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12 Best Places to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park

One of the most breathtaking national parks in the U.S. and the first, Yellowstone offers everything from fantastic wildlife like elk, moose, bison, bears, and more to geothermal activity with mud pots, fumaroles, hot springs in all shades of the rainbow and most famously, geysers. The biggest question isn’t whether to go but where to stay. You’ll find some accommodation in the park that goes beyond the campgrounds, but there is a much wider variety of options just outside its boundaries, including hotels and vacation rental properties. This list offers some of the best, whether you want to be just steps from the attractions or in a more remote locale.

Cozy A-Frame Retreat in the Pines by the Buffalo River - Island Park, Idaho Cozy A-Frame Retreat in the Pines
Credit: Cozy A-Frame Retreat in the Pines by Airbnb.com

Cozy A-Frame Retreat in the Pines by the Buffalo River - Island Park, Idaho

This quintessential A-frame cozy cabin in Idaho is nestled in the pines by the Buffalo River, where guests can enjoy a serene float or wading, with the shallow water just a five-minute walk away. Yellowstone can be reached in about 30 minutes, and you’ll have plenty of ways to relax when you return, including around the fire pit, in the outdoor hot tub, in front of the indoor fireplace, or watching something on the large Smart TV. The kitchen is very well equipped with a dishwasher as well as unexpected small appliances like a rice cooker, waffle maker, and griddle. Spices are included to jazz up your meals, and you’ll have special perks such as slippers, toiletries, and a sewing kit. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views from inside or out.

Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins
Credit: Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins by yellowstonenationalparklodges.com

Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins is located near a campsite that President Theodore Roosevelt once used, just north of Tower Fall, the Yellowstone River Overlook, and Calcite Springs Overlook. A tribute to the Old West, the accommodations at this national park lodge are still rustic, with unpaved roads into and around both the lodge and cabins. Open for the summer season only, it’s a place to enjoy Western-style cookouts, stagecoach adventures, and trail rides. Cabins include wood-burning stoves and porches with rocking chairs, while family-style dining can be enjoyed on-site.

Elegant Lakefront Cabin, 20 Minutes to Yellowstone - Fremont County, Idaho Elegant Lakefront Cabin
Credit: Elegant Lakefront Cabin by Vrbo.com

Elegant Lakefront Cabin, 20 Minutes to Yellowstone - Fremont County, Idaho

This elegant waterfront vacation rental in Idaho sits on Henry’s Lake, only two miles south of the Continental Divide and six miles west of the entrance to Yellowstone National Park in West Yellowstone. You’ll enjoy the magnificent views and a luxurious space that can accommodate up to a dozen guests in five bedrooms. Take advantage of the huge gas fire pit to make s’mores while watching a glorious sunset, or just come back and relax while enjoying the indoor mountain and lake views, with the interior surrounded by large windows. Upstairs, there’s a family game room, with a bumper pool table and air hockey, while the gourmet kitchen makes cooking big meals easy, and you’ll have a large dining table too.

MTNLUX Guest House with Sauna & Hot Tub - Cooke City, Montana MTNLUX Guest House
Credit: MTNLUX Guest House by Airbnb.com

MTNLUX Guest House with Sauna & Hot Tub - Cooke City, Montana

Just minutes from the park’s northeast entrance, the MTNLUX Guest House sits on the Bannock Trail, making this vacation rental ideal for snowshoers and snowmobilers, as you can enjoy access to all of the Cooke City trails too. Summertime brings hiking, biking, and fishing just out your door or very close by. Nestled in the woods, it sleeps up to six in two bedrooms and comes with highlights like a hot tub overlooking a creek and a year-round sauna. Inside you’ll have a full kitchen and a big-screen satellite TV with a DVD player and a movie library.

Beaver Springs Chalet Yellowstone - Island Park, Idaho Beaver Springs Chalet Yellowstone
Credit: Beaver Springs Chalet Yellowstone by Airbnb.com

Beaver Springs Chalet Yellowstone - Island Park, Idaho

One of the coolest cabin rentals near Yellowstone, Beaver Springs Chalet is ideal for families and other groups of up to 10 who are looking for a more peaceful setting surrounded by spectacular wilderness beauty, complete with views of ponds, lush meadows, the Teton Mountains, and Yellowstone Basin while being a relatively short drive from the park. You’ll have all of the comforts of home, like a full kitchen and a 50″ HDTV, along with a cozy gas fireplace. Outdoors, there’s a fire pit with firewood supplied for marshmallow roasting under the stars. During the day, enjoy relaxing on the deck while watching for wildlife like deer, moose, hummingbirds, owls, and the occasional bald eagle.

