Big Sky Mt: 320 Guest Ranch
For a winter dude ranch experience, 320 Guest Ranch in Gallatin Canyon canât be beaten. Imagine sitting in your own log cabin, watching the snow fall outside after a day of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in Yellowstone, or alpine skiing at Big Sky Resort. Take a few moments to relax tired muscles and let the activities of the day soak in before heading out on your next adventure.
At night, bundle up and head out for a sleigh ride under the stars. Draft horses pull you through the snow as you snuggle under a toasty wool blanket. At the Mountain Man Camp adjacent to the Gallatin River, youâre handed wild game chili, snacks, and hot beverages. After the sleigh ride, return to the dining room for a Western dinner that would make any cowpoke proud. The peeled bark furniture and log walls at The 320 Steakhouse and Saloon make for a rustic atmosphere, fitting for what they call a Cowboy Gourmand dinner of steaks, wild game, or Montana Highland lamb. Local brews or cocktails, whiskey is optional, wash it all down.
Best Hotels Near Yellowstone National Park
While staying inside Yellowstone National Park saves driving time, there are several benefits to staying outside the park, including:
- Theres more availability, and reservations dont need to be made as far in advance
- Hotels offer more amenities and are more budget-friendly
- There are more dining options, which is particularly important given staffing constraints at Yellowstones dining facilities this past summer
The entrances to Yellowstone National Park are open 24 hours a day, giving you unlimited access to the park even if youre staying outside the park boundaries.
These are the best places to stay outside of Yellowstone National Park.
Ready To Plan All The Details Of Your Trip
Grab a copy of our printable Yellowstone National Park Trip Guide & Itinerary and take the stress out of planning youll even get links to our personal Roadtrippers maps, packing lists, and itineraries already done for you!
Just download your maps ahead of time, print the guide, and off you go!
The Yellowstone National Park Trip Guide & Planner is a round-up of some of our most popular Yellowstone posts ! It Includes:
- 50+ Page Printable Trip Planning Guide. You can also download it to your iPad and use with an app like Goodnotes!
- 2021 updates & info
- Quick tips, FAQs and things to know before you go
- Must-see attractions & activities
- Suggestions & tips for where to stay
- Tips on activities, attractions, and lodging
- Detailed 3-Day Itinerary and suggestions for alternate trip lengths
- A link to the Full 3-Day Roadtrippers map with all points mapped for the entire trip
- DetaDetails & Confirmation Page to track your reservation information
- Plenty of pages for brainstorming & notes
- BONUS: Customizable Yellowstone Packing List
- BONUS: Kid Activities: Yellowstone Trip Journal & Road Trip Bingo
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West Yellowstone Mt: Yellowstone Park Hotel
At Yellowstone Park Hotel, youre three blocks from the parks west entrance â that puts you at less than an hours drive to Old Faithful . The center of town is right here, making this a convenient home base for tours and trips out of West Yellowstone.
When you tire of the park, youll come back to 49 TVs and a warm soak in the hot tub, the heated indoor pool, or up in your room. Even standard rooms come with king beds and plenty of space â if you need more, head to the outdoor fire pits to roast some smores. Theyre complimentary! Otherwise, hit up the new game room â âLevel Zero â or take advantage of the free bike rentals and get back to exploring the great outdoors on the Riverside Bike Trail, just inside the West Entrance.
Where To Stay In Gardiner Montana

This sprawling highland town at the foot of Yellowstones North Entrance puts you within arms reach of Mammoth Hot Springs. Beyond the convenience, Gardiner is a lively place to spend your free days.
For shopping, restaurants, and to be first in line for the park, stay downtown at the 406 Lodge, a new suite-filled boutique hotel. Or enjoy the antique-chic decor, kitchenettes, and access to barbecues at the historic Park Hotel Yellowstone. For fewer crowds, pass town and lodge at the modern Yellowstone Basin Inn, which has top-notch views. Or if you want a slightly more rugged experience, glamp at the Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel.
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Star Lodge Near Yellowstone Eagle Ridge Ranch
This five-star lodge is the epitome of luxury near Yellowstone National Park! Nestled along the western boundary, it is within walking distance of some great hiking and cycling trails. Each guest has their own private cottage with a modern kitchen and spacious bedrooms. As part of Eagle Ridge Ranch, you can also book a variety of excursions with a special guests discount.
How Far In Advance Should You Make Your Reservations For Yellowstone
Reservations open May 1 the prior year for summer and March 15 the prior year for winter. Lodges get fully booked one year in advance but cancellations are common, so keep checking back if you cant reserve the lodge you want.
So, if you are planning a trip for 2023, you should make your reservations in May 2022. If you cant get a lodge inside the park, I recommend booking a hotel outside of the park. On Booking.com, you can book many properties as refundable, meaning you can cancel up to a certain date and get your full payment back. Keep checking the Yellowstone Lodging website for cancellations. If something opens up, make your reservation for the the Yellowstone lodge and cancel your reservation outside of the park.
