Luxury Lakefront Lodge-less than 15mins to Yellowstone-360 degree postcard views

Photo gallery for Luxury Lakefront Lodge-less than 15mins to Yellowstone-360 degree postcard views

The Lodge's waterfront view of world famous Henrys Lake & Sawtelle Peak.
The Lodge sits at the base of part of the Continental divide mountain range.
Extremely rare legacy "grandfathered"  N lakefront access & private shoreline.
To call it a "Firepit area" is a massive  understatement...
The lodge at sunset. Chopped firewood + outdoor pillows & blankets provided!
Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym

Check out the area

Map
Island Park, ID
  • Popular LocationHenrys Lake2 min walk
  • Popular LocationHenrys Lake State Park9 min drive
  • Popular LocationYellowstone Park West Entrance23 min drive
  • AirportIdaho Falls, ID (IDA-Idaho Falls Regional)95 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Lodgepole Suite-Main Floor

1 King Bed

Madison Suite-Main Floor

1 King Bed

Upstairs Master Suite

1 Single Bed and 1 King Bed

Yellowstone Bunk Room-Lower Level

+2
6 Single Beds

3 bathrooms

Lower Level Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Main Floor Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Master Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Luxury Lakefront Lodge-less than 15mins to Yellowstone-360 degree postcard views

Location Location Location! Welcome to Life of Riley Lodge, a destination home with the rarest views in the entire area Yellowstone luxury home rental pool. Summer 2023 reservations are still available, but act soon as we book up fast this time of year when families gather during the holidays! (All pictures shown were taken in 2022)

Life of Riley Lodge is Yellowstone National Park's closest, best reviewed, most frequently booked, fully outfitted with no expense spared waterfront vacation rental - an "Ultra Luxury" VRBO property. Our goal is to deliver the ultimate in comfort and consideration, something surprisingly rare the Yellowstone area. With Big Sky, MT & Jackson Hole, WY both about two hours further from the parks main attractions, Life of Riley Lodge is the closest of all premier residences to the main (West/most popular) gate of the park. Included with your reservation we go far beyond what the competing area rental homes offer, providing a private 1on1 concierge vacation consultation and custom built trip planning web page for your group upon booking. To enjoy the Yellowstone area beyond the typical crowded tourist experience requires advance planning and insider knowledge of what to do + when and why. Born local to the area, we are uniquely positioned to help you create upscale experiences that most Yellowstone visitors do not even know exist. The best restaurants, secret Yellowstone tips, premium outfitters and guides for your boutique adventure. From private chuck wagon/sleigh rides, joining dinosaur digs, to romantic helicopter tours with private chef, let us help you arrange a perfect stress free vacation to the Yellowstone area.

The lodge is a nearly 40 yr old original Yellowstone style hand-scraped whole log cabin, completely renovated and constantly refreshed every year. (Annual Improvements in 2022 alone total $25K!) Spanning over 3000 sqft with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths sleeping 13 guests on 3 king size and 7 twin size TempurPedic mattresses. We are also among the less than 3% of Yellowstone area rental houses with air conditioning and one of the only rentals to provide trash removal service, electronic keypad locks (no lost keys!) plus a full exterior CCTV security system for your safety. Thin atmosphere = hot in summer so AC is a must for a luxury vacation. Most area rental agreements require "chores" -You must drop off all your trash at a landfill that is about a 1/2 hour drive each way-pick up keys from the local host-and spend the last day of your vacation laundering linens...inconveniences you will not experience with us, we don't even have cleaning fees! While there are a wide variety of options in the area, we are one of the only catering to discerning guests seeking a premium 5 star Yellowstone vacation experience that takes the rough out of roughing it.

