The 9 Best Areas & Places to Stay in Yellowstone

[@luvmykids21000]

I live 2 hours south of West Yellowstone. We always take day road trips to Yellowstone. You can see a lot in one day. Thus avoiding expensive hotels.

[@MindyP-tg4ub]

I'm looking at a Yellowstone family vacation in 2025. I found a great place to stay that is on Henrys Lake. If you are familiar, would you recommend this area?

[@garygrow8373]

@@MindyP-tg4ub The fishing on Henrys Lake is fabulous. Lots of campgrounds if you want to camp.

[@stellawiltshire8007]

I used your videos and park guides for our up coming trip...Thank you for all the information. We are driving from Virginia to Washington leaving Monday the 17th of July....it is my daughter and I, my daughter is relocating to Washington and so instead of just driving straight through we decided to see more of the country...especially the national parks along the way...we are driving west initially stopped in Kentucky and MO before heading north to hwy 90...we then will visit the badlands and devils tower...we will spend 2 nights in Cody...we have signed up for a Viator tour of the lower loop of Yellowstone...I did this to give us a break from driving and to avoid the hassle of trying to find a parking space and dealing with traffic...it cost about 250. a person for all day and comes with drinks, food, driver and guide...then using your guide we will make our way to Jackson and spend 2 nights there...on the way down we'll scope out Jenny lake and some of the other areas...that evening were dining on top of the mountain in Teton village...the next morning we'll get up and do sunrise at schawbacker, then the boat across the lake and 2 short hikes...next we'll head to Idaho and Craters of the moon...working our way north to Walla walla..and finally Tacoma Washington...arriving on the 28th of July...originally our plans were to go north to Glacier but we started planning too late...it was becoming too difficult to find a place to stay near St Mary and there is planned road construction on the east side which they said would stop pre 6am entrance...so we took it out...Thank you again for all the info.😊

[@WereintheRockies]

Wow! You have a wonderful trip planned. Enjoy!

[@Buddahgirl71]

We are painting the outdoor handrails at the Yellowstone Lake Hotel. Be back there on Monday! You guys are awesome!

[@stokebailey]

Another priority visitors might have when visiting Yellowstone that should be considered when choosing where to stay in Yellowstone: backcountry hiking! The northern part of the park provides some of the most spectacular backcountry hiking (and an opportunity to escape from the crowds). There are plenty of good day trip hiking trails that can accommodate a wide range of ages between the Northeast and Mammoth entrances.

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks for sharing.

[@MartinDesmond-f1m]

If you are traveling to Yellowstone in early October, you might be able to get discounted rooms as the lodges close down if you are patient. We have been able to score an Old Faithful Inn room for this coming October for $89 plus tax and a Mammoth cabin for $85 plus tax.

[@WereintheRockies]

Great suggestion! Thanks

[@roachx2016]

Just looked for 8 till 10 october but no deals for me. Will keep on checking :)

[@sclauss11]

Where did you find this deal?

[@barbaralindemuth3855]

Checked for 11-14. Nothing

[@amieferrell2285]

@@barbaralindemuth3855most of the park is shutdown from the end of October until mid-December. And there are some location that shutdown even before October due to being at higher elevations, which means snow, road closures, etc.

[@geralddaumiller4924]

I would have begun with the bit about reserving 13 months in advance or looking for cancellations. We live in Helena, about 3 hours from West Yellowstone. Two or three times a year we will suddenly decide to go to Yellowstone tomorrow and we are ALWAYS able to find rooms in the park. Finding three nights in a row at exactly the spot we want is not always possible, but there are always good options.

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks for sharing.

[@PaulEnt1]

What an absolutely fantastic channel, travelling from uk next year and this channel is so informative

[@WereintheRockies]

We're so glad we can be of help. Enjoy your trip to the states.

[@insane_jarvis_9857]

very helpful video. great information, well organized and clearly communicated, with no fluff. thank you!

[@mzt1936]

This was super informative and detailed, thanks for sharing. Planning on a trip with the family this winter and this is helps a lot. Thank you.

[@WereintheRockies]

Glad it was helpful! Have a great time.

[@Mr.Buster404]

You can always get a reasonable room in Livingston Mt. it is no farther from the east entrance than Cody is from the north entrance.

