Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park | 9 Amazing Lodging & Yellowstone Hotels

When it comes to national parks, exploring Yellowstone is one of the standout things to do with its jaw-dropping natural wonders of nature. But you might be wondering where to stay in Yellowstone on a holiday. 

Is camping the best option, or should you pick from the pricey Yellowstone hotels within the national park grounds? 

A lot of it comes down to personal preference and how much you love comfort or authentic experiences. Wherever you end up staying, you need to make sure you’ll be well-rested to explore all the incredible things to do in Yellowstone National Park. 

Let’s take a closer look at your options lets find out where to stay in Yellowstone National Park.

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Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone

There are plenty of reasons to visit Yellowstone National Park, but often visiting Yellowstone means staying one or two nights to get the most out of one of the greatest national parks. 

Some convenient Yellowstone lodgings are within the gates, like Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Lake Lodge Cabins. Lake Lodge Cabins with its excellent views of Yellowstone Lake, is the oldest hotel in Yellowstone National Park still operating, so it could be fun for a bit of history. 

Other classic stays like the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are temporarily closed, though. However, just because they’re older and established doesn’t always mean they’re the best places to stay in Yellowstone. 

The best place to stay in Yellowstone for you might be a comfy inn just outside of the national park, or a cozy campsite; it depends on your itinerary and how long you’re staying. Let’s take a look at where to stay in Yellowstone to help you decide. 

Yellowstone Camping Grounds

Some campgrounds are more popular than others, but sometimes a little peace and quiet are just what you’re looking for. And if flush toilets are essential to you, that’s also something you’d want to know is available before booking your chosen campsite. 

When it comes to where to stay in Yellowstone, these campgrounds may range in price and amenities, but the views are incredible no matter which you pick. 

Luxury: Fishing Bridge RV Park

This luxe camping ground near the north end of Yellowstone Lake is RV-exclusive (no tent-camping allowed). It offers a multitude of options to make your RV camping experience that much more comfortable. 

While there is an RV dump station, there are flush toilets on-site (that’s a total camping luxury), as well as showers and laundry facilities. You get two free showers a day, but you’ll have to pay a fee after that. 

Fishing Bridge is also the only campsite that is equipped with full electrical hookups, so you won’t need to worry about any of your electrics running out of battery mid-hike. Generators are allowed, though, so feel free to bring your own if you want some extra juice.

The largest RV size for this site is capped at 40 feet. There are 346 sites to pick from, and there is no limit on how long you stay, so you can settle in for a glorious long holiday at this picturesque campsite near the river. >>>Check Availability

Read More: 25 Absolute Best Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park

Mid-Range: Madison Campground

Madison may not have as many creature comforts during your stay in Yellowstone, but these 270 campsites accommodate trailers, tents, and RVs. It’s concessionaire-operated, and you are allowed to bring a generator for your voltage needs as it is a non-electric campground.  

The shared bathroom facilities have running water, so the toilets flush, and the taps pour. It’s a popular camping destination not only because it’s beautiful (woodsy with plenty of wildlife close by to spot) but also for its proximity to the basins. 

If hydrothermal marvels are what you seek, Madison is the closest campsite to the Upper, Lower, and Midway Geyser Basins. But plenty of people come for fly-fishing in the nearby Madison River, especially in spring and autumn. 

Every campsite has its own fire pit and picnic table, and there’s a dump station for RVs. It’s also close to the West Entrance by West Yellowstone, where you can easily pick up supplies. 

You can reserve up to a year in advance, and sites are superbly popular in the summer season. It’s also one of only three campsites in Yellowstone National Park that allow group bookings. >>>Check Availability

Budget: Indian Creek Campground

One of the cheapest sites to stake your tent in Northern Yellowstone National Park, Indian Creek is a scenic piece of national park heaven. 

It’s peaceful and almost therapeutic with its nearby gurgling stream and meadows of softly swaying grasses with the majestic Electric Peak in the background. Plus, Mammoth Hot Springs is just eight miles away. 

Unfortunately, there are no flush toilets, only vault ones available here, and no generators are allowed. So if you’re the ultimate camper who loves to rough it, this is the spot for you.

It’s a quiet campsite with 70 spots available and no visitor center, but there are still some ranger-led programs in the summertime. It’s also a great base for adventuring through the rest of the national park. Campsites are reservable up to six months in advance. >>>Check Availability

Yellowstone National Park Hotels

Who doesn’t love a little convenience? Staying inside the park allows you to get up a little later, and many attractions can be within walking distance depending on where you stay — no need to battle for parking space! 

All of the hotels inside the park are open from late spring until early fall. Only Old Faithful Snow Lodge is open during the winter. Like hotels in most national parks, they get booked up fast, so make your reservations early. 

Luxury: Old Faithful Inn

If you fancy a little bougie comfort during your stay in Yellowstone, Old Faithful Inn is a national historic landmark. It’s close to some of the greatest scenes in the national park — a mere six minutes from Old Faithful and 2.4 miles from Morning Glory Pool. 

The rooms at Old Faithful Inn have a rustic elegance to them, from the single rooms to the fancier suites. The bar has a fun, woodsy feel with an upbeat, contemporary twist, while the public areas are pure country decadence with asymmetrical wooden trimmings and warm lights. The natural art of the twisting wooden branches is reminiscent of Art Nouveau, honestly. 

