Where To Stay In Yellowstone National Park – Best Places For Lodging

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Keith

If you are looking for a vacation that will shake you to your core, while filling your sense with wonder and awe, you have to make your next vacation destination Yellowstone National Park. One of the most popular natural attractions in the park is the geyser affectionately known as ‘Old Faithful’. It offers visitors an unforgettable show every 90 minutes, and up to 8,400 gallons of water blow into the air within 20 seconds. With all of these attractions, lodging is reserved quickly. The following will provide you with information on where to stay in Yellowstone.

Inns And Lodgings In Yellowstone Park

There are many types of lodging that can be found just within the communities and gateway towns outside Yellowstone. This lodging may actually be slightly more affordable than the lodging within the borders of the park. However, if you really want to take full advantage of your vacation and book lodging in the park, you will need to make your reservations as soon as possible. The lodging is seasonal and is booked months in advance.

The lodging options available inside of the park are managed by Xanterra Parks and Resorts. The same number for reserving lodging in the park can also be used to make campground reservations.

So, what are your choices when choosing to lodge in Yellowstone National Park? Currently, there are nine lodging facilities that are strategically placed in Yellowstone around the central Grand Loop Road. Each one of these lodging facilities is strategically placed to a major tourist destination within Yellowstone.

Mammoth Hot Springs and Cabins is located at the North Entrance, and it is also within close proximity to the park’s headquarters. This lodging is only open from the end of December to the first of March. It reopens from the middle of May to the middle of October.

Reserved Campground Sites

These campground sites are owned by a private company, and the names of these sites are:

Bridge Bay Campground
Canyon Campground
Madison Campground
Grant Campground

The fee is paid per night and is typically more expensive than the first come – first served campground sites. However, these sites do offer toilets that flush instead of vault toilets. Reserved campgrounds are only open between the months of May and September. The only campground that is open during the entire year is Madison Campground.

First Come – First Served Campground Sites

These are 7 campground sites are operated by the U.S. Park Service, and there are 12 total sites within the boundaries of the park. Most are only open during the summer, and a few close in late August, early September.

During the summer, campers are not allowed to stay more than 14 days. After the summer season, campers can stay for up to a month. Campers must adhere to strict rules such as not leaving food outside as to not attract bears into the site. Prices can vary but are very inexpensive. In fact, some sites are as cheap as $30 a night.

These are some options when you want to know where to stay in Yellowstone. With over 2000 rooms and sites within and around Yellowstone, you will certainly find the lodging you need based on your preferences and budget.

Photo by Lee Edwin Coursey

Photo by Boston Public Library

Here’s What to See in Yellowstone National Park

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Keith

One of the most famous parks in the United States is Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, and established in March 1972. The park is approximately 3,500 square miles, and it is located on the top of a volcanic hot spot. The park has lots of features such as forests, hot springs, rivers, canyons, and more. Here’s what to see in Yellowstone.

1. See “Old Faithful”

A geyser is another name for a hot spring and Yellowstone has one of the most famous – Old Faithful. The eruptions average 130 feet high and occur approximately every hour and a half. Gather around the perimeter of the geyser, hike to Observation Point, or watch from the Old Faithful Inn dining room. Because this is a favorite spot, it is likely to be crowded with visitors in some places.

2. See “Hayden Valley”

One of the reasons you’re likely visiting Yellowstone is for its wildlife and Hayden Valley, between Canyon Village and Fishing Bridge, is a great place to see it. This is where grizzly bears, elk, bison, and coyotes roam. View it from Grand Loop Road or get adventurous and exit your car for the best views.

3. See “Yellowstone Lake”

Located in the West Thumb area is the park’s largest lake – Yellowstone Lake. The freshwater lake was first visited in the 1800s by John Colter, a Lewis and Clark scout. Today, anglers and boaters love the lake, as well as bear and bison.

4. See the “Grand Canyon.”

You’ve heard of the Grand Canyon, but have you heard of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone? The 20 miles long canyon is located in the park’s Canyon Village and it’s a familiar hiking spot. Featuring terra-cotta cliff walls and 600-mile long river, everything was formed over thousands of years.

5. See “Mammoth Hot Springs”

What to see in Yellowstone? The Mammoth Hot Springs, southwest of the North Entrance and known for its centuries-old terraces, is not to be missed. You’ll see lots of hot water coming up from the ground, but don’t come in contact with it. The temperature will be too hot. Be sure to visit the town of Mammoth, as well, for dinner and shopping in the town square.

6. See “Lamar Valley”

You will find what is known as Lamar Valley between the Northeast Entrance and the Mammoth Hot Springs. Like many areas in Yellowstone, this is a place where wildlife gather. There’s a chance you’ll see bald eagles, grizzly bears, wolves, and more.

7. See “Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center”

If you’re interested in learning as much as you can about the iconic bears and wolves of Yellowstone, then the Grizzle and Wolf Discovery Center is not to be missed. You will find the nonprofit center in the West Entrance. Learn about the history of the wolves and ears and what the park is doing to protect them. Kids will love the programs and hands-on activities.

The question of what to see in Yellowstone is easily answered once you arrive at the famous park. These are just a few of the sites to see at the park. Be sure to gather more information once you arrive.

Photo by Boston Public Library

Photo by BDUngard

The Best Campgrounds In Yellowstone National Park

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Keith

Yellowstone Park is America’s first national park established in 1872. The immensely popular park in the 19th century still draws tourists from across the globe. Staying for more than one night is essential to satisfy your adventure of visiting the park. That is where the best campgrounds in Yellowstone come in handy. In fact, the park has so many campgrounds located across the area to provide plenty of overnight opportunities to the visitor. Here are some of the best campgrounds located within the Yellowstone National Park.

Madison Campground – This ground is located close to the Upper, Lower, and Midway Geyser Basins. The ground gets its name from the nearby Madison River. It is a popular overnight spot for numerous reasons including fly-fishing. The ground features more than 270 non-electric campsites that are able to accommodate trailers, tents, and RVs. The campground can be easily accessed from the Western Entrance of Yellowstone or West Yellowstone. Overnight visitors could share access to restroom facilities with running water, firepits, and picnic tables. Early reservations are encouraged through online booking or phone, especially during the summer season.

Mammoth Hot Springs Campground – This is the northern-most campground located in Yellowstone. The site is operated by the National Park Service and offers more than 85 non-electric campsites to the visitors. The campsites can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers on a first-come-first-served basis. A visitor can have quick access to the nearby hotspot in the Gardner River – named the Boiling River and the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces by visiting this campground. You have access to potable water, flushing toilets, and potential wildlife sightings. On the other hand, the Mammoth Hot Springs District offers plenty of modern facilities to the tourists.

Canyon Campground – This campground is located in the Central Yellowstone region. You will find many roads leading to adventure out of this ground. In fact, there are more than 270 non-electric campsites that range from hiker/biker and RV access. The most important thing to note is the limited access to RVs where only 40-foot vehicles can access the sites. An aromatic pine setting covers almost the entire area. Each campsite has a firepit and picnic table for the visitors. On the other hand, all visitors have quick access to potable water and flushing toilets. You will find shower/laundry facilities in the nearby Canyon Village. The central location of the ground is the real appeal to the visitor. The best hiking trails in the national park can be found within a short drive in any direction from the Canyon campground – which includes the stunning Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Yellowstone is the first national park in the United States. The park was established in 1872 and still draws a large crowd from across the globe. You should stay for more than one night to experience the real adventure of camping. There are a host of camping grounds in Yellowstone for you to choose from. The aforementioned article provides information on the best campgrounds in Yellowstone.

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Photo by jevx