Yellowstone National Park is one of America’s most iconic destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year. From its mesmerizing geothermal wonders to its wildlife-filled valleys, it’s no wonder Yellowstone is on every traveler’s bucket list.

However, planning a trip to this vast park can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding affordable lodging options. Fortunately, with a little strategic planning and some savvy use of travel points, you can experience the magic of Yellowstone without breaking the bank.

If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone, chances are Grand Teton National Park is on your list too. The two parks are just a short drive apart and pairing them together is one of the best decisions we made as a family. We put together a full guide to exploring Jackson Hole and Grand Teton with kids — where we stayed on points, what we did, and how we paced the days — and you can read it here: Exploring Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park: A Family Adventure

Why You Need to Visit Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With some of the most breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and geothermal phenomena on Earth, it’s an ideal destination for anyone seeking a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or wildlife enthusiast, the park offers endless opportunities for exploration and awe-inspiring moments.

That said, Yellowstone’s sheer size and popularity can make planning your visit a bit tricky—especially when it comes to finding great places to stay. But don’t worry! With the right approach, you can easily navigate the park’s lodging options and maximize your travel points to make your dream vacation a reality—at a fraction of the cost.

The Moments Inside the Trip That Your Family Will Never Forget

We did the Old West Dinner Cookout at Roosevelt Lodge when our kids were 3 and 7. They are 9 and 14 now and still bring it up.

You ride a covered wagon out through the meadows and sagebrush of the Lamar Valley area to a real cookout dinner right there in Yellowstone. On the way out we watched a pronghorn absolutely booking it across the field — they can hit 55 miles per hour, making them the fastest land mammal in North America. My kids were speechless.

This is the kind of wild thing our family does that we all remember and talk about for years. It is not the most expensive thing we did on the trip. It is the thing we talk about the most.

You can book the Old West Dinner Cookout directly through the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website. There are two options — horseback or covered wagon — and both are available for kids. Book as early as possible because this fills up fast, especially in summer.

How to Book Yellowstone Lodging on Points

The single most important thing I want you to know about Yellowstone lodging is this: you can stay inside the park on points. Not near the park. Inside it.

In a park that covers over 3,400 square miles, where you sleep changes your entire trip. When we stayed at the little yellow cabins by Yellowstone Lake we were steps from the water, minutes from the West Thumb Geyser Basin, and nowhere near the hour-plus drive back to a hotel outside the park that most families deal with every night.

Here is how to book each option:

Inside Yellowstone — Chase Travel Portal or Capital One Travel Portal

The lodges and cabins inside Yellowstone are operated by Xanterra, which is not a traditional hotel loyalty program. That means you cannot book them with Hyatt points or Marriott points directly. The best way to use points for inside-the-park lodging is through a flexible points travel portal such as the Chase Travel portal or the Capital One travel portal. You search exactly like you are booking a cash stay and pay with points instead. At 1 cent per point you can cover a meaningful portion or all of your stay depending on your points balance.

Properties bookable this way include Yellowstone Lake Hotel, Lake Lodge Cabins, Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Lodge, Canyon Lodge, and Roosevelt Lodge among others. The yellow cabins we stayed in at Yellowstone Lake are the Lake Lodge Cabins — affordable, charming, and perfectly located.

Near the Park — Marriott Bonvoy Points

If you prefer a more traditional hotel experience just outside the park, the SpringHill Suites in West Yellowstone is a solid option bookable with Marriott Bonvoy points. Marriott now uses dynamic pricing which means points costs vary by date and season. Check Marriott.com directly for your specific dates to see the current points rate before planning around a specific number.

Near the Park — IHG One Rewards Points

There is an IHG property in West Yellowstone that offers easy access to the park’s west entrance. Check IHG.com for current availability and points rates for your dates.

