15 Best Places to Stay in and Around Yellowstone National Park for Easy Access and Great Views

15 Best Places to Stay in and Around Yellowstone National Park for Easy Access and Great Views

Explore Yellowstone with ease, choosing from 15 amazing accommodations! Find lodges and hotels offering unparalleled access to the park's wonders. Enjoy great views from cozy cabins near West Yellowstone or luxurious resorts just outside the park. Discover the best spots for your unforgettable Yellowstone National Park adventure, considering budget and proximity to attractions. Optimize your travel experience now!

Choosing Your Yellowstone Basecamp: 15 Incredible Options

Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park? Deciding where to stay can be as important as deciding what to see. Finding the perfect lodging involves balancing proximity to park attractions, desired amenities, and of course, stunning views. Whether you prefer the convenience of in-park accommodations or the charm of nearby gateway towns, this guide will help you pinpoint the ideal location for your Yellowstone adventure.

We’ve compiled a list of 15 of the best places to stay in and around Yellowstone, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to ensure you choose the best fit for your needs. Get ready to discover your dream Yellowstone National Park lodging!

In-Park Lodges: Immerse Yourself in Yellowstone's Beauty

Staying inside the park offers unparalleled access to Yellowstone’s wonders, allowing you to maximize your time exploring and minimize travel time. Prepare to book well in advance, as these options are incredibly popular.

  1. Old Faithful Inn: A rustic masterpiece built in 1904, located right next to the Old Faithful Geyser. Offers a variety of rooms, dining options, and unparalleled geyser viewing. Prepare for a premium price.
  2. Lake Yellowstone Hotel: A historic hotel on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, offering beautiful views and a sophisticated atmosphere. Enjoy fine dining, lake cruises, and easy access to the lake area.
  3. Grant Village: Located near the West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake, Grant Village offers a modern and convenient lodging option with multiple restaurants and a visitor center. A great option for families.
  4. Canyon Lodge & Cabins: Situated near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, this lodge boasts stunning views and easy access to hiking trails. Choose from lodge rooms or cozy cabins. Perfect for exploring the canyon area.
  5. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins: Located in the northern part of the park, near the iconic Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. This hotel offers a variety of rooms and cabins, as well as dining options and a general store. Great for exploring the northern loop and wildlife viewing.

Gateway Towns: Comfort and Convenience Just Outside the Park

Staying in a gateway town offers a wider range of accommodation options, often at more affordable prices. You'll also find more dining and shopping choices. Consider the travel time to the park entrances when making your decision.

  1. West Yellowstone, Montana: The closest town to the west entrance, offering a wide variety of hotels, motels, cabins, and vacation rentals. A bustling town with plenty of restaurants, shops, and activities. A very popular choice for Yellowstone visitors.
  2. Gardiner, Montana: Located just outside the north entrance, Gardiner offers stunning views and easy access to the Mammoth Hot Springs area. A charming town with a historic feel.
  3. Cooke City, Montana: A small, historic mining town near the northeast entrance, offering a remote and scenic experience. A great option for those looking to explore the Lamar Valley and Beartooth Highway.
  4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming: While further from the park, Jackson Hole offers luxurious accommodations, stunning scenery, and a vibrant town atmosphere. A great option for combining a Yellowstone visit with other outdoor activities.
  5. Cody, Wyoming: Located east of Yellowstone, Cody offers a rich western history and culture. Explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and enjoy a variety of dining options.

Unique Stays: For an Unforgettable Yellowstone Experience

Looking for something a little different? These unique accommodations offer a memorable Yellowstone experience.

  1. Under Canvas Yellowstone: Experience glamping in style with luxurious tents and amenities near West Yellowstone. Enjoy the beauty of nature without sacrificing comfort.
  2. Rainbow Ranch Lodge, Gallatin Gateway: This ranch offers a luxurious and rustic experience, with stunning views and activities like horseback riding and fly fishing. Located near the park's north entrance.
  3. 320 Guest Ranch, Gallatin Gateway: Another fantastic ranch option, offering a variety of accommodations and activities, including horseback riding, hiking, and fly fishing. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
  4. Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone, West Yellowstone: These unique cabins offer a modern and comfortable stay, with private decks and fire pits. A great option for families or groups.
  5. Kelly Inn West Yellowstone: A very clean and comfortable hotel. Very close to many ammenities and shopping.

Finding Your Perfect Yellowstone Stay: A Quick Comparison

To help you quickly compare the options, here's a table summarizing some key features:

AccommodationLocationProsConsBest For
Old Faithful InnInside the park, near Old FaithfulUnbeatable location, historic charm, geyser views.Expensive, books up far in advance.Geyser enthusiasts, history buffs.
Lake Yellowstone HotelInside the park, on Yellowstone LakeBeautiful lake views, elegant atmosphere.Pricey, limited availability.Romantic getaways, those seeking a sophisticated experience.
Grant VillageInside the park, near West Thumb Geyser BasinModern amenities, family-friendly, convenient location.Less historic charm.Families, those seeking convenience.
Canyon Lodge & CabinsInside the park, near Grand Canyon of the YellowstoneStunning canyon views, easy access to hiking trails.Can be crowded during peak season.Hikers, those interested in canyon views.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & CabinsInside the park, near Mammoth Hot SpringsNorthern loop access, unique geological features, potential for wildlife viewing.Further from other major attractions.Wildlife enthusiasts, those interested in unique geological features.
West Yellowstone, MT (various hotels)Just outside the west entranceWide range of options, more affordable, plenty of restaurants and shops.Can be crowded, requires driving into the park.Budget-conscious travelers, families.
Gardiner, MT (various hotels)Just outside the north entranceStunning views, access to Mammoth Hot Springs, charming town.Limited dining options compared to West Yellowstone.Those seeking a quieter experience, wildlife enthusiasts.
Cooke City, MT (various hotels)Just outside the northeast entranceRemote and scenic, access to Lamar Valley and Beartooth Highway.Very limited amenities, long drive to other parts of the park.Adventurous travelers, those seeking solitude.
Jackson Hole, WY (various hotels)Further from the park, but offers luxurious accommodations and a vibrant townLuxurious accommodations, stunning scenery, vibrant town atmosphere.Longer drive to Yellowstone.Those seeking luxury, combined activities (skiing, etc.).
Cody, WY (various hotels)Located east of YellowstoneRich western history and culture, Buffalo Bill Center of the West.Longer drive to Yellowstone.History buffs, those interested in western culture.
Under Canvas YellowstoneNear West YellowstoneUnique glamping experience, comfortable tents, beautiful scenery.More expensive than traditional camping, limited availability.Those seeking a unique and comfortable outdoor experience.
Rainbow Ranch LodgeGallatin Gateway, near north entranceLuxurious ranch experience, stunning views, activities like horseback riding.Expensive.Those seeking a luxurious and rustic getaway.
320 Guest RanchGallatin Gateway, near north entranceVariety of accommodations, activities, family-friendly.Can be pricey, requires driving into the park.Families, outdoor enthusiasts.
Explorer Cabins at YellowstoneWest YellowstoneUnique cabins, modern amenities, private decks.Can be more expensive than traditional hotel rooms.Families or groups seeking a comfortable and private stay.
Kelly Inn West YellowstoneWest YellowstoneVery clean and comfortable rooms, close to many ammenities and shopping.Standard hotel room, no special ammenities.A quick stay.

With so many fantastic options for Yellowstone National Park accommodation, you're sure to find the perfect place to call home during your unforgettable adventure. Remember to book early, especially for in-park lodges, to secure your desired lodging and enjoy the best possible Yellowstone experience!

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