Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park in 2025

What part of Yellowstone is best to stay in?

Yellowstone National Park has five entrances which you can stay near, including the:

North Entrance (Gardiner, MT)
Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT)
East Entrance (Cody, WY)
South Entrance (Jackson, WY)
West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT)

Staying near one of Yellowstone’s entrances generally means staying in a town at or near that entrance. For example, if you’re staying near the North Entrance, you’re likely in Gardiner, MT, or Livingston, MT. If you’re staying near the West Entrance, you’re likely in West Yellowstone, MT, or Island Park, ID.

There are many reasons to stay near one of Yellowstone’s entrances. The two main reasons are more/cheaper lodging options and access to more amenities like restaurants, shopping, coffee shops, grocery stores, and more.

Your other option for where to stay in Yellowstone National Park is inside the park, closer to one of Yellowstone’s main attractions. For example, you can stay near Old Faithful Geyser, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, or Mammoth Hot Springs.

The main reasons for staying inside the park are proximity and convenience, namely that you’ll have less distance to travel to Yellowstone’s biggest attractions. Staying inside the park makes it easier to be at prime locations at prime times, such as being in Lamar or Hayden Valley around dawn and dusk. (These are the two best times of day for wildlife watching.) Proximity and convenience usually come with a cost, and lodging near attractions tends to be more expensive and books out far in advance.

We highly recommend staying either inside the park or in one of the towns closest to an entrance. For example, we recommend Gardiner, MT, over Livingston, MT, and West Yellowstone, MT, over Island Park, ID. Staying closer to the park will result in a better overall trip experience as you’ll spend less time driving. Yellowstone is already a large park that requires a lot of driving between attractions, so reducing your drive time to the park itself is very helpful.

Staying Outside The Park (Comparing Entrances and Towns)

Here are some highlights for Yellowstone’s five entrances.

*North Entrance: Gardiner, MT

Best for wildlife and dramatic mountain scenery
Closest to Mammoth Hot Springs
Nearby restaurants, shopping, and grocery store
Good for year-round visits (all seasons)

Northeast Entrance: Cooke City, MT

Best for driving the nearby Beartooth Highway
Closest to Lamar Valley
Good for summer visits

East Entrance: Cody, WY

Best for access to Yellowstone Lake
Closest to Hayden Valley & the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Good for summer and early fall visits

South Entrance: Moran, WY or Colter Bay Village in Grand Teton National Park

Best for visiting Grand Teton National Park & Yellowstone in 1 day
Closest to Grand Teton National Park & West Thumb Geyser Basin
Good for summer and fall visits

*West Entrance: West Yellowstone, MT

Best for access to geysers and Yellowstone’s thermal areas
Closest to Old Faithful & the Grand Prismatic Spring
Busiest entrance but also offers the most amenities (restaurants, shopping, etc.)
Good for year-round visits (however, winter requires snowmobile or snowcoach transportation)

*Most popular entrances for visiting Yellowstone National Park.

Staying Inside The Park (Comparing Hotels and Cabins)

Here are your options for staying inside the park.

Note: Pets aren’t allowed in park hotels but are allowed in select pet-friendly cabins throughout Yellowstone.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

Closest to Mammoth Hot Springs.
Offers some dog-friendly cabins.
On-site gift shop, restaurants, and gas station.

The hotel is open from April 26-October 14, while the cabins are open from May 10-October 14. In the winter, the hotel is open from December 15-March 4.

Roosevelt Lodge Cabins

Closest to Tower Fall and Lamar Valley.
Offers some dog-friendly cabins.
No internet service.
On-site dining room. Horseback rides offered at Roosevelt Corral.

Roosevelt Lodge Cabins are open from June 7-September 2.

Canyon Lodge & Cabins

Closest to Artist Point, Hayden Valley, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Offers some dog-friendly cabins.
On-site gift shop, restaurants, and gas station.

The hotel is open from May 17-October 14 and the cabins are open from May 17-October 6.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins

Closest to Yellowstone Lake and Bridge Bay Marina.
Select cabins are pet-friendly.
On-site dining room, deli, and gift shop.

The hotel is open from May 10-September 2 and the cabins are open from May 10-October 6.

Lake Lodge Cabins

Closest to Yellowstone Lake and Bridge Bay Marina.
Select cabins are pet-friendly.
On-site dining room and gift shop.

The cabins are open from June 10-October 6.

