On my June trip, I spent 3 nights in Mammoth, 3 nights in the backcountry and 3 nights at Norris. It was a bit of a last minute trip so we made due with what we could get. However… I always want to make sure I’m choosing the best option. So while we were touring around the park, I checked out most of the other campgrounds to see which campgrounds were awesome… and which were not.

I’ve put together a truly MASSIVE guide to camping in Yellowstone for you, updated for the 2025 season. It’s got literally everything you need to know including:

• How to make reservations for camping in Yelllowstone
• My recommendations for the best campgrounds in Yellowstone
• A detailed breakdown of what you’ll find at each of Yellowstone’s 12 campgrounds
• A complete list of all the campgrounds outside Yellowstone
• Rules and tips for camping in Yellowstone

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

WANT MORE YELLOWSTONE INFO?  Check out these posts:

• 70 Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
• The Ultimate Yellowstone Packing List for Every Summer Visitor
• Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park

How to Make Camping Reservations in Yellowstone

There are three main types of campgrounds in Yellowstone: National Park-run campgrounds, privately-run Yellowstone National Park Lodges campgrounds, and backcountry campgrounds. You can drive up to the first two types but you’ll need to walk, paddle or ride a horse into the backcountry.

The reservation process for each type is different.

Yellowstone National Park-Run Reservable Campgrounds

These campgrounds are rustic – they don’t have showers and some do not have flush toilets. Scroll down for details about each campground.

A few years ago, all of these campgrounds were first-come, first-served. However, since 2023, all campgrounds run by Yellowstone National Park have been reservable.

You can make reservations on Recreation.gov. You can make a reservation exactly six months in advance of the date you want to camp. So if you want to camp on July 15, the earliest you can make a reservation is January 15.

If your dates are sold out, keep checking back. They do get last minute cancellations and sites open up again.

As well, some campgrounds have a handful of first-come, first-served sites. Some campground also have sites that can be booked two weeks in advance.

If you don’t get a reservation, don’t worry – you can use an app like Campnab to automatically scan the booking site, then send you a text or email when a site becomes available to book. Learn more about how these apps work in my guide to camping cancellation apps.

Yellowstone National Park-run campgrounds are:

• Indian Creek Campground (closed in 2025)
• Lewis Lake Campground
• Mammoth Campground
• Norris Campground (closed in 2025)
• Pebble Creek Campground (closed in 2025)
• Slough Creek Campground
• Tower Fall Campground

Yellowstone National Park Lodges Privately-Run Campgrounds

The Yellowstone National Parks Lodges campgrounds are run by a park concessionaire. They are not run by the parks service. These campgrounds are huge, with hundreds of sites. They all have flush toilets and RV-friendly sites and some have showers. Scroll down for details about each campground.

You can make reservations on the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website. They get fully booked up for the summer months in advance, so make a reservation as early as you can. (The earliest you can book is 13 months before your trip, starting on the 5th of the month. So if you want to book July 20, 2024, you can book starting on July 5, 2023.)

If your dates are sold out, keep checking back. They do get last minute cancellations and sites open up again.

If you don’t get a reservation, don’t worry – you can use an app like Campnab to automatically scan the booking site, then send you a text or email when a site becomes available to book. Learn more about how these apps work in my guide to camping cancellation apps.

Yellowstone National Park Lodges-run campgrounds are:

• Bridge Bay Campground
• Canyon Campground
• Fishing Bridge RV Park
• Grant Village Campground
• Madison Campground

First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds in Yellowstone.

In previous years, many campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park did not accept reservations – they were available on a first-come, first-served basis. Starting in 2022, all camping is Yellowstone National Park is reserveable.

However starting, the Yellowstone National Park campgrounds have “secondary release” sites that are reserveable two weeks in advance. This makes last-minute camping possible.

• Indian Creek Campground – 20% of sites are available to reserve 2 weeks in advance – Note closed in 2025
• Lewis Lake Campground – 20% of sites are available to reserve 2 weeks in advance.

Another way to get last-minute camping is to hope some doesn’t show up or checks out early. If this happens, their site may become available. Check with the campground host at each campground to see if they have any sites available. Go early in the morning (before 8 a.m.) for the best chance of getting a spot.

Backcountry Campgrounds in Yellowstone

There are over 300 backcountry campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park that you can reach by foot, horseback or boat. Some of them are less than a mile from the road, while others are a LOT further.

I stayed at three of them along the Yellowstone River Trail during my trip to Yellowstone, and they were all pretty gorgeous.

However, info on backpacking in Yellowstone is outside the scope of this campground guide, so I won’t get into details. If you want more info, see the Backcountry Camping page on the Yellowstone National Park website.

Which Yellowstone Campground Should You Stay At?

That’s a tough question to answer. It really depends on what you are looking for in a campground. As well, Yellowstone is a REALLY big park so many attractions are hours apart. It might make sense to stay in one campground for a night or two, then move to another one to be close to other sights.

On my visit we stayed at Mammoth for three nights, then at Norris for three nights. I also visited most of the campgrounds just to see if we might want to consider trying to get a site there.

Here’s my campground-by-campground breakdown of each of the places to camp in Yellowstone National Park. I’ve got all the info on each campground so you can decide for yourself which Yellowstone campground is the best.

However, if you need some recommendations for the best campgrounds in Yellowstone, here are mine:

Most central campground: Norris (closed in 2025)

Best campground with showers: Canyon Village

Best Yellowstone campground for wildlife watching: Slough Creek

Best campground for RVs: Fishing Bridge

Details for Every Yellowstone Campground

Mammoth: $25/night, 85 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near Mammoth Hot Springs, reserve via Recreation.gov

Indian Creek: Closed in 2025 – $20/night, 70 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near Mammoth Hot Springs, reserve via Recreation.gov

Norris: Closed in 2025 – $25/night, 111 sites, flush toilets, no showers, near Norris Geyser basin, reserve via Recreation.gov

Madison: $33/night, 276 sites, flush toilets, no showers, near Old Faithful, reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Grant Village: $39/night, 430 sites, flush toilets, showers, near West Thumb Geyser Basin, reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Lewis Lake: $20/night, 85 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near West Thumb Geyser Basin, reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Bridge Bay: $33/night, 432 sites, flush toilets, no showers, near Yellowstone Lake, reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Fishing Bridge RV Park: $89/night, 310 sites (RVs only), flush toilets, showers, near Yellowstone Lake, reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Canyon: $39/night, 273 sites, flush toilets, showers, near Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Tower Fall: $20/night, 31 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near Tower Fall, reserve via Recreation.gov

Slough Creek: $20/night, 16 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near Lamar Valley, reserve via Recreation.gov

Pebble Creek: Closed in 2025 – $20/night, 27 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near Lamar Valley, reserve via Recreation.gov

Yellowstone Campground Map

Want to know where to find every single campground in Yellowstone? I made this custom Google map for you. It shows all the campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park as well as key attractions and places to buy groceries.

Mammoth Campground

Open: Year-round (part of the campground is closed from mid-October to the end of March)

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $25/night

Sites: 85 total.

RVs: Some sites will fit a max combined length of 40′ and a few will fit max 75′ combined length. Max 30′ in winter. Sites are pull-through or back-in and there may be limited width for slid-outs. Sites may not be level. No hookups.

Elevation: 6200 ft (1890m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, cell phone reception, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale. No showers. (Closest pay showers are at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.)

Nearest Grocery Stores: Mammoth town, Gardiner, MT

Location: Mammoth Campground is in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, just a few minutes from the north entrance at Gardiner, Montana. 

Pros: It’s a good place to base for a night or two to see the sights in the northern part of Yellowstone. It’s easy to drive to Gardiner for groceries or a dinner out.

The Mammoth area is very popular with elk, especially in the spring. You may even see elk in the campground. On my visit, there were protective elk mamas with calves hanging around. We had to give them a wide berth. 

This campground used to have a fair amount of road noise, but since the entrance road was rerouted away from the campground after the 2022 floods, it is now quite quiet.

Cons: The campground is in an open sagebrush environment with few trees. Some sites don’t have much shade and it’s pretty hard to string up a tarp in wet weather.

Indian Creek Campground

NOTE: Indian Creek Campground is closed for the 2025 season due to road repairs in the area.

