The 8 Best Places To Stay In Yellowstone National Park

America's first national park is a bucket list destination for millions. We polled frequent visitors to find the best places to stay in Yellowstone National Park in 2025.

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Astrid Taran, Forbes Staff

Forbes Vetted

Choosing the best place to stay in Yellowstone National Park requires some research: With over 4 million people on average visiting the park each year, there are myriad accommodations to choose from. Park hotels place guests next to treasures like Old Faithful, while properties just outside the park—still within the greater Yellowstone ecosystem—offer amenities like gourmet dining and spa treatments.

I polled Forbes Vetted editors who have stayed in Yellowstone National Park, and also tapped travel photographer and frequent national parks visitor Chris Poplawski, of Chris Roams, for tips on the best places to stay. Our top overall recommendation is the Old Faithful Inn, a centrally located and historic property right in the park. Outside of the park, we recommend Montage Big Sky for a high-end experience and Under Canvas West Yellowstone for glamping. Below, the best places to stay in Yellowstone National Park in 2025.

Best Hotel Overall In Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful Inn

Best High-End Hotel In Yellowstone National Park: Montage Big Sky

Best Glamping Resort In Yellowstone National Park: Under Canvas West Yellowstone

Best Hotel In Yellowstone National Park For Couples: Sage Lodge

Best Place For Families To Stay In Yellowstone National Park: Goose Bay Lodge

Best Adventure Lodge In Yellowstone National Park: Canyon Lodges And Cabins

Best Ranch-Style Stay In Yellowstone National Park: Bar N Ranch

Best Place To Stay In Yellowstone National Park For Views: The Cargill-Earl Guesthouse At Erik’s Ranch

Best Hotel Overall In Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful Inn

The Old Faithful Inn has been called the world's largest log structure. Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Old Faithful Inn

Who Will Love It: History buffs and visitors in search of an iconic Yellowstone experience

All-Star Amenities: Mezzanine views of Old Faithful; nearby hikes and fly-fishing in the Firehole River

What Not To Miss: Guided hotel tours offered throughout the day; serene mornings and evenings experiencing the Old Faithful geyser

Location: Yellowstone National Park

The Old Faithful Inn is Yellowstone’s most iconic hotel for a reason: A designated historic landmark overlooking the Old Faithful geyser, visitors who check in here are transported back in time. “There’s a beautiful feeling of American history here,” says Poplawski, who names this property as his top recommendation within the park. “It offers everything you could possibly want in a stay.” Guests who check in here have access to direct views of Old Faithful erupting from the mezzanine balcony, with geyser-facing rooms available to book as well. While the resort is more no-frills than luxury, “the architecture is stunning,” says tech editor Rebecca Isaacs, who stayed here on a recent trip. The Bear Pit Lounge, decorated with beautiful etched glass panels, offers drinks and appetizers, while the Old Faithful Dining Room offers buffet-style meals in a great hall setting.

Best High-End Hotel In Yellowstone National Park: Montage Big Sky

Exterior of Montage Big Sky. Montage Big Sky

Montage Big Sky

Who Will Love It: Luxury vacationers; golfers; spa seekers, skiers and snowboarders

All-Star Amenities: 10,000-square-foot Spa Montage; private Tom Weiskopf Signature Golf Course; bowling alley, ski-in, ski-out resort access; Kids Paintbox Program

What Not To Miss: The slate of daily events from culinary to live entertainment; creating a bespoke hat at Montana Territory Hat Co.; curated local art throughout the interior

Location: Big Sky, Montana

This expansive, half-a-million-square-foot luxury resort sits on the slopes of Big Sky Resort, just an hour from the park’s West entrance. Its 100 guest rooms and suites and 39 residences feature modern wood and stone décor, as well as seven restaurants serving everything from casual fare to fine dining. Guest here can expect white-glove service and plenty of celebrity sightings; the resort also offers private guided Yellowstone safari tours coordinated through the concierge. Additional Montage experiences include the private 18-hole Tom Weiskopf golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, a bowling alley, and ski-in/ski-out access in the winter. Families will appreciate the hotel’s signature Paintbox program with outdoor activities, crafts and games for children.

