Entire cabin·Private host

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

Waterfront cabin with kitchen and patio

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Exterior - Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel?  We're it! (Gardiner)
Property grounds - Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel?  We're it! (Gardiner)
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books - Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel?  We're it! (Gardiner)
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel?  We're it! (Gardiner)
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel cot - Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel?  We're it! (Gardiner)
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 80 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

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 transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • 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.
  • In-room accessibility
  • Smoke-free property

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 and check-out are 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site 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 that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 area

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. Travelling 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 sledging. Visit our Gardiner travel guide
View more Cabin rentals in Gardiner
Map
Gardiner, MT

What's nearby

  • The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone offers different dramatic looks and moods dependent on the time of day. The falls are luminous in the morning. In the evening when this photo was taken, the canyon takes on a soft, almost painterly light. If you can, make a visit right after sunrise and return for the sunset.
    Yellowstone River
    1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Yellowstone
    Yellowstone Hot Springs
    11 min drive - 6.6 km
  • We visited this location but ideally needed to be there in the afternoon as the sun was on the "wrong" side of the arch. I used a wide lens to capture the arch and didn't attempt to correct the distortion as I felt it added to the picture (for me anyway). It took a long time to get this without hoardes of people in the shot.
    Roosevelt Arch
    19 min drive - 19.3 km
  • Prismatic Pool, Yellowstone National Park, Montana, USA
    Yellowstone National Park North Entrance
    20 min drive - 20.0 km
  • Mammoth Hot Springs
    Mammoth Hot Springs
    31 min drive - 28.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

How much is parking at Looking for an Alternative to a Big Box Motel? We're it!?

On-site parking is available at the 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!?

Checkout 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 away from Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone River. Parks' Fly Shop and Yellowstone National Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
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

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cherie Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful communication, prettier than pictures, very comfy, great location, everything you need, and the wildlife (elk) right there in the yard!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colby P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was simple and loaded with all necessary items I needed to enjoy my stay. Very clean upon arrival, all cooking equipment was ready to use. Very quiet and tranquil area to rest.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect home base for our Yellowstone trip. Cabin was quiet and we loved all of the wildlife in the background. Beautiful backdrop of mountains all around. Cabin was clean and well stocked. We loved our stay at Wade’s cabin!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location. Awesome, wide open spaces, quiet, wildlife, amenities, friendly host.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alice H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were very pleased with the property and the location. Gardiner and Yellowstone National Park were 10 -15 minutes away, close enough for travel back and forth, and far enough to be in a quiet, peaceful area.The cabin was well furnished and the weather was warm enough we could sit out on the patio to watch the sunset and use the grill for steaks.Elk frequented the property and we saw prong-horned deer on our travels to Gardiner and back.An SUV is helpful, as the road to and from the property is gravel, but pretty well maintained.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Taylor H.

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

Wonderful Stay

This property was perfect, a great place to stay on your trip to yellowstone. It is very close with easy access to the park, and we loved watching the elk come up to the back porch while drinking coffee every morning.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

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

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

Dean W.

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

Excellent

Great location, great property. Highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

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

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

Mark G.

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

Fantastic place near Yellowstone NP

A spacious cabin with a great view of the Gallatin range and the Yellowstone River on the border of Yellowstone NP. Elk and Pringhorn Antelope were common in the area. The cabin was clean and had all the amenities and a back patio. Beds were comfortable and AC was available. We had a great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 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

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

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

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

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

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

Jack G.

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

Jack

Quiet, clean, great location. Even got a chance to walk down to river and caught some fish. Very relaxing.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Mica H.

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

Amazing Yellowstone Stay

We had the best time staying at cabin #11. Wade made sure that everything we may need was there. There was thought put into it, not just a place to stay! We saw antelope as we sat on the back porch. Elk were all around. The cabin was immediately clean. The washer and dryer were so nice to have. I have zero complaints and hope to stay again one day! It’s not far from Yellowstone and yet still away from all the people of gardiner. It’s a quiet retreat!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dani S.

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

Couldn’t have been more perfect for us!

We absolutely adored this property and will definitely stay here again! The location was incredible, you just take a gravel road a few miles outside of the Roosevelt arch and there you are! This cute little cluster of cabins has Yellowstone on one side, the Yellowstone river on the other. It had everything we could need and the setup was perfect for us! We had a little power outage one night (the whole town) and Wade was very easy to reach and provided prompt updates. The best part of the place was the back patio where we lounged on the rockers and watched the elk & pronghorns in the evening. We cannot wait to get back to this place, probably the best part of our trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Todd H.

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

Great Stay

What a great place to stay just outside of Yellowstone. Beautiful views front and back. Close enough to town but far enough away. Wildlife right outside the door almost daily. All of the amenities that you need. Quiet. This property is down a 4.5 mile gravel road that is fairly well maintained. The upside is that there is very little traffic by the cabin, keeping things very peaceful; a tradeoff that is a no-brainer for me. At the end of the road is the Roosevelt Arch and the entrance to Yellowstone. Thanks, Wade. It's a trip we'll never forget.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allison L.

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

Slice of Heaven

1st let me say, " don't hesitate on booking this cabin! " You will regret missing out on a great location within a few miles of YNP Northwest entrance. Mountain views and wildlife right out the back porch. The cabin has the perfect setup. My husband, son and I had a bedroom ( 2 queen beds ) and full bathroom to ourselves and my parents had the same thing to themselves. The fully stocked kitchen, washer and dryer, super comfy couch in the livingroom and porch with glider benches and a place to eat were icing on the cake to our stay at Wade's cabin! He even let us borrow a cooler and bear spray! We had an amazing stay and will definitely come back to this slice of heaven in the future. Thanks again Wade!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024