Near the park boundary on the ID/MT border at an elevation of nearly 7000 feet, a legacy access property on the very exclusive North shoreline of Henry's Lake, not the small shallow stream inlets and public fishing areas where most competing "Henry's Lake" homes are located. Set between bucolic mountains, Henry's is one of the most renowned and award winning trophy fishing lakes in the country due to world class scenery and 2 state records for the largest trout ever caught! The Island Park Reservoir by comparison is much further away from YNP in a mostly flat valley frequented by motorsports crowds, a totally different experience. On quiet Henrys Lake you can enjoy trophy fishing, hiking, boating, horseback riding, or ATV/UTV/Rafting tours just 10 mins away. Contact us to learn more about the Yellowstone vacation you have been dreaming about.

Drive through the lodge's towering log gate and then immediately soak in the 360 degree waterfront and mountain views. Next, enter the cabin on the 2nd floor which opens to the Great Room and kitchen. The wood burning fireplace towers over two dueling custom American made Bradington & Young distressed leather sofas, the finest hand made rugs, 10-person Restoration Hardware dining set + three barstools at the live edge bar- enough seating for everyone to enjoy meals together. The chef's kitchen has new Miele appliances and is fully outfitted with literally everything you will need to serve a gourmet meal to all of your party. No expense spared. The nearly 30ft tall great room is the main gathering spot and the best room for jaw dropping views. Off the great room is a wide wrap around deck with Adirondack chairs and the first of our two outdoor kitchens.

Continuing upstairs on the 3rd floor is the loft and master suite. The cozy quiet loft is above the fray and is the perfect place to read a book or watch the wildlife on the lake with a massive panoramic view, this is perhaps the most relaxing place in the lodge. Past the loft is the master bedroom suite. Perfect for the small family with child and completely redone to the 9's with all new furniture, art, fixtures, a Tempur-Pedic king size and twin size captains bed all with matching Ralph Lauren bedding , the lodge’s largest suite is it's finest. Including En suite full bath with multiple head shower plus a large desk, charging ports and the fastest speed whole house WiFi available in the area - this suite has everything the vacationing executive will need. The other half of the suite is complimented by two tweed Churchill recliners and a new 43” OLED Fire-TV w/DirectTV. The king size bed is separated with a small partition wall from the twin bed for a little extra privacy, yet still open enough to one another so that parents can hear their little one through the night.

Back down to the main floor are two additional king bed suites with bathroom and additional laundry facilities: the Lodgepole and the Madison.

The Madison Suite has views of both the lake and Continental Divide mountain range, American made Woolrich and Ralph Lauren bedding, king size Tempur-Pedic Cloud, all new furniture and fixtures, bedside charging ports and 42" Streaming TV & DirecTV - easily the lodge's most masculine suite. This suite comes complete with walk in closet, built in vanity, black velvet lounge chair, and New Zealand Shearling rug.

Next, the Lodgepole Suite with views of the Continental Divide. Very much living up to the name, this larger suite is the lodge’s most rustic. Complete with American made Woolrich bedding, wide shearling rug, king size log bed w/Tempur-Pedic Cloud, sitting bench, lounge chair w/blanket, walk in closet with built in vanity and a 42" Streaming TV with DirecTV. This is the room to pick for a 100% authentic Yellowstone experience.

Down the stairs and located on the first floor is the Theater, 6-bed Bunk Room, 3rd bathroom, mud/locker room & extra laundry. The theater has a gas fireplace surrounded by a massive 250 yr old timber mantle, new Karastan carpet, and new furnishings. Decorated with a nod to adventure, science, exploration, and archaeology, the theater has a new immersive 75” OLED smart TV hung above the fireplace, Atmos surround sound system, DirecTV DVR with nearly every channel, and a new wireless retro arcade console with all your favorite games from the 80’s, 90's, 00's. Perhaps on those bad weather days the kids will not be the only ones playing video games!