Open: Mid-June to early September

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $20/night

Sites: 70 total.

RVs: 10 sites with 35′  combined length. 35 sites with 30′ combined length. Sites are pull-through or back-in and there may be limited width for slid-outs. Sites may not be level. No hookups.

Elevation: 7300 ft (2225m)

Amenities: Pit toilets. No generators allowed. no cell reception. No showers. (Closest pay showers are at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.)

Nearest Grocery Stores: Mammoth town, Gardiner, MT

Location: Indian Creek Campground is south of Mammoth, but higher up in the mountains. From Indian Creek, it’s a 20-minute drive to Mammoth Hot Springs. 

Pros: Indian Creek is a rustic campground so it’s great if you want a more natural experience. The no generator rule and the location away from the main road also makes it nice and quiet. It also is usually one of the last campgrounds to fill up.

There is lots of tree cover at this campground, which is good for shade or stringing up a tarp on wet days.

Cons: There isn’t anything to do nearby. There are a few backcountry hiking trails in the vicinity, but unless you’re a hardcore hiker, you’ll need to drive a good distance to get to any of the sights from Indian Creek. 

Norris Campground

NOTE: Norris Campground is closed in 2025 and for the foreseeable future due to washed out roads. Yellowstone National Park has actually removed Norris from its website for this reason.

Open: Mid-May to late September

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $25/night

Sites: 111 total, including some walk-in sites.

RVs: 2 sites with 50′ combined length and 5 sites with 30′ combined length. Sites are pull-through or back-in and there may be limited width for slid-outs. Sites may not be level. No hookups.

Elevation: 7,500 feet (2286 m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale. No cell reception. No showers. (Closest pay showers are at Canyon Village)

Nearest Grocery Store: Canyon Village General Store

Location: Norris Campground has a good central location on the western side of the park. It’s about 35 minutes to Mammoth, 25 minutes to Canyon Village, 55 minutes to Old Faithful and 55 minutes to Yellowstone Lake.

Pros: Norris is really central. It’s easy to see the whole park from here since most attractions are less than an hour drive. The only thing that is further is the Lamar Valley. The campground is located along the banks of a creek, which is really pretty. If possible, get a site in loop A or a walk-in for the best views. Bison often hang out in the area, so you might be able to spot them grazing without leaving your campsite. There is also a 1-mile trail directly from the campground to Norris Geyser Basin so you don’t have to deal with finding a parking spot there.

Cons: Norris is really popular and can fill early. As well, some of the sites are really close together (especially the walk-in sites), so they don’t feel that private.

READ NEXT: Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park

Madison Campground

Open: Early May to mid-October

Reservations: Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Price: $33/night + tax.

Sites: 276 total.

RVs: Some sites will fit rigs up to 40′ long. Sites are pull-through or back-in. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 6,800 feet (2073 m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale, dump station. No cell reception, no showers. (Closest pay showers are at the Old Faithful Lodge.)

Nearest Grocery Store: West Yellowstone, MT

Location: Madison Campground is just 25 minutes from the west entrance of the park. It’s also only about 30 minutes to Old Faithful. It’s about an hour to Mammoth, an hour to Yellowstone Lake and 45 minutes to Canyon Village.

Pros: Camping at Madison puts you within an easy drive of all the major geyser basins on the west side of the park. It’s also not that far from Mammoth, Canyon Village or Yellowstone Lake. And if you need a bit of civilization, its easy to drive out of the park to West Yellowstone to get dinner at a restaurant. The campsites are also near the Madison River, which is good for fishing.

Cons: There’s not too much to do nearby. There are a few hiking trails (Harlequin Lake and Purple Mountain), but otherwise, you’ll have to drive everywhere from your site. Loops G and H (for tents only) are the quietest. The rest can get a lot of road noise from the highway to West Yellowstone. As well, since the campground has hundreds of sites, it can feel crowded as the sites are close together. 

Grant Village Campground

Open: Early June to mid-September

Reservations: Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Price: $39/night + tax

Sites: 430 total.

RVs: Some sites will fit rigs up to 40′ long. Sites are pull-through or back-in. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 7,800 feet (2377 m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, cell reception, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale, two free showers a night, dump station.

Nearest Grocery Store: Grant Village

Location: Grant Village Campground is situated on the west shore of Yellowstone Lake. It’s part of the large Grant Village community that includes a visitor centre, hotel, grocery store, marina, restaurant, and gas station. West Thumb Geyer Basin is a 5-minute drive. It’s also about 40 minutes to Old Faithful.

Pros: You can walk over to Grant Village from your campsite to check out the visitor centre, buy groceries or go to the restaurant. If you are into boating, the location on Yellowstone Lake is great. Grant Village is also an easy drive to Old Faithful. If you get a spot towards the end of loops E, G, H, or on the north side of I, you’ll be really close to Yellowstone Lake

Cons: Loops J, K, L and get road noise from the highway south to Grand Teton National Park. The sites are small and close together, without too much privacy. Being located in the south of the park means this campground is a far drive from many attractions.

Lewis Lake Campground

Open: Late June to late October

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $20/night

Sites: 85 total including some walk-in sites.

RVs: Some sites fit RVs 25′ combined length or less. Sites are pull-through or back-in. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 7,800 ft (2377 m)

Amenities: Pit toilets. No cell reception. No generators allowed. No showers. (Closest pay showers are at Grant Village.)

Nearest Grocery Store: Grant Village

Location: Lewis Lake Campground is on the shores of Lewis Lake in the southern part of Yellowstone. It’s a quiet part of the park, but Grant Village is only 20 minutes away. It’s a longer drive to the rest of the park.

Pros: Lewis Lake is popular with boaters. It’s also the gateway to the backcountry of Shoshone Lake, which is only open to canoes and kayaks. The campground is rustic with no generators and pit toilets, so it’s great if you want a more natural experience. It also tends to fill up later than other campgrounds.

Cons: This is the southern-most campground in the park. That makes it the farthest away from most attractions. 

READ NEXT: 70 Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Bridge Bay Campground

Open: Mid-May to early-September

Reservations: Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Price: $33/night + tax.

Sites: 432 total.

RVs: Some sites will fit rigs up to 40′ long. Sites are pull-through or back-in. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 7,800 ft (2377 m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, cell reception, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale, dump station. No showers. (Closest pay showers at Grant Village and Fishing Bridge RV Park.) 

Nearest Grocery Store: Lake Village, Fishing Bridge

Location: Bridge Bay campground is located on the northern part of Yellowstone Lake in the southern part of the park. The Bridge Bay Marina is right next door. It’s a short drive to Canyon Village and West Thumb Geyser Basin, but other sights are much further away.

Pros: This is a good campsite to choose if you brought a boat since the marina is nearby. It’s a short drive to Lake Village and Grant Village if you need groceries or want to eat at a restaurant. And you can hike the popular Natural Bridge Trail right from your campsite.

Cons: Many of the campsites are very close together with no privacy since there aren’t many trees. As well, some people have complained that the tent sites are not very level.  Being located in the south of the park means this campground is a far drive from many attractions.

Fishing Bridge RV Park

Reservations: Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Price: $89/night + tax and utility fees

Sites: 310 total for hard-sided RVs only. No tents. No tent-trailers.

RVs: Sites are 30-95′ long. Most sites are pull-through. 30′, 35′ and 40′ sites are back-in and some allow for side-by-side parking of truck and unhooked trainer. Full hookups for electricity, water, and sewer (50 or 30 amp).

Elevation: 7,800 ft (2377 m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, cell reception, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, pay showers, full hookups, dump station. No campfires allowed.

Nearest Grocery Store: Lake Village, Fishing Bridge

Location: Fishing Bridge RV Park is at the north end of Yellowstone Lake. It’s close to the Fishing Bridge over the Yellowstone River and a general store. Lake Village is a short drive away. It’s a short drive to Canyon Village and West Thumb Geyser Basin, but other sights are much further away.

Pros: If you camp in an RV and want full hook-ups, this is your only option for that in Yellowstone National Park. The campground got a complete renovation (finished in 2022) with larger sites, bigger parking lot, new dump station, more showers and laundry, and updated comfort stations.

