The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Places to Stay Near Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Where to stay near Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Table Of Contents

Yellowstone and Grand Teton are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. These two parks are next to each other, making for an incredible vacation destination. Hike in the Tetons, explore Yellowstone’s geyser basins and hot springs, and see elk, bison, and bears as you tour the parks.

Grand Teton attractions include Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point & Hidden Falls, Cascade Canyon, Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row Historic District, Schwabacher Landing, Wildlife viewing and Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve.

Yellowstone offers places like Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Grand Prismatic Spring. Choose the right place to stay for an unforgettable experience. In this article, you will learn more about hotels, campgrounds and vacation rentals near Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Overview of the two parks

Grand Teton National Park is a beautifully-set national park lodge, with an excellent base for accessing the park’s trails, lakes, and excellent views. Take time for a guided outing, learning about the geologic, natural, and human history, wildlife, and wildflowers, and having fun all the while. 

Experience hiking on national park trails through wildflower-filled meadows, picnicking, and stand-up paddle boarding on stunning String Lake, renting kayaks, and paddling along the shoreline of Colter Bay (Ponyexpresswest.com). Beauty and extreme conditions make Yellowstone National Park a winter wonderland, while active days in the powdery snow allow you to see Yellowstone’s highlights: geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife. 

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Key attractions in Yellowstone

Key attractions in Grand Teton

Best time to visit the parks

The best time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton is June through October, when all park roads are open.

Accommodation Options Near Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Hotels and Motels

Overview of hotel and motel options

Old Faithful Inn is a 6-minute walk from Old Faithful, 2.4 miles from Morning Glory Pool, and 2.5 miles from Kepler Cascades. There is free parking, breakfast, WiFi, and a restaurant. That may be perfect for those who enjoy unique lodging and rich details stop-in amenities. Try this lodge for families who want to spend time together without Wifi and TVs.

The hotel is casual elegance. The historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel has an extensive interior renovation, restoring it to its Colonial Revival heritage. The hotel is well known for its sustainable operations and is a National Historic Landmark. The multi-million dollar project included all guest rooms, dining room, bar and public spaces, and a redesigned deli. Lake Yellowstone Hotel offers wired internet service and a business center.

Top hotel and motel options

  • Jenny Lake Lodge
  • The Lodge at Jackson Hole
  • Lake Yellowstone Hotel
  • Grand Teton Lodge Company

Advantages of staying in a hotel or motel

  • Room service 
  • Breakfast is served
  • Closer parking
  • Personalized experience 
  • Security 

Disadvantages 

  • You may have fewer amenities 

Campgrounds and RV Parks

Overview of the campground and RV park options

The two most popular campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park are Madison and Canyon Campgrounds. What makes them popular are their central locations, proximity to West Yellowstone, Montana, and offering amenities such as flush toilets, dishwashing stations, pay showers, and access to laundry facilities.

Grand Teton National Park features incredible hikes, scenic drives, and must-do adventures. Grant Village Campground is off the Grand Loop Road at the south end of Yellowstone Lake (Discoveringmontana.com). It is one of the larger campgrounds in the park. It features group and wheel-chair accessible sites, stores, a restaurant, a gas station, a visitor center, and a boat ramp.

Top campground and RV park options

  • Teton Canyon  
  • Signal Mountain Campground
  • Grant Village Campground
  • Bridge Bay Campground

Advantages of camping or staying in an RV

  • Freedom 
  • Mobility 
  • Comfort and luxuries
  • Affordable
  • Flexible

Disadvantages 

  • Lack of space

Cabins and Vacation Rentals

Overview of cabin and vacation rental options

Cabins West Lodging is in West Yellowstone. It gives you easy access to Yellowstone National Park and all the downtown amenities and attractions. It also gives you the best lodging experience while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Enjoy fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers, decks and outdoor dining areas, bbq grills, internet, on-site parking, and more.

Arrowhead Lodge is a few blocks from the entrance to Yellowstone National Park in West Yellowstone. It gives you a home away from home experience, from full-size kitchens to fine linens and Jacuzzi brand jet tubs; the Arrowhead Properties provide a relaxing, hassle-free home base for any trip.

Top cabin and vacation rental options

  • Cabins West Lodging
  • Old Faithful Lodge
  • 9 Bar W Cabins
  • Arrowhead Lodge

Advantages of renting a cabin or vacation rental

  • Pet-friendly
  • Privacy
  • More space
  • Home-cooked food 
  • Affordable

Disadvantages 

  • No property manager or support staff on site
Image by kalhh from Pixabay

Best Places to Stay Near Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Yellowstone National Park Lodges

One of the best lodges in Yellowstone is the Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins and the Explorer Cabins for family and friends traveling together, romantic getaways, multi-generational gatherings, and solo travelers who want a little space to move around. Each private cabin boasts a beautiful, raised balcony, stylish décor, fine linens, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchenette. WiFi is available in the cabins and throughout the property. 

Grand Teton Lodge Company

Grand Teton Lodge Company operates hotels, dining, campgrounds, and activities within Grand Teton National Park. Jackson Lake Lodge is the largest eco-friendly resort and lodging in Grand Teton National Park, which hosts hundreds of rooms and cottages that fill up quickly in the summer. Book early or consider visiting in the spring and fall.

Best Western

These cabins near Yellowstone’s North entrance are family-friendly. They are minutes from the North entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It is 600 m from Yellowstone Historic Center Museum. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. Free WiFi is available and private parking is at an extra charge. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the hotel.

Canyon Lodging

Canyon Lodging features the most accommodations in Yellowstone, with more than 500 rooms and cabins. It is on the east side near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and opens from the middle of May through early October. There are 400-plus guest rooms, including 2-Bedroom Suites, Superior Lodge Rooms, and Standard Lodge Rooms. 

