Summary
While the best way to experience Yellowstone National Park is by staying overnight inside the park, there are many compelling reasons to choose accommodations outside its boundaries. For instance, you might find it difficult to secure an in-park reservation or may prefer a hotel offering a wider range of amenities—like air conditioning, TVs, or internet access—which are not available at the hotels, cabins, and campgrounds within the park. Additionally, Yellowstone may just be one stop on your broader vacation itinerary.
If you opt to stay outside of Yellowstone National Park, you will find a plethora of options ranging from modern hotels to tent camping. Your choice of accommodation can depend on your direction of travel and which park attractions you plan to visit:
Where to Stay Near the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park
The small town of West Yellowstone, Montana, is situated less than 1 mile from Yellowstone’s western entrance along US Highway 20. It is conveniently located near the intersection of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.
- Consider staying in a hotel or motel in the city of West Yellowstone.
- Camp or rent a cabin at Henry’s Lake State Park in Idaho.
- Opt for camping or cabin rentals in the Ashton/Island Park area of Targhee National Forest.
- Enjoy camping in the Hebgen Lake District of Gallatin National Forest.
- Check guest reviews and prices for West Yellowstone hotels on TripAdvisor.
Where to Stay Near the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park
Gardiner, Montana, is located along US Highway 89, just outside the north entrance to the park. This particular entrance is closest to the Mammoth Hot Springs area.
- Look into hotels or motels available in Gardiner.
- Consider camping in the western section of the Gardiner District of Gallatin National Forest.
- Check guest reviews and prices for Gardiner MT hotels on TripAdvisor.
Where to Stay Near the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park
The northeastern entrance offers excellent access to Yellowstone’s stunning Lamar Valley. Cooke City, Montana, is just a few miles away on the Beartooth Highway (US Highway 212).
- Explore hotels or motels in Cooke City.
- Enjoy camping in the eastern section of the Gardiner District of Gallatin National Forest.
Where to Stay Near the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park
When approaching Yellowstone from Cody, Wyoming, you’ll enter via US Highway 20.
- Stay in a cabin or guest house at Pahaska Teepee Resort, which features one of Buffalo Bill’s historic lodges.
- Consider a cabin at Crossed Sabres Ranch, located 8 miles from the east entrance.
- Enjoy camping in the Wapiti Ranger District of Shoshone National Forest.
Where to Stay Near the South Entrance to Yellowstone National Park
The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway connects the northern edge of Grand Teton National Park to the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The Grant Village and West Thumb area of Yellowstone is closest to this entrance.
- Find accommodations in a cabin or camp at the Flagg Ranch Resort within the Rockefeller Memorial Parkway lands.
- Consider camping in the Buffalo District/Teton Division of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