A word of advice from one of our readers
Terri from Traveling with Terri is a frequent traveler to Yellowstone. She recommends calling the park 6 to 8 weeks before your trip to get a reservation. As people cancel their plans, the rooms open up, and you can reserve them by directly calling the park. Terri recommends to avoid the online reservation system since it is difficult to use and often does not show the available rooms. You can read her full message in the comment section below. Thanks Terri!
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Best Hotels Near Yellowstone Park East Entrance
For where to stay when visiting Yellowstone, East Entrance, Cody can be the logical choice. One thing to know about Cody is that it is about an hour drive to Yellowstones East Entrance and then another 50 minutes to Fishing Bridge Visitor Center at Yellowstone Lake. To Old Faithful, its almost three hours from Cody.
That said, there is a lot to do in and around Cody. You can horseback ride, visit a dude ranch, tour the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, watch a shootout on Main Street, and so much more Western fun.
It might not be the best place for lodging near Yellowstone National Park if all you want to do is tour the park. Honestly, there is so much else to see, though, that I think its worth it.
There are a bunch of things to do in Cody, Wyoming without even heading into the park. You could start your vacation there and then move into Yellowstone.
Buffalo Bills Irma Hotel
When we want hotels around Yellowstone National Park and want to be in Cody, we stay at the Irma. Its a cool, historic hotel with an authentic Western feel.
The historic Irma hosted Buffalo Bills Wild West show tryouts and European nobility who headquartered there for hunting trips. The historic section of the hotel offers 15 renovated rooms that housed some of the most famous personalities the world has ever known. We found our room a little clanky . Still, we think it is a fun place to stay.
Unique Tiny House In Gardiner: Roosevelts Roost
Tiny houses are a popular trend across the United States, and its easy to see why! For couples and solo travellers on a tight budget, they offer all the home comforts of a cabin without the sky-high costs. This tiny house can only fit a bedroom, but guests have access to the kitchen and bathroom facilities in the main property.
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Where To Stay In Jackson Hole Wyoming
This vibrant mountainside town is a destination in its own right. Jackson Hole is a not-so-short 57-mile drive from Yellowstone’s South Entrance, but the majestic Grand Teton National Park will be at your doorstep.
World-class dining and lodging abound, though affordable options can be found, too. Try the Elk Country Inn, which has upscale decor in its cabin-style rooms and an indoor-outdoor pool. The Inn on the Creek is a few blocks from the town square but offers the tranquility of creek-side rooms and dining. Splurge on the Hotel Jackson for the luxury of a fireplace, tasty food, cozy robes, and a rooftop hot tub.
Unique Places To Stay During Your Visit To West Yellowstone
Situated virtually in the backyard of Yellowstone National Park, Americas first national park, the outdoorsy town of West Yellowstone is home to a wide array of visitor-centric shops, restaurants, and lodging, all topped off with a hearty dose of old-fashioned Western hospitality. The towns proximity to many of Yellowstones main draws including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Firehole River, Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithfulensures its a must-stop destination for regional visitors. Despite its small size , West Yellowstone offers a host of lodging options, ranging from traditional hotels to unique glamping experiences.
Here, eight recommended spots that make for an excellent home base after a day of adventure in the outdoor playground around West Yellowstone.
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Rv Camping At Yellowstone
RV camping at Yellowstone is available at every campground, but planning is key. Rigs less than 40 feet will have more options for camp spots. If you want a full hookup with all the trimmings of an RV park, theres only one full RV campground in Yellowstone.
Fishing Bridge RV Park: Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground with electrical hookups, and visitors report that RV spaces can be a bit cramped. Enjoy the views of Yellowstone Lake‘s northern side, freshen up with on-site laundry, or grab a snack from the general store. One more thing: Its smack-dab in the middle of grizzly country, so tent camping is not permitted.
Staying Outside Of Yellowstone National Park

Because Yellowstone has five different entrances into the park, its easy to stay close to the park without actually being in the park. I recommend staying outside of Yellowstone if you want nicer amenities, cheaper prices, or more dining and activity options.
But heres the disclaimer not all entrances to the park are created equal! If you stay outside of the park, be sure to pick a town that wont add a ton of driving to your day. Youll already be driving a lot to see the sights in Yellowstone, so its best not to add more driving just to get to the park entrance.
Staying in West Yellowstone
So that being said, West Yellowstone is hands-down my favorite place to stay outside of the park. Its location right outside of the West Entrance makes it super easy to get into the park.
West Yellowstone is located along the road that travels right through the middle of Yellowstone, making it easy to visit the sights in both the northern and southern portions of the park without too much extra driving.
Staying in Gardiner or Cooke City
If you dont want to stay in one place for your entire trip, consider staying in a few different gateway towns. Gardiner and Cooke City make great jumping-off points for exploring some of the parks more scenic areas, such as the Lamar Valley or the Beartooth Highway. It may be worth it to stay a few nights in one of these areas and then moving further south.
