America's Best idea was the creation of the National Park System.
I think the second best was the creation of the National Park Lodges because these structures were built with a vision.
The vision was to give park visitors an unforgettable travel experience by allowing them to spend the night in a park next to one of its iconic destinations.
America's National Park Lodges, Hotels, and Inns
These lodges not only allowed visitors to be close to an iconic destination but were constructed in a manner that they became a destination themselves to see and explore.
This was accomplished by studying the area surroundings and building lodges that blended in with their environment with architecture that has come to be known as "Parkitecture".
Now park visitors come to see Old Faithful erupt at Yellowstone National Park, then they go explore the Old Faithful Inn with its whimsical log architecture, massive centerpiece fireplace, and massive dining hall as they have lunch.
Exploring America's National Park Lodges, Hotels, and Inns has easily become one of the most memorable parts of a visitor's national park vacation.
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Lodge Amenities
The first thing I like to remind someone who has never stayed in a National Park Lodge before is that National Park lodges are not like today's typical hotel rooms.
Hotels today are designed to have things you would need at your home like multiple USB plug-ins, a color flatscreen TV with cable, a gym, High-speed WIFI and/or ethernet plug-in internet service, complimentary continental breakfast, and a swimming pool.
Many of the National Park Lodges were constructed in the early 1900s and leisure travel was considered a luxury for most Americans. This meant that leisure travel became a social event that required dressing up for dinner and socializing with other guests.
Many of the rooms themselves did not have a private bath or shower as extra space was saved for large communal social gathering areas like large dining rooms and lobbies.
Many lobbies will have large fireplaces, several seating areas, a gift shop, local art, and a piano.
Lobbies in lodges become gathering places to sit around and talk to other park visitors like this Fireplace at Crater Lake Lodge in Oregon
National Park Entrance Fees
Most National Parks in the United States require an entrance fee. It does not matter if you have a Lodge reservation, you still have to pay the entrance fee to get into the park.
Depending if you plan on visiting more than one park in a calendar year, it may be beneficial to purchase the National Park System'sAmerica the Beautiful/National Park Pass(the interagency annual pass) which covers the holder of an access pass entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.
The park pass covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites. The cost is $80 for the pass.
Buy onREI.comand REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
Free Entrance Days-Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
The inside lobby of the Old Faithful Inn is a master class of National Park Architecture known as Parkitecture!
Parkitecture
Parkitecture, also known as National Park Rustic Architecture, is the thought of building something that harmonizes with nature, something that seems to fit right into place and just belongs without deterring from nature's beauty.
Parkitecture was first seen a century ago, although the actual term is a much more recent expression.
The features that define the Parkitecture style are massive overhangs, wide log or timber columns, and multiple roofs and peaks. Features are likely wood and stone that are native to the area.
The structure seems to nestle itself into the landscape, almost as if the landscape is sprouting up around the building itself. This leads to the appreciation of the goal of national parks.
Their visitors get the feel of the buildings blending into the land and not encroaching on its beauty.
As the beauty of National Park structures is appreciated through the years, millions of visitors lead to a trend in architecture that is clearly popular in residential houses all over the country.
Families are seeking specialized lumber, columns, and stones for the building of their rustic-style homes. New land being bought and developed is satisfying the hunger for Americans to build their own getaways in the mountains, forests, and the depths of nature.
New road construction makes it easier to build and access these new homes.
Although the term was not used until recently, “Parkitecture” has long been a sense of peaceful beauty that millions of park visitors have appreciated for over a century.
Below is a list of National Park Lodges, hotels, and Inns in the parks. How many have you been to?
Cedar Pass Lodge at Badlands National Park in South Dakota
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park is located in western South Dakota and makes a great national park road trip when combined with Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
You can stretch it out a little more and add Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota and Devils Tower in Wyoming. Badlands National Park is the only park from this list to have lodging options and space is limited. Make sure to get your reservations in early!