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks for sharing.

[@ruthmoonstruck5947]

Actually means Cody to EAST entrance and Livingston to NORTH entrance. If flying in to Bozeman, don't miss the Museum of the Rockies on the U campus.

[@bridgetg1916]

What a great video! You helped me SO MUCH! And you're both great travel ambassadors to watch. Thank you!

[@WereintheRockies]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lcedraga579]

I really enjoy your review videos! I have seen several from different parks in preparation for our recent & now future road trips. They are through enough without being too wordy or lengthy and love the pros and cons (of course based on YOUR opinion & experience), but if feels very honest which I appreciate. Not just the cool social media reels you see that leave you asking so many questions. 😂Thank you!!!

[@WereintheRockies]

You're welcome, glad we could help.

[@hgj2019]

Nice job! I’ve visited Yellowstone several times. Just love the whole place. I always rv camped, but this video filled in much info about other lodging options. Really good points about driving. On one trip we stayed at a place near Moran junction. It was a nice place and we managed to cover the whole park, but there was a lot of driving.

[@WereintheRockies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bhendrikabel]

Great information guys. I’m planning another roadtrip in the USA in September 2024 and this time Grand Teton and Yellowstone are on the list. Jackson Hole looks the place to be if i’m visiting the Tetons, but i’m gonna stay on the North side the next days to visit Yellowstone itself. Thanks and keep up this great work. Really helpful

[@WereintheRockies]

Have fun!

[@dennistennis2225]

Camp. Camp everywhere in Yellowstone for so many reasons.

[@florsierra6458]

Is camping in early October a good idea????

[@nancygilliland4002]

Like stay home...leave the meadows to grow another day

[@tinybubbles263]

We are staying at a new cabin in Island Park, Utah. In-between West Yellowstone and Grand Teton/Jackon area. Price in Sept. $165/night. It is a great way to see both areas. Staying for 4 or 5 nights the savings adds up. West Yellowstone had crappy old hotels for $240 and up. I'm not paying that for old needing updates. Island park is only 20 minutes away.

[@Cenlalowell]

See I'm thinking of staying in Saint Anthony,ID for the same reason. It's 70 minutes from the west Yellowstone entrance I believe. The cabins inside the park are so expensive

[@WereintheRockies]

If you don't mind the added hours driving to and from the park every day, then yes, it's doable. Have a great trip!

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

Island Park is in Idaho not Utah. Yellowstone runs into Idaho. Island Park Caldera is one of the largest caldera's in the world.

[@gsitzkowitz]

Definitely a part 2!

[@billbeverly2864]

I will be working again in Yellowstone this summer, this time I will be working at Lake Lodge front desk.

[@WereintheRockies]

Congrats Bill!! So happy for you. Is this your second or third summer?

[@billbeverly2864]

@@WereintheRockies This will be my third, second time in Lake Lodge. I am reviewing all your videos to refresh my memory.

[@jeanh9321]

Stayed at Canyon, I hated the new lodges, but the cabins are very nice. Food at Canyon is terrible. I love staying at the Old Faithful Inn, but I find that the rooms are not very clean. Getting a table at the Old Faithful dining room is tough unless you have a reservation.

[@jzlotopolski]

I really enjoyed staying at the Irma in Cody

[@jonam7589]

You have provided very useful information that I have tried to use as my guide. The only problem that I have with staying in the park is the US Parks Services for Yellowstone website is very bad. You cannot see the rooms. There is only one very small photo with no information. So frustrating!

[@stevenchia849]

thanks a lot for your comprehensive information.

[@WereintheRockies]

You're welcome.

[@jean-louisdorget170]

Thank you for your advice, my wife and I intend to settle down in Casper permanently, and we are eager to explore the western part of Wyoming furthermore. As we are French people who live in Nice, French Riviera, we are curious about American accommodation rates. Your videos are very helpful.

[@WereintheRockies]

You're very welcome. Good luck.

[@alltheboost801]

Great video! We are in Utah and thinking of going 4-5 nights. I enjoy driving and do want to see the entire park and also want to drive through the Tetons. We aren’t looking to do too much hiking but will definitely get out and do some walking on the trails to see cool sights. What would be your recommendations? Thanks!

