Roughing It in Style: The Best Lodges and Hotels For Exploring Yellowstone's Wild Beauty
Roughing It in Style: The Best Lodges and Hotels For Exploring Yellowstone's Wild Beauty - Glamping Your Way Through the Wilderness
For those who crave comfort while communing with nature, glamping (glamorous camping) provides the perfect middle ground. Yellowstone offers numerous glamping options that allow you to sleep under the stars without sacrificing amenities.
Under Canvas Yellowstone provides spacious, weatherproof canvas tents complete with cozy beds, electricity, private bathrooms, and fire pits. The property sits on 200 acres adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, immersing you in wilderness while still providing creature comforts. Wake up to sweeping mountain views outside your tent flap. Spend the day wildlife spotting, hiking, or fishing, then return to your tent to relax by the campfire before retiring to your comfortable bed. With daily housekeeping service included, Under Canvas Yellowstone makes roughing it in the wilderness seamless. As one recent guest described it, “Rustic yet luxurious at the same time!”
For a truly unique glamping experience, check out Collective Yellowstone. This adults-only retreat offers eight tricked-out Airstream trailers parked in a meadow overlooking the Absaroka Mountains. Each retro camper has a memory foam king bed, full bathroom, flat screen TV, and outdoor grill. Onsite you’ll also find a renovated barn lounge stocked with coffee, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Spend your days exploring Yellowstone’s wonders, then unwind back at your chic Airstream oasis. As a Collective Yellowstone guest effused, “It was like we brought a luxury hotel room camping with us!”
At the adults-only East Fork Lodge Retreat you can sleep in a canvas wall tent or tipi fully appointed with cozy beds and lighting. Onsite amenities include hot showers, flush toilets and daily housekeeping. Guests rave about the inclusive gourmet meals served at the lodge. As one visitor described it, “Like staying at your rich friend’s private cabin - if your rich friend was also an amazing cook!” East Fork sits just outside Yellowstone's northeast entrance near the Lamar Valley, known for abundant wildlife viewing.
Roughing It in Style: The Best Lodges and Hotels For Exploring Yellowstone's Wild Beauty - Cozy Cabins Offer Comfort and Convenience
For travelers who prefer four solid walls over canvas, Yellowstone's cozy cabins deliver comfort and convenience amidst the wilderness. Scattered throughout the park and just outside its borders sit quintessential log cabins that provide a charming home base for exploring Yellowstone's treasures by day and relaxing by the fireplace at night.
Nestled in a shady forest, the cabins at Yellowstone Under Canvas offer a nice compromise between camping and a full-on hotel. These rustic yet comfy dwellings have electricity, private bathrooms with hot showers, and comfy beds dressed in premium linens. Outfitted in western decor, the cabins have front porches perfect for relaxing as the sun sets behind the pines. With daily housekeeping included, you can enjoy modern conveniences without sacrificing the great outdoors. As one recent guest described, “It was like having a personal camp in the woods we could return to each night after our adventures in the park.”
For a cozy cabin stay right inside Yellowstone, Canyon Lodge and Cabins is a great bet. These pine-paneled cabins built in the 1920s contain one or two beds, private baths, and gas fireplaces to take the chill off cool mountain evenings. Located a short walk from the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, staying in these historic cabins lets you enjoy sunrise and sunset at one of the park's top sites. As a recent visitor said, “Our little cabin made us feel like we were experiencing Yellowstone as the early pioneers did, but with running water and electricity!”
Just minutes from Yellowstone's north entrance in Gardiner, Yellowstone Park Travelodge offers basic but comfortable cabins at budget-friendly rates. You'll get a queen bed, private bath, mini-fridge and microwave, plus scenic mountain views outside your window. While simple, these cabins provide convenience at a great price. As one recent guest put it, “No frills, but very clean and had all we needed after long days exploring Yellowstone. The location was perfect for getting an early start into the park each morning.”
