If you plan to make a trip to Yellowstone National Park while remaining within your travel budget, it’s crucial to consider the costs and conditions. Consequently, by examining major expense categories, you can create a realistic budget for a visit to this national treasure in northwestern Wyoming.

Admission Fees

As of May 2018, the entrance fee is $30 for a private, noncommercial vehicle; $25 for each snowmobile or motorcycle; or $15 for each visitor aged 16 and older entering by foot, bike, ski, or other means. An annual pass costs $60. It’s essential to note that operating hours may vary by season.

Nearest Commercial Airports

If you’re flying and planning to rent a car, several airports are relatively convenient to Yellowstone. Cody and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, are the closest at 78 and 101 miles away, respectively. Meanwhile, Bozeman, Montana, is 132 miles away; Idaho Falls, Idaho, is 164 miles from the park; and Billings, Montana, is 184 miles away. Salt Lake City, being the largest city and airport in the vicinity, is located 376 miles away, resulting in a lengthy drive to Yellowstone.

Budget Airlines to Shop

To find good airfares, check out budget airlines. Allegiant flies into Billings; Horizon serves Idaho Falls, Billings, and Salt Lake City; Frontier lands at Billings, Bozeman, and Jackson Hole; and Southwest services Salt Lake City.

Nearby Cities With Budget Rooms

Many travelers stay in one of the park lodges or utilize camping facilities when visiting Yellowstone. Conventional hotel rooms can often be scarce and hard to reserve during peak seasons. Accommodations just outside the park are limited. West Yellowstone and Cody offer a few options. Regardless of your choice, planning ahead is vital since Yellowstone experiences extremely high visitation during summer, leading to high demand for lodging.

Camping and Lodge Facilities

There are nine lodges and 12 campgrounds within the park. Similar to many popular national parks, the lodging here fills quickly in the summer. Many visitors make reservations six to eight months in advance. The most popular lodging option is the Old Faithful Inn, which offers over 300 rooms; however, it is not budget-friendly. You may want to treat yourself to a night or two at this iconic lodge.

Backcountry camping is permitted, but you must obtain a permit in person no more than 48 hours before your visit, with limitations on the number of permits issued each day.

Camping is available at 12 campgrounds, and reservations can be made in the morning for your stay. Note that during peak season, these spaces often fill up early, so starting your day early is advisable. Keep in mind that each campground has its own schedule, with only Mammoth being open year-round.

Top Free Attractions in the Park

Old Faithful is arguably the world’s most famous geyser, drawing crowds with its eruptions every 60 to 90 minutes. However, this area also boasts the largest concentration of geysers, allowing exploration of many others.

Another stunning sight is Yellowstone Canyon, the namesake of the park itself. Be sure to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Lower Falls and the canyon; it’s an experience to cherish.

Parking and Ground Transportation

Yellowstone covers a vast area, and distances between points of interest can be considerable. There are bus tours available within the park. However, be aware that many roads may be closed during the winter months. Therefore, it’s crucial to check road schedules and construction areas when planning your trip to avoid inconvenient situations.

Nearby Attractions

Many visitors combine their trip to Yellowstone with a visit to Grand Teton National Park, located about 100 miles to the south in western Wyoming.