[@WereintheRockies]

You are going a great length of time! We have lots of suggestions on our We're in the Rockies website: wereintherockies.com/national-parks/ We also have a Yellowstone Travel Guide, which includes a 4 day itinerary and audio guide. It will get you to everywhere you should go! wereintherockies.com/yellowstone-packages/

[@fsusarge]

At last they got WiFi throughout the canyon village. My first stay it had only made it to the main lodge. When I met you two there I was happily surprised with the upgrade.

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks for saying hi!

[@fsusarge]

@@WereintheRockies Anytime, my friends!

[@WereintheRockies]

@@fsusarge we posted the picture of us with you on our Instagram and Facebook account recently

[@fsusarge]

@@WereintheRockies I saw that. I was so touched. You guys were great to bump into.

[@fsusarge]

@@WereintheRockies I just collected my "top fan" badge on Facebook. Thanks!

[@MujerVirtuosaLinajeReal]

Hello!🤗. We stayed in Afton Wyoming, nice lodge , quite expensive in the $200 but beautiful and safe hotel. We drove 3/2 to Yellowstone, quite far but it was an opportunity to visit Jackson hole, the Grand Tetons etc... Next time, we will stay closer to Lamar Valley because we want to see more animals ( we did not see the bears 😢)

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks for your comments and good luck next time with the bears.

[@seenaromi7458]

Hi .. Informative video.. Thank you!! How many days stay you recommend to see the major spots at Yellowstone if we are staying inside the park?

[@WereintheRockies]

We like to suggest 4 days. Two days on the upper loop and two days on the lower loop. Obviously you could stay longer but we feel 4 days give you a decent taste of Yellowstone.

[@seenaromi7458]

@@WereintheRockiesthank you!

[@jenniferbarbier2962]

Great info thanks!

[@WereintheRockies]

You bet!

[@theguy-r9t]

Great video! Do you have a recommendation for where to stay at with young kids (they are 10 and 7)? Being able to walk to different sights and getting food easily would be ideal.

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks for watching. See our article Where Should You Stay When Visiting Yellowstone: wereintherockies.com/where-should-you-stay-in-yellowstone/ It will help you decide whether you want to stay inside the park or outside the park and we give lodging suggestions too.

[@billricheter5678]

Is visitation down again this year. It seems several parks are losing attendance after Covid surge. Also timed entry has caused some decrease I have heard

[@Mr.Buster404]

Yellowstone is packed.

[@WereintheRockies]

We do not know the numbers for this travel season, but we've heard it's busy. Also, Yellowstone does not have a timed entry system, but some do.

[@billricheter5678]

@@WereintheRockies it always seems busy but I have seen there is a lot of available lodging and camping this year more than ever before. Just wandered why that is

[@joecamerer2865]

I like the concept of bear spray rental, since no one ever uses it. If you buy it then don't use it, then what do you do with it?

[@WereintheRockies]

You can dispose of them at hazardous waste facilities, or another idea is to give them to another hiker or hotel.

[@AceGoodheart]

Good protection against road rage drivers.

[@anneweller1412]

Thank you! We booked gardiner and west Yellowstone along with one night in Moran. Hoping that last one works out. We have reservations we can cancel with no penalty the week before the trip. Would really love to stay in the park. I’d there a time if day that is better to check fir cancellations in the park?

[@brians1524]

We stayed in Gardiner MT about 2 weeks ago. We stayed at the Yellowstone village inn in the deluxe king kitchen suite. It was amazing. Just an awesome room/ house. Would go back for sure. Also stayed in west Yellowstone at the holiday inn. Nice place but pricey. I would have stay in the park. To expensive. My advice when in west Yellowstone, get to the entrance gate early. We were in the park by no later than 6:15. No lines. Also do the very popular areas early. Old faithful, geyser basin, grand pragmatic. Etc. very crowed areas. If I was to go again. I would get into park early, leave by noon or so and come back in later afternoon.

[@WereintheRockies]

There is not a set time. From our experience vacancies can show up at anytime during the day. I'd check periodically through the day.

[@billricheter5678]

Terribly overpriced. So sad that national parks have priced the middle class out of lodging. Anyway, great vid as always.

