Visiting Yellowstone on a budget is not only possible but can still be an amazing experience. Yellowstone National Park is famous for its breathtaking geysers, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty. However, a trip here can quickly get expensive if you’re not careful. The good news is that with some smart planning, you can enjoy all the wonders of Yellowstone without spending too much money.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to visit Yellowstone on a budget. We’ll cover everything from transportation and lodging to dining and activities. You’ll learn where to find the cheapest places to stay, how to save on food, and even tips for finding affordable gas. Whether you’re driving or flying, there are plenty of ways to cut costs and make your trip more affordable.
Decide Whether Driving or Flying to Yellowstone Saves You More
When planning a trip to Yellowstone on a budget, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to drive or fly. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on where you’re coming from and how much you’re willing to spend.
If you live within a reasonable driving distance, hitting the road might be your best bet. Driving allows you to save money on flights, and you won’t need to rent a car when you arrive. However, with gas prices fluctuating, it’s important to calculate how much fuel you’ll need for the trip. Be sure to check current gas prices along your route to estimate your total fuel costs. Additionally, if you’re driving a long distance, consider the cost of meals and overnight stops along the way.
On the other hand, flying can save you time, especially if you live far from the park. But remember, flying isn’t always the cheaper option. When you fly, you have to factor in the cost of airfare, plus any hidden costs like car rentals, airport parking, and even baggage fees. Many travelers overlook these extra expenses, which can add up quickly. If you’re trying to visit Yellowstone on a budget, make sure to compare the total cost of flying versus driving.
Find the Cheapest Airports for Flying into Yellowstone
If you decide flying is the best option for your Yellowstone on a budget trip, choosing the right airport can help you save money. Yellowstone is near several airports, and flight prices can vary depending on where you land.
One of the closest options is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Wyoming, just an hour from the park’s south entrance. While convenient, flights into Jackson Hole are often more expensive. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana is about 90 minutes from Yellowstone’s north entrance and can offer cheaper flights than Jackson Hole.
Another option is West Yellowstone Airport (WYS), which is only a few miles from the park’s west entrance. It’s the most convenient airport if you want to be right next to the park, but flights into West Yellowstone are seasonal and may cost more due to limited availability. However, for those looking to stay close to the park, it’s worth checking.
For travelers willing to drive a bit further to save money, Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Montana is about 3 hours away and often offers more affordable flights. Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) in Idaho is another option, located around 2 hours from Yellowstone’s west entrance.
Additionally, larger airports in cities like Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah, about 5 hours from Yellowstone, and Denver International Airport (DEN), roughly 8 hours away, can offer significantly cheaper flights. While these airports require a longer drive to reach the park, the savings on airfare can make it worthwhile for those on a Yellowstone on a budget trip.
You can also explore smaller airports like Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD), 50 miles from the park’s east entrance. Sometimes, flying into these lesser-known airports can be a more affordable option or it can be a more expensive option.
When planning your Yellowstone on a budget trip, compare flight costs for all nearby airports, including West Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, and Denver. In some cases, a longer drive from the airport can result in big savings, making it worth the extra time on the road. Also consider flying into one airport like Bozeman and then flying out of Jackson to help save on drive and travel time. However double check your car rental allows different drop off locations and there maybe an additional fee to drop off your car at a different location than your pickup.
Save on Gas by Filling Up Outside of Yellowstone
If you’re visiting Yellowstone on a budget, one of the easiest ways to save money is by being smart about where you refuel. Gas prices inside Yellowstone National Park tend to be much higher than outside the park. Since Yellowstone is a remote location, it costs more to deliver fuel to the park, which leads to higher prices at the pump.
To avoid paying top dollar for gas, it’s a good idea to fill up your tank before entering the park. Several towns near Yellowstone have much cheaper gas prices, and planning ahead can save you a lot of money during your trip. For example, West Yellowstone, Montana, and Gardiner, Montana, both have gas stations with lower prices than those found inside the park. Additionally, Cody, Wyoming, located near the east entrance, and Jackson, Wyoming, near the south entrance, also offer more affordable fuel options.
When traveling to Yellowstone on a budget, it’s important to plan your stops. Make sure to check gas prices in the towns surrounding the park, and top off your tank before entering Yellowstone. Once you’re inside the park, gas stations are fewer and far between, and prices can be $1 or more per gallon higher than outside.
Explore Lodging Options Inside Yellowstone: From Hotels to Rustic Cabins
Yellowstone is alot larger than most people realize. It can take several hours to drive across and even more if there are wildlife jams with lots of people during the summer. So staying inside the park is a good way to save some travel time. However you will be paying for the convivence. There are limited lodging options in the park and thus higher prices for even a basic hotel room. On my husband’s first trip to Yellowstone he was amazed on how much a basic hotel room cost.
Yellowstone has several in-park accommodations, ranging from historic hotels to simple cabins. One of the most popular options is the Old Faithful Inn, known for its rustic charm and close proximity to Old Faithful. While the inn offers a range of rooms, it tends to be on the pricier side, especially during peak season. They do have some more basic rooms available without a private bathroom.
