Planning your Yellowstone lodging is one of the first big decisions you will make for your trip. Should you book a cozy cabin or bring your own RV? Both options put you close to the park, but they fit different kinds of travelers. This guide breaks down the differences so you can pick the right one for your family.
Cabin vs RV Site: What Is the Real Difference?
Both cabins and RV sites sit close together, giving you the same mountain views and river access either way.
The biggest difference comes down to what you already have and how much you want packed in for you. A cabin comes fully set up with beds, a kitchen, and a bathroom. An RV site gives you full hookups so you can park your own rig and live the way you already know how.
Both options put you close to Yellowstone. Both come with picnic tables, mountain views, and dark skies at night. The right choice just depends on your travel style.
Who Should Book a Yellowstone Cabin Rental?
Cabins come fully set up with a kitchenette, private bathroom, and cozy living space.
A Yellowstone cabin rental works great if you do not own an RV or you want a break from packing your own gear. Cabins are also a good fit for families who want everything ready to go the moment they arrive.
Here is what usually comes with a cabin stay. Fresh bed and bath linens for the whole group. A kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. A private bathroom with a walk in shower. Heat and air conditioning so you are comfortable no matter the season.
The loft with two full size beds makes cabins a great fit for families or two couples traveling together.
A rustic cabin can sleep up to 6 guests, with a queen bed downstairs, a queen sofa sleeper, and a loft with two full size beds upstairs. That makes it a smart pick for families with kids or two couples traveling together.
Keep in mind most cabins do not allow pets or smoking, so plan ahead if you are traveling with a furry friend.
Who Should Choose RV Camping Yellowstone Style?
Full hookup sites give you water, electric, and sewer, with both pull through and back in options for big rigs.
RV camping Yellowstone style makes sense if you already own a rig and want the freedom of your own space. Full hookup sites give you water, electric, and sewer, so you can settle in without worrying about running out of anything.
RV sites also tend to work better for longer stays. If you are planning to explore the park over several days or even weeks, having your own kitchen, bed, and bathroom on wheels keeps things simple. Big rigs are welcome too, with both pull through and back in sites available.
Unlike cabins, RV sites are usually pet friendly, so your dog can come along for the adventure.
RV Rental Yellowstone: Is It Right for Your Trip?
RV rental Yellowstone trips are a great option if you like the idea of RV camping but do not own a rig yourself. A few well known companies make this easy:
- Cruise America rents camper vans and motorhomes with pickup locations across the country
- Outdoorsy connects you with RV owners renting out their own rigs, kind of like Airbnb for RVs
- RVshare works the same way, with a large selection of peer to peer rentals
This option gives you the best of both worlds. You get the freedom and space of RV camping, plus full hookups at a site like ours, without the cost of owning an RV year round. It is also a good way to try out RV travel before deciding if it is right for your family long term.
Just keep a few things in mind. Rental RVs can be tricky to drive if you have never handled one before, so practice in an empty parking lot first. Book your rental early during summer months since good ones go fast. And double check that your rental company allows travel into Wyoming and near Yellowstone, since some have mileage or location limits.
Finding the Right Location Near the Park
Every site comes with a picnic table and views of the surrounding mountains.
Location matters just as much as lodging type. Staying close to an entrance saves you drive time every single day of your trip.
Old Faithful RV Park sits just 32 miles from the East Gate on the North Fork of the Shoshone River. That means less time driving and more time exploring. The East Gate also tends to see fewer crowds than the West or North entrances, which makes mornings easier and parking less stressful.
Whichever entrance you choose, try to book a spot within an hour of the gate. Long drives at the start and end of each day can eat into your time in the park. The National Park Service lodging page is also a helpful resource if you want to compare options inside the park itself.
Comparing Cost and Value
Pricing depends on the season and length of stay, but a few things are worth knowing before you book your Yellowstone lodging.
RV sites often cost less per night than cabins since you are bringing your own space. Cabins cost more but include everything you need, which can save money on eating out or renting gear. Good Sam members save 10 percent at Old Faithful RV Park, with memberships sold right at the office. Rates drop to $65 a night for RV sites starting September 1st, making early fall a great time to visit either way.
Think about what matters most to your trip. If saving money matters more than comfort extras, an RV site might win. If convenience and less packing matter more, a cabin might be worth the extra cost.
Booking Tips for Your Yellowstone Trip
A few tips can make booking your stay much easier. Book early for summer months, since sites and cabins fill up fast during peak season. Call ahead for same day reservations if your plans change last minute. Check pet policies before you book if you are traveling with an animal. Ask about linens and kitchen supplies if you book a cabin, since most come fully stocked. Our reservations typically open January 1st for the year.
For more help planning the rest of your trip, check out our Yellowstone Packing List and our Yellowstone Itinerary Guide.
Your Home Base for Either Choice
Whether you choose a cabin or an RV site, mountain views come standard.
No matter which option you pick, Old Faithful RV Park has you covered. We offer both full hookup RV sites and rustic cabins, all just 32 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone.
A few more guides to help you plan:
- RV Park Near Yellowstone East Gate: more on our location and sites
- First Time Visiting Yellowstone: tips if this is your first trip
- Best Yellowstone Entrance: why the East Gate might be your best pick
- Yellowstone Itinerary: plan your days once you arrive
👉 Book your cabin or RV site today! Reservations for the next year open on January 1st!
Frequently Asked Questions: Yellowstone Lodging
Is a cabin or RV site better for Yellowstone?
It depends on your travel style. A cabin works well if you do not own an RV or want everything set up for you. An RV site works well if you already have a rig and want full hookups.
Do Yellowstone cabins allow pets?
Most cabins do not allow pets. RV sites are usually a better choice if you are traveling with a dog or other animal.
Can I rent an RV for my Yellowstone trip?
Yes. Companies like Cruise America, Outdoorsy, and RVshare offer RV rentals, giving you the RV camping experience without owning a rig.
How far in advance should I book Yellowstone lodging?
Summer months fill up fast, so booking a few months ahead is a good idea. Same day reservations are sometimes available by calling ahead.
What is included in a Yellowstone cabin rental?
Most cabins include fresh linens, a kitchenette, a private bathroom, heat and air conditioning, and sleeping space for up to 6 guests.
Rest. Explore. Repeat.