Grant Village Lodge

Closest to West Thumb Geyser Basin and Grand Teton National Park.
No internet service.
On-site gift shop, restaurants (including a lakeside restaurant), lounge, and nearby gas station.

The hotel is open from May 31-October 6.

Old Faithful Inn

Closest to Old Faithful Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Most popular lodging facility inside Yellowstone National Park and one of the world's oldest and largest log structures.
On-site gift shop, dining room, deli, and gas station.

The inn is open from May 3-October 14.

Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins

Closest to Old Faithful Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Views of the Old Faithful Geyser from the lobby area.
Offers select pet-friendly cabins.
On-site snack shop and cafeteria.

The lodge and cabins are open from May 10-October 16.

Old Faithful Snow Lodge

Closest to Old Faithful Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Select cabins are pet-friendly.
On-site dining room, gift shop, and ski shop.

The lodge is open from April 26-October 27. In the winter, it is open from December 16-March 2.

Note: The three lodging options at Old Faithful are all at the base of the Old Faithful Geyser and near the Old Faithful Inn location above.

Yellowstone Campgrounds

There are 12 campgrounds and over 2,000 established campsites in Yellowstone National Park. Mammoth Campground is first come, first served from October 15 to April 1. All other campsites must be reserved before your trip.

The following campgrounds are reservable through Yellowstone National Park Lodges:

Bridge Bay Campground
Canyon Campground
Fishing Bridge RV Park
Grant Village Campground
Madison Campground

While these campgrounds are reservable through Recreation.gov:

Indian Creek Campground
Lewis Lake Campground
Mammoth Campground
Norris Campground
Pebble Creek
Slough Creek
Tower Fall

Click here for campground operating dates and fees.

Note: Pets are allowed in campgrounds, and some campgrounds offer pet-friendly walking trails.

Map of Yellowstone Lodging

Here’s a map of various places to stay when visiting Yellowstone National Park in 2025. Locations outside the park are designated in yellow, while locations inside the park are designated in brown. The “Grand Loop,” the main scenic drive through Yellowstone is highlighted in blue and campgrounds are highlighted in green.

Is it better to stay inside or outside the park?

Whether it’s better to stay inside or outside Yellowstone National Park depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Generally speaking, it’s best to stay inside the park if convenience (proximity to attractions) is most important, and it’s best to stay outside the park if amenities (restaurants, shopping, and nearby excursions) are most important.

It’s also generally better to stay outside the park if you’re looking for cheaper lodging options or are booking at the last minute. (Campgrounds in Yellowstone are an exception to this as they are the cheapest places to stay in Yellowstone National Park. However, as with all lodging inside the park, you must book well in advance to secure campsites.)

Staying Inside the Park:

Proximity to Attractions: You’re closer to the park’s main attractions, which means less driving and more time exploring.
Unique Lodging: Inside the park, historic lodges and cabins offer a unique experience, such as staying in the iconic Old Faithful Inn.
Wildlife Encounters: You’re more likely to see wildlife right outside your door, especially early in the morning or later in the evening.
Limited Availability: Lodging inside the park often books up quickly, sometimes months in advance, and can be more expensive.

Staying Outside the Park:

More Options: Outside the park, there are more lodging choices, from budget motels to luxury hotels, especially in nearby towns like Gardiner and West Yellowstone.
Lower Prices: Accommodations outside the park are often more affordable and can offer more modern amenities.
Accessibility to Services: You’ll have easier access to restaurants, shops, and other services that are more limited inside the park.
Longer Drives: Staying outside the park means longer driving times to main attractions, which could reduce your exploration time.

Ultimately, if you want to immerse yourself in the park and don’t mind the higher cost or planning ahead, staying inside the park is a great choice. If you prefer more options and amenities or need more flexibility, staying outside the park might be better for you.

Is Bozeman a good place to stay for Yellowstone?

Bozeman, Montana, is a popular destination with plenty to offer, but it's not the best or most practical home base for visiting Yellowstone National Park. Bozeman is about 80 miles from Yellowstone’s nearest entrance (the North Entrance at Gardiner). This means at least a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to the park, not counting the time you’ll drive within the park itself. If you’re looking to maximize your time exploring the park, staying closer to or inside the park is much more convenient.

How many days should you stay in Yellowstone?