-Cedar Pass Lodge- The Cedar Pass Lodge provides the only in-park lodging. It also allows you to wake up with epic views of the Badlands at sunrise and it is indeed spectacular. Cedar Pass Lodge opened in 1928 before the park was a National Monument.
-Badlands Inn- The Badlands Inn is located just outside the park entrance but is within a couple of miles of the most popular attractions.
Sunset at Chisos Mountain Lodge at Big Bend National Park in Texas
Big Bend National Park, Texas
In the far western portion of Texas bordering next to Mexico and the Rio Grande is Big Bend National Park. It is well known for incredible sunsets, dark night skies, and a bird watchers paradise as 450 different birds have been recorded here!
-Chisos Mountain Lodge- Chisos Mountain Lodge is located in the heart of Big Bend NP. The lodge has one of the best views of sunset we have found in any park.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
There are three lodging options along the Blue Ridge Parkway. These lodges are a great way to explore the 469 miles of parkway that runs through Virginia and North Carolina, linking Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Bluffs Lodge
- Peaks of Otter Lodge (Virginia)
- The Pisgah Inn
Bryce Canyon Lodge in Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is the largest concentration of Hoodoos on the planet! These whimsical rock formations will dazzle your imagination whether you stand at an overlook or get out and hike amongst them.
Lodge at Bryce Canyon- The Lodge at Bryce Canyon offers both lodge rooms and cabins near the rim of Bryce Canyon. You can easily walk from the lodge to the scenic overlooks of the hoodoos.
Buffalo National River, Arkansas
Buffalo Point Cabins and Lodge offers rustic cabins, modern duplexes, and lodge rooms within Buffalo National River.
- Buffalo Point Cabins and Lodge
Canyon De Chelly National Monument,Arizona
The historic Thunderbird Lodge in Canyon De Chelly NM is Navajo owned and operated. The lodge offers the opportunity to enjoy a true canyon experience.
- Thunderbird Lodge - The Thunderbird Lodge is the only lodge in Canyon De Chelly and is owned and operated by the Navajo. They also have a restaurant and guided tours into the canyon.
Sunset on the deck of Crater Lake Lodge in Oregon
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Staying in Crater Lake NP is an amazing way to experience the park. You can sit out on the back deck of the lodge and take in the EPIC view of Crater Lake!
The Cabins at Mazama Village are lower in the park near the visitor center and additional visitor services but still have easy access to the Rim Road.
- Cabins at Mazama Village - These cabins may not be on the rim of Crater Lake but they are not far away and has great access to the park.
-Crater Lake Lodge- The Crater Lake Lodge sits on the rim of Crater Lake with breathtaking views of the lake itself.
The Inn at Brandywine Falls at Cuyahoga National Park Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park,Ohio
The Inn at Brandywine Falls overlooks Brandywine Waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley NP. The inn was built in 1848 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Inn offers 6 rooms for visitors.
- Inn at Brandywine Falls - Built in 1848, This six-room Bed & Breakfast sits next to Brandywine Falls and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Your stay includes a 9 am candlelight breakfast.
Death Valley National Park, California
The lodging in Death Valley NP offers the chance to stay in a historic lodge, enjoy an epic dark sky park, and stay far away from any large city.
-Inn at Death Valley - Formerly the Inn at Furnace Creek (Furnace Creek Inn)/Oasis at Death Valley. Are you ready to enjoy a AAA four-diamond resort that is truly an oasis with views of the desert and Panamint Mountains, palm trees everywhere, and a spring-fed pool?
-The Ranch at Furnace Creek - Located on Ca Hwy 190 right next to the Visitor Center and the Furnace Creek Golf Course, the world's lowest Golf Course!
-Panamint Springs Resort - A small, rustic, western-style resort with lodging, camping, gas, general store, and a restaurant and bar.
-Stovepipe Wells Village - Located next to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, this hotel has a swimming pool, dining room, and gift shop.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park is the only National Park site in Florida that has Lodging available. They also offer glamping tents and houseboats for rent!
