Motels outside Yellowstone National Park

Staying just outside Yellowstone National Park is one of the most practical and comfortable options for visitors who want easy access to the park without compromising on modern amenities. The gateway towns surrounding Yellowstone — West Yellowstone (Montana), Gardiner (Montana), Cody (Wyoming), and Jackson (Wyoming) — each offer a wide selection of motels that cater to different budgets and travel styles. These motels provide convenient parking, private bathrooms, and proximity to restaurants and stores, making them a favorite choice for road-trippers and families alike.

Quick Reference: Motels outside Yellowstone National Park

Motel Name	Location	Key Features	Best For	Season
Stage Coach Inn	West Yellowstone, MT	Classic Western design, indoor pool	Families & road-trippers	May–Oct
Brandin’ Iron Inn	West Yellowstone, MT	Central location, pet-friendly	Budget travelers	May–Oct
Alpine Motel	West Yellowstone, MT	Clean, cozy, affordable	Couples & small groups	May–Oct
Yellowstone Gateway Inn	Gardiner, MT	Kitchen units, near North Entrance	Long stays & families	Year-round
Absaroka Lodge	Gardiner, MT	Riverside rooms, scenic views	Wildlife watchers	Year-round
Big Bear Motel	Cody, WY	Log cabin style, outdoor pool	Families & culture seekers	May–Oct
Cody Cowboy Village	Cody, WY	Western cabins, near rodeo grounds	Cultural stays	May–Oct
Elk Country Inn	Jackson, WY	Modern rustic rooms, hot tub	Comfort seekers	Year-round
49’er Inn & Suites	Jackson, WY	Fireplace rooms, near town square	Couples & families	Year-round
Antler Inn	Jackson, WY	Downtown location, great value	City explorers	Year-round

West Yellowstone, located at the park’s West Entrance, is the most popular base for exploring Yellowstone. This small but bustling town is filled with classic American motels that combine comfort with affordability. Stage Coach Inn is one of the most well-known options, offering warm hospitality and vintage Western charm. Brandin’ Iron Inn is another visitor favorite, known for its spacious rooms and excellent location just a few blocks from the park gate. Travelers seeking budget-friendly stays often choose Days Inn by Wyndham or Alpine Motel, both providing reliable amenities and cozy interiors. For a slightly more upscale experience, ClubHouse Inn and Kelly Inn offer spacious suites with rustic décor that reflects Yellowstone’s wilderness spirit.

To the north of the park, the town of Gardiner, Montana, sits right at the North Entrance near Mammoth Hot Springs. This is the only Yellowstone entrance open to vehicles year-round, making it ideal for winter visits. Popular motels here include Yellowstone Gateway Inn, offering apartment-style suites with kitchens, and Absaroka Lodge, perched on the banks of the Yellowstone River with scenic mountain views. Yellowstone Village Inn & Suites provides motel-style comfort just minutes from the park gate, while Hillcrest Cottages offers small, cozy units for couples and solo travelers. Gardiner motels are especially convenient for those wanting to explore wildlife-rich Lamar Valley or the Mammoth area in any season.

On the eastern side, the historic town of Cody, Wyoming, about 50 miles from the East Entrance, is a great choice for travelers looking for a mix of Western culture and easy park access. Big Bear Motel and Cody Cowboy Village are standout options, both offering large, comfortable rooms with classic log cabin architecture. Buffalo Bill’s Antlers Inn and A Western Rose Motel deliver authentic small-town charm, while Green Gables Inn provides modern comfort at affordable rates. Staying in Cody also allows visitors to enjoy attractions like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and nightly summer rodeos, giving a perfect blend of culture and convenience.

On the southern side, Jackson, Wyoming, serves as a luxurious gateway to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. While Jackson is known for upscale resorts, it also offers several quality motels such as Elk Country Inn, 49’er Inn & Suites, and Antler Inn. These properties combine modern amenities with rustic style, featuring cozy rooms, fireplaces, and access to downtown Jackson’s shopping and dining. Motels in Jackson are ideal for visitors who want to explore the Tetons while still making day trips into Yellowstone through the South Entrance.

Visitors will find that staying in these nearby towns provides a broader range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options than staying inside the park. Rates vary by season — summer prices are higher due to demand, while winter stays can be significantly cheaper, especially in Gardiner and Cody. Booking early is essential, particularly between June and September, when Yellowstone’s popularity peaks.

Whether travelers prefer the simplicity of West Yellowstone’s roadside motels, the scenic charm of Gardiner’s riverfront lodgings, Cody’s Western flair, or Jackson’s elegant mountain vibe, the motels surrounding Yellowstone offer comfort and convenience without sacrificing proximity to one of America’s greatest natural treasures.