Roughing It in Style: The Best Lodges and Hotels For Exploring Yellowstone's Wild Beauty - Lodges With Historic Charm in Scenic Settings
For an authentic taste of Yellowstone's rich history, book a stay at one of the national park's historic lodges. These graceful lodges built last century allow you to envision Yellowstone's bygone eras while soaking in spectacular scenery.
Nestled on a rise overlooking the Yellowstone River, the stately Lake Yellowstone Hotel opened in 1891 as one of the park's original lodges. Stepping inside the massive log and stone lobby, you'll feel transported back in time. Original details like wrought iron chandeliers, marble fireplaces, and wall frescoes depict romanticized images of early Yellowstone. The sunroom overlooking Yellowstone Lake provides the perfect vantage point to watch the sun dip below the Absaroka Mountains. As a recent visitor described, "It was like taking a luxurious step back into the 1920s." After a day of touring the park, unwind on the expansive front porch with a cocktail or enjoy delicious dining in the ornate dining room.
For a quieter setting, check into the historic Lake Lodge cabins just down the road. Built in the 1920s, these pine cabins offer cozy digs with 2 queen beds, electricity, private bathrooms - a step above standard park cabins. The Lake Lodge Cafeteria next door dishes out hearty, affordable meals in a charming knotty pine dining hall. As a recent guest said, "Our cabin made us feel immersed in the old Yellowstone days." Outside your door you'll find a lakeshore trail with panoramic water and mountain views.
In the northern section of the park sits Roosevelt Lodge, named after the outdoor-loving president who helped establish Yellowstone. These rustic cabins built in the 1920s contain 1-3 beds, electricity and private baths - simple but comfortable. Kick back after dark in wooden rockers on the lodge's massive front porch overlooking a scenic valley. Hearty Old West fare like bison burgers, chili and cobbler are served in the welcoming Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room. As one recent guest described it, "The whole place made me feel like I was in an old Western movie." Roosevelt Lodge's location near the Lamar Valley promises excellent wildlife watching.
Roughing It in Style: The Best Lodges and Hotels For Exploring Yellowstone's Wild Beauty - Luxury Tents Bring You Close to Nature
For an adventurous glamping experience that truly immerses you in Yellowstone’s natural splendor, book a stay in one of the park’s luxury wilderness tents. These spacious, amenity-packed tents allow you to sleep surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness while enjoying resort-worthy comforts.
The Forrester High End Tents at The Resort at Paws Up provide an upscale glamping experience in a tranquil meadow setting near Yellowstone’s northwest entrance. These lavish tents feature a wrought iron bed dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets, arm chairs, oriental rugs, electricity and an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower. Onsite you’ll also find fine dining, spa services and activities like horseback riding. As one guest described, “Waking up in a luxury tent made me feel like I was on an African safari, but in the middle of the western wilderness!” With the Backcountry Adventure Package you can add guided trips into Yellowstone’s backcountry to view wildlife and thermal features up close.
Under Canvas Yellowstone places you in safari-style luxury tents just minutes from Yellowstone's south entrance in West Yellowstone. These spacious tents contain plush king beds or two queens, organic bath products, private ensuite bathrooms and wood stoves. Onsite you’ll also find teepee lounges stocked with coffee and board games. Spend your days wildlife watching, fly fishing or zip lining through the forest, then relax by the lobby’s firepit under a blanket of stars. As one recent guest described, “It was nice to have a warm, comfy tent to return to after full days exploring Yellowstone’s natural wonders.” Under Canvas also offers guided park tours to see iconic sites like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
At Collective Yellowstone outside the park’s northeast entrance, eight modern Airstream campers let you glamp in retro style. These stylish trailers outfitted with king beds, flatscreen TVs and bathrooms provide a cozy nest after full days adventuring in the Lamar Valley. Gather around the nightly campfire to stargaze and bond with fellow guests before retiring to your luxurious mobile abode. As one visitor summed it up, “Roughing it never felt so ritzy!” With an onsite llama herd, you can book a pack trip for scenic hikes deep into Yellowstone’s backcountry.