Flamingo Lodge - YEAH! The Flamingo Lodge just opened in November 2023 with 24 guest rooms and an indoor/outdoor restaurant. Highlights in the Flamingo Area include sunsets over Flamingo Bay. These rooms are very popular and filling up fast so make sure to get a reservation in early to ensure availability.
Glacier National Park, Montana
We have the Great Northern Railway to thank for several of the Iconic National Park Lodges in Glacier National Park.
This was because the railroads were maxing out their profits from freight travel so they had an idea.
Their plan was to increase passenger service on their trains by building massive lodges in Glacier National Park.
-Apgar Village Lodge - I stayed in the creekside motel and the rooms were very small but the location is fantastic and the price was great too.
-Glacier Park Lodge- This lodge has a main lobby lined with Massive Douglas Fir Pillar and tons of spaces to sit down and relax
-Lake McDonald Lodge- Don't forget to take theLake McDonald Boat tourright outside the lodge! You are also close to one of my favorite hikes in Glacier,The Trail of the Cedars.
-Many Glacier Hotel- This was a Swiss Chalet that has one of the most epic views ever and a very fascinating double helix staircase
-Motel Lake McDonald - Here is another budget-friendly lodge in Glacier. Nothing luxurious but you are a short walk to the Lake McDonald Lodge and the Trail of the Cedars.
-Rising Sun Motor Inn - Located on the East side of the world-famousGoing to the Sun Road. Nice rooms that have a history of bears all around so make sure to stay bear aware.
-Swiftcurrent Motor Inn- is located near the Many Glacier Hotel in the eastern portion of Glacier National Park.
-Village Inn at Apgar- I love this lodge! I love the 70's look inside this classic-looking motor inn. I also think the view of Lake McDonald can't be beaten from your room!
Glacier Bay Lodge in Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Glacier Bay Lodge offers visitors the opportunity to wake up with an epic view of Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay. The only way to reach the lodge is by flying into Gustavus, Alaska, or on a private boat with a permit. This remote lodge is one of the most unique lodges in the National Park System.
Glacier Bay Lodge- This was one of the most relaxing lodges I have ever stayed at! You are in a temperate rainforest region so we definitely heard the light rain hit the roof of our cabin that just put me right to sleep. Maybe it's just me, or perhaps a park ranger thing, but I love the smell of the forest when it rains! the combination of these two things gave me the best sleep I have had in years! Don't forget to go to the restaurant and get the Halibut for dinner, it was fantastic! We sat out on the back deck afterward and saw humpback whales in Bartlett Cove from our chairs!
View from back of Lake Powell Resort Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Arizona
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona
There are three lodging options within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. They are spread throughout the park offering the opportunity to explore different regions of this gorgeous park.
- Bullfrog Resort and Marina
- Halls Crossing and Marina
-Lake Powell Resort
Golden Gate National Recreation Area & San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, California
Most people don't realize that there are three lodges within Golden Gate National Recreation Area. These hotels offer the incredible opportunity to wake up with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge and experience how amazing the area is.
- The Argonaut
- Cavallo Point - The Lodge at the Golden Gate
- Inn at the Presidio
El Tovar at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park Lodges is one of the few parks that provide numerous lodging facilities with a variety of opportunities including historic lodges, cabins, and modern hotels.
The majority of park visitors travel to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon thus most of the lodges and services are located there as well.
Park Ranger John Pro Tip
For a unique fun adventure, travel to the Grand Canyon like the early park visitors did, by rail! Yes, instead of driving into the park, drive to Williams, Arizona, and hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway.
There's even a wild west shootout before you depart and tunes of the west during the ride.
Once you arrive at the train station in the Grand Canyon, either take a bus walk over to your hotel and enjoy your stay. Did I mention that there are also severalSouth Rim Restaurantsto dine at?
I loved every meal at the El Tovar Dining Room and the service was fantastic! We even got lucky and had a view of the canyon from my table.