Staying in Cody
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Where To Stay Near Yellowstone: Hotels Outside The Park
Here are the places near the 5 entrances to the park, and where you can find accommodation a little cheaper than the solutions mentioned above. However, be careful! Due to the high rate of visitors to the park, do not wait around too much. Even the hotels in these resorts tend to fill up quickly, and if you dont book in time you run the risk of having to make do with what comes along.
How Long In Advance To Book Yellowstone Accommodation
You really should book your Yellowstone lodging as soon as you know your travel dates. Or as soon as their booking system opens up and then book the flights, and arrange the trip based on that.
You can book Yellowstone accommodation from the 1st of May of the year before you travel. So if you are traveling to Yellowstone in 2023, you can book your stay from May 2022. If you are planning a visit in the summer of 2024, you can book your accommodation from May 2023, etc.
Further below, at the bottom of this article, we have some tips on how to secure Yellowstone lodging if its fully booked and how to get the best deals.
But first the best places to stay in Yellowstone National Park and also where to stay near the park. Read on!
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Winter Paradise In Big Sky: Lone Mountain Log Home
For your own little cosy home away from home, this charming log house is unbeatable! On the more affordable range of family accommodation, it is a little bit more secluded than our other Big Sky picks, giving you some peace and quiet away from the main tourist areas. Two of the bedrooms come with their own en-suites, adding a little extra privacy for the grown-ups.
Best Places To Stay In Teton Village Wyoming
Teton Village is a popular area amongst skiers in the winter, home to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. However, its many amenities remain open in the summer and offer visitors an excellent location close to Grand Teton.
Here youll find a mix of ski resorts and home rentals. In Teton Village, you can also enjoy elevated dining and access to the Teton Village Gondola .
If you want to feel immersed in the mountains, consider staying at the base of the Tetons in Teton Village.
Those who stay in Teton Village are only a short drive along Moose-Wilson Road to Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and some of the best wildlife viewing in Grand Teton.
However, it is essential to note that while staying in Teton Village comes with many amenities, it can also be pricy, particularly at the luxury ski resorts.
Drive Time to Popular Attractions:
- Jenny Lake: 45 minutes
The best hotels in Teton Village, Wyoming include:
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For An Intimate Hideaway
- Jackson Hole Hideout is a secluded rustic lodge, with five rooms made almost entirely of pine wood. The double-storey lounge is a warm central hub, complete with a roaring fire. Charming and small.
- Bentwood Inn is an award-winning lodge with five individually appointed rooms dominated by sink-into beds and fireplaces. There’s a grand piano, antiques and a fireplace in the lounge, where guests can gather to play board games. Close to Teton National Park and very family-friendly.
Best Places To Stay In Wilson Wyoming
If you like the idea of avoiding crowds found in Jackson and dont mind some extra driving to get into Grand Teton, consider staying in Wilson, Wyoming.
This small town offers more solitude than its more happening neighbors, Jackson and Teton Village. In Wilson, youll find secluded cabins and B& Bs, perfect for those looking for a relaxing retreat while visiting Grand Teton National Park.
However, youll likely need to head to Teton Village or Jackson for more options for dining.
Staying in Wilson offers excellent access to Moose-Wilson Road, home to popular hiking trails like Phelps Lake and Death Canyon, plus plenty of wildlife.
Drive Time to Popular Attractions:
- Jenny Lake: 45 minutes
The best hotels in Wilson, Wyoming include:
- Fireside Resort is a 3.5-star collection of 20 modern mountain cabins with kitchens and a hot tub.
- Jackson Hole Hideout is a unique B& B with five guestrooms in a large, updated cabin, including complimentary full breakfast and a cozy lobby fireplace.
- Teton Pines Townhomes by Jackson Hole Resort Lodging has comfortable 3-bedroom condo rentals with full kitchens and fireplaces and access to community pools and hot tubs.
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Best Location To Stay In Yellowstone For Sightseeing
Yellowstone National Park is huge and it might be overwhelming having to choose just one location for sightseeing. If you are looking for just one best-located area to stay in Yellowstone, you should know that Canyon Village has the absolute-best central location from which you can reach all parts of Yellowstone National Park without having to spend hours and hours in a car.
However, depending on the duration of your stay in Yellowstone, I would suggest booking two strategically located accommodations and avoid having to drive too much.
We chose the following areas for our 4-day stay in Yellowstone: 3 nights at Canyon Village and 1 night at Old Faithful . You can read about these accommodations and their location further below.
TIP: If all the accommodation inside Yellowstone National Park is fully booked, West Yellowstone, just outside the park is the best place to stay near Yellowstone. Accommodations in West Yellowstone are cheaper and usually offer better facilities.
Using the map below, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in West Yellowstone. For more information about West Yellowstone hotels and also another alternative town nearby, read further below.