The ideal number of days to stay in Yellowstone National Park depends on what you want to see and do. However, we recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days in the park.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can cover with different lengths of stay:

2 Days: You’ll get a taste of Yellowstone and be able to see some of the park’s main attractions, such as Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yellowstone Lake, but your visit will be fast-paced. For a one or two day visit, we highly recommend following “The Grand Loop,” a 142-mile scenic drive through Yellowstone’s most iconic landscapes and attractions. This is best for a sample of Yellowstone or combining your visit with other destinations, such as Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks.
3 to 4 Days: This allows for more relaxed and immersive exploration, including exploration of major geothermal features, key hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. You’ll have time to drive the Grand Loop, witness an Old Faithful Geyser eruption, hike the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and go wildlife-watching in Lamar and Hayden Valleys.
5 or More Days: With five or more days in Yellowstone, you can explore more remote areas of the park, enjoy longer hikes, and take your time experiencing the diverse landscapes and wildlife. This length of stay also allows for flexibility in your plans and the opportunity to visit less crowded spots. Drive the entirety of Yellowstone’s “Grand Loop,” with plenty of time at each geyser basin, overlook, and hot springs boardwalk. Plus, get off the beaten path and further explore everything Yellowstone offers with more time for hiking, river rafting, and other fun wilderness adventures! You’ll even have time to spend a day exploring nearby Grand Teton National Park.

Yellowstone is a very large park with a lot to offer, so the more days you have there, the better you will be able to appreciate its full range of natural wonders and activities.

Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone in 2025

Here are our top picks for where to stay in Yellowstone in 2025.

Note: If you prefer to camp, then opt for the campgrounds near the following locations, such as Canyon Campground, Madison Campground, or Mammoth Campground.

Canyon Lodge & Cabins

Canyon Lodge & Cabins (or Canyon Campground) is my top pick for where to stay in Yellowstone in 2025. Canyon Village is one of the best places to stay in Yellowstone National Park for several reasons:

Central Location: Canyon Village is the most centrally located lodging within the park, making it a convenient base for exploring Yellowstone’s main attractions, such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (including the Brink of the Lower Falls and Artist Point), Hayden Valley, the Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful Geyser), Dunraven Pass, Yellowstone Lake, and the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Canyon Village is located on both the Upper and Lower Loops of Yellowstone’s “Grand Loop,” making it one of the best locations in all of Yellowstone National Park.
Proximity to Hiking Trails: There are several great hiking trails near Canyon Village, including those around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Trails like the Brink of the Lower Falls, Seven Mile Hole Trail, and Wapiti, Clear Lake, and Artist Point Loop provide stunning views of the canyon and waterfalls. You’re also close to the popular Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn Trail, which takes you to the highest point in the park.
Dining and Services: Canyon Village offers dining facilities, a general store, a gas station, and other essential services, making it easier to enjoy your stay without leaving the park for basic needs.
Wildlife Viewing: Canyon Village offers good opportunities for wildlife viewing in the nearby Hayden Valley. Along with the chance to spot bison, birds, elk, and bears, Hayden Valley was one of the best, most reliable places to spot wolves in the summer of 2024. (Note: Packs can change dens, therefore changing spotting opportunities; however, once a den is established, it’s usually a reliable spot for wolves until the pups are grown.)

Overall, Canyon Village’s central location and proximity to attractions and services make it one of the best places to stay in Yellowstone in 2025.

The Old Faithful Area

The Old Faithful area is another convenient place to stay in Yellowstone in 2025. You’re on the other side of Yellowstone’s “Lower Loop,” near the Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring. These are two of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone. This area, with multiple lodging options, is a great place to stay in Yellowstone National Park for many reasons, including:

Iconic Attractions: Staying near Old Faithful puts you within walking distance of one of Yellowstone’s most famous geothermal features. You can easily watch the Old Faithful Geyser's impressive eruptions without traveling far. You can even have the unique experience of watching—or more so, hearing—Old Faithful erupt in the dark!
Geyser Basins: The area is home to the Upper Geyser Basin, which contains the highest concentration of geysers in the park, including the Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Geyser, and Castle Geyser. This makes it a prime location for geothermal exploration. You’re also located close to Biscuit Basin, the Midway Geyser Basin, and the Lower Geyser Basin.
Options: There are several lodging options near Old Faithful, including the historic Old Faithful Inn and the more modern Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Staying here offers easy access to a variety of park amenities, including the most dining and visitor services anywhere in the park.
Unique Accommodations: The Old Faithful Inn is one of the oldest log structures in the United States, offering a unique lodging experience with its rustic charm. Its grand lobby features a massive stone fireplace and a towering log structure, making the Old Faithful Inn one of the most popular places to stay in Yellowstone National Park.
Accessibility: The Old Faithful area is well-connected with trails and boardwalks that make exploring nearby geothermal features and scenic spots easy—without getting in your car. This can be especially helpful during July and August, the busiest months of the year.