South Rim Lodges and Hotels
-Bright Angel Lodge- The Bright Angel Lodge has several cabins along the rim of the canyon! We had a Canyon view room and was a perfect location in the winter to simply stare off into the canyon in a warm room with a cup of coffee
-El Tovar Hotel- The El Tovar Hotel opened its doors in 1905 as a former Harvey House. The hotel was constructed of native stone and Oregon pine. The hotel has hosted amazing dignitaries and celebrities including PresidentTheodore Roosevelt,Albert Einstein, and President Bill Clinton.
-Kachina Lodge- The Kachina Lodge is right next to the El Tovar Hotel. The rooms are very comfortable and close to everything but does not have anything for services. You check in at the El Tovar.
- Thunderbird Lodge - The Thunderbird Lodge has nice comfortable rooms and is located next to the Bright Angel Lodge. You will check in at the Bright Angel Lodge and find most services at either the Bright Angel Lodge or the El Tovar.
-Maswik Lodge- The Maswik Lodge is another nice lodge but is not located right at the rim of the Grand Canyon but is just a short walk to the other hotels and rim of the canyon. They have severaldining optionsto choose from.
-Yavapai Lodge- Yavapai Lodge is located near the south rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The lodge offers comfortable rooms with easy access to the South Rim and amazing Grand Canyon Viewpoints.
- Hermit’s Rest(No Longer a lodge for overnight accommodations)
Architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter has been referred by some to be the Mother of Parkitecture.
Her interest in southwest Native American ruins inspired Hermit’s Rest which includes a large number of native stones that meshed perfectly with the unique environment within the Grand Canyon. The park service used her ideas to build many structures with the same style.
North Rim Lodge
-Grand Canyon LodgeThis is the only lodging option on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Lodges in the Grand Canyon
- Phantom Ranch - The Phantom Ranch is located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and there are only two ways to get there, By hiking or by taking a mule ride. Just remember that there is limited space and if you want to stay here, you need to make a reservation.
The lobby of Jackson Lake Lodge at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park & John D Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is one of my all-time favorite National Parks! There is no other mountain range that is as spectacular as the Tetons and is a wildlife haven! Grand Teton NP lodging includes historic cabins, a dude ranch, a climbers club, and a lodge with one of the best views of any National Park Lodge.
-Colter Bay Village- The Colter Bay Cabins are located next to Colter Bay Village and offer amazing access to the lake and water activities. They are spread out in the trees with easy parking in front of them.
-Dornan's Spur Ranch Log Cabins
-Headwaters Lodge and Cabins at Flagg Ranch- Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch is located along the Rockefeller Memorial Parkway in betweenYellowstone National Parkand Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
-Jackson Lake Lodge- Jackson Lake Lodge offers a variety of 385 rooms including view rooms, lodge rooms, and cabins. Amenities include a swimming pool, epic views of willow flats, modern design, and comfort in the heart ofGrand Teton National Park.
-Jenny Lake Lodge - Jenny Lake Lodge is extremely popular, especially with its location. Rooms fill up fast here
-Signal Mountain Lodge- Signal Mountain Lodge has some of the best views period. I could have easily and happily spent the entire weekend on the back deck with a cup of coffee sitting in the Arondiak chair looking out over Jackson Lake and the Tetons in the background! I dream of going back again!
-Triangle X
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
LeConte Lodge is located at 6400 feet just below the summit of Mt. LeConte. Visitors will need to hike a minimum of 5.0 miles up to 9.1 miles to reach the lodge. There are no roads leading to the lodge.
View of Kilauea Caldera at night from the Lanai of Volcano House Lodge, Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
This tropical paradise is located on the southern portion of the Big Island of Hawaii and hours away from the tourist area of Kona.
-Volcano House- Volcano House is perched near the rim of Kilauea volcano crater offering amazing views of the crater.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Rock Harbor Lodge is located in northwestern Lake Superior is within Isle Royal National Park. The only way to reach the lodge is via seaplane or boat.
- Rock Harbor Lodge
John Muir Lodge at Kings Canyon National Park in California
Kings Canyon National Park, California
There are two lodging options within Kings Canyon NP. Both of the lodges offer the unique opportunity to wake up near the Giant Sequoia Trees the park is famous for.
