Where to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park (2024)

Yellowstone is our planet at its most communicative. At the Brink of the Lower Falls — in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — you can listen to the rage of the water, a chorus of 635,000 gallons spilling over the falls’ edge every second. On the maze of boardwalks surrounding the Midway Geyser Basin, tune your ears to the bubbling and boiling beneath and above the surface. Move your attention to somewhere far away in the distance, where a coyote howls from the caldera’s ridge and the wind rushes through the lodgepole pine.

Here, the Earth is alive. You’re standing on an active supervolcano, a hot spot that’s formed one of the largest calderas on the planet. Look at the rim above you — a remnant of a massive explosion 640,000 years ago — as you scan for bison and gray wolves in the grasses of the Lamar Valley. Under foot, the planet is churning, blowing off steam at Old Faithful, forming hot, bubbly mud pots and multi-colored travertine terraces at Mammoth Springs, and creating rainbows at Grand Prismatic Spring. It’s alive with people, too. Traffic builds up in “bison jams,” hundreds gather every hour or so to witness Old Faithful, and crowds flock to magnificent overlooks like Artist’s Point — especially in the warmer months. But with an area bigger than both Rhode Island and Delaware combined, you should be able to carve out your own Yellowstone adventure.

It all begins with where you stay. With four entrances and a long list of hotels and lodges vying to be your home base, below is a helpful breakdown to simplify the process — and make this the best trip possible to the world’s most famous national park. As Alice put it, “Tell me, is this not Wonderland?”

Where to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park (2024)

FAQs

What town should you stay in when visiting Yellowstone? ›

West Yellowstone is a popular and well-known gateway town to Yellowstone. Located at the west entrance, it's closest to the majority of the Park's most popular hydrothermal features, including Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.

Is it better to stay inside or outside Yellowstone? ›

Staying in Yellowstone is the best way for visitors to experience everything the park has to offer. With nine lodging facilities offering over 2,000 rooms in the summer, accommodations in Yellowstone are plentiful for those wishing to experience the national park in its summertime glory.

What city is closest to Yellowstone National Park? ›

East Entrance is 52 miles from Cody, Wyoming — the closest town. This entrance will take you to Yellowstone Lake.

Is Jackson Hole a good place to stay when visiting Yellowstone? ›

Jackson Hole is conveniently located near Yellowstone AND Grand Teton National Park. Visitors can see two of the most treasured national parks in one visit. Grand Teton National Park is at the foot of the Tetons and has hiking trails, beautiful alpine lakes, and dynamic views.

How many days is enough for Yellowstone? ›

Yellowstone is a park that will steal your heart. You could easily take two weeks to explore Yellowstone (and you might want to after you spend a day here). To truly experience the best aspects of the park, you'll want to plan at least three days.

Where should I go for the first time in Yellowstone? ›

Here are our top five must-see destinations in Yellowstone National Park.
  • Old Faithful Area. The world's largest concentration of active geysers is here. ...
  • Lamar Valley. One of the best places for spotting wildlife in Yellowstone. ...
  • Canyon Village. ...
  • Norris Geyser Basin. ...
  • Yellowstone Lake.
Nov 30, 2023

What is the best month to go to Yellowstone? ›

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic destinations, so it can understandably get very crowded during peak season (June, July, and August)! If you're looking to avoid the crowds, the best months to visit Yellowstone are April, September, and October.

How long does it take to drive the loop in Yellowstone? ›

The Grand Loop takes 4 to 7 hours to drive depending on stops, wildlife traffic jams and other factors.

Is the drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone pretty? ›

The scenic drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone West Entrance is accessed via US 191 S. It's an easy drive accompanied by a mountainous backdrop and beautiful emerald-hued flowing streams.

Is Bozeman a good base for Yellowstone? ›

Due to having the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Bozeman is a good place to fly into to begin your Yellowstone adventure, but you will definitely want to stay inside Yellowstone, or in one of the border towns like Gardiner or West Yellowstone.

How far apart are Grand Tetons and Yellowstone? ›

The two parks are both situated north of Jackson Hole, about 30 miles apart from each other.

What city do you fly into for Yellowstone National Park? ›

Airports Closest to Yellowstone National Park

North Entrance: Land at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport near Bozeman, Montana, about an hour and a half from Yellowstone's North Entrance. This airport is convenient if you are planning to visit both Yellowstone and Glacier national parks.

Where do people stay when they visit Yellowstone? ›

From the most famous lodging facility in a national park—the Old Faithful Inn—to the ol' western rustic cabins of Roosevelt Lodge, guests will find an incredible variety of places to bunker down for the night.

What is the best base city for Yellowstone? ›

A: West Yellowstone, located near the west entrance, is a popular base city with various accommodations, dining options, and proximity to major attractions. Gardiner, near the north entrance, and Cody, near the east entrance, are also excellent base cities, each offering its unique charm.

Which side of Yellowstone is best to stay on? ›

There are also campgrounds about 40 minutes from the entrance, including one of our favorites, Rainbow Point Campground. West Yellowstone really is one of the best options if you are staying outside the park. It has one of the shortest driving times to some of the best sites within the park and so many lodging options.

Where is a good base for Yellowstone National Park? ›

To quickly and easily access the Yellowstone National Park North Entrance, you'll want to stay in Gardiner, Montana. Every year there seem to be more north Yellowstone hotels. Gardiner is still a small town, but like many towns at the gateway to National Parks, it is packed with tourist amenities.

Is Bozeman a good place to stay when visiting Yellowstone? ›

Home to MSU, Bozeman is a college town rich with arts, culture, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Big city amenities make Bozeman a great basecamp for visiting Yellowstone National Park. Why should I visit Bozeman? The character and charm of this college town are hard to miss.

What is the best side of Yellowstone to visit? ›

Entering Yellowstone from the west puts visitors in the very heart of Yellowstone's geyser country, meaning it's the quickest way to visit Old Faithful and a number of the park's best-known attractions. Roads are very well-maintained in this section of the park, providing comfortable driving conditions.

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