Cons: The campground is set up like a traditional RV Park with rigs parked very close together. The hard-sided RV requirement is because grizzly bears frequent the campground. You aren’t allowed to have a campfire at these sites, which is a bummer on cold nights.

Canyon Campground

Open: Late-May to mid-September

Reservations: Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Price: $39/night + tax

Sites: 273 total.

RVs: Some sites will fit rigs up to 40′ long in pull-through and back-in sites. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 7,900 feet (2408 m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, cell reception, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale, two free showers a night dump station.

Nearest Grocery Store: Canyon Village.

Location: Canyon campground is located in Canyon Village near the north rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It’s a pretty central location on the east side of the park.

Pros: Canyon Village is within walking distance of the campground and it has a grocery store and restaurants. The campground is away from the village and the main road so it is quiet. If you don’t want to worry about parking on the canyon rim, you can follow a trail one mile from the campground through the cabins to the North Rim.

Cons: The sites are small and close together. As well, people complain that some of the sites aren’t very flat.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Yellowstone Packing List for Every Summer Visitor

Tower Fall Campground

Open: Late May to late September

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $20/night

Sites: 31 total.

RVs: Best for rigs 30′ combined length or less due to a hairpin curve. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 6,600 feet (2012 m)

Amenities: Pit toilets, amphitheater with ranger programs. No cell reception, no showers, no generators allowed. (Closest pay showers are at Roosevelt Lodge.)

Nearest Grocery Store: Tower Fall

Location: Tower Fall campground is located across the road from Tower Fall in the northern part of Yellowstone. It’s a 10-minute drive away from Tower Junction and the Roosevelt Lodge.

Pros: It’s a small campground so it won’t feel crowded. You can walk to Tower Fall from your campsite. If you want a restaurant meal, the Roosevelt Lodge is a short drive away.

Cons: The sites are smaller so they are better for tents, not RVs (although shorter RVs are permitted.)

Slough Creek Campground

Open: Mid-June to mid-October

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $20/night

Sites: 16 total.

RVs: 14 sites fit rigs up to 30′. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 6,250 feet (1905 m)

Amenities: Pit toilets. No cell reception, no showers. (Closest pay showers are at Roosevelt Lodge.)

Nearest Grocery Store: Tower Fall

Location: Slough Creek is located on a gravel road in the northeast part of Yellowstone. It is in the Lamar Valley, one of the park’s best wildlife watching destinations. Since it’s the remote northeast of the park, it’s not near any of the other attractions.

Pros: There is a wolf den nearby so this is the best place in the park to try to spot a wolf. Bison, bears, pronghorn, and elk are also common. It’s a small and quiet campground with a wilderness feel. 

Cons: RVs won’t really fit in this campground. (Although very small rigs may fit.) This campground is a long drive from the rest of the park and frequent bison jams can make the drive even longer.

Pebble Creek Campground

NOTE: Pebble Creek Campground is closed in 2025 due to flood recovery work.

Open: Mid-June to late September

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $20/night

Sites: 27

RVs: Some sites have long pull-throughs that will accommodate RVs. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 6,900 feet (2103 m)

Amenities: Pit toilets. No cell reception, no showers. (Closest pay showers are at Roosevelt Lodge.)

Nearest Grocery Store: Tower Fall, Cooke City

Location: Pebble Creek Campground is in the northeast corner of Yellowstone at the foot of the Absaroka Mountains. It’s a 20-minute drive to Cooke City, MT on the eastern edge of the park. Otherwise, it’s not near anything else in the park.

Pros: Pebble Creek is a small and quiet campground with a wilderness feel. There’s a pretty little creek right in the middle of the campground. Nearby Soda Butte Creek is popular with anglers. It’s also close to the wildlife mecca of the Lamar Valley.

Cons: It’s a LONG drive to the rest of the park.

Campgrounds Outside Yellowstone National Park

If you can’t get a campsite inside the park, you aren’t out of camping options. There are first-come, first-served campgrounds in the National Forests outside Yellowstone. There are also RV parks in some of the nearby towns. I haven’t visited any of these, so I can’t give you any recommendations.

But here’s the list of all the campgrounds near Yellowstone I know of, sorted by which park entrance they are closest to:

North Entrance:

• Eagle Creek Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (reserveable)
• Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North (reserveable)
• Yellowstone RV Park (reserveable)

Northeast Entrance

• Soda Butte Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (first-come, first-served)
• Colter Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (first-come, first-served)
• Chief Joseph Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (first-come, first-served)

East Entrance:

• Threemile Campground, Shoshone National Forest (reserveable)
• Eagle Creek Campground, Shoshone National Forest (first-come, first-served)

West Entrance:

• Yellowstone Cabins and RV Park (reserveable)
• Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins (reserveable)
• Wagon Wheel RV Cabin Campground (reserveable)
• Yellowstone Park West Gate KOA (reserveable)
• Buffalo Crossing RV Park (reserveable)
• Baker’s Hole Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (first-come, first-served)

South Entrance:

• Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch (reserveable)
• Lizard Creek Campground, Grand Teton National Park (reserveable)

Yellowstone Campground Rules and Tips

In most ways, camping in Yellowstone is a lot like camping in any other National Park. Except for the bears… and a few other things. Here are some tips and rules you need to know about camping in Yellowstone.

And to get you in the camping mood (and help give you a better idea about what campsites look like in Yellowstone) here’s a somewhat cheesy National Parks video about camping in Yellowstone.

Campfires in Yellowstone

Each campsite at all campgrounds except Fishing Bridge RV Park has a fire ring. However, there may be seasonal fire-bans during dry summers when the fire danger is high.

You can buy firewood at some campgrounds. Keep in mind that the firewood kiosk may only be only open in the evening from 6 to 8 pm. You can also buy firewood at most stores and gas stations in the park.

Drinking Water at Yellowstone Campgrounds

There are water taps in all campgrounds in the park. It’s fresh mountain water and is safe to drink. You can fill up there or water bottle refill stations at visitor centres. There’s no need to bring wasteful and expensive bottled water!

Group Size at Yellowstone Campgrounds

You are only allowed to have six people per campsite. If you have more than that, you’ll need more campsites.

RVs in Yellowstone

Most campgrounds in Yellowstone accept RVs. RVs are welcome at all of the campgrounds. Just make sure you book a spot that is big enough to accommodate your rig – many won’t fit longer RVs and have maximum length restrictions. Check site details when making a reservation.

Bear Safety in Yellowstone

All of Yellowstone’s campgrounds have strict bear safety rules. You’ll get an info sheet about it when you check in to your campsite, and maybe a mini-lecture too! The reality is that bears walk through all the campgrounds.

To ensure the safety of campers and bears, you have to protect all your food and smelly stuff. Of course, bears (and other critters) are interested in your food, but they might also like your dishes, pots, stove, drinks, cooler, pet food, garbage, and toiletries. 

Unless you are actively using them, you need to put those items away. You can’t leave them sitting out in your campsite or store them in your tent. You can put them in your car or you can store them in the bear-proof storage box.

The bear-proof storage boxes are large metal lockers big enough to store a few large coolers. In most campgrounds, you’ll get your own, but in some of the reservable campgrounds, you will need to share them between 2 or 3 campsites.

If a ranger or campground host finds unattended food or smelly items in your campground, you could get a fine or a ticket. They will also put your gear away for you. We saw that happen to three different groups during our trip! For more tips, read my post about bear safety for campers and hikers.

READ NEXT: Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers

Camping With Dogs in Yellowstone National Park

Dogs are allowed in Yellowstone National Park and at campgrounds, but there are quite a few restrictions. They must be in a car, in a crate, or on a leash that is less than six feet long.

Dogs are allowed on leash within 100 feet of roads, parking lots, and campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails or boardwalks. You are not allowed to leave your dog unattended in a car or tied to an object.

What to Pack for Camping in Yellowstone National Park

All of Yellowstone’s campgrounds are above 6000 feet so it can get cold at night. As well, it can rain at any time in the mountains. Make sure you’re prepared. For my recommendations on what to bring camping, see my Yellowstone Packing Lists. 

READ NEXT: How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

Final Thoughts

So that’s everything you need to know about camping in Yellowstone. I know you’re going to have an AWESOME trip! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section. I’ll be happy to answer!