-Cedar Grove Lodge- Cedar Grove Lodge is located in the heart of Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. Approximately 35 miles from the Grant Grove this area of the park is quieter and offers amazing hiking opportunities.
-John Muir Lodge- John Muir Lodge is located near Grant Village in Kings Canyon National Park. The John Muir Lodge has 36 rooms available year-round. The lodge is located truly in the heart of Kings Canyon NP.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada
The three resorts in Lake Mead NRA offer visitors the opportunity to stay next to the lakeshore. They are spread throughout the park making it easy to check out different regions of this great park.
-Cottonwood Cove Resort
-Lake Mohave Resort
-Temple Bar Resort
Drakesbad Guest Ranch and Cabins at Lassen Volcanic National Park in California
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in the Northeastern portion of California.
- Drakesbad Guest Ranch - Drakesbad Guest Ranch is tucked away in the southeast corner of Lassen Volcanic NP. The guest ranch offers primitive cabins tucked away in the woods. Perfect for getting away and enjoying nature.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
-Lodge at Mammoth Cave- The Lodge at Mammoth Cave offers Sunset Terrace and Heritage Trail motel rooms along with Historic and Woodland Cottages. The great thing about staying at the Mammoth Cave lodge is you have easy access to early cave tours and to explore the park.
View from the deck of the Far View Lodge at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Far View Lodge is located 15 miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde NP perched near the historic ancient cliff dwellings and major attractions within the park. The view from the lodge is amazing and one you don't want to miss.
-Far View Lodge- Far View Lodge is the only lodging available within Mesa Verde NP. The lodge is located 15 miles from the park entrance and provides amazing views over the parklands.
Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
There are two lodging options within Mt. Rainier NP. The historic Paradise Inn is located up the mountain near the main visitor center. The National Park Inn is open year-round at the base of the mountain in historic Longmire.
-National Park Inn- The National Park Inn is located near the Longmire Historic District in Mount Rainier National Park. The National Park Inn offers 25 guest rooms within the historic inn.
-Paradise Inn- The Inn offers 121 guest rooms, a 200-seat dining room, a gift shop, the Tatoosh Café, and the magnificent lobby.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
One thing about staying in a lodge at North Cascades NP is you need to plan for an adventure. A boat ride across Lake Chelan is required to reach the lodges at Stehekin. To reach Ross Lake Resort you will want to plan for hiking in or taking a ferry shuttle to reach the floating cabins.
-North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin
-Ross Lake Resort
-Stehekin Valley Ranch
Kalaloch Lodge & Cabins Olympic National Park in Washington State
Olympic National Park, Washington
The lodges at Olympic National Park are some of our favorite National Park Lodges to stay in. The view from the Kalaloch Lodge is unbelievable.
-Kalaloch Lodge- The Kalaloch Lodge is the perfect place to stay while exploring the Olympic Peninsula. Super close to Ruby Beach and the Hoh Rain forest. The ocean views are just beyond words!
-Lake Crescent Lodge- Lake Crescent Lodge is located right on the shores of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. This lodge offers a variety of lodging options including lodge rooms and cottages.
-Lake Quinault Lodge- This part of Washington State is hard to describe it is so beautiful. Located in the Olympic National Forest this historic lodge is located on the shore of Lake Quinault.
-Log Cabin Resort- The Log Cabin Resort is located on beautiful Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, Washington.
-Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort- The Sol Doc Hot Springs Resort is located next to Sol Doc Hot Springs and offers great access to Olympic National Park. The cabins are perfect for a National Park Getaway.
The Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument in Oregon
Oregon Caves National Monument, Oregon
The main goal of the Parkitecture style is for the structure to blend effortlessly with the nature that surrounds it. This Chateau at Oregon Caves is perhaps one of the finest examples.
Its rocks are the same marble as seen in the nearby Oregon Caves and the bark which covers the structure is from local cedar trees native to Oregon. This lodge essentially sits in a gorge, with painstaking work done to support and secure the structure.