Best Glamping Resort In Yellowstone National Park: Under Canvas West Yellowstone

UnderCanvas West Yellowstone interior. Bailey Made

Under Canvas West Yellowstone

Who Will Love It: Glamping enthusiasts

All-Star Amenities: Horseback riding; packed lunches; s’mores around the campfire

What Not To Miss: Fly casting lessons at the on-property pond; waking up to the sound of birds chirping from your plush king-size bed

Location: West Yellowstone, Montana

Under Canvas West Yellowstone creates an immersive outdoor experience with boutique hotel-style amenities. Just 15 minutes from the West entrance to the park, guests decamp to safari-inspired canvas tents that include options for interconnected family units, private suites and tents with clear panels for stargazing. All have modern furnishings, plush bedding, private decks, wood-burning stoves—and many have private baths. The location is unbeatable, with the tent sites nestled together in a meadow alongside the meandering Madison River. The resort’s restaurant serves a full breakfast and dinner menu, plus packable lunches to bring on any adventure. And the concierge can arrange several excursions in the park and Greater Yellowstone.

Best Hotel In Yellowstone National Park For Couples: Sage Lodge

The Sage Lodge in Paradise Valley is known for its romantic vibes and beautiful sunsets. Courtesy of The Sage Lodge

Who Will Love It: Honeymooners; Yellowstone fans

All-Star Amenities: Couples massage suite; a private spring-fed fly-fishing pond; endless views

What Not To Miss: Expertly grilled wild game; live music, the opportunity to elope in a stunning setting

Location: Pray, Montana, North Entrance

Fans of the television show Yellowstone might recognize this hotel’s stunning landscape as the setting of the Dutton family ranch. With just 34 guest rooms decked out with stone fireplaces and luxe leather and wood furnishings, it provides an intimate atmosphere for romantic getaways. “It’s a bit away from town and offers a secluded and immersive feeling,” says Poplawski. “It’s also right on a river so great for fishing, and the food is fantastic.” He especially recommends this property, which is open year-round, for travelers who are visiting the park during shoulder season or winter: “The only way to enter the park during winter is through the North entrance, and Sage is about a 45 minute drive away from it.” For extra indulgence, the on-site spa features a steam room, sauna and relaxation room.

Best Place For Families To Stay In Yellowstone National Park: Goose Bay Lodge

The Yellowstone room at Goose Bay Lodge.

Goose Bay Lodge

Who Will Love It: Families; large groups

All-Star Amenities: Open floor plan; wraparound deck with front porch swing; lakefront

What Not To Miss: Floating down the Henry’s Fork river; dinner and a show at the Yellowstone Playhouse

Location: Island Park, Idaho near the West Entrance

This recently remodeled lodge just outside of West Yellowstone is an ideal space for family reunions and large gatherings. On the shores of Henry’s Lake, a popular state park, the lodge features five bedrooms, four bathrooms and eleven beds. Guests can enjoy lazy evenings barbecuing and relaxing on the covered wraparound porch with views of the lake and it surrounding majestic mountain peaks. The area is also known for waterfowl and moose sightings, as well as great fly fishing. It’s a short 20-minute drive to West Yellowstone and the park, and it’s easy to float the Henry’s River (flotation rentals are available nearby) and go hiking on nearby trails.

Best Adventure Lodge In Yellowstone National Park: Canyon Lodges And Cabins

A Premium room at Canyon Lodges and Cabins. Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Canyon Lodges And Cabins

Who Will Love It: Outdoorsy travelers

All-Star Amenities: Walking distance to park services and trailheads

What Not To Miss: Guided Grand Canyon Rim hike with Yellowstone Hiking Guides; cultural events in Canyon Village

Location: Yellowstone National Park

Open mid-May through early October, this village of five LEED-certified lodges is the largest in the park, with 400 guest rooms and 100 guest cabins tucked inside the park’s Northwest corner. The Canyon Visitor Education Center offers information, exhibits, ranger programs and cultural events, and guests can set off from the lodge directly into the wilderness hiking trails or on a guided horseback trip. Area trails include a 4-mile out and back on the Cascade Lake trail, a hike to the fire lookout on Mount Washburn or to one of the most popular hikes in the park, the Grand Canyon Rim Hike. Dining options are sparse given the number of guests, but there is a full-service restaurant, the Canyon Lodge M66 Grill, and cafeteria-style dining at the Canyon Eatery.