Overall, the Old Faithful area offers a blend of iconic attractions, convenient amenities, and unique lodging options, making it an excellent choice for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders.

This is a map of the Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone. Toward the bottom of this map, you can see the Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and Old Faithful Lodge and Cabins. All are within walking distance of the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Geyser.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

Here’s what we love about the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins:

Northern Entrance: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins is near the park’s North Entrance, close to the Mammoth Hot Springs Upper and Lower Terraces. This location provides easy access to the northern and northeastern areas of Yellowstone, some of the best areas in the park for wildlife watching and scenic landscapes.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces: One of the main draws is the nearby Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, a beautiful area of geothermal activity featuring travertine terraces. The hotel’s location makes exploring these unique formations easier at less crowded times.
Wildlife Viewing: The area around Mammoth is known for good wildlife viewing opportunities. In the fall, you’ll likely see elk. In the spring, you’re close to Tower Fall and Lamar Valley, two of the best places in the park to see bears and bear cubs. In the winter, you’re near Lamar Valley and Slough Creek, two of the best places to look for wolves.
Year-Round Lodging: This is one of two lodges that offer winter lodging. (Old Faithful Snow Lodge is the other.) That makes the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins one of the best places to stay in Yellowstone in 2025, no matter what time of year you’re visiting.

Gardiner, MT

Just outside the park’s northern entrance, Gardiner, MT, is one of the best places to stay in Yellowstone in 2025—whether you’re visiting for winter wolf-watching, spring wildlife, summer rafting and fishing, or fall hiking.

Gardiner is our personal favorite place to stay in Yellowstone National Park, and similar to Mammoth Hot Springs, it’s one of the best places to stay for wildlife watching and scenic driving year-round. Gardiner makes the perfect home base for Yellowstone for several reasons:

Proximity to Lamar Valley: Gardiner is a short drive from Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt, and Lamar Valley, the latter of which is often called the "Serengeti of North America" due to its abundant wildlife. This area is renowned for its large populations of bison, elk, pronghorn, and wolves, making it a prime location for spotting these animals in their natural habitat.
Amenities: Gardiner, MT, is less than one mile from Yellowstone’s North Entrance. There, you’ll find many lodging options, restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, gift shops, guided tour companies, and excursions, such as horseback riding, fly fishing, and river rafting. Gardiner offers the best of both worlds with its proximity to Yellowstone and more modern amenities. And since Gardiner is a small town, you still enjoy the quieter remoteness that makes Yellowstone an immersive experience.
Early Access: Being close to the park’s North Entrance, Gardiner offers the advantage of early access to the park’s northern regions. This is especially beneficial for catching wildlife at dawn or dusk when animals are most active.
Winter & Spring Access: The North Entrance is the only entrance open for car travel during winter months. For this reason, Gardiner, MT, is the best place to stay in Yellowstone in the winter. It’s also great in the spring because of its proximity to Tower Fall, one of the best places to see bears and bear cubs!
Scenic Drives: The scenic drive from Gardiner to Mammoth and Lamar Valley is one of the most scenic drives in the park. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, pronghorn, bison, bears, and more.

Overall, Gardiner’s proximity to key wildlife areas, combined with its amenities, makes it an ideal location for visiting Yellowstone National Park in 2025.

West Yellowstone, MT

West Yellowstone, MT, is one of the most popular places to stay in Yellowstone and offers the most variety of dining, lodging, and shopping options. It’s a great place to stay with kids, especially because you can explore the nearby Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Here are some reasons to consider staying in West Yellowstone:

Proximity to the Park: West Yellowstone is located just outside the park’s West Entrance, making it a convenient base for exploring Yellowstone’s thermal areas, including the Midway Geyser Basin (home of the Grand Prismatic Spring) and the Upper Geyser Basin (home of the Old Faithful Geyser).
Wide Range of Accommodations: West Yellowstone, MT, has a diverse selection of lodging options, from hotels and motels to vacation rentals and campgrounds.
Amenities and Services: This is one of the biggest reasons to stay in West Yellowstone. West Yellowstone has numerous restaurants, shops, and services. You’ll find everything from grocery stores to gear shops, which can be useful for stocking up on supplies or purchasing park-related items.
Tourist Attractions: The town itself offers attractions such as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, where you can learn about and view local wildlife. This can be a great way to enhance your visit before or after exploring the park.
Family-Friendly Options: The town provides family-friendly activities and amenities, which can be particularly appealing when traveling with children.