Roughing It in Style: The Best Lodges and Hotels For Exploring Yellowstone's Wild Beauty - Family-Friendly Options for All Ages to Enjoy
When it comes to family travel, keeping all ages happy tops the list of priorities. Luckily, Yellowstone offers numerous lodging options tailored to families that make vacationing with kids stress-free. These family-oriented lodges and hotels allow kids and adults alike to enjoy Yellowstone’s wonders while providing amenities families need like kitchenettes, separate spaces and organized activities.
For affordable family lodging just 5 minutes from Yellowstone’s west gate, Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park can’t be beat. Their log cabin rentals contain multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and separate living spaces so your crew can spread out. Kids will love the game room with billiards, arcade games and a 50-inch TV. Adults can unwind in the hot tub under the stars while kids make new friends around the fire pit. With an onsite general store and organized activities, this property hits the sweet spot for hassle-free family vacations. As one recent visitor described, “It was great having the comforts of home so close to Yellowstone. The cabin was perfect for our family, and the kids were kept busy and happy!”
Families seeking luxury just outside the park should check out The Resort at Paws Up. Their two-bedroom Pinnacle Camp homes let your crew vacation in serious style with gourmet kitchens, great rooms with games and flat screens, and even a golf cart to cruise the grounds. While adults enjoy the spa and dining, kids will stay entertained with the resort’s organized activities like archery, kayaking and scavenger hunts. As one parent raved, “It was amazing to see my kids develop new passions while we had quality bonding time as a family.”
For quintessential park lodging, book adjacent cabins at the historic Lake Lodge. Get two cabins, one for parents and one for kids, then meet up for family time and meals in the charming main lodge overlooking Yellowstone Lake. Kids will love the massive fireplace, lakefront walking trails and cozy dining hall serving family fare like bison chili and huckleberry pie. As one recent guest shared, “The cabin setup gave us family space while letting the kids feel independent - best of both worlds!”
Roughing It in Style: The Best Lodges and Hotels For Exploring Yellowstone's Wild Beauty - Accommodations Ideal for Outdoor Adventurers
For travelers who prioritize adventure above all else, Yellowstone offers numerous lodging options tailored to hardcore outdoor enthusiasts. After full days conquering the park's peaks and rivers, you can retire to comfortable beds mere steps from the wilderness. Whether you prefer a rustic cabin, luxury tent or tricked-out camper van, you'll sleep surrounded by Yellowstone's splendor and arise ready for the next adventure.
At Three Bear Lodge just 4 miles from Yellowstone's northwest entrance, you can bed down in cozy cabins after rugged days exploring the Gallatin National Forest and Paradise Valley. These rustic log cabins contain 1-3 queen beds so you can share digs with your adventure pals. After scaling craggy ridgelines or shredding singletrack on your mountain bike, unwind on your cabin's front porch breathing in fresh mountain air. Three Bear Lodge also offers equipment rentals and guided hiking and biking trips into Yellowstone's striking backcountry landscapes. As one recent guest described it, "The ideal home base for adventurers who want wilderness right outside their cabin door!"
For a truly unique and immersive experience, Rocky Mountain RV Park provides decked-out campers to use as your adventure mobile. Choose from Airstream trailers, Winnebago RVs or Mercedes Benz Sprinters equipped with full baths and kitchens. Spend your days wildlife watching in the Lamar Valley or paddling Yellowstone Lake, then retire to your cozy camper to refuel and plan the next day's expedition. You can also book guided rafting, kayaking and backcountry day trips through the RV park's outfitter service. As one recent guest said, "We were able to camp in style while having amazing outdoor adventures in Yellowstone!"
At the new Basecamp at Canyon Lodge in the heart of Yellowstone, adventurous couples can bed down in stylish canvas tents perched above the canyon rim. Spend days traversing the park's 900+ miles of hiking trails or rip through white water rapids with a class III-IV rafting tour. Return to your luxe tent outfitted with comfy beds and nature-inspired bath products to rest up for tomorrow's adrenaline rush. Basecamp's lodge houses a lively restaurant and bar where you can swap stories with fellow thrill-seekers over local beers and bison burgers. As one recent visitor described it, "The coolest place in the park for adventurous spirits to fuel up and recharge!"
