Hi there, I am in the early stages of planning a 10 day trip next August for our family (husband and two daughters, ages 12 and 8) and, as of now, I know that I would like to visit Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. We have done well when have had a "base" so I'd like to rent a condo for at least 5 days or so in Jackson Hole. So a few questions on the feasibility of this. I don't think we could stay the entire time in Jackson Hole and go back and forth? So, I was thinking of staying outside of the park in West Yellowstone or trying to find a room inside the park for the first part of the trip and if so, how many days do people allocate if we're looking to do some hiking and any not-to-miss activities.

The Worldmark condos in West Yellowstone are right next to the YNP entrance; we had a 2bd/2bth there this fall and found it modern and spacious, with amenities such as a pool and gym, and nearby grocery, downtown, etc. (even McDonald's 1 block away for the kids). I like West Yellowstone because the park is then easily divided into loops (the park roads form kind of a figure 8) that you can "do" without backtracking. I'd maybe give a little more time to YNP than Teton NP, but it's personal preference.

Also, no, going back and forth between parks is not feasible; condos with kitchens are ideal for families, esp. meals (and getting the picnic cooler in shape every day). There are many VRBO, Airbnb, and agency options in the two NP areas.

Jackson is not a good base for seeing Yellowstone - but is fine for Grand Teton. There are condos at Teton Village with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens. And if you are lucky like we were, a gigantic moose eating the landscaping.

Although many people stay in a couple of different parts of Yellowstone, agree with above that West Yellowstone is probably best bet if looking not to do that. Lodging of all shapes and sizes in West Yellowstone, and they are all very close to Park entrance. It is likely that you will get a lot of advice to stay inside Park. We did not because it was a relatively short notice trip. But I think that for this National Park, staying outside is a viable option as lodging is so close at West Yellowstone and Gardiner (north) points of entry.

Best travel tip I got for visit with kids. Buy or bring a cooler and fill each day with at least drinks and snacks. There are Park concessions and restaurants, but if you get delayed by something interesting or stuck in an "animal jam" on the roadway, its great to have food and drinks with you.

Thanks all. I am now thinking of staying 3 nights in West Yellowstone and maybe 2 nights at the Flagg Ranch. And then we will stay a 2-3 nights in Jackson to visit Grand Tetons. Will those locations allow us to cover Yellowstone without spending hours in the car?

If you click on my user name, you will see my trip reports for Yellowstone and Jackson with kids. YNP is too big to do from a base in West--too much driving back and forth. You are much better off getting lodging in the park.

I disagree. Been to YNP dozens of times over the past 40 years; driving is a necessity, and while staying in the park can be helpful for visiting specific sights near certain lodging (like Mammoth Hot Springs or Old Faithful), it isnt at all necessay, and the drive in from West Yellowstone is short and scenic. In addition, lodging with a kitchen is a huge help with a family.
not sure why Flagg Ranch? Very much a destination location, and it's between YNP and Teton NP.

Instead of Flagg Ranch, consider staying in Gardiner. That would put you at the top of the figure-8 loop so that you could spend a day or two exploring that area. Then West Yellowstone, which is at the midpoint, would work for the mid to lower loop. Going from there to Jackson would finish that up and give you enough time to explore GT NP.

Although there are advantages to staying in park, it's not always possible. We have most often stayed in West Yellowstone, usually for about a week. From there, it's about an hour to Old Faithful, animal jams permitting. To drive the entire figure-8 would take a full day (except perhaps not possible in summer peak), and you would not be able to get out on trails to speak of. A lot of car time.

I have looked for lodging in the park but I haven't found anything that works yet. I'll keep looking,

As a possible alternative, would this work? Three nights in West Yellowstone, 2 nights in Gardiner and then on to Jackson Hole? I like the idea of splitting it up to reduce some of the driving and I haven't been able to find a reasonable condo I would stay at for a week in West Yellowstone.

You would start in Gardiner, then move down to West Yellowstone. We did this in September, and it worked well (I found a last minute cancellation at Mammoth-1 queen bed cabin, no bathroom, which makes for a cold walk at night to the shared bathroom/showers). They are working on the hotel, so lodging might be even trickier than usual, making Gardiner a good choice.
I got Worldmark in West Yellowstone via VRBO, and our group of 4 was very pleased with the price and quality of accommodation (and location). We then moved on to a Teton ski area condo, also a good choice for the area.
Book cancellable places early, then check regularly for in-park lodging, if that's your preference.

P.s. be prepared for sticker shock: even a Motel 6 or Super8 room can be in the $200/night and up in those areas at that time of year.

sylvia3 - we stay at that Worldmark as well when we go to Yellowstone (we are Worldmark owners). It really is a nice property.

Everyone's needs are different. As someone who has been visiting Yellowstone for over 40 years and who worked there, when I took my kids and when I was a kid, I preferred to stay in the park if possible. We were fine without a kitchen--we had a cooler and we made our lunches and carried snacks. Breakfast and dinner are easy in the cafeterias they have in the park. I like the cabins with baths the best--more room. Staying in a cabin without a bathroom means you just pee by the front door in the middle of the night! Done it, but no thanks.

If you can't find lodging--keep calling back. You need to call, not go on line. Cancellations get made often. And if you can't find in park, then go and stay in Gardiner and West Yellowstone. I prefer to start in West and end in Jackson--to have the Tetons come into view that way is amazing!!!!