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider staying in the Roosevelt Lodge Cabins, located in the northern part of the park. These cabins are very rustic but come with an affordable price tag. They don’t have electricity or private bathrooms. In order to keep warm (yes even in the summer it can get cold at night) there is a wood burning stove.
Other options include the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins and the Lake Hotel, which both offer a mix of hotel rooms and cabins. Also there are many lodging options at Canyon including hotels and cabins. Due to the limited options be sure to book early as they tend to fill up quickly and you may be stuck with higher priced lodging.
Staying inside the park allows you to wake up right in the heart of Yellowstone, making it easier to explore without long drives in and out. However, if you’re looking to maximize your savings, you may find better deals at lodgings outside the park.
Tips for Scoring the Best Hotel Deals Around Yellowstone
In order to get some good hotel deals it is important to do your research early and book early especially during peak season. You can find hotels and even in park lodging on the major travel sites such as Hotels.com, Booking.com, Expedia and more. These sites allow you to compare different options side by side. Be sure to read the reviews and check the different amenities that are available.
While last-minute deals can sometimes offer discounts, it’s important to be cautious. If you’re booking a last-minute trip to Yellowstone on a budget, you might find limited availability. During peak travel times, the best (and most affordable) hotels can be fully booked. As a result, you may end up spending more on what’s left, which could impact your budget. In many cases, it’s better to plan ahead and book early rather than risk paying higher prices at the last minute.
Stay in Budget-Friendly Towns Near Yellowstone
The best lodging rates will most likely be at the nearby towns located around the different Yellowstone entrances. Gardnier, Montana is located right next to the North Entrance while Cooke City and Silver Gate are located by the North East entrance. However the most popular and largest of the nearby towns will be West Yellowstone located next to the West Yellowstone Entrance.
West Yellowstone, Montana has many different lodging options including most of your name brand national hotels. Other options include motels, inns, and vacation rentals. They also have lots of different food options as well that can fit different budgets as well as grocery stores.
Cody, Wyoming, located near the east entrance, is another good option for Yellowstone on a budget. This charming western town has a wide range of hotels, from basic motels to more family-friendly accommodations. However Cody is about 50 miles from the East Entrance. Cody also has the world famous Buffalo Bill Museums that are worth checking out as well.
To the south there is Jackson, Wyoming which is a good hour from the park but you traverse through Grand Teton National Park which is gorgeous. If you are going to go to Jackson make sure you get your America the Beautiful pass to save money on entrance fees to both parks. There are many pricey lodging options in Jackson as well as alot of good local food. Lodging prices are in general going to be higher to stay near touristy places like Jackson. However there are some good vacation rental options if you are traveling with a large group which may come out to be a more affordable option.
For those looking for even cheaper alternatives, consider vacation rentals or camping. Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer cabins, apartments, and homes in nearby towns that can be more affordable than traditional hotels, especially for larger groups. Camping is also a great way to save money while enjoying the natural beauty of Yellowstone. There are several campgrounds and RV parks in the nearby towns, as well as some in the park itself. These are also very popular and can book out far in advance.
Book Your Yellowstone On A Budget Trip During The Least Expensive Seasons
If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone on a budget, one of the easiest ways to save money is by visiting during the park’s off-peak seasons. Yellowstone is busiest in the summer, from June to August, when tourists flock to the park. Yellowstone sees millions of visitors each year and most will be during the summer. During these months, hotel rates can be higher, and the park can feel crowded. Parking can be very difficult or nonexsitent at some of the popular sites like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. However, if you plan your trip for the off-peak seasons, you can enjoy the park with fewer people and much lower costs.
The best time to visit Yellowstone on a budget is during the shoulder seasons, which are the months just before and after peak summer. Late spring (April to May) and early fall (September to October) are ideal times to visit. During these months, accommodation prices drop significantly, and you’ll find more availability at budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. Plus, the weather is still pleasant, and many of the park’s top attractions, like geysers and wildlife viewing, are still easily accessible. My personal favorite time to go to Yellowstone is end of May and beginning of June. The animals are out at this time and the park does not feel crowded and not as much traffic. I would also love to go in the fall one year as well.
Winter is also a great time for Yellowstone on a budget, especially if you enjoy snow and winter activities. The winter season is from November to March and there will be limited lodging and food options available. Most of the park is only accessible via snowcoach. Winter Yellowstone trips require preplanning and prebooking due to the need for snowcoach and limited hotels. However hotel rates and flight prices are usually much lower during the winter months, and the snowy landscapes make for a unique and peaceful experience.
Cut Food Costs by Preparing Your Own Meals in Yellowstone
One of the easiest ways to stick to Yellowstone on a budget is by preparing your own meals. Eating at restaurants, especially inside the park, can get expensive. However, with a little planning, you can pack groceries and cook your own meals, which will save you a lot of money over the course of your trip.
