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4- and 5-star hotels in Island Park

This shortlist covers the 4- and 5-star hotels in Island Park, Idaho, a high-elevation valley close to Yellowstone's West Entrance. It is aimed at travellers deciding where to base themselves for fishing, wildlife watching or a park visit, and at couples, families and groups choosing between these properties.

8 hotels

Staying in Island Park

Island Park is not an island but a valley ringed by mountains, its name taken from a grassy island-like stretch of river. Most of the land is public, managed by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and the year-round population is small: seasonal homes, lodges and campgrounds fill the quiet roads, with wildlife often seen along them and in the meadows. Days are cool in summer and snowy in winter, and cell service is limited, so visitors should arrive prepared. All are self-catering in style, with kitchens, fireplaces and free parking, which suits families and groups on a short break as much as couples; anglers heading for the Henry's Fork or Henry's Lake will find the location practical.

The shortlist

Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.

  1. Cast Iron Moose

    ★★★★★7.5 km from the centre

    4188 Two Top Rd, Island Park, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Step-free access

    • Car parking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Free Wifi

    Why stay hereThe only 5-star address in Island Park, Cast Iron Moose sits on Two Top Rd about 7.5 km from the centre. Anglers and hunters have fishing and hunting on the doorstep, while skiers and riders can head out from the same base. A jacuzzi and terrace round off the day, and the whole property is wheelchair accessible. Free wifi and free car parking make it easy for groups travelling with their own vehicle.

    See Cast Iron Moose
  2. Eagles Perch

    ★★★★7.5 km from the centre

    4204 Centennial Dr, Island Park, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Spa
    • Free car parking
    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereEagles Perch on Centennial Dr suits longer stays, with a full kitchen, washing machine and dishwasher in the 4-star accommodation. Fishing and horse back riding are both on offer, and a fireplace plus spa give the evenings a slower pace. Free wifi and free car parking are included, and the garage keeps a vehicle under cover. Roughly 7.5 km from the centre of Island Park.

    See Eagles Perch
  3. Buck Buck Moose

    ★★★★6.3 km from the centre

    4111 Huckleberry Loop, Island Park, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Kitchen
    • Free Wifi

    Why stay hereGames room, jacuzzi and a kitchen define Buck Buck Moose, a 4-star property on Huckleberry Loop and the closest of these hotels to the centre at 6.3 km. Bike rental service and fishing equipment the outdoors, while the fireplace and washing machine handle the indoor side. Water sports and horse back riding are also available. Free wifi and free car parking come as standard.

    See Buck Buck Moose
  4. Grand View Retreat

    ★★★★7.7 km from the centre

    4211 Grandview Rd, Island Park, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets

    • Free car parking
    • Pets allowed
    • Kitchen

    Why stay herePets are allowed at Grand View Retreat on Grandview Rd, which makes it the pick for guests bringing a dog. The 4-star layout includes a kitchen, fireplace and balcony, with bike rental service, fishing and water sports close at hand. Free wifi and free car parking are provided, plus a garage. It lies about 7.7 km from the centre of Island Park.

    See Grand View Retreat
  5. Boondockers by KABINO Hot Tub Pool Table SportsTV Fiber Optic WiFi

    ★★★★5.5 km from the centre

    3981 David Circle, Island Park, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Spa
    • Free car parking
    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereBoondockers by KABINO combines a hot tub, games room and table tennis, with a kitchen and fireplace behind the balcony. At 5.5 km from the centre it is the nearest of these 4-star addresses, on David Circle. Fishing, horse back riding and water sports cover the outdoor hours, and bike rental service is available. Free wifi and free car parking are included.

    See Boondockers by KABINO Hot Tub Pool Table SportsTV Fiber Optic WiFi
  6. Moose Drool

    ★★★★12.0 km from the centre

    4144 Lariat Way, Island Park, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Kitchen
    • Free Wifi

    Why stay hereMoose Drool on Lariat Way is the most distant of the group at 12.0 km from the centre, which suits guests who want quiet over convenience. The 4-star house has a garden, games room and table tennis, plus a kitchen and balcony. Fishing and water sports are on the activity list. Free wifi and free car parking are provided.

    See Moose Drool
  7. My Yellowstone Retreat

    ★★★★20.3 km from the centre

    4429 Mountain View Dr, Island Park, United States

    Best for: Families · Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Family rooms
    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereFamilies are well served at My Yellowstone Retreat on Mountain View Dr, which offers family rooms, a cot, high chairs and a sofa bed. The 4-star house adds a jacuzzi, fireplace and full kitchen, with skiing, canoe and fishing among the activities. It sits about 20.3 km from the centre. Free wifi and free car parking are included.

    See My Yellowstone Retreat
  8. Huckleberry Hollow

    ★★★★7.4 km from the centre

    4413 Two Top Rd, Island Park, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Kitchen
    • Free Wifi

    Why stay hereHuckleberry Hollow on Two Top Rd pairs a jacuzzi with a fireplace and a full kitchen, about 7.4 km from the centre. The 4-star property offers bike rental service, fishing and water sports for days outdoors, and a washing machine for longer visits. Free wifi and free car parking are included. Non smoking rooms throughout.