The third floor comes in at eye level when entering – so literally half the building sits in the gorge and half rises out of the gorge and towers up with the cedar trees.
-The Chateau at the Oregon Caves - The Chateau at Oregon Caves is currently closed for renovations. The six-story lodge offers 23 overnight rooms, fine dining room with views out over a wooded canyon, and a 1930s-era coffee shop.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri
The Big Spring Lodge and Cabins in Ozark NSR are currently being renovated and closed to the public. The National Park Service is hoping to have the renovations completed by late 2023.
- Big Spring Lodge and Cabins
Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park California
Sequoia National Park, California
Wuksachi Lodge is located in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia NP. It is surrounded by big trees and epic views.
-Wuksachi Lodge- Wuksachi Lodge at Sequoia National Park is surrounded by big trees and mountains. The lodge has 100 rooms spread over three buildings.
The Stony Man at Skyland Lodge Shenandoah National Park Virginia
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah NP has three epic lodging opportunities ranging from cabins to historic lodge rooms.
-Big Meadows Lodge- Big Meadows Lodge is located right off of Skyline Drive in the heart ofShenandoah National Park. The lodge offers the opportunity to wake up in the park and start your day with gorgeous views after a great night's sleep.
-Lewis Mountain Cabins- The Lewis Mountain Cabins offer the opportunity to stay next to Skyline Drive
-Skyland Resort- Skyland Resort is the perfect spot to stay in Shenandoah National Park! Skyland has 28 separate buildings along milepost 42 (mile 41.7- mile 42.5) of Skyline Drive. The area is known as Skyland and is located along the mountain ridge at 3,680 feet in elevation, the highest point of Skyline Drive.
Virgin Islands National Park, US Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands National Park is located on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Cinnamon Bay Resort - Cinnamon Bay Resort offers eco-tents and cottages with direct access to Cinnamon Bay Beach.
Kettle Falls Hotel at Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
-Kettle Falls Hotel and Resort- Voyageurs NP has one hotel/resort that is reached via a boat ride.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The world's first national park has a great variety of lodging options to choose from. There is a wide variety of Yellowstone National Park Lodges ranging from historic lodges to new modern hotels.
- Canyon Lodge
-Canyon Lodge Cabins- The Canyon Lodge is the largest lodging facility within Yellowstone National Park. The Canyon Lodge Cabins offer easy access to everything the Canyon Lodge has to offer while staying in a great cabin.
- Grant Village
-Lake Lodge Cabins- The Lake Lodge Yellowstone National Park offers a variety of cabins. The Lake Lodge is perfectly placed for exploring Yellowstone Lake and seeing Elk.
-Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins- The Lake Yellowstone Hotel is a National Historic Landmark and a Green Seal Gold Certified hotel. Located on the shores of Lake Yellowstone you can enjoy epic sweeping views over the lake and easy access to other attractions within the park.
-Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel- If you are looking to stay in the northern portion of Yellowstone National Park you will want to check out Mammoth Hot Springs hotel and cabins.
This hotel was recently renovated and offers the perfect place to stay to explore theMammoth Hot Springs areaand have easy access to theLamar Valley.
-Mammoth Hot Springs Cabins- The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins are located right behind the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel near the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. There are a few different types of cabins available including four cabins with hot tubs.
-Old Faithful Inn- This Inn is one of the few log hotels still standing. Lodgepole pines were used to create the 7-story lobby. The colossal stone chimney and peaked roof lend to the mountain in the background.
-Old Faithful Lodge Cabins- Don't miss the epic views ofOld Faithful Geyserfrom the lobby building. The Old Faithful Lodge is located just down from the Old Faithful Inn.
-Old Faithful Snow Lodgeand Cabins - The Old Faithful Snow Lodge is one of the newer lodging options in Yellowstone National Park near Old Faithful.