Main Family House with Additional Guest House Included - West Yellowstone, Montana Main Family House with Additional Guest House Included
Credit: Main Family House with Additional Guest House Included by Airbnb.com

Main Family House with Additional Guest House Included - West Yellowstone, Montana

An excellent cabin rental for a larger group in need of privacy and plenty of space, this rental includes a three-bedroom home and a guest house, with a maximum sleeping capacity of up to 12. It’s only six miles from the west entrance of the park in the town of West Yellowstone and offers walks through the forest right out the door. Simply relaxing on the furnished deck is a joy, complete with a grill for cookouts. When you want to go indoors, you can warm up by the gas fireplace, cook up meals in the full kitchen, and enjoy family game nights with board games, cards, and even a Nintendo Wii provided, along with a 50″ TV.

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins
Credit: Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins by yellowstonenationalparklodges.com

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins is one of the only lodging facilities in the park open during the summer and winter seasons. An especially ideal mountain lodge for a winter getaway, guests can take advantage of the shuttle service from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana to the north entrance. It offers a tranquil, secluded setting with a good chance for spotting more elusive animals like wolves and their elk and bison prey. Exploring the park can be done in snowshoes or cross-country skis, with miles and miles of trails leading to features like Old Faithful, frozen waterfalls, and brightly colored mineral pools. There’s an on-site restaurant and a casual grill eatery, while accommodation is in lodge rooms and cabins.

Two-Bedroom Home with 30-foot Deck Overlooking Yellowstone River & Park - Gardiner, Montana Two-Bedroom Home with 30-foot Deck
Credit: Two-Bedroom Home with 30-foot Deck by Airbnb.com

Two-Bedroom Home with 30-foot Deck Overlooking Yellowstone River & Park - Gardiner, Montana

This two-bedroom home for six sits right along the Yellowstone River, providing unobstructed views of the water and Yellowstone National Park. It has a large deck with comfortable furniture and a grill that overlooks the river – and as it includes private river access, it’s the perfect Airbnb for fly fishing just outside your door. All of the essentials and then some are inside, including a full kitchen, washer/dryer, cable TV, and a fireplace.

Rainbow Ranch Lodge - Gallatin Gateway, Montana Rainbow Ranch Lodge
Credit: Rainbow Ranch Lodge by Rainbow Ranch Lodge

Rainbow Ranch Lodge - Gallatin Gateway, Montana

Rainbow Ranch Lodge offers a wilderness Montana ranch vacation with Yellowstone close enough that it could be a doable, easy day trip. Located on the banks of the Gallatin River at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, it’s just 12 miles from Yellowstone National Park. You’ll be surrounded by dazzling scenery while enjoying a comfortable stay in rooms with fireplaces, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, Keurig coffeemakers, and private decks with pond or river views. The suites provide more space and minifridges, while some come with soaking tubs.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins
Credit: Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins by yellowstonenationalparklodges.com

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins, also referred to as the Lake Hotel, is the park’s oldest operating hotel, built in 1891. It has a retro 1920s feel with both hotel rooms and cabins tucked along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, with the lake views showcased from many of its windows. Known for its classic, casual elegance, standard rooms come with en-suite bathrooms, coffeemakers, and minifridges. Cabins are located behind the main hotel and have similar amenities with no TVs. For more space, you might want to book a suite that includes a separate living room and bedroom, located on the hotel’s lakeside, that provides partial views of the water and a minifridge stocked with complimentary soft drinks and snacks. On the grounds, there are two restaurants, one for dining with a lake view, a lounge, and a gift shop.

Private Log Cabin on the Madison River - Cameron, Montana Private Log Cabin on the Madison River
Credit: Private Log Cabin on the Madison River by Vrbo.com

Private Log Cabin on the Madison River - Cameron, Montana

Located along the Madison River, a spot world-famous for being one of the top spots for fly fishing on the planet, this one-bedroom Montana cabin rental is not only ideal for those who want to cast a line, but it’s very close to the park’s west entrance. It sleeps up to four guests, but if you need more space, just rent the one next door, too, as they’re identical and sit side-by-side. Gather around the outdoor fire pit under a canopy of stars and look forward to movie nights with a TV, DVD player, and some DVDs included. You’ll have a full kitchen too, but you might want to dine out at least once, as the popular Grizzly Bar & Grille is within walking distance.

Yellowstone Basecamp, Minutes to North Entrance - Gardiner, Montana Yellowstone Basecamp
Credit: Yellowstone Basecamp by Airbnb.com

Yellowstone Basecamp, Minutes to North Entrance - Gardiner, Montana

Yellowstone Basecamp is a private second-floor apartment providing a quiet setting with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. It’s just a 3-minute drive to the park’s north entrance, while downtown Gardiner is a short walk away, offering a multitude of shopping and dining venues. You’ll be close to activities like fishing, hiking, rafting, and world-renowned wildlife viewing. It’s ideal for a couple or small family, complete with a game room with a Smart TV, air hockey, and foosball. Plus, you’ll have a full kitchen, Starlink Internet, and a washer/dryer.

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