Top 10 Accommodations Inside Yellowstone: From Lodges to Campgrounds

Like the majestic geysers that punctuate Yellowstone's landscape, the park's accommodations rise to meet every traveler's expectations. You'll find yourself faced with choices that range from the rustic grandeur of historic lodges to the tranquil simplicity of wilderness campgrounds. Whether you're drawn to the architectural marvel of Old Faithful Inn or the peaceful shores of Bridge Bay Campground, your decision will shape your entire Yellowstone journey. Before you commit to any location, you'll want to understand the unique character and advantages of each option—some of which might surprise even the most seasoned national park enthusiast.

Key Takeaways

• Old Faithful Inn stands as Yellowstone's premier lodge, featuring 300 rooms in the world's largest log hotel with rustic charm.
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel offers 296 rooms combining historic elegance and modern comfort, overlooking North America's largest high-altitude lake.
• Canyon Lodge provides over 500 eco-conscious accommodations with LEED-Gold certification, perfect for environmentally conscious travelers.
• Madison Campground offers prime camping at 6,800 feet elevation with excellent fishing access and convenient proximity to major attractions.
• Fishing Bridge RV Park provides 310 sites with full hookups exclusively for hard-sided RVs, making it ideal for modern camping.

Historic Old Faithful Inn

The Historic Old Faithful Inn stands as the world's largest log hotel, masterfully built with local lodgepole pine and rhyolite stone.

You'll uncover a stunning rustic architecture that revolutionized national park design, featuring a massive stone fireplace and a handcrafted copper clock in the lobby. Since its 1904 opening, the inn has earned National Historic Landmark status and continues to welcome guests from May to October.

You'll find over 300 rooms providing various accommodation options, including ADA-accessible units.

While you won't have TVs or air conditioning, you'll encounter an authentic natural stay. The inn provides multiple dining choices, including a main dining room, Bear Paw Deli, and a second-floor bar.

Don't miss the daily historic walking tours during summer to learn about this architectural marvel's preservation and significance.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel

Since 1891, Lake Yellowstone Hotel has graced the shores of North America's largest high-altitude lake, providing visitors a refined Colonial Revival encounter inside the park.

You'll find 296 guest rooms, including both hotel accommodations and frontier cabins, all maintaining a perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort.

The hotel's amenities cater to diverse preferences:

1. A grand Sun Room where you can relax while enjoying live string quartet performances and panoramic lake views
2. Multiple dining options, from the main restaurant to a convenient deli
3. Scenic lake cruises and nearby fishing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts

For lodging, you can choose from the Presidential Suite, lakeside rooms with 1920s ambiance, standard rooms in the annex, or remodeled frontier cabins.

The hotel's National Historic Landmark status reflects its enduring legacy in Yellowstone's hospitality.

Canyon Lodge and Cabins

Located near the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Canyon Lodge and Cabins provides over 500 eco-conscious accommodations that combine modern comfort with Western charm.

You'll find various lodging options, from standard rooms to Western cabins, with five lodges boasting LEED-Gold certification.

While you won't find TVs or air conditioning, you'll appreciate amenities like private bathrooms, coffee makers, and heat.

The property features a full-service restaurant, cafeteria, and deli, plus Wi-Fi in public areas.

For eco-conscious travelers, there are two EV charging stations near Rhyolite Lodge.

The property prioritizes accessibility with 19 ADA rooms and multiple accessible suites and cabins.

You can book your stay from mid-May through October, with specific opening dates varying by lodge building.

Mammoth Hot Springs Lodge

Nestled within Yellowstone's northern region, Mammoth Hot Springs Lodge provides year-round accommodations just steps from the park's famous terraces and historic Fort Yellowstone.

You'll find various lodging options, from newly renovated hotel rooms with modern amenities to rustic cabins with shared bathrooms.

The lodge presents three standout features:

1. A welcoming Map Room lounge with a restored wooden wall map, serving coffee and cocktails
2. An outdoor skating rink with complimentary skate rentals
3. An expanded ski shop providing equipment rentals and guided winter tours

You're well-connected here, with daily shuttle service from Bozeman Airport during winter months.

The dining options include the Mammoth Hotel Dining Room and Terrace Grill, both featuring spectacular views.

While WiFi's available in guest rooms, you won't find it in the cabins.

Roosevelt Lodge

This historic retreat stands proudly in Yellowstone's Tower-Roosevelt area, honoring President Theodore Roosevelt's legacy since 1920.

You'll find two accommodation options: Frontier Cabins with private bathrooms and double beds, or the more rustic Roughrider Cabins with shared bathrooms and varying bed configurations.

While you won't find modern amenities like TV, air conditioning, or internet, you'll uncover authentic encounters including horseback riding, stagecoach expeditions, and the popular Old West Dinner Cookout.

The lodge's location near Lamar Valley makes it perfect for wildlife watching, while nearby attractions include Tower Falls, the Petrified Tree, and Slough Creek's excellent fishing spots.

If you're traveling with pets, select cabins welcome them for a $25 fee.