    See Huckleberry Hollow

The shortlist side by side

HotelClassParkingPool or spaTo the centre
Cast Iron Moose★★★★★Yes–7.5 km
Eagles Perch★★★★YesYes7.5 km
Buck Buck Moose★★★★Yes–6.3 km
Grand View Retreat★★★★Yes–7.7 km
Boondockers by KABINO Hot Tub Pool Table SportsTV Fiber Optic WiFi★★★★YesYes5.5 km
Moose Drool★★★★Yes–12.0 km
My Yellowstone Retreat★★★★Yes–20.3 km
Huckleberry Hollow★★★★Yes–7.4 km

From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.

How to choose

For families

My Yellowstone Retreat is the only one with family rooms and cots, plus high chairs and a canoe, which makes it the easiest with young children. Boondockers adds a hot tub, games room and table tennis, while Moose Drool brings a garden and games room.

My Yellowstone Retreat · Boondockers by KABINO Hot Tub Pool Table SportsTV Fiber Optic WiFi · Moose Drool

For couples

Eagles Perch has a spa, fireplace and quiet patio setting. Huckleberry Hollow pairs a jacuzzi with a fireplace and free parking. Cast Iron Moose, the only 5-star here, offers a jacuzzi, terrace and wheelchair access. Each is compact and well suited to two guests.

Eagles Perch · Huckleberry Hollow · Cast Iron Moose

For pets

Grand View Retreat is the single hotel on this list where pets are allowed. It also has a balcony, garage, fireplace and full kitchen, with free parking and wifi, so a dog can join the trip without giving up the self-catering setup the other properties offer.

Grand View Retreat

For winter sports

Cast Iron Moose lists skiing and a jacuzzi, useful after a day on the snow. My Yellowstone Retreat also has skiing facilities, while Boondockers provides a hot tub and games room for evenings indoors.

Cast Iron Moose · My Yellowstone Retreat · Boondockers by KABINO Hot Tub Pool Table SportsTV Fiber Optic WiFi

Plan your stay

Getting there and around

Island Park is reached by car via U.S. Highway 20, which runs through the area. The nearest major airport is in Idaho Falls, about an hour and a half to the south; from there, drive north on Interstate 15 and then east on U.S. 20. Flying into Bozeman, Montana, or Jackson, Wyoming are other options, both several hours away. There is no public transit in Island Park, so a car is essential for reaching trailheads, lakes and services. In winter, roads can be snowy and icy, and some secondary roads may be closed.

When to go

Summer, from June to August, is the most popular time, with warm days and cool nights that suit fishing, boating and visits to Yellowstone; the area is busiest from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fall, September to October, brings fewer crowds and changing colours. Winter, November to March, is for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, though some services close. Spring, April to May, can be muddy and many facilities are still shut.

Questions, answered

Which hotel is closest to the centre of Island Park?

Boondockers by KABINO is the closest, 5.5 km from the centre, followed by Buck Buck Moose at 6.3 km. Huckleberry Hollow, Cast Iron Moose and Eagles Perch sit around 7.4 to 7.5 km out, so the difference between them is small and a car is needed either way.

Do these hotels have parking?

Yes. Free car parking appears at every hotel on this list, and several also list a garage, including Eagles Perch and Grand View Retreat. Parking is on site rather than on the street, which matters in a valley where attractions are spread along the highways.

Which is the top-rated hotel here?

This shortlist is built from hotel class and facilities rather than guest scores, so no rating is given for these properties. If class is your guide, Cast Iron Moose is the only 5-star, while the rest are 4-star. Compare the facilities listed for each before deciding.

Are pets allowed in any of these hotels?

Grand View Retreat is the only hotel on the list that allows pets. It also has a balcony, garage, fireplace, kitchen and free parking. If you are travelling with a dog, it is the one to book, since the other properties do not list pets among their facilities.

Which hotels are best for families?

My Yellowstone Retreat lists family rooms, cots and high chairs, making it the most family-ready. Boondockers has a games room, hot tub and table tennis, and Moose Drool has a games room and garden.

Do the hotels have a pool or spa?

No hotel here lists a swimming pool. Spa facilities appear at Eagles Perch and Boondockers, and a jacuzzi at Cast Iron Moose, Buck Buck Moose, My Yellowstone Retreat and Huckleberry Hollow. These are the closest options to a spa experience on this list.

Is breakfast included at these hotels?

No hotel on this list lists breakfast among its facilities. They are self-catering properties with kitchens, ovens, microwaves and refrigerators, along with coffee-making items, so guests prepare their own meals. Restaurants in the area are limited and their hours vary by season.

Which hotels offer skiing access?

Cast Iron Moose lists skiing and a jacuzzi, and My Yellowstone Retreat also lists skiing, along with a fireplace, jacuzzi and kitchen. Both provide free car parking. Winter roads can be snowy and icy, and some secondary roads may close, so check conditions before setting out.

More ways to stay in Island Park