READ NEXT:

• 70 Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
• The Ultimate Yellowstone Packing List for Every Summer Visitor
• Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
• The Best Camping Cancellation Apps
• 25 Things to do in Grand Teton National Park
• How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

The post Camping in Yellowstone in 2025: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve lived in the Vancouver area my whole life and have stayed at tons of cabins over the years. Here are my favourite cabin rentals for a weekend getaway from Vancouver. I’ve included options in the Sea to Sky, Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, Okanagan, and Interior. I’ve also got cabins in Washington state just over the border.

I’ve stayed at a bunch of these and the rest are definitely on my cabin vacation wish list!

Where do you want to go?

• Vancouver-area cabins
• Sea to Sky cabins
• Bowen Island and Sunshine Coast cabins
• Gulf Island cabins
• Vancouver Island cabins
• BC Interior and Okanagan cabins
• Washington cabins

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Vancouver-Area Cabins

You don’t have to go far from the city to find adorable cabins near Vancouver. You can stay on the ocean, on a lake, on a river, or in a log cabin. Here are my picks for the best Vancouver cabins.

Sandpiper Resort, Harrison

The cabins at Sandpiper Resort have incredible hygge vibes. I stayed in one of their classic rustic cabins. It had a huge stone fireplace and an incredible view of the river. During my late November stay we watched hundreds of bald eagles feast on salmon in the river.

The resort also has some newer, more modern cabins. Some of them even have Japanese-style ofuro soaking tubs on the patio.

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Sasquatch Mountain Log Cabin, Harrison

This gorgeous log cabin is located at Sasquatch Mountain Resort. It’s a great spot for a ski vacation in the winter, but in the summer you can go hiking, enjoy the views, or just chill out. There’s a big fireplace, lots of games, and a BBQ too.

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Cabin on the Mighty Fraser River, Hope

Find this rustic cabin on the banks of the Fraser River just north of Hope. It has great views of the surrounding mountains and the owners say it’s common to see wildlife on the banks of the river including bear, deer, eagles, and otters.

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More Vancouver Area Cabins

• Deep Cove Retreat: Sunny cottage with loft in North Vancouver’s Deep Cove neighbourhood.
• The Nest Tiny Home: Beautiful scandi-style tiny home on Sumas Mountain in Abbotsford.
• Bramblebank Cottages: Adorable cluster of cottages in Harrison Hot Springs.
• Camperland Bridal Falls Resort and Cabins: Cute cabins at the campground in Bridal Falls, between Chilliwack and Hope.
• Check out my guide to the best places to camp near Vancouver.

Sea to Sky Cabins

The Sea to Sky corridor is a great place for a weekend getaway – I liked it so much I moved to Squamish three years ago! There are lots of cabins in Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton to choose from. And the drive up there makes a great road trip from Vancouver. (Read my Sea to Sky Highway guide for full details.)

Here are my picks for the best Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton cabins:

Porteau Cove Olympic Cabins, Lions Bay

These adorable log cabins in Porteau Cove were built as a legacy project from the 2010 Olympics. They are located next to the ocean in Porteau Cove Provincial Park. It’s a great spot to soak in the ocean views from the beach during the day or star gaze at night.

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Sunwolf Riverside Cabins, Squamish

These charming cabins in the Brackendale neighbourhood of Squamish are super cozy with fireplaces and the sound of the rushing river right outside your door. My hometown of Squamish is one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures and these cute cabins make a great base for hiking, biking, or snowshoeing adventures.

Bonus: Squamish’s best brunch spot, Fergie’s is also on site. This is definitely one of my favourite cabins near Vancouver and I have fond memories of a winter trip a few years before I moved to Squamish.

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READ NEXT: The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)

READ NEXT: 70+ Things to do in Squamish (By a Local)

Riverside Resort, Whistler

Riverside Resort is one of the best places to camp in Whistler. But they also have adorable log cabins and cute little yurts. The yurts are nestled in the forest right next to the rushing waters of Fitzsimmons Creek. The resort is a right on the Valley Trail, a multi-use paved trail for biking or walking that leads everywhere in Whistler.

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READ NEXT: The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails

READ NEXT: 40 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler

More Sea to Sky Cabins

• West Coast Modern Cabin: Beautiful post and beam cabin with views in Britannia Beach.
• Waterfront Cottage: Three bedroom cabin on secluded Levette Lake near Squamish.
• Squamish Valley Cottage: Cute cottage on a private acreage near the Squamish River.
• Curtisy Cottage: Retro A-frame cabin near Alta Lake in Whistler.
• Check out my guides to the best places to camp near Squamish and the best places to camp near Whistler.

Bowen Island Cabins

Bowen Island is a short ferry ride away from West Vancouver, which makes it a perfect weekend cabin getaway. (Use my guide to find the best things to do on Bowen Island.) Here are my picks for the best cabins on Bowen Island:

• Evergreen Cottage: Two bedroom cabin with a view hat is walking distance from the ferry terminal.
• Hummingbird Hut: Adorable vaulted ceiling cabin with a wall of windows and nearby hiking.
• Woodlands Cabin: Cute and modern cabin with a fire table and big deck.

Sunshine Coast Cabins

The Sunshine Coast is easy to get to, but has a completely different feel than nearby Vancouver. With ocean views and a West Coast rainforest setting, staying in a cabin on the Sunshine Coast is the perfect way to spend a chill weekend. (Use my guide to find the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast).

Read on for my picks for the best cabins in the Gibsons, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, Pender Harbour, and Powell River areas.

Rockwater Secret Cove Cabins, Halfmoon Bay

Rockwater Secret Cove Oceanside Resort has rustic timber cabins and luxurious tent cabins linked by gorgeous wooden boardwalks through the forest. With a spa and fine dining restaurant on-site, it makes a great romantic getaway. (I should know: I got engaged there!)

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Moon Dance Cabin, Pender Harbour

The cute Moon Dance cabin is right on the water in the Madeira Park neighbourhood of Pender Harbour. The loft bedroom feels a bit like a treehouse, surrounded by forest. There’s a great soaker tub too. Enjoy great views from the deck or try out some of the nearby hikes.

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The Stonewater, Maderia Park

Tucked into the forest in the Maderia Park neighbourhood of the lower Sunshine Coast, The Stonewater has just added four adorable tiny-home style cabins to their resort. Each little A-frame has a cozy queen bed and skylights that are perfect for star gazing. They also have a spa on site with a cedar hot tub, barrel sauna, and cold plunge pool.

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Backeddy Resort, Egmont

The Backeddy Resort is tucked away in the tiny village of Egmont, which is the starting point for the must-do hike to the rapids of Skookumchuck Narrows. The resort has a mix of accommodation options including waterfront cabins and bucketlist-worthy geodesic domes.

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Magical Dome, Lund

A stay at this unique dome house has been on my wish list for a long time. The Magical Dome in Lund is a rustic cedar dome-shaped house set in the rainforest near the Sunshine Coast Trail. The interior is full of quirky spaces, railings made of branches, and the cutest loft bedroom.

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More Sunshine Coast Cabins

• Halfmoon Haven: Beachfront cottage in Halfmoon Bay with lots of outdoor space.
• The Aerie: A modern treehouse in Halfmoon Bay with tons of windows and a hot tub.
• Frolander Bay Tiny Cottages: A cluster of tiny homes with a hot tub near the beach just outside Powell River.
• Rustic Cedar Cabin: Beautiful window-filled cedar planked cabin near Powell River.

Gulf Islands Cabins

The Gulf Islands are a handful of islands sprinkled in the Strait of Georgia between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Each has its own laid-back personality and they all make an ideal weekend getaway. With so many Gulf Islands cabins to choose from, it can be hard to pick.

But let me help you out – my favourite cabins on the Gulf Islands are below.

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island

These lakeside cottages are rustic yet luxe with cozy kitchens and big bathrooms. Each cottage has a patio with a great view of the lake. The Cottages on Salt Spring Island are just outside the town of Ganges, which makes it easy to head over to the farmers market, restaurants, and cute boutiques.

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Ocean View Cabin, Pender Island

Watch for whales from the deck of this ocean view cabin high on the cliffs above Swanson Channel on Pender Island. It has incredible views of the ocean, the mountains of Vancouver Island, and the ferries cruising past on their way to Victoria. There’s a hot tub too!