The property provides ADA-accessible rooms and facilities, with daily housekeeping included in your stay.

Madison Campground

At 6,800 feet elevation, Madison Campground serves as a strategic basecamp between West Yellowstone and Old Faithful.

You'll find diverse camping options, including tent sites, RV spots up to 40 feet, and group areas that accommodate up to 20 people. The campground operates from May 2 to October 19, 2025, with nightly rates at $33 for standard sites.

Three key features make Madison Campground exceptional:

1. Prime location at the junction of Gibbon and Firehole rivers, providing excellent fishing
2. Essential amenities including clean restrooms, bear boxes, and a store for basic supplies
3. Easy access to major attractions like Old Faithful, Firehole Canyon Drive, and Lower Geyser Basin

You'll enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities, evening ranger programs in summer, and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity throughout your stay.

Bridge Bay Camping Experience

Conveniently situated beside Yellowstone Lake, Bridge Bay Campground provides 432 diverse campsites at 7,800 feet elevation.

You'll find accommodations for both RVs up to 40 feet and tents, with each site featuring a fire ring and grill.

During your stay from mid-May to mid-September, you'll have access to essential amenities including flush toilets, drinking water, and shared food storage lockers to prevent bear encounters.

The adjacent Bridge Bay Marina presents boat rentals and lake tours, while nightly ranger programs at the campground's amphitheater enhance your outdoor adventure.

You can spend your days hiking nearby trails, fishing, or exploring the park's attractions.

If you're a Senior Pass or Access Pass holder, you'll receive a 50% discount on your campsite reservation.

Grant Village Accommodations

Located near the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, Grant Village provides modern lodging in six two-story buildings with 300 well-appointed rooms.

You'll find comfortable accommodations with either one queen or two double beds, each featuring amenities like mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, and private bathrooms.

While staying at Grant Village, you'll have access to:

1. Two dining options: a full-service restaurant and a casual lakeside eatery
2. Convenient facilities including a lounge, gift shop, general store, and gas station
3. Internet service in lodge buildings for registered guests

Built in 1984 and named after President Ulysses S. Grant, this lodge operates seasonally from May 31 to October 6, 2024.

For accessibility needs, 12 ADA rooms are available with roll-in showers and accessible features.

Fishing Bridge RV Park

The Fishing Bridge RV Park stands as Yellowstone's only campground with full hookups, providing 310 sites exclusively for hard-sided RVs near the junction of Yellowstone Lake and River.

You'll find both pull-through and back-in sites ranging from 40 to 95 feet in length, with upgraded electrical service in the Upper Loop presenting 50/30 amp and 110-volt options.

The park's amenities include flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station.

You can use generators between 8 am and 8 pm, and you'll have access to a nearby general store and visitor center.

Due to active grizzly bear habitat, tents aren't allowed, and you must store food inside your RV.

While internet connectivity is limited, you can rely on external providers like Starlink for better coverage.

Old Faithful Snow Lodge

Standing majestically near the world-famous geyser, Old Faithful Snow Lodge provides year-round accommodations with distinct seasonal encounters.

You'll find a range of lodging options, from deluxe rooms with king or queen beds to Western and Frontier cabins, though none feature TVs or air conditioning. The lodge's accessibility includes ADA-compliant rooms, wheelchair services, and convenient parking.

1. Winter stays (December-March) include snowcoach transportation from Bozeman Airport to Mammoth Hot Springs, with required reservations for Old Faithful access.
2. Summer visits (April-October) offer easy walking access to the Upper Geyser Basin and full parking privileges.
3. Year-round amenities include the Obsidian Dining Room, Geyser Grill, Bear Den Gift Store, and laundry facilities.

Note: Current renovations include roofing work and fire system upgrades through winter 2024-2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet to Stay Overnight in Yellowstone Lodges?

You can't stay with pets in most Yellowstone lodges. Instead, you'll need to book pet-friendly accommodations near park entrances, like the Ridgeline Hotel or Holiday Inn West Yellowstone, which welcome pets for a fee.

What Happens if I Encounter Wildlife Near My Accommodation?

If you encounter wildlife near your accommodation, stay calm and don't run. Back away slowly, make noise to deter the animal, and seek shelter in your building or vehicle immediately. Never approach or feed them.

Are There Laundry Facilities Available at the Lodges?

As fresh linens flutter in the mountain breeze, you'll find laundry services at Old Faithful Inn, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, and Old Faithful Lodge. Campgrounds like Fishing Bridge, Canyon, and Grant offer coin-operated facilities.

Do Lodges and Campgrounds Have Wifi or Cell Phone Service?

You'll find limited WiFi in some lodges for registered guests, but it's very slow. Cell service covers about 50% of the park, with Verizon providing the best coverage. Consider texting for reliable communication.

Can I Store Food in My Car Overnight at Lodges?

While you can store food in your locked car overnight at lodges, it's not ideal. You'll want to guarantee windows are completely closed and no attractants are visible. For safety, consider using indoor storage options instead.