If you’re staying at a campground, many sites have fire pits or grills where you can prepare simple meals like hotdogs, hamburgers, or even foil packet dinners. If you’re staying in a vacation rental, you’ll likely have access to a full kitchen, which makes cooking even easier. Bring a cooler for perishable items and pack non-perishable foods like pasta, canned goods, snacks, and breakfast items. Preparing your own food not only helps you save money but also gives you more flexibility and convenience during your visit.
To stock up on groceries before heading into the park, stop at stores in nearby towns like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Cody. West Yellowstone has a few grocery stores, such as The Market Place, where you can grab essentials. In Gardiner, check out Gardiner Market for your basic grocery needs. For larger shopping trips, Cody has big stores like Walmart and Albertsons, which offer more variety at lower prices. If you’re visiting from Salt Lake City or Bozeman, consider buying your groceries there, where you’ll have access to more options and competitive pricing before entering the park.
One of my favorite things to do is to buy sandwich and picnic supplies to have a mobile lunch at one of the numerous picnic spots alongside rivers and streams. Check out this list of all picnic spots plus a map of all their locations in the park. These little spots can make you feel like you have your own private corner of Yellowstone and away from the crowds. We also like to pack alot of snacks and will sometimes just snack for lunch while driving around trying to spot wildlife.
Budget-Friendly Dining Options in and Around Yellowstone
While cooking your own meals is a great way to save money, sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a meal out. If you’re visiting Yellowstone on a budget, there are still several affordable dining options, both inside the park and in nearby towns. However, keep in mind that dining options inside the park are limited, and during the busy summer months, they can be subject to long lines, especially at popular spots.
Inside Yellowstone, some of the main dining options include quick-service spots and a few sit-down restaurants. One of the best budget-friendly places is the Bear Paw Deli at the Old Faithful Inn. Located near Old Faithful, this deli offers sandwiches, snacks, and light meals at reasonable prices, making it a convenient stop while you’re exploring the park. It’s a great option for a quick lunch without breaking the bank, perfect for those looking to enjoy Yellowstone on a budget. Just be prepared for long lines during peak hours in the summer.
Aside from the Bear Paw Deli, many of Yellowstone’s general stores also offer grab-and-go items. These stores often have pre-made sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and other quick meals. While this is convenient, the prices can be higher than what you’d find outside the park. Additionally, the selection may be limited, especially if you’re visiting during a busy time of year.
For a more unique dining experience, consider the Old West Cookout in the Roosevelt area of the park. This cookout offers a cowboy-style meal with hearty dishes like steak, cornbread, and baked beans. Although it’s more expensive than other dining options, it can be a fun activity, especially for families.
There are some nicer restaurants in Yellowstone like the dining room at the Old Faithful Inn and at the Lake Yellowstone hotel. My personal favorite is at Lake where the dining room has large windows overlooking the lake for a beautiful sunset dinner. Reservations are required and may book out several months in advance.
While dining inside the park on a budget is possible, my recommendation is to plan ahead and bring picnic supplies. Stop by one of the grocery stores in the nearby towns, like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Cody, and pick up sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. This way, you can have a nice, quiet picnic in one of Yellowstone’s many scenic picnic areas. These picnic spots, often located along rivers and streams, are usually far less crowded than the dining spots inside the park. Having a picnic lets you enjoy a peaceful meal surrounded by nature, and it’s a much more budget-friendly option.
Cut Costs in Yellowstone by Buying an All-Parks Pass
One of the best ways to save money while visiting Yellowstone on a budget is by purchasing the America the Beautiful pass, also known as the All-Parks Pass. This pass provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all U.S. national parks, for an entire year. If you plan to visit multiple national parks or other federal lands, this pass can save you a significant amount of money.
The cost of entering Yellowstone alone is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. While this isn’t too expensive, it can add up if you’re visiting other parks on your trip. The America the Beautiful pass costs $80 per year, which covers entry fees for all national parks and federal recreation lands. If you’re planning to visit just a couple of parks in addition to Yellowstone, the pass quickly pays for itself. For example, if you visit Grand Teton National Park after Yellowstone, which also has a $35 entry fee, you’ve already spent $70, so buying the $80 pass gives you access to even more parks at no additional cost.
Families or frequent park-goers especially benefit from the America the Beautiful pass. Not only does it cover entry for one vehicle and all its passengers, but it also includes everyone in your group at parks that charge per person instead of per vehicle. This is a great way to make Yellowstone on a budget even more affordable for families. If you plan to visit multiple parks throughout the year or take more trips in the future, the pass can save you hundreds of dollars in entry fees.
While visiting Yellowstone on a budget is possible it’ll probably be a more expensive trip for most people. However if you plan ahead and stock up on some easy meals and snacks before entering the park you can save alot of money, especially if you are traveling as a family. Just remember to plan and book lodging early to get the best choices.
Need more Yellowstone travel information? Check out some of our other articles here
- Yellowstone In One Day
- Best Airports Near Yellowstone
- 35 Ways To Save Money In Yellowstone
- 10 Mistakes To Avoid When Visiting Yellowstone
- Bear Safety In Yellowstone