Lodging

Yellowstone River Motel

LodgingOPERATIONAL★ 4.5
Chairs line a grassy riverside terrace above the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park, with a stone wall and mountain backdrop.

Riverside motel just off Yellowstone’s North Entrance. Off-peak rates start at $101; peak at $194—budget-friendly for Yellowstone access. 38 units, some with river views, plus a picnic area with BBQ grills. Pet-friendly and AAA approved, this is a straightforward base for explorers.

Down-to-earth, riverside motel providing rooms & suites, plus a picnic area with BBQ grills.

Quick facts

Lodging Type
Motel
Price Low Season
101
Price High Season
194

Stay details

Lodging Type
Motel
Price Low Season
101
Price High Season
194
Peak Season Dates
May 15 - September 30
Off Season Dates
May 1–14, Oct 1–15
Minimum Stay
1
Cancellation Policy
Standard 24-48 hour window. Call to confirm.

Rooms & amenities

Room Types Available
  • Economy Room (ground floor, 2 double beds)
  • Classic Double Room (2 queen beds)
  • Single Queen
  • Double Full
  • Two-Bedroom Unit
  • Three-Bedroom Apartment
Max Occupancy
6
Bed Configurations
  • Economy Room: 2 double beds
  • Classic Double Room: 2 queen beds
  • Single Queen: 1 queen bed
  • Double Full: 1 double bed + 1 full bed
  • Two-Bedroom Unit: multi-bed configurations
  • Three-Bedroom Apartment: multi-bed configurations
In Room Amenities
  • Free WiFi
  • Flat-screen TV with satellite channels
  • Coffee maker with pods
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • AC/heat
Property Amenities
  • Outdoor patio overlooking the Yellowstone River with BBQ grills and picnic area
  • Free self-parking
  • Pet-friendly
  • AAA approved
  • Historic charm with updates
Restaurant Details
No on-site restaurant; dining within walking distance.
Family Amenities
  • Pet-friendly
  • BBQ area
  • Riverside picnic area

Location & access

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park - North Entrance (Gardiner, MT)
Distance To Park
0.5 miles to North Entrance; 9-10 minute walk; ~5 minutes by car.
Distance To Town
Located in Gardiner, MT; dining and shopping within walking distance.
Distance To Visitor Center
Gardiner Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Center ~6-minute walk; driving time ~5 minutes.
Parking Details
Free self-parking available for large and small vehicles.
Walkable Amenities
  • Parks' Fly Shop (2 min walk)
  • Yellowstone River (3 min walk)
  • Roosevelt Arch (5 min walk)
  • Gardiner Library (6 min walk)
  • Yellowstone NP North Entrance (9 min walk)
Accessibility
No specific ADA rooms or elevator access mentioned.

Policies & fit

Pet Policy
Allowed (dogs and cats). $25 per pet, per stay. Service animals exempt.
Seasonal Operation
May 1 - Oct 14
Best For
Budget-conscious families, pet owners, outdoor enthusiasts
Who Should Skip This
Anyone chasing modern interiors, or needing guaranteed parking for oversized vehicles.

Planning advice

Review Summary
Budget-friendly riverside base near the North Entrance; some rooms dated but value stands out with pet-friendly vibes and easy access to Yellowstone.
The Honest Truth
Not a luxury pick. It’s a down-to-earth, riverside base with historic charm and three generations of family ownership. Some rooms feel dated, but you get basic comforts, free WiFi, and a short walk to the park entrance. For price-conscious travelers who want easy Yellowstone access with pet-friendly vibes, this hits the mark.
Room Insider Tips
Request river-side rooms for better views. If you’re sensitive to road noise, ask for a back-building unit. Consider the Three-Bedroom Apartment when traveling with a larger group.
Pro Tip Booking
Book direct at http://www.yellowstonerivermotel.com/; river-view rooms sell fast; confirm pet policy when booking.
Your Morning Game Plan
Hit the lobby for free coffee and cocoa. It’s a 5-minute drive to the North Entrance. Leave early to beat the weekend crowds and start your Yellowstone adventure.
Best Time To Visit
May 1–14 and Oct 1–15 for lower rates and good park access.
Pro Tips
  • Parking is free self-parking for all sizes.
  • River-view rooms are worth requesting.
  • Complimentary lobby coffee, tea, cider, and hot chocolate; plan for a real breakfast in Gardiner.
  • Pet-friendly: $25 per pet per stay; service animals exempt.
  • Walk to Gardiner dining; no on-site restaurant.

More details

Lodging Category
hotel
Is Valid Lodging
1
Not Recommended For
Seekers of ultra-modern interiors or guaranteed large-vehicle parking.
Cell Service Wi-Fi
WiFi free; coverage adequate for general use.
Local Hazards
Wildlife (elk and deer) inhabit the town; keep pets leashed.
Year Built
1950
Year Renovated
1995
Eco Certifications
  • AAA Approved
Notable Views
  • Yellowstone River view
  • Some rooms with mountain views
Architecture Style
Mid-century motel with a modern wing (1995).
Awards
AAA Approved
Recent Updates
Modern wing added 1995; some rooms updated; AAA approved.
Family Friendly Notes
Budget-friendly base that suits families visiting Yellowstone; pet-friendly; not ideal if you want ultra-modern interiors.
Nearby Facilities
Gardiner dining options; Parks Fly Shop; Roosevelt Arch; Gardiner Library; Gardiner Visitor Center; Yellowstone NP North Entrance nearby.
Book If
✅ BOOK IF: You want an affordable, family-friendly base with easy park access. ❌ SKIP IF: You need ultra-modern interiors or guaranteed parking for oversized vehicles.

Location

Two double beds in a Yellowstone River Motel guest room inside Yellowstone National Park, with a shared nightstand and warm lighting.Motel-style lodging complex along a gravel parking lot in Yellowstone National Park with mountain backdrop.Exterior view of a two-story lodging building with flags, parked cars, and a gravel lot near Yellowstone National Park.Lodging along the Yellowstone River with a pedestrian bridge and hillside town in Yellowstone National Park, seen under clear blue skies.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an on-site restaurant?

No on-site restaurant; dining within walking distance.

Is this property pet-friendly?

Yes. Dogs and cats are allowed for $25 per pet per stay; service animals are exempt.

What is the cancellation policy?

Standard 24- to 48-hour window. Call to confirm.

Is breakfast included?

Complimentary lobby coffee, tea, cider, and hot chocolate are available; no full hot breakfast.

Is there parking for large vehicles?

Free self-parking is available for all vehicle sizes; however, guaranteed large-vehicle parking is not specified.

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$138 King room, free breakfast, heated pool. Solid value.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.