Where do people sleep in Yellowstone?

Yellowstone National Park, one of the most visited natural wonders in the United States, offers a wide variety of places to stay, ranging from rustic campgrounds to historic lodges. Because the park spans nearly 3,500 square miles across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, visitors have many options for accommodation depending on their preferences, budget, and how close they want to be to specific attractions such as Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, or Yellowstone Lake. Where people sleep in Yellowstone depends on whether they want to stay inside the park for a more immersive wilderness experience or outside the park for added comfort and convenience.

Quick Reference: Where to Sleep in Yellowstone National Park

Accommodation Type	Location	Examples
Historic Lodges & Hotels	Inside the park	Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
Cabins	Inside the park	Canyon Lodge Cabins, Grant Village Cabins
Campgrounds	Inside the park	Madison, Grant Village, Canyon, Bridge Bay
Backcountry Campsites	Remote wilderness zones inside the park	Along trails, near rivers or thermal areas
Hotels & Motels	Outside park (gateway towns)	West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Cody, Jackson
Vacation Rentals & Lodges	Outside park	Cabins, ranches, and Airbnbs near entrances
Winter Lodging	Inside park (limited)	Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Old Faithful Snow Lodge
RV Parks	Inside & near park entrances	Fishing Bridge RV Park, private RV sites near West Yellowstone

Inside the park, the most popular option is staying at one of Yellowstone’s historic lodges or cabins. These lodges are operated by authorized concessionaires and provide a comfortable yet rustic experience that keeps visitors close to nature. Some of the most famous accommodations include the Old Faithful Inn, the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. The Old Faithful Inn, built in 1904, is one of the most iconic lodges in the park and offers guests a chance to sleep just steps away from the world-famous geyser. Similarly, the Lake Yellowstone Hotel provides a more elegant atmosphere, overlooking the serene waters of Yellowstone Lake. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, near the park’s northern entrance, remains open in winter, catering to those who visit for snow coach tours and wildlife watching during the colder months.

For those who prefer a more rustic or adventurous experience, Yellowstone has numerous campgrounds that allow visitors to sleep under the stars. The park maintains both reservable and first-come, first-served campgrounds spread across its vast landscape. Popular options include Madison, Grant Village, and Canyon Campgrounds, all offering easy access to key attractions. Camping in Yellowstone allows visitors to connect with nature at a deeper level, but it also requires adhering to strict park regulations designed to protect wildlife and visitors alike. Campers must store food properly, often in bear-proof containers, and follow fire safety rules to prevent accidents in the forested areas.

Backcountry camping is another option for those seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience. Yellowstone’s backcountry campsites are accessible only by hiking or horseback riding and require a special permit. These remote locations allow travelers to sleep surrounded by nature in its purest form—amid alpine meadows, along rivers, or near thermal basins. However, this experience demands preparation, as hikers must carry their gear, navigate variable weather conditions, and follow strict guidelines for food storage and waste disposal to protect both themselves and the fragile ecosystem.

Many visitors choose to stay outside Yellowstone’s boundaries in nearby gateway towns, where they can find a wider range of lodging options, including hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and resorts. Popular towns include West Yellowstone in Montana, Gardiner near the North Entrance, Cody in Wyoming to the East, and Jackson to the South. Staying in these towns provides easier access to restaurants, shops, and other modern conveniences, and can sometimes be more affordable, especially during peak season when park lodges book months in advance. For example, West Yellowstone offers many family-friendly hotels and cabins that are only minutes away from the park’s West Entrance, making it a prime choice for many travelers.

During winter, when many in-park accommodations close, most visitors stay in nearby towns. However, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge remain open, allowing visitors to sleep inside the park even in the snow-covered months. These lodges can only be reached by snow coach or snowmobile during winter, offering a unique and serene experience amid Yellowstone’s frozen landscape.

In summary, people sleep in Yellowstone in a variety of settings — from grand historic lodges and cozy cabins to scenic campgrounds and remote backcountry sites. Each option offers a different way to experience the park, depending on how close visitors want to be to nature or how much comfort they prefer. Whether it’s the charm of a century-old inn near a steaming geyser, the peacefulness of a lakeside tent, or the convenience of a warm hotel room in a nearby gateway town, Yellowstone provides a place to rest for every type of traveler.