Roughing It in Style: The Best Lodges and Hotels For Exploring Yellowstone's Wild Beauty - Boutique Hotels With Unique Yellowstone Style
For a one-of-a-kind stay that encapsulates Yellowstone’s rustic yet refined aesthetic, book a room at one of the park’s boutique hotels. These intimate accommodations blend western charm with contemporary comfort, surrounding you in authentic local style.
Tucked into the wilderness south of Yellowstone, Amangani offers a 5-star boutique experience with breathtaking panoramic views. This exclusive Aman Resort contains just 40 minimalist suites decorated in natural textures like bamboo, granite and limestone. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame wild open vistas stretching to the Grand Teton peaks. After wildlife safaris, soaking in natural hot springs, or cowboying at their luxury camp, unwind by the 75-foot glass-walled pool seemingly suspended above the Jackson Hole valley. Amangani’s gourmet dining spotlights seasonal Wyoming ingredients like elk tenderloin and huckleberry ice cream. As one visitor gushed, “The most stylish way imaginable to experience Wyoming’s rugged beauty.” Rates starting at $1300 capture the pinnacle of Yellowstone luxury.
In Cooke City just outside Yellowstone’s northeast gate, the historic Alpine Motel blends vintage and contemporary styling for an artsy rustic vibe. Handcrafted log beds, cowhide rugs, and antique snowshoes adorn the seven boutique rooms. Unwind after hiking wooded trails by relaxing in the Finnish sauna or soaking in the year-round hot springs pool. Savor bison burgers and local craft beers at their cozy log cabin bar that doubles as the town’s lively gathering spot. Reasonable rates starting around $150 capture Cooke City’s funky mountain town spirit. As a recent guest described, “The perfect unique basecamp for exploring this quirky corner of Yellowstone country.”
Roughing It in Style: The Best Lodges and Hotels For Exploring Yellowstone's Wild Beauty - Budget-Friendly Campgrounds for Roughing It
For travelers who really want to immerse themselves in the wilderness without breaking the bank, Yellowstone offers numerous budget-friendly campground options. Staying at these no-frills campgrounds inside and just outside the park allows you to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of sleeping under the stars for a fraction of the cost of hotels. Waking up to moose grazing outside your tent or the scent of campfire coffee brewing makes roughing it in Yellowstone well worth it.
Just 5 minutes from Yellowstone’s west entrance, Madison Campground provides bare bones camping starting at just $25 a night. Sites have picnic tables and fire pits - bring your own tent and gear to set up camp. Flush toilets and drinking water are available onsite. Located near the Madison River, anglers will enjoy easy access to fly fishing. This campground really strips things down to basics - as one recent visitor said, “If you want full immersion into nature at a great price, Madison can’t be beat.”
For RV camping on a budget, check out Fishing Bridge RV Park. Sites with full hookups start around $50 and include picnic tables, fire grates and access to restrooms with showers. Situated on Yellowstone Lake’s north shore, anglers will love casting for lake trout and other prized fish right from shore. One recent guest described Fishing Bridge as “Simple but gave us everything we needed as a home base for kayaking and hiking Yellowstone Lake.”
Just 4 miles from Yellowstone’s north entrance in Gardiner, Yellowstone Park Travelodge offers RV sites with electricity starting around $60 nightly. Tent sites are also available and run just $25 per night. While bare bones, the location can’t be beat for convenient park access. Recent visitors describe this no-frills campground as “a great budget option minutes from Yellowstone.”
If you don’t have camping gear, Yellowstone Under Canvas offers an economical glamping experience with furnished wall tents starting at $120 per night. You’ll get comfy beds and electricity - bring your own bedding or sleeping bags. Access to hot showers, restrooms and WiFi sweeten the deal. Under Canvas sits just half a mile from Yellowstone’s west entrance for convenient park access. As one recent guest put it, “Roughing it in style without breaking the bank thanks to Under Canvas!”