Located behind the theater on the ground floor is the Yellowstone Bunk Room with a meadow view and 6 custom heavy and safe private bunks with built in individual charging ports/lighting - the perfect place to sleep the kids or extra adults. Featuring premium mattresses and custom lighting, no expense was spared on any detail. Warm Pendleton Woolen Mills Yellowstone Camp Blankets, fleece layers, & themed pillows adorn each bed, vintage metal and wood Yellowstone signs, and a giant Yellowstone Junior Ranger Fire Brigade themed locker room/dressing room-you won't feel like you ever even left the park. Adjoining the bunk room is a big multi-entrance bathroom with rain shower. The Bunk Room can help comfortably accommodate a packed house without the need to share beds. Including 2 slipper chairs, 43" Amazon Fire TV, and Playstation + tons of games, hi speed WiFi, and parent lockable DirectTV content. Life of Riley Lodge tries to go the extra mile by supplying a high-chair, baby gate, Pack'n'play, and enough active indoor and outdoor entertainment options so that your children are guaranteed to go to bed exhausted and content every night.

For our favorite part of the lodge though, look outside under the four giant shade sails and find the main attraction - the lakefront promenade. With a massive fire pit/bbq/lounge area and boardwalk/bonus deck, it's the largest outdoor area on Henrys Lake with steps that go right down to the water and a private beach. Kayaks, canoes, fishing gear, chopped firewood, and outdoor blankets/pillows/towels provided! 2nd outdoor kitchen with 2 XL grill beds, 2 stovetop burners, extra searing grill, lighting, mini fridge and prep table, Kamado Egg charcoal smoker/grill, duel 2-person hammocks & duel 150lb cast iron fire-pit pagodas surrounded by tons of adirondack chairs framed against 360 postcard views...you start to understand why the property is categorically superior to all others.

The fenced property bordered by mature trees is professionally manicured with lighting and is complimented by a long completely paved driveway to the highway (rare - no miles long gravel roads to get to OUR property), plus a sports court with new basketball goal. The entire view behind the cabin is the slopes and granite ridges of our section of the Continental Divide shelf. To the front of the cabin is the Centennial range and visible east are the Yellowstone and Teton National Park ranges. No other homes in the Yellowstone area have a view of all these mountain ranges except a small handful on our rare section of the north shore. As they say, location-location-location. We hope to hear from you soon!

Property manager

Sarah Thompson
Premier Host
Premier Host

Amenities

Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Gym

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We are not baby-proof. Pack n play, hi-chair avail

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed
$1000 penalty and immediate eviction w/o refund.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
$1000.00 penalty and immediate eviction w/o refund
Fire Laws: No fireworks, no use of the Great Room fireplace, no unattended fires left in the outdoor area. Eviction and/or penalties apply.
10:00pm Noise ordinance enforced.
Non-transferrable reservation: primary booking guest must be in attendance.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Island Park

Located in Island Park, this lodge is in the mountains and on the beach. Yellowstone Park Zipline and Kirkwood Trailhead are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Yellowstone National Park (and vicinity) and Yellowstone Park West Entrance. Travelling with kids? Consider Great Whirligig and Yellowstone Big Gun Fun. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Island Park, ID

What's nearby

  • Henrys Lake - 2 min walk
  • Henrys Lake State Park - 9 min drive
  • Mack's Inn Playhouse - 17 min drive
  • Yellowstone Park West Entrance - 23 min drive
  • Hebgen Lake - 26 min drive

Getting around

  • West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • Yellowstone Playhouse - 6 min drive
  • The Munching Moose's Mobile Kitchen - 6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Luxury Lakefront Lodge-less than 15mins to Yellowstone-360 degree postcard views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Luxury Lakefront Lodge-less than 15mins to Yellowstone-360 degree postcard views?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxury Lakefront Lodge-less than 15mins to Yellowstone-360 degree postcard views?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Luxury Lakefront Lodge-less than 15mins to Yellowstone-360 degree postcard views located?

