Yellowstone Lodging: Pet-Friendly Cabins in Gardiner, MT

Gardiner, Montana, is a charming gateway town located at the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Known for its stunning mountain scenery, abundance of recreation opportunities, and proximity to world-class wildlife viewing, Gardiner is the perfect base for exploring Yellowstone’s Northern Range and beyond.

Whether you’re planning a summer adventure or a cozy winter getaway, this small town welcomes visitors year-round. For those traveling with pets, Gardiner offers a variety of accommodations that make it easy to bring your furry friends along for the journey, including our pet-friendly cabins located less than one mile from Yellowstone’s North Entrance.

Table of Contents Show

     

    Benefits of Staying in Gardiner, MT

    Located just a few minutes from the park’s North Entrance, Gardiner allows you to quickly access popular areas like the Roosevelt Arch, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Lamar Valley.

    Plus, unlike other entrances that close seasonally, the North Entrance remains open year-round, making Gardiner the ideal place to stay for those visiting Yellowstone during off-season, winter, and early spring months as well as summer.

    Gardiner itself is a small, walkable town with convenient dining options, coffee shops, and stores, meaning you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips. Plus, the surrounding Custer-Gallatin National Forest provides plenty of opportunities for pet-friendly hikes, ensuring both you and your dog will have plenty of room to roam!

     

    Pet-Friendly Cabins Less Than 1 Mile from Yellowstone’s North Entrance

    We offer three pet-friendly cabins in the town of Gardiner, perfectly located for exploring Yellowstone’s North Entrance and beyond.

    Each cabin is just steps from the Yellowstone River, local dining, and the Gardiner Market, making it easy to enjoy the town’s amenities.

    A short drive takes you to some of Yellowstone’s best wildlife-watching spots, scenic hikes, and iconic attractions, including Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt, and Lamar Valley. The North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is less than a mile away from our pet-friendly cabins, offering convenient access to the park’s northern range.

    In the other direction, you can reach Paradise Valley and the relaxing Yellowstone or Chico Hot Springs with another short drive.

    Each cabin is equipped with a washer and dryer, and it’s not uncommon to see wildlife right outside your front door, adding to the charm of your Montana getaway!

     

    Cabin 1: Lincoln’s Lodge (2 bed / 2 bath, sleeps 4)

    All of our cabins are located one street off the main road through Gardiner and less than one mile from Yellowstone National Park. Depending on the time of year, you can rent a single cabin or book all three cabins together to sleep up to 10 guests and enjoy complete privacy for your family vacation.

    Lincoln's Lodge is our primary cabin at the front of the property and can comfortably accommodate up to four guests.

    Inside Lincoln’s Lodge, you'll find one main bedroom (Queen) and one secondary bedroom (featuring a bunk bed with a Full-size mattress on the bottom and a Twin on top). There is also one full bathroom (with a shower/tub combination), one 3/4 bathroom (with a step-in shower), a laundry room with a washer and dryer, and a newly renovated kitchen with an oven, cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, and full-size refrigerator.

    Relax after an amazing day in the park by watching your favorite show on Netflix from the cozy living room. Lincoln's Lodge has Wi-Fi, including ~135 Mbps download and ~82 Mbps upload speeds.

    At the front of Lincoln's Lodge, you'll find a private porch and a small fenced yard with a gorgeous view of nearby Electric Peak. There’s a small deck at the back of Lincoln’s Lodge.

    One of our furry neighbors resting outside Lincoln’s Lodge.

    Lincoln’s Lodge Kitchen

    Lincoln’s Lodge Laundry Room

    Lincoln’s Lodge 3/4 Bathroom

     

    Cabin 2: The Wolf’s Den (Studio / 1 bath, sleeps 2)

    The smallest of our pet-friendly cabins, The Wolf’s Den, is a charming studio plus one-bath retreat, thoughtfully designed for couples or solo travelers exploring Yellowstone.

    The cozy interior features a well-equipped kitchenette with all the essentials for preparing simple meals, making it possible to enjoy home-cooked favorites during your stay.

    The cabin also includes a convenient washer and dryer, ideal for longer visits or after a day of adventure in the park.

    Outside, the Wolf’s Den boasts a quaint front deck where you can savor a morning coffee or unwind with the tranquil views of the surrounding area. Its compact yet inviting design ensures a relaxing and intimate experience for those seeking a peaceful getaway close to Yellowstone’s wonders!

     

    Cabin 3: Red Fox Retreat (1 bed, 1 bath, sleeps 4)

    Our newest lodging option, this cozy two-story cabin offers all the modern comforts you need for a great stay near Yellowstone.

    The main floor features a welcoming living area with a sleeper sofa—perfect for groups of 4—and a full kitchen equipped with an oven, cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, full-size refrigerator, and island seating for two. The bathroom is also located on the main floor and is equipped with a shower, washer, and dryer.

    Upstairs, you’ll find a private Queen-size bedroom that leads to a remarkable second-story deck, where you can enjoy your morning coffee with stunning views of Electric Peak or spend the evening stargazing under the Montana sky.

    The Red Fox Retreat also offers a welcoming front porch, where you can watch for wildlife, as deer and elk frequently roam the neighborhood.

     

    Our Pet Policy & Things to Know

    All of our cabins are pet-friendly!