West Yellowstone is a practical and comfortable base for exploring Yellowstone National Park. It offers convenience, a range of accommodations, and various amenities that can enhance your overall trip.

Where to Stay in Yellowstone in the Winter

Staying in Yellowstone National Park during the winter offers a unique and serene experience, but options are limited compared to the summer season. For winter trips, we recommend spending 3-4 nights at the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT, or Mammoth Hot Springs) and three nights at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge or near the West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT).

Here are your options for where to stay in Yellowstone in the winter.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel: Located near the North Entrance, this hotel is a great base for exploring the northern part of the park and offers easy access to the Mammoth Hot Springs area. This area also provides access to many cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails and is the only area allowing car travel during winter months.
Gardiner, MT: Similar to Mammoth Hot Springs, Gardiner is a great place to stay when exploring Yellowstone in the winter. Gardiner is located just outside Yellowstone’s North Entrance and offers a variety of lodging, restaurants, and amenities. This is the only entrance you can drive into, so it’s our top choice for where to stay in Yellowstone in the winter.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge: This is the second in-park lodging option available in winter. It’s located in the Old Faithful area and provides easy access to some of the park’s winter trails and activities. The lodge offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere and a chance to experience the park’s iconic geothermal features in a quieter season. Note: You’ll need to book transportation to the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, as the roads to the lodge are not open to car travel.
West Yellowstone, MT: West Yellowstone has several hotels and lodges that cater to winter visitors and provide easy access to the park’s West Entrance. Since the West Entrance is not open for car travel, plan to enter and explore the park by guided snowmobile or snow coach. Many tour snowmobile and snowcoach tour companies are operating out of West Yellowstone, making it a great place to spend part of your winter trip.

Winter in Yellowstone is a magical time with fewer crowds, stunning snow-covered landscapes, and opportunities for winter sports. Just keep in mind that many park roads are closed to car travel and only accessible by guided snowcoach or snowmobile tours.

Where to Stay in Yellowstone for Wildlife Watching

Gardiner, MT, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins, and Roosevelt Lodge Cabins are great places to stay in Yellowstone for wildlife watching.

Roosevelt Lodge is closest to Lamar Valley and Tower Fall, making it ideal for spotting bears, bison, wolves, and other wildlife. However, these cabins are more rustic, offer no Internet, and are only open in June, July, and August.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabin is another great option with both hotel rooms and select pet-friendly cabins. This area has on-site dining options and gift shops and is one of two lodges open during winter.

Gardiner, MT, situated at the North Entrance, is still a convenient place to stay and watch for wildlife near Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Fall, and Lamar Valley. Gardiner offers multiple lodging options and amenities, making it one of the best places to stay in Yellowstone for both proximity and amenities. Plus, the drive from Gardiner to Mammoth is beautiful and one of the best areas in the park to see elk and pronghorn.

Slough Creek, Pebble Creek, Tower Fall, Mammoth, and Canyon Campgrounds are also great for wildlife watching, primarily for their proximity to Lamar and Hayden Valleys.

Where to Stay in Yellowstone with Kids

West Yellowstone, MT, is a great choice for families traveling with kids due to its abundance of family-friendly amenities and activities. The town offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels and motels with kid-friendly features and a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes.

One of the highlights of West Yellowstone is the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. It offers interactive exhibits and the chance to see grizzly bears and wolves up close, making for an educational and exciting experience.

West Yellowstone also provides easy access to the park’s West Entrance, making it a convenient base for exploring Yellowstone’s geothermal areas. Many tour operators in West Yellowstone offer family-friendly guided tours, including wildlife viewing and sightseeing excursions.

The Cliff Notes (A Quick Summary)

Here are our top recommendations for where to stay in Yellowstone National Park in 2025.

Stay in Canyon Village or the Old Faithful Area for the best location and shortest drives to top park attractions.
Stay in Gardiner or Mammoth for wildlife watching, spring trips, and off-season trips.
For winter trips, spend 3-4 nights at Mammoth or Gardiner and three nights at West Yellowstone or Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
Stay in West Yellowstone for amenities, including maximum dining, lodging, and shopping options.
For the best of all worlds, spend three nights at Canyon Village and 3-4 nights in Gardiner. (This is our personal pick for where to stay in Yellowstone for a week-long trip.)

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Happy travels!!