Nestled on the beach, this Island Park lodge is within a 15-minute walk of Henrys Lake and Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Gallatin National Forest is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 91 out of 93 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 93 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 93 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 93 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 93 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

clint J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful!
Well stocked, beautifully maintained home with a great view on Henry’s Lake. Easy access to Yellowstone. Great location if you want easy access to everything but still want a quiet place to get away. Owner’s of the property were very helpful in planning our trip and giving advice on things to see.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Vicki S., Pleasant View UT

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Nice smaller cabin
Wonderful quaint cabin for smaller families looking to head into Yellowstone Park. The owner indicated that this property works better for out of town travelers looking to visit the park versus those who are interested in Water Sports. The bathroom situation in the listing has been corrected to reflect the correct space. Highly recommend this cabin for smaller families. Loved every minute of our stay.......
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wisconsin Clan
What a great place, Sarah was super helpful in planning our trip, everything was as anticipated. Highly recommend staying here
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

John j., Atlanta, GA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Spot
Lovely home on a great lot by the lake. Lot's of activities and fun for a family with kids 7-14 years old. Located near Madison River fishing spots and West Yellowstone entry to the park. Great and helpful hosts that helped us sort through a DIY Yellowstone week. Highly recommended!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lake of Riley home for Yellowstone and Teton family vacation
Lake of Riley is a dream home for families visiting the Yellowstone/Teton area. Our families decided to plan a trip out West but were a bit late in finding lodging inside the park, and with multiple families traveling together we decided it would be more fun to stay in a home verse separate hotel rooms. When we came across LOR on VRBO, we were sold flipping through the photos of the lake views and outdoor equipment galore. As soon as we booked the home, Sarah offered to have video calls with us and made suggestions for various excursions while were were in the area. We spent 4 nights at LOR. We found the home very clean and comfortable. Sarah keeps the kitchen stocked with all of the spices, oils so we had gourmet meals cooked on the outside grill each night. When we arrived the kids ran down to the water and we immediately took off on the kayaks and canoes. The boys enjoyed fishing - but were unlucky finding any fish, but still had fun. The house faces a gorgeous mountain range and you can spot the Tetons off to the left. We spent the next 2 days in Yellowstone. It is a breathtaking easy 20 minute drive to the entrance. With her recommendation we got in early to beat the crowds and spotted lots of wildlife. We left the park each day around 3/4pm and then looked forward to lounging at LOR. The only down side was the swarms of bugs, but I think that we just hit a bad week mid June as they got better the last day. The kids loved the bunk room too!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Sarah Thompson

Host profile image
We are originally from Montana and we bought lifeofrileylodge.com for use as our home in the winter and to share with our guests in the spring summer and fall. From our family to yours, we hope you enjoy the lodge as much as we do.

Why they chose this property

Located between Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky Ski Resort, Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole...the Island Park/West Yellowstone area sits at the nexus to them all. The Madison River. The Yellowstone River. Countless mountain waterfalls and lakes. With the world famous Henry's Fork of the Snake river and Henry's Lake literally at the doorstep of Life of Riley Lodge, we can not think of a more ideal location to enjoy the crown jewel of the american outdoors.

What makes this property unique

*Closer to Yellowstone than any other luxury residence. You will be surprised how long it takes to ACTUALLY get to the park from most of the other luxury residences in the area and most are on gravel roads, we are not.
*Constantly updated and refreshed high-end electronics, appliances, mattresses, furniture, and carpet. ($21K in 2022 refresh cost alone)
*More king size beds and higher quality bedding than any of the competition.
*Most area properties require you to wash your own linens, we are a luxury property and do not.
*Air Conditioning. One of the VERY few properties with AC and it does get very hot up here especially in June-September.
*Free trash pick up. We are one of the only area properties that do not make you take your own trash on your vacation to a strange landfill a 1/2 hour away. The little details make all the difference up here.
*Private shoreline set between towering mountains on bucolic Henry's Lake - not the IP reservoir which is in a mostly flat valley frequented by the motorsports crowd.
*Waterfront/beachfront, private fishing, and manicured grounds.

Premier Host

Premier Host
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