How to Travel with Large Groups in Cody Yellowstone 

Posted by: Park Country Travel Council
Posted on: May 6, 2025

If only there were a destination perfectly designed for every huge, wild, adventurous family…oh wait, there is! Cody Yellowstone is an ideal location for large groups—from bachelor and bachelorette parties, to family reunions and corporate getaways, the untamed spirit of the West is sure to draw your travel crew in. When we say there are endless things to do during your trip to Cody Yellowstone, we truly mean it. Hiking, biking, climbing, and all of the outdoor recreation activities your heart desires, authentic western experiences like living out your dreams as a cowboy on a dude ranch, highlights of unique Western culture and deep-rooted history, a thriving foodie scene, and SO much more. 

Traveling with a crowd has never been easier. From spacious hotels that welcome larger travel circles, to guided experiences designed for all group sizes of adventure-seekers, to restaurants ready to seat your whole gang, planning your group’s dream getaway to Cody Yellowstone is a breeze.

Where to Stay

The Best Western Inn stands beautifully at dusk, its exterior lit up, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere

Tick the first thing off your to-do list and get your accommodations booked so that you can move on to the fun part of vacation planning! Don’t worry, we have great options for all types of stays—from roomy hotels with top-tier amenities to more rustic experiences staying at a dude ranch. You can even enjoy a quiet retreat in the comfort of your own glamping dome. Whatever your preference, we have some great recommendations to share with you.

Hotels for Large Groups

  • The Cody Hotel | One of our top-rated hotels, the Cody Hotel offers luxurious lodging across 75 suites, all equipped with a patio or balcony. Not only are you a short walk away from the Cody Nite Rodeo, you’re a quarter mile from Old Trail Town and the Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center, as well as steps from downtown Cody. 
  • Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites | Experience the modern comforts of home and the convenient location of downtown Cody at the Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites. Complete with pool and hot tub to wind down after a day of adventures, an on-site restaurant making those family-style meals a piece of cake, and versatile conference rooms for your next corporate retreat.
  • Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel | First established in 1902, the Buffalo Bill Irma Hotel is a historic treasure in Cody, boasting a Victorian-style exterior and an extensive list of notable visitors, including royalty, political leaders, and celebrities. Conveniently located down the street from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the Irma is also a prime location for foodie travelers who want to make the most of each meal. Insider tip: if you wander down Sheridan Avenue in the evening, you’re sure to find live music!

Campgrounds & Glampgrounds

  • Cody Trout Ranch Camp – RV & Tipi Park | The Cody Trout Ranch Camp is the perfect camping spot for your next family get-together. Take advantage of the RV Park when traveling with multiple families, or reserve the river-side Tipis for a fun and unique camping experience. 
  • Buffalo Bill State Park | Feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of downtown at the relaxed and quiet Buffalo Bill State Park Campground. Easily accessible off the North Fork Highway, there are two developed campgrounds to choose from—the North Shore Bay campground and the North Fork campground—with more than enough campsites to go around.
  • Pure Heart Retreat | Did you ever think that the words luxury and rugged could be used in the same sentence? At the Pure Heart retreat, you’ll experience tranquil luxury in boutique glamping domes, all while surrounded by the rugged and wild landscapes of Wyoming—only 40 minutes away from Yellowstone National Park. Find a peaceful escape for that next corporate getaway and enjoy morning yoga in the all-glass dome, or reconnect with nature and explore the nearby hiking trails. Whether it’s team building or team bonding, you’ll want to make the Pure Heart Retreat your first choice.

Guest & Dude Ranches

  • Absaroka Mountain Lodge | A rustic retreat with backwoods charm, the Absaroka Mountain Lodge is situated in Gunbarrel Canyon and has been welcoming guests since the early 1900s. Just 39 miles west of Cody and only 12 miles from the East Entrance to Yellowstone, there are 15 rustic cabins all modernized with heat, electricity, private bathrooms, and other basic amenities. Find yourself fully immersed in the natural surroundings as you take part in activities like horseback riding, fishing, and more.
  • Blackwater Creek Ranch | Leave the details to your host with this all-inclusive lodge and guest ranch. The Blackwater Creek Ranch, nestled on the shores of the Shoshone River, is the perfect hub for all of your outdoor adventures. With ranch activities and amenities, plus off-ranch excursions to explore the historic Shoshone National Forest, the only reason you’ll need to leave the ranch is to visit Yellowstone—the world’s first national park.
  • Rimrock Dude Ranch | Create lasting memories on horseback when you stay at the Rimrock Dude Ranch. Their selection of cozy cabins can accommodate up to 36 guests, making this a dream family reunion destination. Horseback riding is the featured activity at Rimrock, catering to both novice and experienced riders. Let their experienced Wranglers be your guide for other activities, including an on-site fishing hole (no license required and poles and bait are included), hearty family-style meals, rafting, the rodeo, and so much more. 

Top Activities for Large Travel Groups

ATV mudding

With your accommodations taken care of, now’s the time to create your very own Cody Yellowstone itinerary full of epic adventures for everyone in the group to enjoy. Whether it’s the heart-pumping outdoor recreation, the rich heritage and culture, or the arts and entertainment that draw you to Cody, the whole crew is sure to have the trip of a lifetime.

