Where do people sleep in Yellowstone?

Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its geysers, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, attracts millions of visitors each year. One key aspect of planning a trip to the park is deciding where to stay. The options range from historic lodges to scenic campgrounds, and the choice depends on visitors' preferences, budget, and the kind of experience they want to have. Whether you seek the comfort of a cozy cabin or the adventure of camping under the stars, Yellowstone offers something for everyone. This guide explores all the lodging and camping options available within the park.

1. Lodging Inside Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone offers a variety of lodging options, most of which are operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra Travel Collection). These accommodations range from luxury lodges to more rustic cabins, providing different levels of comfort and proximity to the park’s natural attractions.

i. Old Faithful Inn

The most iconic lodging in the park, Old Faithful Inn, is a National Historic Landmark located near the famous Old Faithful Geyser. Built in 1904, the inn is known for its log structure, soaring lobby, and rustic charm. Guests can choose between the historic, more affordable rooms without bathrooms or modern rooms with private bathrooms. Staying here gives visitors the unique opportunity to watch Old Faithful erupt multiple times a day from just steps away.

ii. Lake Yellowstone Hotel

For those seeking elegance, Lake Yellowstone Hotel offers the perfect mix of history and comfort. This Colonial Revival-style hotel, which opened in 1891, is perched on the shores of Yellowstone Lake and provides stunning views of the water. The hotel offers a range of rooms, from suites to standard accommodations, along with a fine dining experience in the elegant Lake Hotel Dining Room.

iii. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

Located near the north entrance of the park, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is open year-round and provides easy access to the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces and the historic Fort Yellowstone. The hotel offers a mix of modern and historic accommodations, as well as nearby cabins for a more rustic experience. It’s an excellent choice for those interested in exploring the park’s northern region, including Lamar Valley, a prime area for spotting wildlife.

iv. Canyon Lodge & Cabins

Canyon Lodge is one of the largest lodging complexes in the park and is located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Its location makes it a great base for exploring the park’s central region, including Hayden Valley and Yellowstone Lake. The lodge offers a variety of accommodations, from modern hotel rooms to more basic cabins.

v. Roosevelt Lodge Cabins

For visitors seeking a more rustic and traditional Yellowstone experience, the Roosevelt Lodge Cabins, located near Tower Junction, provide a charming getaway. Named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who loved this area of the park, the lodge is close to Lamar Valley and offers horseback rides and Old West Cookouts, making it a popular spot for families.

vi. Grant Village

Grant Village, situated near the southern end of Yellowstone Lake, offers modern accommodations and is a good base for those looking to explore the West Thumb Geyser Basin or Grand Teton National Park. The village includes two lodges with a variety of rooms, a restaurant, and a visitor center.

vii. Other Lodging Options

Additional lodging options in the park include Lake Lodge Cabins, offering rustic cabins with lake views, and the more remote backcountry lodges like the Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins. These accommodations provide various levels of comfort, with some offering modern conveniences and others focusing on simplicity and immersion in nature.

2. Camping Inside Yellowstone National Park

For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Yellowstone, camping is an excellent option. The park has 12 campgrounds and over 2,000 campsites, many of which are operated by the National Park Service (NPS), while some require reservations through Xanterra.

a. Campgrounds Requiring Reservations

Several campgrounds in Yellowstone require reservations and offer amenities like potable water, restrooms, and fire grates.

Madison Campground: Located near the west entrance and close to Old Faithful, this campground is ideal for those who want to explore the geysers and thermal features in the Lower and Midway Geyser Basins.

Canyon Campground: Near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, this campground is central to many of the park’s major attractions and offers a great balance between amenities and proximity to scenic areas.

Grant Village Campground: Situated on the west shore of Yellowstone Lake, this large campground is a good option for those exploring the lake and the southern region of the park.

Bridge Bay Campground: Located near Yellowstone Lake, this campground offers some sites with beautiful views of the water and is an ideal location for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

b. First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds

Yellowstone also has several campgrounds that operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making them ideal for spontaneous travelers.

Norris Campground: Located near Norris Geyser Basin, this campground is in the heart of the park, offering easy access to geothermal features and central attractions.

Slough Creek Campground: A favorite among anglers and wildlife enthusiasts, this small campground in the Lamar Valley is perfect for those hoping to spot wolves, bison, and other wildlife.

Pebble Creek Campground: Located in the park’s northeastern section, this peaceful campground is far from the crowds and offers stunning views of the Absaroka Mountains.

c. Backcountry Camping

For adventurous visitors seeking solitude, Yellowstone offers a backcountry camping experience with over 300 designated campsites accessible via hiking or boating. Backcountry camping requires a permit, and visitors must be prepared for varying weather conditions and wildlife encounters. This option provides a more immersive experience, allowing campers to explore remote areas of the park.

3. Lodging and Camping Outside Yellowstone

While staying inside Yellowstone offers the benefit of proximity to attractions, there are several accommodations just outside the park's entrances for those who couldn’t secure reservations or prefer to stay in a gateway town.

a. West Yellowstone, Montana

The town of West Yellowstone is located at the park’s west entrance and offers a variety of hotels, motels, cabins, and RV parks. It’s a popular base for visitors who want to explore the geyser basins and offers amenities like restaurants, shops, and tour operators.

b. Gardiner, Montana

Located at the north entrance, Gardiner offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget motels to upscale lodges. It’s the closest town to Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar Valley, making it a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts.

c. Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana

These small towns near the northeast entrance are perfect for visitors focused on exploring Lamar Valley, often called the "Serengeti of North America" for its abundant wildlife. Lodging options include rustic cabins and small motels.

d. Cody, Wyoming

For visitors entering through the east entrance, Cody offers western-style lodges, dude ranches, and hotels. The drive into the park from Cody takes visitors through the scenic Wapiti Valley, known for its dramatic landscapes and wildlife.

Conclusion

Yellowstone National Park provides a wide range of lodging and camping options, ensuring that every visitor can find a place to sleep that suits their needs. From historic lodges with sweeping views to peaceful campgrounds nestled among the park’s natural wonders, the accommodations in Yellowstone offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the park’s magic. Whether you choose the comfort of a lodge or the adventure of camping, a stay in Yellowstone promises to be unforgettable.