- Roosevelt Lodge Cabins
Relaxing at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park in California
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite NP has a great variety of lodges spread between Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and the Wawona historic district. Make sure to check out the gorgeous dining room in the Ahwahnee.
-Wawona Hotel- Built-in 1856 the Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark located near theMariposa Grove of Giant Sequoiasand the Pioneer History Center in Yosemite National Park.
- Curry Village Tents
-Curry Village Cabins- Curry Village Cabins in Yosemite National Park are part of the Curry Village complex that was previously known as Half Dome Village. I can honestly say it was the best night's sleep we have had in any of theYosemite lodgeswe have stayed in.
-Housekeeping Camp- If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite Valley inYosemite National Parkand not bring your own tent you will love Housekeeping Camp.
-Ahwahnee Hotel- Architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood knew it would be a challenge to try and mimic the intense beauty of Yosemite National Park. The lodge sits at the base of Royal Arch.
The impressive stone columns draw your attention not to the lodge but directly behind it to the mountain. The bright colors added in just the right places add to the beauty of the overall view. Large windows give sight to Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls.
-Tuolumne Meadows Lodge- Located off Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge includes 69 canvas-tent cabins without electricity.
- White Wolf Lodge
-Yosemite Valley Lodge- If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite National Park then you will love Yosemite Valley Lodge. The lodge is located close to Yosemite Falls which makes it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion NP has two lodging options between the lodge and cabins. They offer the opportunity to wake up in Zion Canyon and start your day in the park.
-Zion Lodge- It's the perfect location to explore all that Zion has to offer and there is nothing quite like waking up and looking out at sunrise as the sun's rays light up the 8,000-foot canyon walls and bring them to life!
-Zion National Park Cabins- Zion National Park Cabins are a great way to experience the heart of the Zion Canyon!
You are within walking distance from your cabin to access trails, the free park shuttle, and restaurants.
We hope you enjoy this list of National Parks with Lodging!
Have you stayed in one of these lodges? What was your experience like? We would love to know more about which lodges you have stayed in and what you thought.
Inside of a Zion National Park Cabin in Utah
State Park Lodges
Several States now have lodges to stay in. Here are a few of the best state park lodges that I have stayed at that I am sure that you would enjoy.
Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park in Alabama
Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores Alabama
Gulf State Park is located in Gulf Shores Alabama and along the Gulf of Mexico. Here you can enjoy miles of trails, biking, beaches, and even the cottages on Lake Shelby!
Eagle Cottages, Gulf State Park Alabama- I was a park ranger for 20 years and I can honestly say I have never seen or experienced cottages in a state park like Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores Alabama! I would have never guessed that you could rent such a beautiful and well-maintained three-bedroom cottage with epic lake views in what I consider one of the best State Parks in the U.S.
State Game Lodge at Custer State Park in South Dakota
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Custer State Park makes a great hub for a South Dakota National Park Road Trip. This park is surrounded by Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. They are also just a couple hours away from Bedlands National Park and Minuteman Missile National Monument. If that's not enough, Custer State Park has numerous things to do like scenic drives, wildlife viewing, hiking, and more! Custer State Park is consistently being ranked as one of the top 10 State Parks in the United States.
State Game Lodge, Custer State Park- The State Game Lodge in Custer State Park was the summer White House in 1927 for President Calvin Coolidge. The State Game Lodge has seven rooms in the historic lodge and also has an adjacent motel and cottages. The State Game Lodge is registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
Creekside Lodge, Custer State Park- Creekside Lodge at Custer State Park is located near the State Game Lodge. This newer hotel offers 30 lodge rooms. The Creekside Lodge was built in 2008 and offers many modern conveniences. Creekside Lodge is open year round so you can explore Custer State Park at any time.
Sylvan Lake Cabins, Custer State Park- Sylvan Lake Lodge in Custer State Park has 67 rooms some of which overlook Sylvan Lake and offers great cabins. Sylvan Lake Lodge was built in 1937 with a new wing of rooms added in 1991. There are 31 cabins in the hillside surrounding the historic lodge.