Yellowstone Budget Travel Guide 2025 Edition
Affordable Lodging Options
- Campgrounds ($20-35/night):
- Madison Campground - $27/night, centrally located
- Indian Creek Campground - $20/night, quieter setting
- Grant Village Campground - $35/night, lake access
- Budget Hotels Outside Park:
- Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone - from $120/night
- Yellowstone Park Hotel - budget rooms available
- West Yellowstone Hostel - dorm beds from $35/night
Cost-Saving Meal Planning
- Pack Your Own Meals:
- Stock up on groceries in West Yellowstone or Gardiner
- Use picnic areas throughout the park
- Bring a portable stove for campsite cooking
- Affordable Dining Options:
- General store deli counters - sandwiches $6-8
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel cafeteria - budget meals
- Local diners outside park gates
Free & Low-Cost Activities
- Geyser Viewing: Old Faithful and other geysers included with park admission
- Wildlife Watching: Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley at dawn/dusk
- Hiking: Over 900 miles of trails at no extra cost
- Ranger Programs: Free guided walks and campfire programs
- Scenic Drives: Grand Loop Road and other park roads
Transportation Savings
- Use America the Beautiful Pass: $80 for annual access to all national parks
- Visit on Free Admission Days: April 20, June 19, Sept 27, Nov 11
- Public Transit: Shuttle services available in some areas
- Car Rental Tips:
- Book early for best rates
- Compare prices at multiple rental locations
- Consider fuel-efficient vehicles
Budget Itinerary Suggestions
3-Day Budget Itinerary
- Day 1: Old Faithful area + Grand Prismatic Spring
- Day 2: Lamar Valley wildlife watching + hiking
- Day 3: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone + Norris Geyser Basin
5-Day Budget Itinerary
- Days 1-2: Geyser basins and hot springs
- Day 3: Wildlife watching in Lamar Valley
- Day 4: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- Day 5: Scenic drives and short hikes
Additional Resources
- Yellowstone National Park Official Site
- Current Geyser Activity Reports
- Free NPS App for offline maps and info
Last updated: July 2025. Check official sites for current pricing and availability.