Signal Mountain Lodge

It is the only lakefront accommodation in the park with lodging opportunities, from cozy one-room mountain cabin units to suite-style units with kitchenettes and amazing views of the Grand Tetons. Explore the adventures and scenic beauty of Jackson Hole and National Park. It features endless water-based activities through guided fishing trips and boat rentals.

Benefits of Staying in or Near the Parks

  • Convenience and proximity to the parks
  • Opportunities for wildlife viewing
  • Access to unique activities
  • Additional fresh air
  • Added socialization
  • Better exercise
  • Relaxing and peaceful

Factors to Consider When Choosing Accommodation Near Yellowstone and Grand Teton

  • Location
  • Budget
  • Amenities
  • Activities
  • Accessibility

Tips for Booking Accommodation Near Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Best time to book

Yellowstone lodging can be reserved for up to 13 months and Grand Teton lodging up to a year in advance. Book for mid-June to early October. The best time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton is June through October, when all park roads are open.

How to find the best deals

Explore guest reviews, browse through various booking sites, and compare. 

How to make reservations

Book online or call. Call the National Park Service at 307-344-7381 for more information.

Alternative Places to Stay Near Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Cody, Wyoming

It is on the far east side of Yellowstone National Park. Outdoor recreation is abundant, including fishing, hiking, and camping in nearby mountain ranges. Nearby scenic drives include Chief Joseph and Beartooth Pass. When it comes to dining, When it comes to dining out, you will find menus full of items like ribs, steaks, and burgers. There is also a variety of cuisines. 

Jackson, Wyoming

The lively town of Jackson has the famed Jackson Hole Ski Resort. Explore a classic western horseback ride and watch out for bald eagles, osprey, moose, beaver, and bears. Alpine House Lodge and Cottages sit a few blocks off Jackson Town Square, where there is peace and close enough for a stroll at day’s end to browse the shops and galleries. Find your restaurant of choice for dinner.

West Yellowstone, Montana

Waterfalls, rivers, geysers, mud pots, and wildlife include bison, wolves, black and grizzly bears, moose, elk, and bald eagles. Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone near the park entrance. There are newly-built cabins and an easy walk to shops, restaurants, and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. 

Meet a private naturalist guide who will tailor the day to your interests. Take to the waters of Hebgen Lake on a naturalist-guided kayak outing, paddling on sparkling waters surrounded by the Madison Mountain Range.

Gardiner, Montana

It is outside the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, offering lodging, dining, and many activities for the park visitor. It offers several motels, campgrounds, a small airport, a grocery store, souvenir shops, and art galleries. Take a day or two to soak in Chico Hot Springs. The Absaroka Mountain Range and Yellowstone surround it.

Conclusion

In summary, Yellowstone and Grand Teton are great places with countless lodging options, from hotels to motels to campgrounds. Some of the best accommodations include Yellowstone National Park Lodges, Grand Teton Lodge Company, Best Western, Canyon Lodging, and Signal Mountain. Lodge. The best time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton is June through October. Before heading to Yellowstone, consider your budget, amenities, activities and accessibility. Enjoy your stay and do not forget to share your experience

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks?

The best time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks is generally from June through October when the weather is pleasant and most facilities and roads are open. However, remember that the parks can be crowded in the peak summer months, and cooler temperatures and snowfall can occur in the fall. If you are interested in winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing, the parks are also an ideal destination from December through March.

How far in advance should I book accommodation near Yellowstone and Grand Teton?

Yellowstone lodging can be reserved up to 13 months and Grand Teton lodging a year in advance.

What is the average cost of accommodation near the parks?

The average cost of lodging near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks ranges from $100 to $500 per night, depending on the type of lodging and time of year. These include options such as camping, cabins, lodges and hotels. It’s best to browse online and compare prices to find the best deal for your needs.

What is the closest airport to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks?

The closest airport is Jackson Hole Airport.

Can I bring my pet to stay in the park?

Yes, pets are allowed in Grand Teton National Park, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than three feet at all times. Pets are not allowed on backcountry trails or in park buildings, and additional rules and restrictions apply to pets in some park areas. It is important that you familiarize yourself with park policies before bringing your pet.

What activities can I do in Cody, Wyoming?

You can hike the trails or camp for a night under the stars, ice climb, ski, and snowmobile. Cody, Wyoming, offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and fishing. You can also visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West to learn about the history and culture of the American West, attend a rodeo, or take a scenic drive through the nearby Bighorn Mountains. You can go skiing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing in the winter months.

What activities can I do in Jackson, Wyoming?

You can go skiing in winter, Horseback Riding Tours, Whitewater Rafting on the Snake River, Guided Wildlife Tours, and Guided Hiking Tours.

Are there any all-inclusive options for accommodation near the parks?

Yes, popular destinations like The Lodge at Jackson Hole are all-inclusive options for accommodation near the parks.

Are there any unique accommodation options near the parks?

There are several unique lodging options near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Some examples include glamping sites, cozy cabins and historic hotels. If you want to go rustic, stay in one of the wooden cabins in the parks. Alternatively, luxurious resorts and lodges have amenities like spas and great food. To find the best options for your needs, I recommend browsing online travel sites or contacting a local travel agent for recommendations.

How can I find affordable accommodation near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks?

One way to find cheap lodging near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks is to search online travel sites such as Expedia, Booking.com or TripAdvisor. On these websites, you can search for accommodations in a specific area, view photos and reviews from previous guests, and compare prices for accommodations, such as hotels, motels, cabins, and campgrounds. In addition, it may be helpful to consider accommodations in nearby cities outside of the parks, as they may offer more affordable options.

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