Yellowstone National Park definitely has a lot to offer – from its hydrothermal geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife. On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park, and now, millions from around the world come to experience its greatness. There is so much to see in Yellowstone, so in terms of deciding where to stay within the park, you may want to consider what your interests are and how much time you’re staying within the park to plan out your itinerary and lodging. We definitely recommend staying within the park if you can make it happen to make the most of your time in Yellowstone, as it can take 1-2 hours to get in and out of the park for the nearest lodging one way.

The first thing to note are the different areas of Yellowstone National Park. There is Old Faithful, Canyon Village, Grant Village/West Thumb, Fishing Bridge/Lake Village/Bridge Bay, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

You can book your stays within the park at Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

Some things to consider when booking your stay are places you want to go and what you want to see within Yellowstone National Park.  Below are some highlights and experiences within the park worth considering:

• Drive Grand Loop – 142 mile long road, easy wall paved drive
• Many boardwalks and hiking trails
• Old faithful
• Upper Geyser Basin and Morning Glory Pool
• Midway Geyser Basin and the Grand Prismatic Spring
• Grand Canyon and Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River
• Mammoth Hot Springs and Minerva Terrace
• Wildlife viewing – most activity usually early morning and sunset
• Hayden Valley – bison lookout
• Yellowstone Lake

Old Faithful

There are three places to stay around Old Faithful. 

Old Faithful Inn

• As a national historic landmark, Old Faithful Inn is the most requested lodging facility in the park. Its log structure, built in the early 1900s, is the charm which includes a massive stone fireplace in the lobby 

Old Faithful Snow Lodge

• This lodge is the newest of the park’s full service hotels. It features a full service dining room, quick service ‘Geyser Grill’ and the charming Bear Den Gift Store.

Old Faithful Lodge and Cabins

• This historic cabin facility is located near Old Faithful Inn. Views of the Old faithful Geyser can be seen from the lobby, which also has a bakery snack shop and cafeteria style food court.

Old Faithful is a great area to stay. Highlights around the Old Faithful area include the famous Old Faithful Geyser Basin, Upper Geyser Basin, Biscuit Basin, Black Sand Basin, Lone Star Geyser, Midway Geyser Basin and the Grand Prismatic Spring. 

The area has dining options, gas stations and a market.

Canyon Village

Canyon Lodge and Cabins

• This stay features the most accommodations in Yellowstone with more than 500 rooms and cabins. 

Canyon Village is located on the northeast side of the Yellowstone loop. The area has dining options, gas stations, and a market.

The highlight around Canyon Village is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Take the Upper Rim and South Rim Drives to see the Upper and Lower waterfalls.

Grant Village/West Thumb

Grant Village Lodge

• Named after Ulysses S. Grant, the Grant Village Lodge features 6 two story buildings each containing 50 rooms with no elevators. The Lodge features a full service restaurant, a casual lakeside restaurant, lounge and gift store. This village is also nearest to Grand Teton National Park. 

This area has dining options, a gas station, and market. It is located close to the south entrance. Highlights include Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Lewis Lake.

Fishing Bridge/Lake Village/Bridge Bay

Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cottages

• This stay has a classic elegance, with its  Colonial Revival Heritage restored following renovations in June 2014.

Lake Lodge and Cabins

• The Lake Lodge Cabins feature views of the spectacular Yellowstone Lake. Behind the lodge are 186 cabins recently renovated in Western, Frontier, and Pioneer style. Lake Lodge is open from early June to end of September. 

This area includes dining options, gas, and a market. There is a visit center and is also located near the south entrance. The highlight of this area is Yellowstone Lake.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins 

• Built in 1936, this stay features the Map Room containing a large wooden map of the United States, constructed from 15 different kinds of wood from nine countries. There is a chance to spot elk grazing outside the hotel.

Mammoth Hot Springs is the historic fort Yellowstone. There is the Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace which is a must see. You can take the Upper and Lower Terrace drives for sightseeing in the area. There is a visitor center, gas station, market and dining available in the area.

Tower Falls

Roosevelt Lodge Cabins

• Build in 1920, the Roosevelt Lodge Cabins is located near the campsite President Theodore Roosevelt once used. The rustic cabins and family style dining are a favorite among families. Nearby offer horseback trail rides, stagecoach adventures and the popular Old West Dinner Cookout.

Remember most of these locations may be closed during the winter. 

During the winter, only Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins and Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins are open during the winter. Keep that in mind when booking your stay at Yellowstone National Park.