Yellowstone Lodging & Camping + 4-Day Itinerary

Yellowstone National Park stretches across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The park contains geysers, hot springs, canyons, lakes, and diverse wildlife. Visitors must select entrances that will serve as their paths between their chosen lodging and camping locations.

Yellowstone at a glance

Yellowstone has five main entrances. The Grand Loop connects major sites. Early departure is encouraged.

Best entrances to use

Visitors coming from Idaho or Montana can use the West Entrance to access Old Faithful and the geyser areas.

The North Entrance provides access to Mammoth Hot Springs from Gardiner, MT.

Access to Yellowstone Lake is also provided by the South Entrance, but the most accessible route is through Jackson Hole.

How to get around

Grand Loop drives take 3–5 hours without stops. Short drives take 1–2 hours. Start early to avoid congestion and secure parking at geysers and viewpoints.

How many days in Yellowstone

Visitors who stay for short periods of time will only be able to see geysers and lakes. The trip length enables people to watch wildlife and participate in hiking and camping activities which take place in remote environments.

Quick recommendations:

• Itinerary 3 days: covers geysers, Canyon, Yellowstone Lake.
• Itinerary 4 days: covers geysers, Canyon, wildlife.
• Itinerary 5 days: allows side hikes and photography.

Yellowstone trip cost and budget

The Yellowstone trip cost includes entrance fees, accommodation, food, gasoline, and additional activities. The way people travel determines their budget requirements.

Entrance fees

• Private vehicle: $35/7 days
• Motorcycle: $30/7 days
• Annual pass: $70

Budget ranges

• Budget: camping, basic meals, $70/day
• Mid-range: cabins or hotels, $210/day
• Comfort: lodges, meals, extras, $410/day

Yellowstone itinerary 4 days

Day 1: Geysers and Old Faithful	Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, Morning Glory Pool. Start before 9 a.m.
Day 2: Grand Canyon and Hayden Valley	Artist Point, Upper and Lower Falls. Afternoon wildlife in Hayden Valley.
Day 3: Mammoth and Lamar Valley	Mammoth Hot Springs. Morning wildlife in Lamar Valley for bison and wolves.
Day 4: Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb, Norris	Lake Village, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Norris Geyser Basin. Flex time for optional stops.

Best things to do in Yellowstone

Key attractions include geysers, canyons, lakes, wildlife.

Top 10 highlights:

1. Old Faithful
2. Grand Prismatic Spring
3. Yellowstone Grand Canyon
4. Mammoth Hot Springs
5. Hayden Valley
6. Lamar Valley
7. Yellowstone Lake
8. Norris Geyser Basin
9. Tower Fall
10. Artists Point

Where to stay in Yellowstone

The selection of accommodation in Yellowstone National Park determines how visitors will spend their time during their four-day stay because it determines which activities they can pursue and which sites they will visit and how much they will spend throughout their visit.

Inside the park

Lodges - higher cost, limited rooms, basic amenities.

Campgrounds -Yellowstone camping, close to trails, reserve early.

Outside the park

West Yellowstone - near West Entrance, family-friendly.

Gardiner - near North Entrance, quick access.

Jackson - near South Entrance, upscale hotels.

Best base for 4-day Yellowstone Road trip - West Yellowstone.

Yellowstone lodging guide

The park provides lodging facilities which offer essential services but restrict their operational hours. The required booking period for reservations extends from six to twelve months. The cabins and hotels located close to park entrances provide guests with multiple booking options together with parking facilities and breakfast service. 

The first requirement for entry into national parks requires visitors to choose their most convenient entrance. The availability of Yellowstone accommodations decreases multiple times which makes it necessary for guests to book their stays in advance.

Yellowstone camping guide

The campgrounds include Madison and Grant Village, suitable for first-time visitors. Make the best possible advance reservation. Your group must bring their tent, sleeping bags and bear-proof containers. RVs provide storage and protection from weather. Tents are cheaper, closer to trails, and offer an immersive experience

Tents present a budget-friendly solution which enables easier trail access and delivers a true camping experience. The camping options in Yellowstone National Park are restricted to specific areas. Dispersed camping is only permitted in specific designated areas.

Where to eat in Yellowstone

The park provides dining options through its lodge restaurants and cafeterias which serve food to visitors. The available food options at the park cost high prices while providing only limited selection. Visitors need to purchase their grocery needs from locations outside the park to prepare sandwiches and snacks and basic meals. 

Sample 4-day meal plan: breakfast with oatmeal or granola, lunch with picnic sandwiches, and dinner - lodge cafeteria or takeout. The restaurants in Yellowstone national park offer additional dining choices which are situated close to West Entrance

FAQ

Do I need reservations to enter?

No, only for Yellowstone lodging or campgrounds

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit is period from June to September. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds.

What’s the closest airport?

Bozeman serves as the northern airport while Jackson Hole functions as the southern airport.

Is Yellowstone open year-round?

Yes, some roads and facilities close in winter

Can I do Yellowstone without staying inside the park?

Yes, gateway towns like West Yellowstone or Gardiner suffice.