Best Ranch-Style Stay In Yellowstone National Park: Bar N Ranch

Bar N Ranch offers an authentic Old West experience. Bailey Made

Bar N Ranch

Who Will Love It: Cowgirls and cowboys in training, Wild West enthusiasts, oenophiles

All-Star Amenities: Expansive wine cave, gourmet dining, fireside lounge

What Not To Miss: The impressive wine cellar at Embers

Location: West Yellowstone, Montana

A massive three-sided river rock fireplace adorned with wildlife trophies is the centerpiece of this traditional lodge, located 6 miles outside of Yellowstone’s West Entrance. Follow the intricate burl wood staircase up to the eight lodge guest rooms, all of which are set along the banks of the Madison River, where deer, antelope and moose roam freely. Bar N Ranch’s in-house Adventure Team can coordinate a variety of activities on the ranch’s 200 acres, like horseback riding and fly-fishing. The ranch offers hearty breakfasts of honey and vanilla french toast and fish and game-forward Western dinners (spiced trout, bison short ribs) at Embers—don’t miss the restaurant’s unique wine cellar, housed in a large rock formation.

Best Place To Stay In Yellowstone National Park For Views: The Cargill-Earl Guesthouse At Erik’s Ranch

The Cargill-Earl Guesthouse offers high design in a remote location.

The Cargill-Earl Guesthouse At Erik’s Ranch

Who Will Love It: Off-the-grid enthusiasts and fans of modern design

All-Star Amenities: Stargazing; expansive Paradise Valley views; wildlife sightings from the deck

What Not To Miss: Nature hikes on the private property led by guides from Erik’s Ranch

Location: Paradise Valley

The Cargill-Earl Guesthouse’s remote off-the-grid location is the perfect salve for those in search of solitude. This standalone Airbnb in Paradise Valley is just 45 minutes from Yellowstone’s North entrance—“the quietest park entrance during the summer,” according to Poplawski. Architecture aficionados will bask in the modern design of the two-bedroom, two-bath house, which takes full advantage of the 360-mountain views with glass windows and sliding glass walls. The house sits on 172 acres of private land, and a resident herd of elk can often be heard bugling across the meadow. All bookings include guided hikes with nearby Erik’s Ranch, a nonprofit ranch run by young adults with autism. Horseback riding is also available for an additional fee, and the ranch is happy to coordinate guided fly-fishing and rafting excursions.

Openings We’re Looking Forward To

We update this story regularly to monitor the best places to stay in Yellowstone National Park for 2025, including the newest properties that are worth a look.

One&Only Moonlight Basin: Set to open in November 2025, the luxurious One&Only hotel brand will open its second U.S. resort just one hour from Yellowstone’s West entrance. The resort’s 73 guest rooms and 19 villas will be connected by gondola to Big Sky, Montana’s excellent skiing, and will feature two restaurants, a lounge and a speakeasy-style bar.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe.

The travel section is managed by senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an eight-year industry veteran who’s traveled to over 40 countries and has traversed the U.S., camping and glamping in several national parks.

This story was edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the travel, beauty and fashion verticals at Forbes Vetted. She has over two decades of experience reporting on everything from wellness travel to city guides.

Along with tapping Forbes Vetted staffers who have recently traveled to Yellowstone National Park, Taran interviewed travel photographer and frequent national parks visitor Chris Poplawski, of Chris Roams. He provided key insights and his own personal tips on the best places to stay in Yellowstone National Park.

How We Chose The Best Places To Stay In Yellowstone National Park

We selected the top contenders based on extensive research and insights from both the Forbes Vetted staff and travel advisors with expert knowledge of accommodations in and around Yellowstone National Park.

For this story, Taran spent hours combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, hotel websites and more.

We included a range of options for groups, families, couples and active travelers. We also included options across several budgets, including luxury picks and value stays.

We only included resorts that are located right in Yellowstone Park, such as the Canyon Lodges and Cabins, as well as resorts that are outside but near the park, like Sage Lodge. We also included camping and glamping options.

About Astrid Taran, Your Yellowstone National Park Guide

I’m the senior travel editor at Forbes Vetted, where I oversee hotel coverage. I have covered travel for almost a decade as both a writer and editor. Along with extensively writing about hotels and airlines, I have also written multiple destination guides as well as long-form features on luxury travel, adventure travel, wellness travel and more.

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