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More Gulf Islands Cabins

• Orchard Cabin: Quaint cottage with a loft near the town of Ganges on Saltspring Island.
• Cozy 2 Bedroom Cabin: Rustic cabin on North Pender Island near Gulf Islands National Park.

Vancouver Island Cabins

Vancouver Island is known around the world for its rugged beauty and gorgeous coastline. Head to the West Coast to stay in a cabin in Tofino or Ucluelet. Drive the Pacific Marine Circle Route to adorable cottages in Sooke or Port Renfrew. Or chill out at a resort cabin in Parksville with a spa on site. You’ll love each of my choices for the best cabins on Vancouver Island.

Owl’s Perch Treehouse, Sooke

This is one of the most unique cabins on Vancouver Island – it’s a treehouse! The cabin is attached to four huge trees! Sleeping in the cozy loft bedroom is like sleeping in the forest canopy. There is also a huge deck for relaxing and forest bathing without leaving the cabin.

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Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages, Port Renfrew

I stayed at the gorgeous Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages on my Pacific Marine Circle Route road trip. They are right on the water and have cozy fire pits that make a great place to relax after exploring nearby Avatar Grove – the old-growth cedars are giant! (The covered decks are great for rainy days.)

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Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Parksville

The cozy log cabins at Tigh-Na-Mara are set in a gorgeous forest a short walk from a beautiful sandy beach. The famous Grotto Spa is onsite for massages or a relaxing soak in the mineral pool. It’s easy to see why these are some of the most popular cabins on Vancouver Island.

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Peace Cabin, Ucluelet

Friends of mine own this Scandi-style cabin. It is nestled in the woods has seriously relaxing vibes. The window-filled space is tucked into the rainforest near Ucluelet, so it feels like you’re outside even when you’re inside.

Peace Cabin has everything you need to chill out: a full kitchen, board games, a BBQ, and a covered deck with an outdoor fireplace. But the town of Ucluelet and the trails of Pacific Rim National Park are just a few minutes away.

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Mackenzie Beach Resort, Tofino

I recently spent a long weekend staying in an adorable tiny house at Mackenzie Beach Resort in Tofino during a winter visit to Tofino – my fave time to go. The tiny house was cozy and had everything we needed. There was even a big patio with an outdoor shower, which I used after we went surfing.

They also have really cool restored vintage Airstream trailers you can stay in. The resort property was great with an on-site cafe. And it is right on Mackenzie Beach.

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Ocean Village, Tofino

Tofino is one of Canada’s best outdoor adventure small towns for surfing, beaches, hiking, and more. Ocean Village in Tofino is a group of charming beehive-shaped cabins right on Mackenzie Beach in Tofino. Built in 1976, this is Tofino’s original oceanfront resort.

The rustic cabins have modern upgrades but still have a retro vibe. They’re also committed to sustainability with on-demand hot water and recycling and composting programs. It’s a great place for a Vancouver Island cabin getaway.

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Brown’s Bay Resort, Campbell River

Brown’s Bay Resort is just north of Campbell River. It’s right on the water and has a mix of cabins, glamping tents, and campsites. It even has a floating restaurant. It’s a great location for fishing and the famous Ripple Rock hike is a few minutes away.

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More Vancouver Island Cabins

• Lakefront Cabin: Huge A-frame with tons of windows and beachfront on Lake Cowichan.
• 100-Year-Old Farm Cottage: Adorable vintage cottage near the beach near Nanaimo.
• The Cabins at Terrace Beach: Gorgeous high-end cabins in Ucluelet.
• Tofino Surf Cabin: Cute cabin with a surf theme tucked into the old growth forest.

Interior and Okanagan Cabins

BC’s Interior has many different sides. Book a cabin in the Okanagan wine country to enjoy vineyard views and lakes. Or head to a cabin Wells Gray Park or Manning Park for great hiking or snowshoeing. Mountain bikers, skiers, and hikers should book a cabin in Revelstoke – it’s my favourite BC mountain town. Here are my picks for the best cabins in the Okanagan and BC’s Interior.

Manning Park Resort, Manning Park

In the summer, hike right from your front door. When the snow falls, snowshoe or cross-country ski next to the cabin. Manning Park is a short drive from Vancouver and the Manning Park Resort has lots of cute cabins.

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Utopia Feels Botanical Glampground, Vernon

Located just outside Vernon, Utopia Feels Botanical Glampground is an incredible escape. Sleep in a luxurious glamping tent on the grounds of a sustainable micro-farm that includes lots of mature trees and farm animals.

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READ NEXT: 30+ Things to Do in Vernon, BC

Tin Poppy Cabin, Salmon Arm

Get off the grid at the Tin Poppy Cabin in the Larch Hills outside of Salmon Arm. The cabin is actually a converted travel trailer decked out in retro style and fueled by solar power. Enjoy the views from the huge screened-in porch or go mountain biking or fishing nearby.

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Cedar Haven Resort, Wells Gray Provincial Park

Stay in a cozy log cabin or a luxe glamping tent at the Cedar Haven Resort in Clearwater, BC. It’s right next to Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to some of BC’s tallest waterfalls.

If you’re into the cowboy thing, there are also several dude ranches nearby. After a day of activities, relax in the sauna or roast marshmallows around the campfire.

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Boulder Mountain Resort, Revelstoke

I stayed in an adorable cabin at Boulder Mountain Resort for a couple of nights on my most recent trip to Revelstoke, one of the best small towns in Canada. The cabins feel like a cozy wood tiny house… without the tiny. There’s a king bed, a big couch, a huge walk-in shower, and a well-stocked kitchen. There were even cute checkered bathrobes.

It’s a great place to base yourself for hikes near Revelstoke or a visit to Mount Revelstoke National Park. They have glamping tents too!

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More Okanagan and BC Interior Cabins

• Sunshine Valley Resort and Cabins: Cute mini cabins at a campground near Manning Park.
• Mid-Century Waterfront Rancher: Cute retro cottage right on the lake is Osoyoos.
• Shuswap Sky Dome: Unique geodesic dome and wood-fired hot tub with views of Shuswap Lake.

Washington Cabins

If you have a passport, Washington state is a great getaway from Vancouver. And there are lots of cute cabins in northern Washington to explore.

Gingerbread Cottage, Point Roberts

Point Roberts is a geographic anomaly – a peninsula-shaped piece of Washington State that you can only access from British Columbia. The quite border in Tsawwassen makes crossing a breeze.

Stay in this adorable Gingerbread Cottage tucked into the cedar forest. It has a solarium and a great deck. The cottage is located next to a park and a short walk from the beach and shops.

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Oceanfront A-Frame, Birch Bay

Located just across the border, Birch Bay is a great place to find cabins near Vancouver. The oceanfront A-frame has cute modern decor and incredible beach views. The loft bedroom is accessed via a fun spiral staircase.

Outside you’ll find a fire pit, grill and 400 square foot deck. Stairs lead down the bank to the beach.

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Charming Cedar Chalet, Mount Baker

The Mount Baker ski area is a short drive from Vancouver. It’s a great year-round destination with fabulous skiing and snowshoeing in winter and hiking in the summer.

You’ll find lots of cabins clustered in the nearby communities of Glacier, Warnick and Maple Falls. The Charming Cedar Chalet is an adorable shingled cabin with a sleeping loft, woodstove, and private hot tub.

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Oceanfront Cabin, Whitbey Island

Whitbey Island is one of my favourite places in Washington. I love the little towns, quiet coastline, and the drama of Deception Pass State Park.

Stay at this oceanfront cabin in Penn Cove near the town of Coupeville. It has a huge sun-drenched deck, a quiet beach location, and a retro wood paneled interior.

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More Washington Cabins

• Heron House: Three bedroom waterfront cottage on Penn Cove near Coupeville on Whidbey Island.
• Camano Cabin: Enjoy mountain and water views from this cabin on Camano Island near Mount Vernon.
• The Treehouse: Cabin perched in the forest near Lake Whatcom outside of Bellingham.

With over 60 tiny houses, glamping tents, and cottages on this list, I bet you’ll find your perfect cabin rental near Vancouver. How many of these cozy British Columbia and Washington cabins are going on your wish list? Tell me in the comments.