[@toddryan0108]

💯. Regular people are seemingly priced out of a lot in this country.

[@Cenlalowell]

Supply and demand. Alot of cabins are sold out for next June. So they're not having any trouble with people paying. I'm going to stay outside the park more than likely

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks for watching.

[@billricheter5678]

@@WereintheRockies you guys are awesome. We do very similiar travels as you guys do. Always thought someone should put together good practical advise for travel. Keep it up. Your channel will keep growing as word gets out.

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

Yes. Everything is expensive. Everything! So sick of pretending that this is some great country when Bolshevik Communists run it and steal 30% of my income illegally and giving it to criminal illegal border crossers. Would love to go back to Mammoth Hot Springs with the kids but can't afford it. And we are only five hours away in Idaho.

[@robhamilton8993]

We stayed in Cody in July 2014 and loved it. It was a fantastic town and friendly people. We stayed at Robin’s Nest B&B with great hosts. Thanks for your great reviews.

[@eileenellingsen3669]

Hi!! Made reservations for LAKE LODGE and it appears they are cabins... Have you been to these??

[@WereintheRockies]

Yes, several times. Haven’t seen them from the inside though. They are just right behind the hotel

[@eileenellingsen3669]

Oh!! It didn't seem to show rooms in the lodgr!! I will have to rebook at that! Is this a good spot for seeing the park?

[@WereintheRockies]

Oh I’m sorry. I thought you were talking about lake hotel. Ok. Lake lodge does not have lodge rooms. Only the cabins (which are still behind the lodge). It’s a lovely area. I think just about anywhere inside the park is a good place to stay to see the park. I stayed right by there in bridge bay campground and loved it. Lots of wildlife in the area. Note that the lake isn’t a beach place to swim or play in.

[@tcbtcb]

I have to disagree 100% and would recommend to stay in the park. We stayed 2 days in Old Faithful area and 2 days in the Canyon Lodge. In July there was a line in the morning to get into the park and a line to leave the park at night and we breezed by. We saved so much time as we were already in the park doing things. Plus you are not saving that much money considering the cost of the entire trip which is probably a once in a life time trip.

[@WereintheRockies]

All very good points! Thanks for watching.

[@dondontabzon9421]

@@WereintheRockiesI’m from Sacramento California and Planning to visit the park for 3 days . Can you please help me to make itenerary and where to stay. Ty so much

[@badabingpixtures3675]

@@dondontabzon9421just got back. West Yellowstone and the north entrance are good places to stay. North entrance has the Yellowstone hot springs that are great to relax in after long days of hiking and walking. If you enter the park before 8am you beat the crowds (earlier the better). The park is very easy to drive around between 7-8am it’s easier to get places and parking is no problem.

[@Cenlalowell]

Also the prices for next june 2024 are outta sight. If available at all, im seeing prices like 500$1000 nightly

[@WereintheRockies]

Yikes!

[@tomconley2458]

What airport would you recommend flying to Yellowstone from the SouthEast? Thank you

[@WereintheRockies]

I usually just say use the cheapest airport: Bozeman, Jackson, Idaho falls, Salt Lake City, Cody. SLC is a little farther away but if it’s a lot cheaper, I would do it.

[@WereintheRockies]

Also see our article wereintherockies.com/getting-to-yellowstone-and-grand-teton/

[@tomconley2458]

Thank you!

[@vincentspione]

West Yellowstone is an stain next to our great National Park. A side show village that preys on tourists. Very little charm and lots of cheap souvenirs.

[@lorenzo1965lrn]

nice vedeo

[@twilightfresh4459]

Any idea how much bear rentals cost in canyon village?

[@WereintheRockies]

Here's a great place to check prices: www.nps.gov/places/000/bear-aware.htm

[@Cenlalowell]

Ok, im thinking of staying in Saint Anthony, ID its about 70 minutes from the west Yellowstone entrance is this doable???

[@brians1524]

My opinion is it’s doable but it’s to far to drive in everyday. If you are coming into west Yellowstone and don’t get to the gate before 8 am. You are going to wait. We just came back on July 4th to Pa. I would stay closer. Just my opinion.

[@Cenlalowell]

@@brians1524 thanks for that. I'll keep looking it's so hard to find a place that is not expensive.

