- Holiday Inn West Yellowstone
- Roosevelt Lodge Cabins (In-Park)
15. Booking Tips & Peak Season Advice
When to Book:
- Summer (June–August): Book 6–12 months ahead
- Fall/Spring: Easier to find availability
- Winter: Only select lodges and entrances remain open
General Tips:
- Check cancellation policies
- Book directly with hotels when possible for better rates
- Bring layers—the weather changes fast!
Conclusion
Choosing the best place to stay near Yellowstone isn’t just about where you sleep—it’s about setting the tone for your entire trip. Whether you want luxury in Jackson, adventure in Gardiner, or convenience in West Yellowstone, there’s something for everyone.
Remember: the right stay can elevate your national park experience from great to unforgettable. Happy travels and see you on the trail!
FAQs
1. What is the best town to stay in near Yellowstone?
West Yellowstone is often considered the best town due to its proximity to major park attractions and variety of accommodations.
2. Is it better to stay inside or outside Yellowstone?
Staying inside the park offers unique experiences and easier access to attractions, but outside options offer more variety and often better amenities.
3. Are there pet-friendly accommodations near Yellowstone?
Yes! Many lodges and inns in West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cody welcome pets. Always check policies beforehand.
4. What’s the best time to visit Yellowstone for lodging availability?
Spring (May) and Fall (September–October) offer more availability, fewer crowds, and great wildlife viewing.
5. How far in advance should I book lodging near Yellowstone?
For summer, book 6 to 12 months in advance—especially if you plan to stay inside the park.