Read Next:

• 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• Camping Near Vancouver, BC: 40+ Best Campgrounds
• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures
• Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies
• Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada

The post 60 Cozy Cabins Near Vancouver for a Weekend Getaway appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Want to skip right to the point? My top pick is the Executive Suites Hotel and Resort since it gets the best reviews and has the nicest setting.

I’ve lived in Squamish for three years. Before I moved here, I visited a few times a year for decades (I’ve lived in the Vancouver area my whole life.) Squamish is such a great spot for hiking, mountain biking, and incredible scenery that I just couldn’t get enough so I moved here! (Read my huge list of things to do in Squamish.)

In this article, you’ll find my picks for the best hotels in Squamish. I’ve got options for families, those on a budget, people who want some serious woodsy vibes, and lots more. I also recommend a few Airbnbs and places to camp.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

My Top 3 Picks for the Best Hotels in Squamish

#1 Executive Suites Hotel and Resort: kitchens in every room, great location close to trails

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#2 Sunwolf Riverside Resort: gorgeous cabins in a woodsy setting, best brunch in town

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#3 Sandman Hotel and Suites: indoor pool with huge waterslide, free breakfast

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10 Best Hotels in Squamish

1. Executive Suites Hotel and Resort

Rating: 8.4/10 stars

Location: Garibaldi Estates

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Great place to unwind. The room was fantastic. Had everything you’d need. Hotel is in a fantastic location. Beautiful setting. Nice to have a pub on-site. We’d definitely stay there again.

– Carla (Read more reviews)

If you asked me where to stay in Squamish, my first pick would be the Executive Suites Hotel and Resort. With an on-site restaurant, access to trails, a pool, and kitchens in every room, it has tons of amenities.

This hotel sits on a former golf course, so it feels like it’s out in nature despite being just a few minutes from the Highway and the Garibaldi Village shopping area. All rooms have balconies and you can choose from mountain view rooms or rooms that face the pond behind the hotel.

The Executive Suites is also in the best location for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. You can ride right from the hotel into the Garibaldi Highlands/Alice Lake zone, which is one of the best places to mountain bike in Squamish. The hotel is also right next to lots of great hiking trails, many of which are used in the famous Squamish 50 trail running race.

All of the rooms at the Executive Suites are suites. (I guess the name kind of gives that away!) So every room has a kitchen and sitting area, which makes them feel a bit less like a hotel and more like a vacation rental. They have studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options, which are great for families or groups.

The hotel has an on-site restaurant called Free Bird. Their sunny patio is one of my favourite outdoor dining spots in Squamish. They also have incredible happy hour specials including “Buck-a-shuck” oysters. They also have a beautiful outdoor heated pool and hot tub area.

The Executive Suites Hotel is in the Garibaldi Estates neighbourhood at the north end of Squamish about 10 minutes from downtown. I think it has the best amenities of any hotel in Squamish. And the kitchens are ideal if you are staying for more than one night since you can prep your own food.

2. Sunwolf Riverside Resort

Rating: 9.1/10 stars

Location: Brackendale

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The perfect spot for a quiet getaway! Oh my gosh, this is the perfect spot for a quiet, peaceful getaway! The cabins are absolutely adorable!! So cozy with the fireplace!! Very clean! Beds were comfy! My friend and I wished we could’ve stayed longer!

– Dorn (Read more reviews)

Lots of people come to Squamish for the woodsy vibes. If that’s you, you have to stay at Sunwolf Riverside Resorts. It’s a cluster of cabins on the banks of the Cheekeye and Cheakamus Rivers. It feels like it’s in the middle of the forest, but it’s only a 15-minute drive from downtown Squamish!

The setting is really magical with towering evergreen trees, a rushing river, and lots of moss everywhere. Each cabin has its own outdoor picnic area and there is a communal fire pit. Sunwolf is a great place to unplug because the cabins don’t have TVs or wifi! It’s just you and nature. (There is mobile phone service though.)

You can go for a wander along the riverbank at the resort, or book a white water rafting trip that takes you down the rapids of the Cheakamus River – the same river that runs past the cabins! Sunwolf is also at the entrance to the Squamish and Paradise Valleys, both of which have great hiking. (In Paradise Valley I recommend Brohm Lake via the Thompson Trail. In the Squamish Valley I recommend Crooked Falls or High Falls Creek.)

The cabins were originally part of a rustic fishing lodge, but they have been renovated and spruced up over the last decade, so they are super cute. Each one has exposed wood beams, full kitchens, a fireplace, and a comfy queen bed. Some also have adorable loft bedrooms.

The other major reason to stay at Sunwolf is to enjoy the best brunch in Squamish at Fergie’s Cafe, the on-site restaurant. This place is super-popular, so can beat the line-up by sleeping next door. Their mouth-watering menu includes lots of eggs Benny options and breakfast bowls, all made with locally-sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking for a cabin getaway, Sunwolf Riverside Resort is the best hotel in Squamish. My stay here about 10 years ago was what got me thinking about moving here!

3. Sandman Hotel and Suites

Rating: 8.2/10 stars

Location: Industrial Park

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Staff were super friendly! My kids loved the pool. Breakfast had a great array of options.

– Marisa (Read more reviews)

The Sandman Hotel and Suites is the best hotel in Squamish for families. It has a huge heated indoor pool with a waterslide, which kids will love. It’s also one of the newest hotels in town, so it has gorgeous rooms. There is also a free Continental breakfast.

This hotel has several room types to choose from, but all have mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers and wifi. If you’re staying as a family, their rooms with two queen beds and a sofa bed are a great deal.

The Sandman Hotel is also pet-friendly if you travel with your fur babies. They have designated pet-friendly rooms and a reasonable pet fee.

The stand-out feature is the huge indoor pool. It can get rainy in Squamish, so having an on-site indoor pool means you always have a backup activity. There is also a spiral waterslide that goes outside, and then back inside, and a hot tub. When my friend stayed here with her kids, they couldn’t get enough of the pool!

While the Sandman is located in Squamish’s Industrial Park, it’s actually a pretty good location. It’s within walking distance of Backcountry Brewing and Geo Cider, both of which have family-friendly restaurants in their tasting rooms. (My tip: Get the wood-fired pizza at Backcountry and the huge burritos at Geo Cider.) It’s also two blocks from Walmart if you need groceries.

The location is also very central. It’s a 5-minute drive south to downtown Squamish or north to Alice Lake Park for swimming and hiking. The Sandman is a classic chain hotel, but it’s well-executed and worth a stay.

4. Squamish Adventure Inn

Rating: 8.3/10 stars

Location: Downtown Squamish

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The place was cozy, friendly, and clean. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. The common areas were well designed and one would just want to sit there with a book in the evening after a long adventure. The organization of the kitchen was very well thought out.

– Linda (Read more reviews)

If you’re on a budget, the Squamish Adventure Inn is the best place to stay in Squamish. It functions both as a hostel and a value-priced hotel. This hotel has hostel-style dorm rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms. But it also has hotel-style rooms with private bathrooms.

One of the stand-out features of this Squamish hotel is the huge communal kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. There are also shared lounge spaces for relaxing and a big outdoor patio with a BBQ.

The Squamish Adventure Inn is really set up for adventure. They have secure gear storage for your bikes and skis. And in the summer they rent bikes, kayaks, and SUPs. They also have discount deals with local businesses for white water rafting, ziplining, breweries, restaurants, and more.

If you don’t have a car, the Squamish Adventure Inn is my top recommendation for hotels in Squamish. It has a great location just outside downtown Squamish. It is an easy 5-minute walk to the grocery store or the Adventure Centre to catch the bus to Vancouver or Whistler.

The Inn sits on the shores of Mamquam Blind Channel, so you can paddle right out the back door. It’s also a 5-minute walk from the Smoke Bluffs, one of the best rock climbing areas in Squamish.

5. Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company

Rating: 7.6/10 stars

Location: Downtown Squamish

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The location was great, easy to find and really nice town. Good sized rooms and well equipped, comfortable bed. Good food and ambience in the bar.

– Oliver (Read more reviews)

If you want to stay in downtown Squamish, book a room at the Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company. This small hotel has rooms upstairs from Howe Sound Brewing Company, which is one of the oldest craft breweries in BC!

