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What is the best town to stay in while visiting Yellowstone?

Todd Schlotfeldt • Mar 29, 2023

The best town to stay at during your vacation to Yellowstone is different for everyone. Read below for some help with your travel planning.

When planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, choosing the right place to stay is crucial to making the most of your visit. The park is surrounded by several towns, each with its own unique features, and it can be challenging to know which one is the best fit for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll describe some of our recommended places to stay near Yellowstone, including West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Bozeman, Big Sky, Jackson Hole, Cody, and Island Park. Please note that drive times are from the town to the park entrance; drive times to specific attractions vary. On our private tours, we offer pick-up and drop-off services at or near West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Bozeman and Big Sky. We do not offer pick-up or drop-off at Jackson, Cody or Island Park.


West Yellowstone, MT

West Yellowstone is located just outside the park's West Entrance, making it an ideal location for those who want to explore the geysers and hot springs of the park's famous geyser basins. There is good camping around here as well as many RV parks. It also offers a wide variety of accommodations, from cabins to motels to luxury hotels. Visitors can enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment options in this bustling town. However, it can be crowded during peak season, so plan accordingly and reserve early. Drive time to the park: 5 minutes.


Gardiner, MT

Gardiner is located at the park's North Entrance, providing fairly quick access to the Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the famous Roosevelt Arch. It offers a range of lodging options, including campgrounds, hotels, and vacation rentals. Visitors can enjoy local dining, shopping, and entertainment options. During the summer, the town can be busy, so it's best to make reservations in advance. Drive time to the park: 5 minutes.


Bozeman, MT

Bozeman is located about an hour and a half from the park's West Entrance, but it offers a range of accommodations and amenities that might be worth the drive. It is a college town, so it has a lively atmosphere with plenty of dining and shopping options. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing in the surrounding mountains. The town has an airport, making it convenient for those flying in. Drive time to the park: 1.5 - 2 hours.


Big Sky, MT

Big Sky is located about an hour and a half from the park's West Entrance and offers a range of luxury accommodations. It is a popular ski resort in the winter, but it also offers outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and fly-fishing during the summer. Visitors can enjoy dining, shopping, as well as concerts and rodeos in the nearby town center. Drive time to the park: 1 - 1.5 hours.


Jackson Hole, WY

Jackson Hole is located about an hour and a half from the park's South Entrance and is surrounded by the stunning Teton Mountains and Grant Teton National Park. It offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to rustic cabins. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and white-water rafting, as well as dining and shopping options in the town square. The town has an airport, making it convenient for those flying in. Drive time to the park: 1.5 hours.


Cody, WY

Cody is located about an hour and a half from the park's East Entrance and is known as the "Rodeo Capital of the World." It offers a range of accommodations, including historic hotels and motels. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, as well as the famous Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum. Drive time to the park: 1.5 hours.


Island Park, ID

Island Park is located about 30 minutes from the park's west entrance and is a great option if you're looking for a quieter place to stay. This town offers plenty of accommodation options, including hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Island Park is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling. There are also a few restaurants and shops in the town. Drive time to the park: 30 - 45 minutes.




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