Near the Park — Chase Travel Portal

The Chase Travel portal is also a great option for hotels near the park entrances in West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cody. With the Chase Sapphire Reserve, select flights and hotels are eligible for up to 2 cents per point through the Points Boost feature. For properties that do not qualify for Points Boost, points redeem at 1 cent per point. Check the portal for your dates and look for the Points Boost indicator on eligible properties.

5 Must-See Spots in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is packed with awe-inspiring natural beauty. Here are the five iconic sites you absolutely can’t miss during your trip:

1. Old Faithful Geyser
   Old Faithful is Yellowstone’s most famous landmark and for good reason. This reliable geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 185 feet in the air. You can watch the show from the comfort of the Old Faithful Inn or take a short hike around the area to see the eruption up close.
2. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River
   This dramatic canyon stretches 24 miles and reaches depths of over 1,200 feet. The vibrant colors of the canyon walls make it one of the most visually striking spots in the park. You can hike along its rim or enjoy the view from several overlooks.
3. Yellowstone Lake
   As the largest high-altitude lake in North America, Yellowstone Lake offers visitors a chance to enjoy fishing, boating, and peaceful hikes. It’s also home to the West Thumb Geyser Basin, where you can explore a unique collection of geothermal features along the shoreline.
4. Mammoth Hot Springs
   Known for its stunning travertine terraces, Mammoth Hot Springs is one of Yellowstone’s most unique geothermal features. You can walk along the boardwalks and marvel at the constantly changing mineral deposits that create an otherworldly landscape.
5. Hayden or Lamar Valley
   If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, these valleys are a must-visit. Here, you’ll have a good chance of seeing bison, wolves, elk, and bears in their natural habitat. It’s one of the best places to spot wildlife in Yellowstone, particularly at dawn or dusk.

Tips for Booking and Visiting Yellowstone

Planning a successful trip to Yellowstone takes a bit of forethought. Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• Book Lodging in Advance: Accommodations in Yellowstone can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Use your travel points to book lodging early to avoid disappointment.
• Consider Travel Time: Yellowstone is enormous, and it can take up to 40 minutes to travel from one junction to another. Plan your activities accordingly to minimize driving time.
• Be Bear-Aware: If you plan to hike, take extra precautions to store food properly and carry bear spray. Keep in mind that Yellowstone is bear country, so stay safe by following all recommended guidelines.
• Try Local Delights: Don’t miss out on the delicious ice cream at Yellowstone General Stores. Our personal favorite? The Buffalo Tracks ice cream at the Fishing Bridge General Store—it’s a perfect treat after a long day of exploring!
• Family Fun: For a memorable family experience, book the Old West Dinner Cookout. Ride a horse or covered wagon to Pleasant Valley, where you’ll enjoy authentic cowboy food and entertainment around a campfire.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Visit Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is a timeless destination, offering adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. By using your points strategically, you can make the most of your trip without draining your budget. With some smart planning and our insider tips, you’ll be able to stay close to all the action, experience the park’s incredible wonders, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Ready to Book Your Yellowstone Adventure? Cards That Work Best for a Yellowstone Trip

Because the best Yellowstone lodging strategy involves flexible points redeemable through a travel portal, cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards or Capital One miles are your strongest options for this specific trip.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns flexible Ultimate Rewards points redeemable through the Chase Travel portal for inside-the-park Xanterra lodging and for hotels near the park entrances. It also earns 5x on Chase Travel bookings and 3x on dining.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns the same flexible points and includes a $300 annual travel credit that can offset your Yellowstone lodging costs. Select bookings through Chase Travel are eligible for up to 2 cents per point through the Points Boost feature.

The Capital One Venture and Venture X cards earn flexible miles redeemable through the Capital One Travel portal for Xanterra lodging inside the park. The 90-day lookback feature means you can book your Yellowstone stay now and cover it with points after your welcome bonus posts.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless earns Marriott points directly for the SpringHill Suites in West Yellowstone and other Marriott properties near the park.

See the current offers on all of these cards on my best offers page

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