Entire cabin

Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel? We're it!

Waterfront cabin with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel? We're it!

Exterior
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Located near Yellowstone National Park's North Entrance, Cabin #11 offers a tranquil retreat with mountain views. As the only locally owned and operated cabin in the area, enjoy personalized service and insider knowledge to make the most of your stay.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire cabin

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel? We're it!

If you've been surfing Gardiner, Mt on VRBO, you have got to be asking yourself: What is with all these cloned cabins? Let me explain. My cabin and the others were part of the former Yellowstone River Resort. The resort was initially built in 2000 to provide lodging and meals for the Elderhostel programs in and around Yellowstone National Park. In 2005, the owners offered the cabins for sale to individuals. The majority were purchased as rentals or second homes. The exteriors and floor plans are the same. For the most part, it is only the decor that varies and perhaps a few gizmos.

My cabin (#11) is the only one locally owned and operated. As such, I am able to offer significant savings over my neighbors (as much as $10-$40/night) depending on the time of year. The cabin is set off a bit from the other original cabins and is oriented for the mountains views. You can Google Earth the place at 45 degrees 04' 16.65" N 110 degrees 46' 24.31" W (no airstrikes, please). I maintain the cabin personnally and make myself available to answer questions and provide information to help you make the most of your stay. In return, you supplement my livelihood. I trust that this will always be a fair trade.

Regardless of whether you stay at my place, my neighbors' or elsewhere in the Gardiner area, you are well positioned to explore Yellowstone. As a tourist, fly fisherman or an attendee of the educational programs offered by the Yellowstone Association, the North Entrance provides the best gateway to the Grand Loop and Yellowstone's most sought after features.

For further information on me and my place, refer to the link to my website. For information on lodging providers (some not necessarily on VRBO), you also may want to check with the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce.



Keywords: Cabin

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1 square foot

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel? We're it!
Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel? We're it! Cabin

About the neighborhood

Located in Gardiner, this cabin is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Yellowstone National Park and Yellowstone National Park North Entrance. Traveling with kids? Consider Parks' Fly Shop, or check out an event or a game at Rodeo Arena. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledding.
Map
Gardiner, MT

What's nearby

  • Yellowstone Hot Springs - 13 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Roosevelt Arch - 20 min drive - 6.3 miles
  • Parks' Fly Shop - 21 min drive - 6.5 miles
  • Yellowstone National Park North Entrance - 21 min drive - 6.7 miles
  • Mammoth Hot Springs - 36 min drive - 12.1 miles

Getting around

  • West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone) - 112 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wonderland Cafe & Lodge - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Antler Bar and Grill - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Cowboy's Lodge & Grill - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Wild West Corral - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Yellowstone Grill - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel? We're it! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel? We're it!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel? We're it!?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel? We're it! located?

This family-friendly Gardiner cabin is located on the waterfront, just steps from Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone River. Parks' Fly Shop and Yellowstone National Park are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel? We're it! Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

10

Eco-friendliness

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 126 out of 129 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 129 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 129 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 129 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 129 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Anne D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Yellowstone visit

Wonderful
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location to North Yellowstone!

Cute cabin with everything you need inside. Great location convenient to North Yellowstone entrance. We loved all the elk in the field outside the cabin and enjoyed grilling out on the lovely patio. Best part, there was a University of TN magnet on the refrigerator, Go Vols! We felt right at home!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dave P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short stay

