I'm in the midst of over-planning our June trip to Custer/Yellowstone/GTNP. Here's my current dilemna: we have reservations for 2 nights in a frontier cabin at Mammoth Hot Springs followed by 2 nights at Grant Village (the only in-park lodging I could get). Although I've got no problem at all with rustic lodging, I'm sure not opposed to something a little more comfortable either - especially if it includes a kitchen so we don't have to eat out every night. Can anyone tell me if there's a good reason we should stay in the park at Mammoth HS instead of a nice cabin near Gardiner? This will be our first trip to Yellowstone.

We opted to alternate park lodging with nonpark. (Both teenage son and husband were happier with internet and TV and pool at night) We stayed in Gardiner last summer. It is very close to Mammoth. I would stay in Gardiner and then the 2 nights in Grant.

If you keep calling you may be able to get somewhere else in the park as the time gets closer. I was able to get a room at Old Faithful Lodge in June or July for our August trip. If you are able to make reservation without a penalty for cancellation this might be the way to go.

Where did you stay in Gardiner, kencolian? How did you like the town itself? We would miss the evening ranger presentation (if there is one) if we stay outside the park. On the other hand, the drive in and out of the park doesn't seem too bad.

I would love to stay at the Old Faithful Lodge if we can manage it, although I think we're okay with Grant Village. Did you have a chance to see Grant Village? Thanks for the tip about calling later.

Devonmcj - Looks like we are planning the same trip - what did you select for GTNP and Custer lodging??

Hi MBM,

I reserved a sleeping cabin Legion Lake in Custer. We're planning to spend 3 nights in Custer and drive from there to Cody. There's a Native American Pow Wow at the Buffalo Bill Historic Center we'd like to see if we can get there in time. We're planning to spend 2 nights at the Shoshone Lodge just outside the east entrance to Yellowstone, then move on to Mammoth (or Gardiner) and Grant Village. Our last night we're going to stay at either Signal Mountain Lodge or a cabin at Colter Bay. I need to make a decision about that soon, too.

What are your plans?

Hi Devonmcj,
Just hung up with Yellowstone and made my 3rd change to my dates!! Their availability (including OFI) keeps changing so try back if you want to make a change.
We are starting in GTNP - not sure if we will stay at Signal or Jackson Lake for 3 nights, then on to Old Faithful Inn- 3 nights and Canyon Western Cabin -2nights in Yellowstone then we will head east to the Custer to stay for 2 or 3 nights - I am between Sylvan and State Lodge - either a cabin or the Creekside Lodge rooms.
Good Luck!