If you can, book one of their view rooms. That way you can look out at the Stawamus Chief right when you wake up! If you are travelling with your dog, they also have pet-friendly rooms.

The Howe Sound Inn is located at the southern end of downtown Squamish, so it’s an easy walk to lots of shops and restaurants on Cleveland Avenue (Squamish’s main drag). It’s also right next to the entrance to the Squamish Estuary walking trails.

Having the Brewery downstairs is also great. They have great craft beer made on-site and a pub-style menu. They also make wood-fired pizzas. And don’t worry about noise from the brewery! None of the rooms are over the pub and they close at 10 or 11 pm each night. Downtown Squamish is pretty quiet!

6. August Jack Motor Inn

Rating: 8/10 stars

Location: Downtown Squamish

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Great comfortable stay and excellent staff. Large room and very comfortable bed. Great view of the mountains.

– Kathleen (Read more reviews)

The August Jack Motor Inn recently got a glow-up with renovated rooms and repainted exterior. They’ve also upped their hospitality game, with lots of reviews praising the helpful staff. This Squamish hotel has a great location downtown and budget-oriented prices but still has all the amenities.

This hotel has standard queen and king bedrooms, but they also have suites with full kitchens. The suites have great views of the Stawamus Chief Mountain.

If you want to do laundry, they have coin-op machines. The recently renovated lobby also has a Nespresso machine for guest use. If you’re looking to work, I’ve heard that their Wifi is really fast!

They also have built a dedicated food truck zone next to the hotel. It hasn’t opened yet (as of February 2024), but it looks really cute with twinkly lights and picnic tables.

The August Jack has a great location right in the middle of downtown Squamish. Junction Park is across the street and Stan Clarke Park is behind the hotel, so it’s quiet. It’s also half a block away from Fox and Oak, my favourite doughnut shop!

And if you’re wondering about the name, August Jack Khatsahlano was a Squamish Nation chief and the hotel was named to honour him.

7. Crash Hotel Squamish

Rating: 7.6/10 stars

Location: Downtown Squamish

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Friendly, helpful staff. Big, clean rooms with amazing view of the mountain. Couldn’t be more central!

– Eleanor (Read more reviews)

If you like nightlife and funky rooms, Crash Hotel Squamish is the hotel for you. This boutique hotel in downtown Squamish has themed rooms. It located above The Cleveland Tavern, Squamish’s busiest bar, and Trickster’s Hideout, an eclectic coffee shop/cocktail bar that has live music most nights.

Crash Hotel Squamish has several different room types, including some with bunk beds if you are travelling with a group. Some of the rooms also have great views of the Stawamus Chief.

But the best part is that each room has its own unique themed decor and a signature mural behind the bed. The ski-themed room even has an old chair lift that doubles as a bench!

The hotel also has lots of great amenities like a rooftop patio, a bike storage room, and pet-friendly rooms. They also use a high-tech virtual reception and digital check-in/check-out system where your phone functions as your room key.

Staying at Crash Hotel puts you right in the heart of downtown Squamish, so it’s a short walk to lots of restaurants (including Taka Ramen, my favourite sushi place, which is just down the block).

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the place to stay if you want quiet! But Crash Hotel is really upfront about that: Some of their rooms are labeled “noise impacted” and they warn that all of the rooms experience some bar noise, especially on weekends. But if you plan to be up late partying, it’s the perfect place to stay since all the action is right downstairs.

8. Sea to Sky Hotel

Rating: 7.3/10 stars

Location: Garibaldi Estates

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Great service with coffee shop/bike shop linked to hotel. Very helpful staff with hotel. Would stay there again in the future.

– Donald (Read more reviews)

The Sea to Sky Hotel has a great location in the Garibaldi Estates neighbourhood of Squamish. It’s a good spot to base yourself if you are a mountain biker since there is a bike shop with rentals in the lobby.

All of their rooms have balconies and the ones on the west side of the building have an incredible view of the Tantalus Mountains. And all of the rooms have air conditioning. This is a great Squamish hotel for groups because each room sleeps 4 to 6 people.

If you are travelling with skis or bikes, they have a designated gear storage area. The hotel also has a hot tub and sauna to relax after your adventures. There is a liquor store on the ground level. The on-site restaurant recently changed hands and hasn’t reopened yet, but I’ll update this post when it does.

This is a great hotel for mountain bikers. Ride Hub Cafe in the lobby can make you a latte in the morning, tune-up your bike, and give you tips on where to ride for the day. They also have bike rentals.

The Sea to Sky Hotel is located in the Garibaldi Village Shopping Centre, so there is a grocery store next door, a liquor store downstairs, and lots of restaurants nearby. I recommend Sushi Sen and Lil Chef Bistro, both of which are on Tantalus Road behind the hotel.

9. Mountain Retreat Hotel and Suites

Rating: 7.2/10 stars

Location: Industrial Park

Check rates and availability

Just the basics, quiet and comfortable. Great value, perfect for families, and pet-friendly too. Our kids loved the water slide! It’s FAST.

– R (Read more reviews)

The Mountain Retreat Hotel is another good Squamish hotel option for families thanks to its large rooms, family suites, and indoor pool with a waterslide.

All of the rooms have air conditioning, mini-fridges, and coffee machines. They also have family suites with a separate bedroom and a kitchenette. And they offer pet-friendly rooms.

The hotel has a heated indoor pool with a waterslide as well as a hot tub. They also have a fitness centre. The Timberwolf Restaurant on the ground floor is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Mountain Retreat Hotel is located in the Squamish Industrial Park next to Highway 99. (Tip: Ask for a room on the quieter west side of the hotel.)

The location is not close to much besides Tim Horton’s. But, it’s down the block from Raincity Distillery, which makes great cocktails made with their house-made gin and vodka and also serves up great Chinese dumplings. And since Squamish isn’t big, it’s a 5-minute drive to downtown Squamish.

10. Hotel Squamish

Rating: 6.5/10 stars

Location: Downtown

Check rates and availability

Good stay, would go back, price very good for area and located in the town centre. Room was small but well equipped.

– Stanley (Read more reviews)

Hotel Squamish is a great option if you’re on a budget. The 100-year-old building is one of the oldest in Squamish, but the rooms are renovated. It’s also upstairs from the nicest restaurant in Squamish, The Salted Vine.

All of the rooms have standard amenities like mini-fridges and coffee makers. There are several room types including a suite with a separate living area. They also have co-op laundry.

Hotel Squamish is located in downtown Squamish on Second Avenue, which is one block away from Cleveland Avenue, Squamish’s main drag. There is a liquor store downstairs along with The Salted Vine, my favourite restaurant in Squamish.

The location is very central – it’s a short walk to lots of restaurants and shops. Be sure to stop at Peak Provisions, a great deli with a lunch counter. I also recommend browsing at Gather Bookshop next to Peak Provisions.

AirBnbs and Vacation Rentals in Squamish

Squamish has a housing shortage, so the laws for Airbnbs are very strict. That means that there aren’t very many vacation rentals. Check the listing when you book to make sure they include a business licence number – that’s how you know it’s a legal rental.

However, you can still find a few gems on Airbnb and VRBO.

Beautiful Squamish Pet-Friendly Home: If you’re travelling with a group that includes dogs, this vacation rental in Brackendale gets great reviews. It also has a hot tub! Check rates and availability.

Cozy Home in Central Squamish: This cozy 3-bedroom house in the Northyards neighbourhood is dog-friendly and an easy walk to Backcountry Brewing. Check rates and availability.

Comfortable Townhouse in the Heart of Downtown Squamish: Enjoy the comforts of a home for less than the price of a hotel room. This 1-bedroom townhouse even has its own backyard. Check rates and availability.

Camping in Squamish

Since it is close to both Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is a popular place to camp. I’ve got details on 22 campgrounds around Squamish in my guide to camping in Squamish.

My top pick for camping in Squamish is Alice Lake Provincial Park just north of town. It has 96 sites near the shores of Alice Lake, which is a great temperature for swimming in the summer and has two beaches.

READ NEXT: Camping in Squamish, BC: 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish

Squamish is a small town, but we still have lots of great lodging options. You can choose from the best hotels in Squamish, cabins, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.

