Yellowstone National Park is not only the nation’s first national park, but it’s also the most famous, with gorgeous hot springs, geysers, and plenty of animals. People travel from all over the world to see the Old Faithful geyser erupt and to see one of the park’s many animal residents, which include grizzly bears, wolves, bison, foxes, lynx, moose, and elk.
Yellowstone is not a location you can visit in a day, regardless of how well you plan your time. It covers 3,472 square miles and spans three states. You’ll need a place to rest your tired legs and fantasize about what tomorrow might bring – a moose encounter, perhaps? Why not go for a trek around a large geothermal spring?
We’ve compiled a list of some of the greatest hotels, lodges, and cabins in and near Yellowstone National Park to get you started on your lodging search. While we’ve included a few lodges just outside the park (including one pet-friendly choice that’s only a mile from an entry), we’ve also included a few lodges just outside the park.
1. Pine Edge Cabins
The seven rustic log cabins on this property are located in the tranquil village of Silver Gate, Montana, only a mile from the park’s northeast entrance. While this entry is only open during the summer, Pine Edge Cabins is among the few pet-friendly lodging alternatives with fully equipped kitchens. You’ll also discover a wood-burning stove, a deck, and a grill in your little second home.
2. Old Faithful Snow Lodge
The Old Faithful Snow Lodge is the pinnacle of accessibility, located just a 10-minute walk from Old Faithful and one of the few in-park properties open during the winter. You can either make a reservation in the main lodge or rent a basic cottage. In either case, log cabin-style buildings and mountain ornamentation will complete your Western experience. The resort features a full-service restaurant as well as a quick-service grill. In addition, children under the age of 11 are free.
3. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
This residence in Yellowstone National Park’s northern reaches is a short walk from the tiered Mammoth Hot Springs (don’t forget your camera for this one). The aptly titled Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins, like the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, is among the few in-park properties that stay open in the winter. But take note that the accommodations are minimal, with communal toilets in the basic rooms. (A room with an en suite, a suite with a living room and TV, or a cabin with a hot tub are available as upgrades.) The hotel’s most notable feature is the herd of elk that are known to roam on the building’s grounds.
4. Canyon Lodge & Cabins
With over 400 rooms scattered across five lodges and more than 100 cabins to select from, this summer-only resort is the park’s largest. Book the latter for a more rustic experience, while the hotel-style lodges are significantly fresher thanks to a year-long renovation. Canyon Lodge & Cabins is a restaurant, cafeteria, and deli located on the park’s east side near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
5. Grant Village
The Grant Village complex consists of six two-story buildings with a total of 300 guest rooms. Despite its location within the park (near the Abyss Pool hot spring and Big Cone geyser), the facility is only available during the summertime. Every room has a woodsy, laid-back vibe and only the most basic amenities – no air conditioning or televisions here. Grant Village has several attractions, including a cabin-style restaurant on a pier facing a lake and convenient access to Grand Teton National Park.
6. Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins
This summer-only lodge is located within Yellowstone National Park and provides a nice change of pace from the rustic, Old West vibe. It was built in 1891 and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. The guest rooms are housed in a renovated colonial-style building, which includes a three-bedroom suite that originally belonged to President Coolidge. The hotel and cabins are located directly on Yellowstone Lake, the park’s biggest body of water.
7. Lake Lodge Cabins
This in-park facility has one huge lodge (with views of Yellowstone Lake) and approximately 200 cottages, each with its private bath and Western design. While Lake Lodge Cabins is closed in the winter, it does boast two blazing fires that are ideal for crisp autumn mornings and leisurely summer afternoons. The site is fewer than 30 miles from both Old Faithful and Grand Teton National Park and is close to the West Thumb Geyser Basin.
8. Old Faithful Inn
Old Faithful Inn, which dates from 1903, has an unbeatable in-park location: it’s only six minutes by foot from Old Faithful and less than three miles between Morning Glory Pool and Kepler Cascades. The distinctive (and historic) stone fireplace, restaurant, and lounge are all draws to this inn. In addition, some rooms feature spectacular geyser views.
9. Old Faithful Lodge Cabins
Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, another historic property near Old Faithful, has roots dating back to the 1920s and a smattering of cabins placed around the main lodge (which has tremendous views of the geyser). Certain cabins do not have facilities, so if a shower is a must, rent a Frontier Cabin. The summer-only lodge, which is located within the park, also has a bakery and snack shop, as well as a cafeteria.
10. Absaroka Lodge
While not technically part of Yellowstone National Park, the Absaroka Lodge in Gardiner, Montana, lies just outside the park’s year-round north entrance. The Absaroka, unlike many other establishments within the park, is open all year and each accommodation has a flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Try to get a room with a private balcony and views of the Yellowstone River if you can. The north entrance to Yellowstone is only 10 miles from the resort.
11. Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins
The Roosevelt Lodge is located at a spot where President Theodore Roosevelt once camped (hence the name). It has a variety of rustic cabins available, some of which have wood-burning stoves and private baths. This in-park resort is hard to top, with a history dating back to the 1920s, family-style dining, and a location near some of the park’s most popular waterfalls. Trail rides, stagecoach experiences, and Western-style cookouts are just a few of the warm-weather activities available at the summer-only lodge.