[@brians1524]

@@Cenlalowell it is but it may be worth paying a little more and being able to get into the park early and see more. I stayed at the holiday inn but it’s pricey. I heard the days inn was a little cheaper.

[@WereintheRockies]

I agree with @birans1524, when you're "commuting" that far to the park and back each day, that's 2h10min. Yellowstone is HUGE so you'll be in your car even more driving around. To us, it's worth it to pay more money to save the "commuting" drive time each day. That being said, if you can't afford to stay anywhere closer, it is doable but it's not ideal.

[@scheduledadventures]

I did that drive last September. I was just doing a casual day trip, left later in the morning, around 7am, and was able to stop in West Yellowstone to grab pastries because that was the actual purpose for the day trip 😂 Drove in the park making a couple of in-car stops, walked Fountain Paint Pots boardwalk, watched Old Faithful erupt, walked Fairy Falls Trail to Grand Prismatic Overlook, shopped backed in West Yellowstone and made it back to St Anthony for dinner. I was actually surprised how much I was able to do in that amount of time, but I have been to Yellowstone several times, so I didn’t do everything that should be seen and done and I wasn’t going at a leisurely pace. I would definitely try to stay closer to the park but wanted to give you an idea of what you could still be able to do staying in St Anthony.

[@AmosAllen]

Welll done.

[@cierakitty]

The "mom and pop" motels...why ? their living depends on their service. What they make during the summer...get's them through the winter months. Rates are cheaper, clean, friendly, and you get fridge., micro-wave, tv., etc, etc.,.....unless you want to be catered too....then by all means...go to the fancy hotels...and pay $$$$$$.

[@WereintheRockies]

Mom and Pop motels are awesome! We stay in many of them but for seeing Yellowstone, sometimes it's nice to pay extra for a more convenient location to the sights. Thanks for watching.

[@keithbeard9566]

Do you have to have a pass for yellow stone?

[@WereintheRockies]

Yes. You will need to pay an entrance fee (which is good for unlimited access for 7 days). It is $35.

[@keithbeard9566]

@@WereintheRockies thank you

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Lol can you do a video about Yellowstone the real place name(s) vs the dang TV show? They keep coming east from the park, following the river, and they are not looking for us on the prairie and then they get mad that Yellowstone County and the Yellowstone River are not Paradise Valley. Tell em go to Bozeman and Chico etc please... Lol yeah i work in tourism... we'd love the money, but not when people are upset that their expectations are not at all our reality ...

[@WereintheRockies]

Haha. Wow! I'm sure this is interesting.

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

Wish we could take our kids back to Yellowstone but it's too damn expensive like everything else. And we aren't far away in Idaho. Guess there's always Great Basin National Park where nobody goes. It's wonderful living in the united states of israel, ain't it?

[@WereintheRockies]

If you don't mind "commuting" to Yellowstone, you can stay in West Yellowstone or Island Park, which can be cheaper.

[@supplychainsys]

Yellowstone Lake Hotel forced us to use their cabins that are trash. They did not notify us that the main hotel was closed and so was the restaurant. Terrible dirty cabins and charging over 400.00 per night. Your recommendations are awful . Taking advantage and priced over the top. The park needs to clean up their facilities.

[@WereintheRockies]

The lodging options in Yellowstone are not great, but they are in the best location. For people not wanting to drive in and out of Yellowstone every day, at least there are options.

[@vincebotkin1960]

I have to rebuff your statement about wildlife at old faithful. Have seen lots of 🦬 bison there and a momma grizzly bear 🐻 and her two cubs and an elk. Oh yes and a ton of idiots who want that close up shot of the bison and grizzlies.

[@WereintheRockies]

thanks for sharing!

[@PaulAmdahl]

You didn't like Cook City? Should have got out of your car...

[@detour_ahead5618]

Cooke City, forget it if you are disabled and in a wheelchair/power chair. Very deplorable conditions. Never again.

[@WereintheRockies]

That's too bad. Thanks for sharing.

[@cindypass3453]

Just put the list in the description....jeez

[@WereintheRockies]

thanks for watching.

[@supplychainsys]

Terrible place, terrible food, ugly poor quality food. Over priced. Only good thing is the location.