Keep calling Scott. I started about 10 days ago also for August. First room I got was at Mammoth which is not top choice. I have since secured 2 nights at Roosevelt - Frontier Cabin w/private bath and 1 night at Old Faithful Inn. I called several times before I got the rooms I wanted. I did a lot of research regarding Gardiner and West Yellowstone. Those gateway communities are close to park entrances and have a variety of options. We are spending the last night in West Yellowstone for an easier commute to the airport. Good luck.

As family... wrote, call, call, call.

A year in advance the tour companies and individuals book what they think they'll need. Then in the last month reality sets in and they start to release what they don't need.

And what about a day at Grand Tetons. It's different from Yellowstone and should not be missed.

Yellowstone has features: geysers, waterfalls, wildlife.
Grand Tetons have amazing scenery in addition to wildlife.

I stayed in the Old Faithful area and Canyon as well as at Signal Mtn in GT. Others like Lake or Roosevelt also.

If you want to see wildlife, they are most active early morning and at dusk. If you have to drive outside the park it's tough to be there at those times.

Also, you have to be very careful driving in the dark. You never know what may be on the road.

Call, call, call. Right up to the last week or two. You'll get what you need.

For example. I'm going to Glacier NP this August. I booked 6 nights in two places in the park. It turns out I'm going with my daughter who has a husband and 5 1/2 year old daughter. She doesn't want to be away that long. Decided on 4 nights.

I still haven't released the two extra night just in case she decides to go longer. I will in the next few weeks.

Call, call, call.