There’s even a cafè at Old Faithful Inn to get your morning coffee fix before heading out to the national park and a snack bar and deli to fuel your hikes. You can stop by the gift shop for souvenirs before you leave, or just take the memories of your fantastic trip home with you. 

Staying at Old Faithful Inn is perfect for a one-night visit as it’s close to some of the biggest attractions, so if your time at Yellowstone National Park is limited, consider this option. >>>Check Availability

Mid-Range: Canyon Lodge & Cabins

Canyon Lodge is the perfect Yellowstone National Park hotel to base yourself for proximity to points of interest. Artist Point is only 4.4 miles away, and much closer are Inspiration Point, Lookout Point, and Brink of the Upper Falls of Yellowstone River. 

Hayden Valley is also close by, with its grizzly bears, grazing buffalo, and elks. Let’s not forget to mention the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone carved by the Yellowstone River, is only two miles away.

The 500 rooms of Canyon Lodge are modern, with soothing color palettes of warm timber browns interspersed with white and pops of differing colors in each room. It leads to a clean and cozy feeling. 

There’s free Wi-Fi in the lobby to upload your gorgeous landscape snaps to Instagram and a gift store if you feel the need for a take-home T-shirt. 

You won’t be found wanting for food either, as there’s a cafeteria, a deli, and a restaurant on-site to satisfy any cravings you may have. >>>Check Availability

Budget: Grant Village Lodge

Nestled in Grant Village near Yellowstone Lake are six two-story lodges belonging to this Lodge. They have charming names like “Bear Lodge” and “Fox Lodge” and some can be quite rustic on the outside. On the inside, however, modern furnishings with chic black, white, and royal blue adorn the rooms. 

Like most of the hotels in Yellowstone National Park, the dining areas of Lakehouse Restaurant are essentially wooden with slight variations in color. But these spaces have floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic vistas of Yellowstone Lake. You can also relax at the bar/lounge with a cocktail in hand after a long day of sightseeing. 

The lodges look over the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, and some great attractions are nearby. Walk three miles, and you’ll find the Big Cone geyser and the Abyss Pool hot spring. 

There may not be any flat-screen TVs here or air-conditioning, but mini-fridges and tea and coffee facilities are on hand. Wi-Fi is available for a fee.  >>>Check Availability

Places to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park

Staying in hotels near Yellowstone National Park is sometimes the wiser option, especially if you want to save some of your hard-earned money. The bonus is that many hotels and inns are quite close to the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, so you won’t have to venture too far out. 

Luxury: Yellowstone Park Hotel

The brown façade of Yellowstone Park Hotel in West Yellowstone belies the charming decor inside. With clean lines, neutral palettes with pops of color, and touches of antiquity to juxtapose against the modern furniture —- it really is a delight for the senses. 

Plush beds and couches only add to that feel of old-fashioned luxury. And every room comes with a microwave, fridge, flatscreen TV, private bathrooms, and ironing facilities. 

In the communal areas of the hotel, you’ll find free Wi-Fi. An indoor pool area that boasts a hot tub to soak those tired hiking feet. There’s even a business center if you need to hop on a few work calls. 

There are a plethora of outdoor activities available for guests, from fishing to hiking, cycling, and skiing during winter months. The best part? The hotel is only three blocks from the West Entrance. >>>Check Availability

Mid-Range: Kelly Inn West Yellowstone

If you can’t find a Yellowstone park lodging within the gates, then the Kelly Inn is as close to Yellowstone National Park as you can get. 

Plus, it’s full of rustic charm. Just a three-minute drive from the West Gate in West Yellowstone, the comfy rooms with minimalist decor, brown and white color schemes, and wooden accents will have you at ease. 

It’s so near Yellowstone National Park that you won’t have to rise too early and miss out on the complimentary breakfast on the delightful outdoor patio, either. And (bonus) you can grab some snacks from the vending machines on the way out for your trek to Yellowstone Lake.

When you return from visiting Yellowstone, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and your flat-screen TV are a great way to wind down. Otherwise, hit the sauna in the spa and get rid of those impurities built up from the day. 

If saunas aren’t your one-way ticket to relaxation, there’s also an indoor pool and hot tub. Staying at the Kelly Inn is a must on your national park trip. >>>Check Availability

Budget: West Yellowstone Clubhouse Inn

Dark wooden interiors mix with white linens and lighter wood hues to create a stark but striking contrast that’s contemporary and polished. It makes somewhat of a statement on the outside too, with a grand entrance complete with a hand-carved bear statue. 

The indoor pool is inviting, with moody wall lighting, lush greenery, and warm hues. Settle down in the hot tub for a stellar soak, or chill out in your room with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Coffee machines and refrigerators are in all rooms for your convenience. 

The continental buffet breakfast is complimentary, with fresh yogurt, fruit, and pancakes being just some of the tasty items available. This Yellowstone park hotel also has a fitness center for those who like to relax with a run. When visiting Yellowstone, this is a prime place to hold up for a night or two. >>>Check Availability

Lodging in Yellowstone National Park | Wrap Up

Yellowstone accommodations can vary, from camping in the open to relaxing in a fluffy bed with air-conditioning. This just goes to show there’s something to suit everyone regarding where to stay in Yellowstone. 

No matter which you end up going with, whether it’s Yellowstone National Park lodges or a cozy campsite, you’re in for the holiday of a lifetime when you visit Yellowstone. 

Are you off on a road trip from Teton to Yellowstone National Park? Check out this Teton to Yellowstone itinerary for the ultimate holiday. 

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