Yellowstone National Park
Where to stay for an unforgettable wildlife experience
Accommodation Guide
Yellowstone offers a wide range of accommodation, from rustic campgrounds and historic park lodges operated by Xanterra to luxury glamping experiences just outside the park gates. The park's five entrance communities (West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Cooke City, Cody, and Jackson) offer additional options. Advance booking is essential, as lodges and campgrounds fill up months before the summer season.
Top Places to Stay
From budget-friendly to ultra-luxury — hand-picked for wildlife enthusiasts
Madison Campground
BudgetA popular NPS campground at the junction of the Madison and Firehole Rivers, centrally located between Old Faithful and the northern loop. Tent and RV sites with flush toilets and a dump station.
- Central park location
- Near Madison River for wildlife
- Flush toilets and fire rings
- Close to Old Faithful and Norris Geyser Basin
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
Mid-RangeA historic hotel at Mammoth Hot Springs in the park's northern section. Offers hotel rooms and cabins with dining on-site. Elk frequently graze on the front lawn, and the Mammoth Terraces are a short walk away.
- Historic park hotel
- Elk on the front lawn
- Walking distance to Mammoth Terraces
- Open during winter season
Canyon Lodge and Cabins
Mid-RangeYellowstone's largest lodging complex, located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Renovated lodge rooms and western cabins with dining, a lounge, and easy access to the canyon's viewpoints.
- Near Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Renovated modern rooms
- Multiple dining options
- Central location for park exploration
Old Faithful Inn
Mid-RangeOne of the world's most iconic national park lodges, built in 1904 with a massive log-and-stone lobby. Rooms range from basic to premium with Old Faithful views. A must-stay for its historic character alone.
- Iconic 1904 log-and-stone architecture
- Old Faithful Geyser views from select rooms
- Historic lobby with massive stone fireplace
- Multiple dining and gift shops
Lake Yellowstone Hotel
LuxuryAn elegant colonial-revival hotel on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, first opened in 1891. Lakefront rooms, a grand dining room, and a sun room with live chamber music create a refined national park experience.
- Grand 1891 lakefront hotel
- Live chamber music in the sun room
- Fine dining restaurant
- Yellowstone Lake views
Under Canvas Yellowstone
LuxuryA premium glamping resort just outside the West Yellowstone entrance, featuring safari-inspired canvas tents with king beds, en-suite bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves. Stargazer tents have transparent ceilings.
- Safari-style glamping tents
- Stargazer tents with clear ceilings
- Wood-burning stoves
- On-site dining and campfire experiences
💡 Booking Tips for Yellowstone National Park
- Book in-park lodges 12-13 months in advance, especially for summer (June-August) stays.
- Lamar Valley is the best spot for wolf and bison viewing. Arrive at dawn for the best sightings.
- West Yellowstone and Gardiner offer more affordable accommodation just outside the park gates.
- The park road from Mammoth to Cooke City is the only road open year-round. All other roads close in winter.
- Bear-proof food storage is mandatory in all campgrounds. Rent a bear canister if backpacking.
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Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park FAQ
Lamar Valley is best for wolf watching. Stay at Mammoth or Tower-Roosevelt for proximity. Canyon Village and Lake Lodge offer central locations for geothermal sites.
Campgrounds cost $20 to $35 per night. In-park lodges start at $150 per night. Gateway town motels in West Yellowstone cost $80 to $200 per night.
Book in-park lodges 13 months in advance when reservations open. Campgrounds fill up months ahead for summer. First-come spots at some sites are available.
Campgrounds and lodges are safe but bison and elk wander through. Store food in bear boxes. Bear spray should be accessible at all times while hiking.