    We welcome dogs and cats of all sizes for a one-time $25 pet fee. We kindly ask that pet owners clean up after their pets and keep them off the furniture to maintain a clean and comfortable space for all guests.

    We can’t wait to welcome you (and your furry friend) to Yellowstone!

     

    Dog-Friendly Activities in Gardiner

    Staying in Gardiner for your Yellowstone vacation is a great option if you’re bringing a dog with you, as the town and surrounding areas offer plenty of pet-friendly accommodations, activities, and services. While dogs have limited access inside Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner provides a welcoming atmosphere for pets, with several local restaurants featuring outdoor seating areas where dogs are allowed.

    For those looking to get out on the trails, the nearby Custer-Gallatin National Forest is a fantastic spot for dog-friendly hikes. Unlike Yellowstone—where dogs are mostly restricted to parking areas and campgrounds—Custer-Gallatin allows leashed dogs on many of its trails, providing a more flexible and enjoyable outdoor experience for pet owners. There are several scenic trails just a short drive from Gardiner.

     

    Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Gardiner

    For dog-friendly hiking, your best bet is to head to nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest, where dog-friendly trails are available outside the park.

    Here are some dog-friendly hikes near Gardiner, MT.

    • Pine Creek Falls

    • North Fork Bear Creek Trail

    • LaDuke Trail

    • Passage Falls Trail

    • Suce Creek Trail #44 & Suce Creek West Trail #450 Loop

    • Pine Creek Lake

    • Black Mountain

    Here are some dog-friendly hikes in the Beartooth Mountains.

    • Beauty Lake

    • Becker Lake

    • Island Lake Trail

    And here’s a guided dog-friendly hiking tour in the nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest.

     

    Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Gardiner

    The Corral allows dogs on their patio, making it a great place to grab a bite while keeping your dog by your side.

    Tumbleweed Cafe, Outlaw Pizza, Yellowstone Grill, and Sagebrushers Food Truck are pet-friendly, too.

    Dogs are also allowed at “Two Bit City” in Gardiner, where many great food trucks are available for lunch and dinner. (Note: It’s helpful to call ahead to confirm a restaurant’s pet policy in case it has changed.)

     

    Packing Tips for Traveling to Gardiner With Pets

    Since pet-friendly activities are limited in Yellowstone, you’ll likely be doing a lot of scenic driving. Our first tip is to consider using a harness with a seatbelt attachment. This keeps your dog secure during the drive, making it easier for you to hop in and out of the car without worrying about them jumping out unexpectedly. (It ensures their safety and gives you peace of mind at busy overlooks or trailheads!)

    It's also a good idea to bring a towel for muddy paws, as Yellowstone's overlooks and scenic stops can be muddy or dusty, depending on the weather. Wiping off dirty paws before getting back into the car helps keep your space clean and your dog comfortable.

    Packing a travel crate can be helpful to give your dog a familiar and secure place to rest. It also helps prevent any potential messes or damage, ensuring a stress-free stay for everyone.

    Since Yellowstone’s high elevation and summer heat can dehydrate dogs quickly, bringing a water bottle with an attached bowl is a convenient way to keep your dog hydrated.

     

    Best Things To Do With Your Dog in Yellowstone

    Scenic driving is one of the best ways to explore Yellowstone with your dog. You can take in the stunning views of geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife from designated pullouts along routes like the Grand Loop, Firehole Canyon Drive, Lamar Valley, and the nearby Beartooth Highway during summer.

    Dogs aren’t allowed on the boardwalks or trails around the Upper Geyser Basin, but you can still catch an Old Faithful Geyser eruption together from the concrete sidewalks near the Old Faithful Visitor Center.

    For a pleasant walk, the Old Lake Road Bike Trail near the Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins is the only bike trail in the park where leashed pets are allowed. This 1-mile trail offers great views of Yellowstone Lake, though it may be closed in June for bear management, so check the trail’s status at the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center.

    Outside the park, there are several dog-friendly trails in the nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest, such as Pine Creek Falls and Suce Creek Trail, as well as the Shoshone National Forest near the Northeast Entrance, with trails like Beauty Lake and Becker Lake.

     

    Stay With Us in Gardiner!

    Staying with us in Gardiner puts you right at Yellowstone’s North Entrance, offering easy access to the park's best wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and hiking trails.

    Our cozy, pet-friendly cabins are just steps away from local dining, shops, and the Yellowstone River, providing the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

    Whether you're here for adventure or relaxation, our location ensures you're never far from the stunning natural beauty of Yellowstone and the charm of Gardiner.

     

    Keep Planning Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

    Plan your ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide!

    With insider tips, detailed maps, and tailored itineraries for each season, ensure you don’t miss out on the best things to do and see in Yellowstone year-round.

    Created from personal experience over 9 years, our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide is packed with expert advice for experiencing the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park. Take the overwhelm out of planning a vacation to one of America’s largest national parks and make the most of your visit with our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide.

    Save this for later

    Hover over the image below and click on the red “Save” button that pops up in the upper lefthand corner of the image to save this on Pinterest for later. (If you’re on mobile, you might have to tap the image first to see the red ‘Save’ button.)

    Happy Travels!

     
    Previous
    Previous

    The 10 Best Things To Do in Yellowstone Year-Round

    Next
    Next

    Can You Bring Dogs to Yellowstone? A Complete Guide for Pet Owners