Take a ride on the wild side with a group ATV tour

With tours of the Kirwin Ghost Town, McCullough Peaks, Red Lakes, and Clark’s Fork Canyon to choose from, our friends at Out West Adventures are ready to take you on a wild ride. Get behind the wheel of an all-terrain Side by Side and roam the rough terrain and historical landmarks of the greater Basin area. Perfect for a group of friends, a family excursion, or even your corporate retreat, you’ll want to put this exhilarating experience at the top of your list.

Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience through Yellowstone National Park

A five-star tour company and an absolutely incredible group of guides—Covered Ground Tours will leave you with your jaw on the floor from the awe-inspiring Yellowstone experience that awaits you. Offering private and multi-day tours, this activity is perfect for all group sizes and provides a local’s perspective on Yellowstone National Park and beyond. 

Get your adrenaline pumping with White Water Rafting

The guides at Wyoming River Trips are some of the best in the biz for delivering the most memorable experiences to all of their guests. This thrilling ride will take you down the scenic Shoshone River where there’s a great chance of seeing some remarkable wildlife, plus you’ll feel the excitement in your group as you hit your first rough patch of rapids—but don’t worry, this highly popular activity is perfectly suited for families with all ages of travelers. 

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Spectacular the Musical

Don’t be surprised when you catch your toes tapping and your boots stomping to this award-winning original comedic live musical at the historic Cody Theatre in downtown Cody. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Spectacular the Musical shares the tale of our town’s namesake, the one and only, greatest showman in the world, William F. Cody. Singing, dancing, and hootin’ and hollerin’ are all to be expected during this one-of-a-kind showcase of the storied history of the Wild West. Save your group the time and money, and be the responsible one who gets all the tickets in advance.

Witness the legendary Cody Nite Rodeo

Rodeo grounds in Cody

Known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World”, the Cody Nite Rodeo is the world’s longest-running nightly rodeo, planting its roots as far back as 1938. This blood-pumping display of strength and athleticism will have you on your feet cheering loud and proud for the cowboys and cowgirls that take on some of the nation’s most prized livestock. An ideal activity for all ages, children under 6 get free admission. Plus, there are even further discounts for groups of 10 or more people. 

If this isn’t enough action-packed rodeo entertainment for you, plan your visit during this year’s 106th Annual Cody Stampede Rodeo. Saddle up for the ultimate 4th of July celebration—happening July 1st to 4th, Cody Yellowstone delivers a legendary dose of cowboy culture you won’t want to miss. 

Visit the historical Center of the West

A trip to Cody isn’t complete without fully immersing yourself in the rich western heritage at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are not one, not two, but FIVE museums to explore, which means there’s plenty of space for your group to spread out and enjoy the historical exhibits, special events, and more. Venture through history at the Buffalo Bill Museum, Whitney Western Art Museum, Plains Indian Museum, Draper Natural History Museum, and the Cody Firearms Museum—each offering a dynamic mix of history, culture, art, and natural science. Don’t you have time to see everything all in one day? No need to worry, your ticket admission is good for two days!

Old Trail Town & Museum of the Old West

Let you and your crew be transported back in time when you wander through Old Trail Town and Museum of the Old West. Voted “Best Tourist Attraction and Historical Site” by True West Magazine, you’ll feel like Robert Redford in  Jeremiah Johnson when you meander the dirt roads of Cody’s original townsite. This self-guided tour lets you set your own pace as you wander 28 authentically preserved historical buildings, including Butch Cassidy’s Hole in the Wall Cabin and Rose William’s Roadhouse. Discover old artifacts from the 1890s, stroll past the grave site of Jeremiah Johnson himself, and immerse yourself in the history of the Frontier West.

Places to Eat

Photo courtesy of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. 2 Mules Chuckwagon.

2 Mules Chuckwagon

A visit to the Old West isn’t complete without some authentic chuckwagon cooking. An unforgettable Cody dining experience, at 2 Mules Chuckwagon, you can expect a delicious Dutch oven dinner with the best steak, biscuits, beans, and salad you could dream of. Available for groups of up to 26 people, this number allows a more personalized and intimate experience. Feel right at home on the range with this family-style gathering unlike any other in Wyoming. Oh, and don’t forget about the mouth-watering cobbler dessert. Plus, kids 11 and under eat at a discounted rate!

Cody Cattle Company

Why not pair a delicious buffet dinner with another Cody original activity? The Cody Cattle Company is where it’s at—incredible live music featuring award-winning entertainers, this is a fantastic outing for large groups and is perfect for all ages. Traveling in larger groups means planning in advance, so be sure to make your reservations early. The fun doesn’t have to stop there! Extend your night out on the town and bundle your dinner, show, and rodeo ticket for the ultimate Cody experience. 

Pat’s Brewhouse

A true classic you can’t forget, Pat’s Brewhouse is ready and waiting for your big group gathering. Both American and Irish inspired, this first all-woman-owned and operated brewery in Wyoming boasts 15 craft beers on tap. Delicious bites, amazing company, and great vibes—Pat’s has everything you’re looking for in an all-around fantastic dining experience. Just let them know the size of your party in advance and make your reservation before you arrive in Cody.

When it comes to group travel, Cody Yellowstone doesn’t just check the boxes—it brings you adventures that you didn’t even know you were searching for. Here, every memory feels bigger and every shared meal deepens your crew’s connection. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just making time for the people who matter most, this Wild and welcoming corner of the West is the place to do it. So rally up the gang, get your 2025 Vacation Guide out, pack your best pair of boots, and get ready—your next great group getaway starts in Cody Yellowstone.

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