Staying inside Yellowstone is the most convenient way to enjoy the pleasures of the park for short and longer stays. For the most part, however, you'll need to plan well in advance if you want to stay in the most popular destinations -- or anywhere in the park during the peak season.

Accommodations in Yellowstone range from small, basic cabins in the Roosevelt area to larger suites in Old Faithful Inn. Most have bathrooms; some do not. No room has television or radio; if you're bringing the kids you had best prepare them for evenings without the boob tube and other distractions. (Or communication with the outside world: many rooms do not have telephones, either. Most cell phones will work in the Old Faithful area, however.) Air conditioning is not part of the Yellowstone lodging experience, either; for most of the year it's not needed, but there are some July and August days where the provided fan is definitely needed.

There's nothing fancy about any of the accommodations, but that's part of the charm: you're staying in much the same fashion most visitors have since the park opened.

Prices listed are for the 2009 season.

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