I hope this list helped you find a place to stay in Squamish that works for your trip. If you need more advice, hit me up in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 70+ Things to do in Squamish (By a Local)
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• Camping in Squamish, BC: 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish
• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• Squamish Canyon at Mamquam Falls: Is it Worth it?
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

The post 10 Best Hotels in Squamish in 2025 appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Although it isn’t near a big city, there are still lots of great places to stay near Joshua Tree, from boutique hotels to Airbnb cabins to rustic campsites. I’m sure there will be something on this list for everyone.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

READ NEXT: The Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park

Which Area To Stay In?

Most visitors to Joshua Tree National Park stay in or near the towns of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms along Highway 62 on the northern border of Joshua Tree National Park. The town of Joshua Tree is close to the West Entrance Station and the town of Twentynine Palms is close to the North Entrance Station.

Some visitors also enter the park from the south entrance about an hour from Palm Springs. However, it’s a long drive from that area, so in this post, I’ll focus on where to stay near Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms.

Best Hotels Near Joshua Tree

If you’re looking for the convenience of a hotel or motel, you’ll find lots in the Joshua Tree area. Most are clustered along Highway 62 in Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. Here are my picks for the best hotels near Joshua Tree.

Best Themed Hotel Near Joshua Tree

The Pioneertown Motel was originally built in the 1940s to house movie stars shooting western films. Today it’s been updated to have all the modern conveniences, but still looks every bit like a vintage western movie set. Yeehaw! It’s one of the most popular places to stay near Joshua Tree

Check availability

Best Budget Hotel Near Joshua Tree

The El Rancho Dolores Motel in Twentynine Palms is a retro Spanish-style motel located near the North Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. Its budget-friendly rooms have fridges, microwaves, A/C, wifi, and tile floors that stay cool in the heat. Reviews say they are very clean. There’s also a great pool to cool off in.

Check availability

Best Joshua Tree Hotel for Families

The suite-style rooms at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Twentynine Palms are a great choice for families. Each one sleeps four to six people on a combo of beds and sofa beds. There’s a separate seating area too. Kids will love the outdoor pool and parents will enjoy the ease of the included breakfast buffet.

Check availability

Best Vacation Rentals near Joshua Tree

The Joshua Tree area is known for an eclectic collection of vacation rental homes, cabins, yurts, domes, glamping tents, and more. Most are on quiet desert roads a short drive from the highway. Here are my picks for the best vacation rentals near Joshua Tree.

Stargazing Bubble Tent Near Joshua Tree

Talk about a bucket list experience! Sleep in the unique Marbella Lane bubble tent and watch the stars light up the desert from the comfort of your heated bed. It has a hot tub and barbecue too. It’s a short drive to the town of Joshua Tree and the North Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park.

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Coolest Private Villa with a Pool near Joshua Tree

Known as The Invisible House, this is one of the coolest places to stay in Joshua Tree. It’s been described as a 22-story skyscraper laid on its side. It has a fully mirrored exterior that makes it disappear into the desert. With three bedrooms, a 100-foot indoor swimming pool, and 90 acres of land, there’s plenty of space to spread out and chill out.

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Instagrammable Dome House Near Joshua Tree

The airy Serenity Dome House is a great boho-style getaway. Chill out in hammocks by the pool, soak in the hot tub, get cozy at the fire pit, or pose for photos in front of the murals on the property. At night, stargaze through the skylights.

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Best Cottage Right Next to the Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park

The cute Clever Rabbit cottage is less than 1/4 mile from the West Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park – you hike directly into the park from your front door. It’s a cozy and rustic little house with a fully equipped kitchen, a fire pit, and an awesome hammock hang-out zone. The Clever Rabbit is definitely one of the most convenient places to stay near Joshua Tree.

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Best Family-Friendly Rental Home Near Joshua Tree

If you’re heading to Joshua Tree with kids, book the Comfy Boho Cottage. It sleeps six and has a fully equipped kitchen. There’s even an adorable single-serving pancake maker. Kids will love exploring the backyard yurt and roasting marshmallows on the firepit.

Check availability

Best Pet-Friendly Rental Home Near Joshua Tree

Located in the desert a few minutes’ drive from the town of Twentynine Palms, the Flying Point Homestead is a great Joshua Tree rental home option if you’re travelling with your dog. Pets are welcome at no extra charge and the yard is fully fenced.

Check availability

Best Places to Camp Near Joshua Tree

If you love nature and don’t mind a bit of roughing it, I would recommend camping inside Joshua Tree National Park. That way you can experience the desert landscape 24 hours a day and go for hikes right from your tent door. Most of the campgrounds are less than a 30-minute drive to the village of Joshua Tree, so it’s easy to go get groceries or go to a restaurant.

Best Reservable Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park

Five of the campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park accept reservations. Since getting a first-come, first-served campsite in the park can be tough, making a reservation is a great idea. You can make reservations online up to six months in advance through recreation.gov.

Ryan Campground is small and rustic, with just 31 campsites. It has a great central location that is popular with rock climbers. There’s no water here so you’ll have to bring your own.

Jumbo Rocks Campground is also centrally located and with 124 sites, it’s the largest campground in Joshua Tree National Park. However, it doesn’t feel too crowded because huge boulders between most of the sites provide privacy. Bring your own water.

Indian Cove is located on the northern border of the park close to Twentynine Palms, which is convenient. However, there is no direct access to park roads so you’ll have to drive into town, then around into the park. This campground has 101 sites and no water.

Black Rock Campground: Located near Yucca Valley on the western side of the park, this campground is a bit of a drive to get to the park’s main roads. But it has running water and you can hike right from your campsite.

Cottonwood Campground: This campground is in the far southern part of the park near the Coachella Valley. It’s at a lower elevation, making it warmer in winter (good) but also warmer in summer (bad). It’s a long drive to the rest of the park from here, but that makes the campground a bit quieter.

Best First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park

If you can’t get a reservation, Joshua Tree National Park has three first-come, first-served campgrounds. However, it is very difficult to get a site. They are fully by Friday night for most weekends between September and May and are full all week during the spring.

Check-out is at noon but many people leave before that so it’s a good idea to start checking early in the morning. You may also be able to talk to people who are packing up and ask if you can move into their campsite once they leave.

On my March trip, we stayed outside the park on our first night, then drove to the park early in the morning on a Wednesday. We managed to get one of the last sites available at Hidden Valley Campground – we actually had to wait for the previous campers to leave.

Hidden Valley Campground is the most popular campground in the park. It has a central location near lots of climbing crags. You can also hike right from the campground. The campground has a gorgeous setting near lots of cool rock formations. It has 44 sites and no water.

White Tank Campground is small with only 15 sites. It’s close to the north entrance, but also really central. You can hike from your campsite to Arch Rock, one of the park’s most popular locations. No water.

Belle Campground is another small campground near the north entrance. It has 18 sites and tends to be a bit quieter. It also has no water.

Best Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds for RVs

None of the campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park have RV hookups. However, a few of the campgrounds do have RV-friendly features.

Black Rock Campground near the town of Yucca Valley has RV-accessible potable water and a dump station. The maximum length for RVs is 35 feet. Make reservations up to six months in advance for one of the 99 sites.

Cottonwood Campground in the southern part of the Joshua Tree National Park has a dump station and RV-accessible potable water. Most sites will fit RVs up to 35 feet. All 62 sites can be reserved up to six months in advance.

Best Free Dispersed Camping Near Joshua Tree

If you want to get away from the crowds and camp for free, try dispersed camping near Joshua Tree. There are tons of places to camp on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land just outside the National Park. There are no formal campsites, so that means no toilets, picnic tables, or other amenities. Come prepared with your Leave No Trace skills!

If you’re looking for even more options for places to stay near Joshua Tree, have a look on Booking.com or VRBO as there is so much out there, with new and adorable places popping up regularly. Have you stayed somewhere amazing that you’d recommend? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 15 Awesome Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
• Tips and Tricks for Hiking in the Desert
• Yosemite’s Mist Trail: The World’s Best Day Hike
• 10 Under-the-Radar US National Parks to Add to Your Bucket List
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip

The post Best Places to Stay Near Joshua Tree appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.