Cabin

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

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

Exterior
Room
Private kitchen
Living area
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 80.1 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View map
Gardiner, MT
  • Yellowstone Hot Springs
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Roosevelt Arch
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Yellowstone National Park North Entrance
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone)
    ‪139 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

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

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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
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

About the area

Gardiner

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 sledging and snowmobiling.
Map
Gardiner, MT

What's nearby

  • Yellowstone Hot Springs - 13 min drive - 6.6 km
  • Gardiner Community Library - 20 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Roosevelt Arch - 20 min drive - 10.1 km
  • Yellowstone National Park North Entrance - 21 min drive - 10.8 km
  • Mammoth Hot Springs - 36 min drive - 19.4 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
  • ‪Wild West Corral - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Eat Sandwichs - ‬17 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!?

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).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 124 out of 127 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 127 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 127 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 127 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 127 reviews

Reviews

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

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

Tracy G.

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

Girlfriends Getaway

This cabin was perfect for four friends on a weekend getaway. It had a bed for each of us and two bathrooms, was well stocked in supplies we couldn’t bring on our flights, and was so close to Yellowstone!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

PRITISUNDAR D.

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

Beautiful view of Mountains and Yellowstone river

We were 6 Adults and 2 kids stayed for 3 nights , this was perfect vacation home for us. This is very close to North entrance of Yellow stone NP , that was very convenient to go to NP anytime of the day .
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We all loved Wade’s cabin! The perfect place for our family to create memories for a lifetime. Thank you Wade!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa L.

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

Better than ever imagined.

From start to finish our Yellowstone trip was beyond our expectations. I cannot express how amazing it was to enter the cabin at the end of the day. Cook our own meals, watch the storms roll in over the hills, sleep in silence, avoid all crowds. Just loved it.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay at Wade's cabin was pretty much perfect!! The cabin is cozy, clean, and well maintained, and he has stocked it with just about anything you might need (coolers, ice packs, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, dish soap, paper towels, spices, various dry pantry goods, coffee, bear spray, bug spray, etc....). Wade was very responsive to all communications, and you can tell that guest satisfaction is very important to him. We would definitely look to stay at Wade's cabin again if we come back to this area! Thanks, Wade, for helping making our trip have a great home base in Gardiner!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 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

Anne D.

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

Yellowstone visit

Wonderful
Stayed 3 nights in May 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

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

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

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

Tawana C.

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

Gardiner

Very nice place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 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

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

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

Rita F.

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

Enjoyed

Very nice and enjoyed.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas O.

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

Way more than we expected

Arrived to an impressive, fully stocked cabin with everything we needed Even had bear spray 5 miles from the Northern Yellowstone park entrance Super convenient Wade, the owner, very responsive and took care of everything Will definitely use again if in the area
Stayed 6 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

Jack G.

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

Repeat renter

Well stocked, great views.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

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

About the host

Hosted by Wade Peck

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

What makes this property unique

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests