Lodging

Yellowstone Big Rock Inn

LodgingOPERATIONAL★ 4.4
Lodge-style lodging complex along a wet road with green hills and misty mountains in Yellowstone National Park.

It’s a budget-friendly base right near Yellowstone’s North Entrance. 51 rooms, opened in 2016, with mountain views from many balconies and free parking to keep the wallet happy. Clean, family-friendly vibes and a simple breakfast vibe—this is where value meets the park.

Low-key quarters, some with kitchenettes, in a homey hotel offering alpine views & free parking.

Quick facts

Lodging Type
Inn
Price Low Season
160
Price High Season
253

Stay details

Lodging Type
Inn
Price Low Season
160
Price High Season
253
Peak Season Dates
June–August
Off Season Dates
N/A due to seasonal operation (May 1–Oct 14)
Minimum Stay
1
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made three (3) days prior to the date of arrival to avoid full room charges. Same-day reservation charges are non-refundable.

Rooms & amenities

Room Types Available
  • Queen Room
  • Queen Room - Disability Access
  • Queen Suite
  • Kitchenette Suites
Max Occupancy
4
Bed Configurations
  • Queen Room: 2 queen beds
  • Queen Room - Disability Access: 2 queen beds
  • Queen Suite: 2 queen beds
  • Kitchenette Suites: 2 queen beds (full-size refrigerator, two-burner stove)
In Room Amenities
  • Free WiFi
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Coffee maker
  • Microwave
  • Mini-refrigerator
  • Air conditioning/heating
Property Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Hot tub
  • Garden and outdoor seating areas
  • Lobby with complimentary coffee/tea/hot chocolate
Pool Details
Outdoor pool; hot tub on site.
Restaurant Details
On-site dining unknown; nearby restaurants within a 1-block radius.

Location & access

Park Area
Yellowstone North Entrance area
Distance To Park
Approximately 1 mile to Yellowstone National Park North Entrance (about a 5-minute drive).
Distance To Town
Gardiner center ~0.2 miles from town center.
Distance To Visitor Center
Albright Visitor Center at Mammoth Hot Springs ~5 miles away.
Parking Details
Free uncovered self-parking on site.
Shuttle Service
No on-site shuttle service is listed. Guests typically arrive by car, with Yellowstone’s North Entrance about 1 mile away (roughly a 5-minute drive).
Walkable Amenities
  • Local shops
  • Restaurants
  • Bars
  • Lounge
  • Grocery store within 1 block
Accessibility
ADA rooms available. Elevator access. Wheelchair accessible parking and path of travel.

Policies & fit

Pet Policy
Not allowed. A $200.00 fee will be charged for policy violations.
Seasonal Operation
May 1–Oct 14
Winter Access
No winter access; seasonal operation
Best For
Families and budget travelers seeking a convenient Yellowstone base
Who Should Skip This
Luxury seekers or travelers who must have absolute quiet away from traffic and wildlife activity.

Planning advice

Review Summary
Yellowstone Big Rock Inn is a 51-room inn in Gardiner, open May 1–October 14. It offers Standard rooms with two queens and a private bath, plus kitchenette suites and ADA-accessible options. Guests generally praise clean rooms and responsive staff, and the proximity to Yellowstone’s North Entrance makes it a solid value for a park visit. Wildlife sightings around the parking area are noted by guests. Free self-parking is available; there is no on-site restaurant, though nearby dining options are walkable. Expect some road noise at times, which can affect light sleepers.
The Honest Truth
Not a luxury property, but solid value near the North Entrance. Clean rooms, friendly staff, and free parking. Balconies offer mountain views, yet wildlife in the lot can distract at times.
Room Insider Tips
Rooms with balconies provide mountain views; there aren’t known specific quiet-room numbers. If you crave quiet, avoid rooms facing the main road.
Pro Tip Booking
✅ BOOK IF: You want value near the North Entrance. ❌ SKIP IF: You need luxury amenities or total silence.
Your Morning Game Plan
Hit the lobby for free coffee (decent enough) before you head out. You’re about 5 minutes from the North Entrance, so set aside 6:45 AM to beat the crowds.
Best Time To Visit
Season runs May 1–Oct 14; peak season typically June–August.
Pro Tips
  • Parking is free on site.
  • Rooms with balconies offer mountain views.
  • Book early for peak season—limited availability.
  • Lobby coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are complimentary.

More details

Lodging Category
hotel
Is Valid Lodging
1
Accessibility Features
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible parking
  • Path of travel
  • Stair-free entrance
Hours
  • Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Not Recommended For
Luxury-focused travelers or those requiring absolute quiet away from main roads
Cell Service Wi-Fi
WiFi is free and reliable. Cell service unknown.
Local Hazards
Wildlife such as elk observed in the parking lot.
Year Built
2016
Year Renovated
0
Notable Views
  • Alpine mountain views
  • Electric Peak views
  • Yellowstone River views
Architecture Style
Modern alpine lodge
Family Friendly Notes
Family-friendly base with clean, convenient rooms; elk in the parking lot can be a distraction.
Babysitting Available
0
Nearby Facilities
Local shops, restaurants, bars, lounges, and a grocery store within a 1-block radius.
Book If
✅ BOOK IF: You want value near Yellowstone’s North Entrance. ❌ SKIP IF: You crave luxury or absolute silence.

Location

Lodging complex along a misty hill landscape in Yellowstone National Park, with green fields and distant mountains shrouded in clouds.Lodging room interior in Yellowstone National Park with two beds, warm lamps, and a desk, offering a cozy guest retreat.Lodge-style hotel building in Yellowstone National Park with mountain backdrop and blue sky.Two queen beds with burgundy bed scarves and a work desk in a Yellowstone National Park guest room interior.Roadside lodging sign beside a mountain backdrop in Yellowstone National Park, with distant peaks.

Frequently asked questions

Is there free parking on-site?

Yes, free uncovered self-parking on site.

How close is it to the North Entrance?

Approximately 1 mile, about a 5-minute drive.

Is breakfast included?

Breakfast is described as decent/sufficient; lobby offers complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Is there a pool or hot tub?

Yes, there is an outdoor pool and a hot tub on site.

Is there an on-site restaurant?

The on-site restaurant status is unknown; nearby options exist within a block.

Golden Stone Inn

From $179 off-peak to $519 peak. Mountain-Modern inn near West Yellowstone.

The Cody Hotel

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

Big Sky Anglers

Quiet base for anglers. Free self-parking; steps to West Yellowstone.

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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.