Lodging in the America’s national parks varies from basic to plush, beginning with tent cabins whose occupants use a communal bathroom to luxurious suites with separate bedrooms. Likewise, the spread in room prices is considerable, ranging from just over $100 to more than $1,000 nightly, exclusive of taxes.
In some instances, taxes alone might amount to about what some of us pay for a motel room. Taxes and fees for the Sunroom Suite at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park are $194 per night.
The majority of standard rooms in national park lodges tend to run between $150 and $350 per night, plus tax. For travelers who want a first-class national park lodge and aren’t worried about draining their wallets, we’ve reviewed five lodges at the high end of the cost scale.
Jenny Lake Lodge (Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming) — The lodge’s story began in the 1920s as the Danny Ranch with two rental cabins that over the next century morphed into the National Park Service’s most expensive lodging facility. Guest rooms are in a series of 37 unusually nice rustic cabins that are either free-standing or duplex. Duplex cabins with two queen beds rent for $1,123 plus tax. Free-standing cabins are an additional $110. Rates include a complimentary gourmet breakfast and 5-course dinner. Guests also enjoy free horseback riding along with the use of lodge bicycles. Lunches are extra. In 2017 cabins for two persons were available for $750. The lodge is an upscale facility in a scenic and secluded area of the park.
Cavallo Point — The Lodge at the Golden Gate (Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California) – Located on the east side of the north terminus of the Golden Gate Bridge, the lodge is on the site of a former historic U.S. Army Fort. It offers 142 upscale guest rooms in a combination of contemporary buildings and historic military quarters. The complex has a spa, fitness room, restaurant, bar, gift shop and a cooking school. The fort dates from 1910 when its long-range cannons offered protection for the harbor. The grounds and some guest rooms offer excellent views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Rooms range from $790 to $1,072 per night. Dinner entrees are $34 to $54. In 2017 travelers could get a Deluxe King room at the lodge for under $500.
The Ahwahnee (Yosemite National Park, California) — Perhaps the best-known of upscale national park lodges, The Ahwahnee opened in 1927 as a luxury hotel designed to attract people who could provide political and financial support for America’s national parks. The six-story building is highlighted by the Great Lounge with a 24-foot beamed ceiling, stained-glass windows and massive stone fireplaces. The beautiful dining room is unrivaled by other park lodges, although the Grand Canyon Lodge was a close second before it burned down earlier this month. The hotel has 99 guest rooms that range in price from $688 for a Classic King to $2,249 for the Presidential Suite. Classic Kings rented for about $450 in 2017. Our first overnight at The Ahwahnee was in 1996 when our room cost $225. During the one-night stay Yosemite Valley experienced a massive landslide that shook our room.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming) — Lake Yellowstone Hotel opened in 1891, making it one of the National Park System’s oldest lodges still welcoming guests. Over the next several decades the hotel was expanded, with the current Sunroom added in 1924. Guests are entertained in the Sunroom most evenings by a pianist or string quartet. Large windows of both the Sunroom and dining room offer sweeping views of Lake Yellowstone and the occasional bison on the lawn. The three- and four-story hotel has 153 guest rooms in two wings. The size and cost of the rooms have a wide range. A lakeside room with a king bed begins at $577 while the Presidential Suite with two large bedrooms and two bathrooms, begins at $1,016. In 2017 a lakeside room cost $418 and the Presidential Suite was $711.
Many Glacier Hotel (top photo) (Glacier National Park, Montana) — Many Glacier Hotel, built in 1914-15 by the Great Northern Railroad, enjoys an incredible location alongside a lake rimmed by mountains. The main lodge building boasts a three-story lobby with interior balconies supported by massive log columns. The Annex with the majority of the guest rooms opened in 1917. The two buildings are connected by an enclosed walkway. Several guest rooms on both sides of the hotel have shared balconies. A deluxe king on the Lakeside is $680. Suites with two bedrooms and two bathrooms are $964. In 2017 deluxe rooms were $244 and suites $386.
National park lodges, while owned by the federal government, are operated by private firms under contract to the government. For the privilege of being able to conduct business in a government facility, concessionaires agree to pay the park an agreed upon percentage of revenues. Park superintendents have a degree of oversight over lodging prices.
David and Kay Scott are authors of “Complete Guide to the National Park Lodge” (Globe Pequot). They live in Valdosta, Ga. Visit them at blog.valdosta.edu/dlscott
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
