Not Yosemite, Not Grand Canyon: This National Park Has The Most Hotel Lodges

Staying overnight in one of America's magnificent national parks is an adventure. It gives travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the wild, untamed glory of the great outdoors, and is the best way to appreciate the majesty and beauty of the natural world. Most national parks have a variety of accommodation options, from wild campsites and RV parks to hotel lodges. For many, a night under canvas in a national park is the dream, but staying in a hotel lodge offers a level of comfort that helps you enjoy your stay in the wilderness all the more.

If you are looking for a national park with an exceptional array of hotel lodges, there are a few that might spring to mind. You might imagine that the vast expanse of Yosemite, the most popular park in California, has a large selection. Or maybe your thoughts turn to the immensity of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, overlooked by millions of years of geological wonder. But, in fact, the national park with the most hotel lodges in the U.S. is the 3,500-square-mile wilderness of Yellowstone, the world's first national park.

Yellowstone boasts nine lodges within the boundaries of the park, as opposed to eight in Grand Canyon and six in Yosemite. The lodges are scattered all around the park, meaning that wherever you decide to base yourself, you'll find somewhere to stay. There are several airport options for a visit to Yellowstone, depending on which entrance you choose. Bozeman Yellowstone (BZN) is 90 miles from the North Entrance, West Yellowstone (WYS) is just a mile from the West Entrance, Jackson Hole (JAC) is 50 miles from the South Entrance, and Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) is 53 miles from the East Entrance.

Where you stay in Yellowstone will depend on what time you visit Yellowstone National Park. There are nine unique lodgings spread across the park, divided into options for the spring and summer or winter season.

If you are looking for timeless elegance and the most luxurious way to explore Yellowstone's natural beauty, then one of the park's two historic hotels might be the best way to go. Old Faithful Inn is a national historic landmark, one of the world's largest log structures, just a stone's throw from the iconic Old Faithful geyser. Alternatively, Lake Yellowstone Hotel is the oldest hotel in the park, situated on the shores of Lake Yellowstone in the heart of the park. For something a little more rustic, Grant Village has motel-style accommodation near the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Canyon Lodge & Cabins is the closest option to the Yellowstone Grand Canyon, and Roosevelt Lodge Cabins is ideal for wildlife lovers exploring the Lamar Valley.

During the winter, there are two main lodges for travelers to choose from. The first is the Old Faithful Snow Lodge in the Upper Geyser Basin, which is only accessible by snowcoach or snowmobile. It is filled with crackling fireplaces and cozy nooks and crannies, ideal as a base for cross-country skiing expeditions and snowshoe hikes. The second is the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins, situated near the North Entrance of the park. This hotel has a more modern feel and is a great place for pampering and self-care, thanks to the hot tubs attached to some of the cabins, as well as the terraced hot springs nearby, which give it its name.

If you are staying overnight in the world's oldest national park, you'll have the time to really explore this wonderful wilderness, and there are a few things that you absolutely shouldn't miss out on. First up is the grand jewel of Yellowstone, the Grand Prismatic Spring. It is the third-largest hot spring in the world and particularly eye-catching thanks to its brilliantly striking coloration, a psychedelic combination of oranges, reds, blues, greens, and yellows. The best way to see the spring is via a short 1.2-mile hike up to the overlook, but families with young kids might prefer the boardwalk, which takes you right up close without the need for a walk.

If you've chosen to stay in the north of the park, visiting the Mammoth Hot Springs is a must. This gigantic series of thermal springs and travertine terraces is a bizarre and glorious sight, and visitors can walk right through them. Another excellent option in the north of Yellowstone is the Lamar Valley, particularly for wildlife enthusiasts. Here, it is easy to spot some of the park's most fascinating residents, including bears, wolves, cougars, bison, and elk.

Finally, no trip to Yellowstone would be complete without a visit to the grandest icon of the park, the Old Faithful geyser. While it can get crowded, this powerful eruption of water is an impressive sight, shooting a superheated fountain up to 180 feet into the air. Best of all, the eruptions are incredibly predictable, meaning you can check the times on the park website and time your visit perfectly.