Mammoth Hot Springs lies in the northwestern quadrant of Yellowstone National Park. Nature's artistry is displayed in spectacular limestone terraces that resemble "a cave turned inside out," according to the National Park Service's Yellowstone website. A cluster of buildings--which includes the park's headquarters--just north of the hot springs, constitutes the town of Mammoth Hot Springs. There are accommodations ranging from campgrounds to hotels within 10 miles of the hot springs and town.
Operated by Xanterra, the principal concessionaire in Yellowstone National Park, this hotel has few modern amenities but does offer the advantage of in-park accommodations within walking distance of the hot springs. The hotel has rooms with and without private bathrooms; all offer telephones and sinks with hot and cold running water. There are two one-bedroom suites, both of which have cable TV (which is not available in other units). The hotel also offers rental cabins adjoining the hotel. The hotel restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
866-439-7375
yellowstonenationalparklodges.com
The Best Western is located in Gardiner, Montana--five miles north of Mammoth Hot Springs. This 2-story, 86-unit hotel sits on the eastern banks of the Yellowstone River as it flows north from the park. Each of the hotel's rooms and suites features satellite TV with premium movie channels, high-speed Internet access, microwave, mini-refrigerator, voice mail, free local phone calls and desk/work area. Other amenities include a restaurant, bar/lounge, heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, two saunas, guest laundry facilities and a gift shop/newsstand.
Best Western Mammoth Hot Springs
905 Scott St. W.
Gardiner, MT 59030
800-828-9080
bestwestern.com
This 75-site primitive campground is just off Yellowstone National Park's Grand Loop Road--about 7.5 miles south of Mammoth--and is open from early June to mid-September, depending on weather conditions. The campground, which has no hookups and only vault toilets, can accommodate both tent campers and small, self-contained RVs (up to 24 feet in length). This campground's availability for tent camping can change if bears are frequenting the area.
Indian Creek Campground
Grand Loop Road
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
307-344-7381
woodalls.com
On the road to Yellowstone's North Entrance and less than a mile from Mammoth Hot Springs, this 85-site campground can accommodate both small, self-contained RVs and tent campers. Open year round, the campground has flush toilets, grills, picnic tables and fire rings. The campground, as well as the entire Mammoth Hot Springs area, is a popular haunt for elk during the mating season in late summer and early fall.
Mammoth Campground
U.S. Highway 89
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
307-344-7381
woodalls.com
This 44-unit motel features a rustic look but offers most of the amenities that 21st-century travelers are accustomed to. In Gardiner--only six miles from Mammoth Hot Springs--the motel has a heated indoor swimming pool and provides guests with a complimentary continental breakfast each morning. Its units feature cable/satellite TV, wireless Internet access, mini-refrigerators and voice mail; some units have microwaves.
Yellowstone Village Inn
U.S. Highway 89 & Hellroaring Street
Gardiner, MT 59030
800-228-8158
yellowstonevinn.com