Unfortunately we were only able to stay @ Wade’s cabin because our friend got sick and was hospitalized. Wade’s cabin was clean and very close To Gardiner and its entrance to Yellowstone. Wade was responsive every time I text. This place is great for families. Other cabins right next door & we met & talked w/ them.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Everything just like listed. Close to park but not right in town. Elk in the yard. Amazing stargazing. Wonderful mountain view from back patio. Clean and had everything we needed. My family loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Great stay at wades place- perfectly outfitted and great communication and check in process
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great base camp for visiting Yellowstone National Park. We spent six days in the park - three focused on wildlife in Lamar Valley, one focused on Beartooth pass to the east, one on the upper loop scenery, and one on the touristy spots of grand prismatic and old faithful. All are accessible from the northwest entrance with a reasonable drive. Cabin was clean, comfortable, and well equipped. Cabin has a nice outdoor porch area to sit outside under cover. The dirt road to Gardiner is an easy drive and regularly had elk and pronghorn antelope wandering about. The scenery is beautiful (see photo). Gardiner has some good places to eat. Wade’s communication was great and the process was easy. This cabin worked great for us and we recommend it.
Hillside and elk between cabin and Gardiner.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beverly P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience

A wonderful place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Yellowstone trip

It was a great place to stay. Plenty of space for 2 couples. It was a very quiet and relaxing place to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

James R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cabin in Gardiner

Cabin was immaculate clean with everything you would want in the kitchen. The views were spectacular and the host easy to deal with.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hunter R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place and a great location

We really enjoyed our stay. Wade was a wonderful host. The cabin was clean, well stocked and convenient to the park. We would highly recommend this location as a vacation destination.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tera R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic place!

Perfect spot to serve as home base for our Yellowstone trip. The views were amazing! The cabin was clean, well stocked, and quiet. We enjoyed seeing the nearby elk herd. Absolutely recommend staying here!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

joy g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!!

Well equipped had everything we needed. Loved the location and view. Owner very helpful. Enjoyed evenings on the patio with an amazing view. Would definitely rent again and would highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jack G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Jack and Brenda

Great location to view Elk and surrounding mountains just north of Yellowstone Park. Minutes from Gardner and supplies. Quite and cozy.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary C., prairie city, ia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome stay!

We’ve stayed at Wade’s cabin 4 times and it’s always top drawer! Everything you could need and very clean. We will be back! B
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brenda K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Yellowstone getaway

This cabin is the perfect place to start and end your day. Super clean, very well equipped kitchen, a wonderful patio to enjoy coffee in the morning and a glass of wine at night. The area is very quiet and the dark sky at night for star gazing was amazing. Check in could not have been easier. I highly recommend this as your home.base for visiting the park!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent stay

Property was very clean. Loved the proximity to Yellowstone. Saw elk and pronghorn everyday in the open fields next to the cabin. Highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dave S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

Wonderful cabin for our Yellowstone adventures.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shannon A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Yellowstone cabin

The cabin was perfect for our family of five. Plenty of room for everyone and everything was provided. The view from the back porch was amazing and perfect for my morning coffee. Loved the easy access to the north entrance of Yellowstone. This cabin was a perfect place to relax after spending a long day at the Park.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Renee S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful cabin

This house is perfect. Clean, fully furnished with everything you need. Perfect base camp for Yellowstone. Elk and pronghorn and deer out back door. Love it
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cecilia K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved it!

The scenery from the cabin windows was beautiful! The cabin was spacious, clean, well stocked with utensils and spices for cooking, and filled with information to make the most out of our trip to Yellowstone.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shirley L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

Views from cabin were beautiful. Short distance to entrance of Yellowstone. Had elk visitors daily.

10/10 Excellent

Rita F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyed

Very nice and enjoyed.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

We stayed for 3 nights on our Yellowstone leg of our trip. Beautiful views from the property. Felt like coming home every night. Wade was very easy to communicate with. We had a wonderful experience and would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beth W.

Wonderful stay!

We were a party of 2 couples. We loved the cabin, especially the deck with 2 porch swings. The washer and dryer were great to have and the kitchen was well appointed. The cabin was super clean and we appreciated having cable and WiFi. We would definitely stay here again if ever in the area !
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Patricia C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property

We enjoyed our stay. The cabin was clean and provided everything we needed plus more. We liked watching the pronghorn in the meadow in the morning. Very peaceful. The only thing I didn’t like was the rough gravel road from Gardiner to the cabin. But the cabin itself made up for it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024