FAQ

Check in: After 4:00 pm (16:00)

Check Out: Before 11:00 am (11:00)

A 2 hour early check in can be purchased for an additional $20 during checkout.

If you’re arriving to the area early but OK with not checking into your tent early and want to avoid the upgrade cost, you can leave your luggage in our welcome center free of charge.

Yes, we have a centrally located communal fire pit that the staff lights in the evenings around 7pm. Weather permitting. It’s possible in dry summers to have campfire privileges removed by the forest service.

For direct bookings through our website you’ll pay 25% of the total booking amount when you book.
If you cancel 14 days before arrival or more, you’ll get half of what you paid back. 
If you cancel less than 14 days before arrival, any payments made are non-refundable.
7 Days before you arrive, you’ll automatically be charged for your stay.
Cancellation Policy

Our restrooms and showers are within walking distance of each tent. They include clean toilets, sinks and hot showers. We are excited to be upgrading our restrooms this summer from bathroom trailers to a new bathhouse. Updated pictures and details will be added in June!

Restrooms »

To help you stay comfortable, here are a few essentials:

• Warm layers – Even in summer, temperatures can drop to 40°F (4°C). Bring extra-warm sleepwear if you prefer to sleep warmer. Wool socks are the best to keep your toes toasty.
• Bug spray – We use professional pest control, but insect repellent is always helpful since we are in the woods.
• Rain gear – Weather can be unpredictable so we suggest packing a raincoat or umbrella.
• Sunscreen – Always a good thing to stay protected while exploring the great outdoors.
• Footwear – In the event of rain, weather-friendly shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy will help you to embrace the adventure!
• Drinking water and a refillable bottle – Free drinking water is available at the Welcome Center.
• Flashlight or headlamp – While our tents have lighting and solar lights are placed around the property, a headlamp or flashlight will help you navigate safely in the dark.

What To Bring »

Meal Prep and Dining Options:

• Picnic tables are available in our community area for preparing and enjoying meals.
• Our BBQ grill & Camp Chef are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We ask you to please clean after each use.
• Complimentary coffee and tea are available at the Welcome Center daily from 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM.
• Grab ‘n’ Go breakfast items are available for purchase (first come, first served).
• Eat in Island Park or West Yellowstone – Both towns have several options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. See the QR code in your tent for our favorite local places.
• Dinner Theater – Yellowstone Playhouse, in Island Park, offers a great dinner theater to end your day, located on your way back to Starlight Retreat from Yellowstone (5 min north of our location).
• Eat in Yellowstone National Park – There are a few restaurants near Old Faithful offering great lunch or dinner options.

Guidebook »

The best weather ranges from mid June to the end of August. You’ll also find the biggest park crowds during those times. To avoid crowds, we suggest going during May or September even though the weather is colder. For average weather during each month, refer to this page:
Weather

The closest commercial airport is the Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA). It’s 1.5 hours to the south by car. However finding good flights is a challenge and they tend to be more expensive. 
Most people will prefer flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) which is about 2 hours to the north. But we suggest checking flights at each.

• Activities in Island Park – In addition to visiting Yellowstone National Park, Island Park, Idaho offers a variety of activities.
• Trails – With over 300 miles of beautiful mountain trails, Island Park is perfect for biking, hiking, horseback riding, trail running and side-by-sides.
• Fishing – Island Park is a top fishing destination with excellent fly fishing rivers, lakes for boat or ice fishing, and a variety of trout species.
• Float Trips – Float down a crystal-clear river fed by a natural spring. It’s a relaxing way to spot wildlife like Deer, Elk, or even Moose.
• Hunting – Known as a sportsman’s paradise, the hunting and fishing here are exceptional.
• Visit Mesa Falls – Mesa Falls is a stunning waterfall in Island Park, where you can feel the power of the water.
• Nature Photography – With diverse wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and a clear night sky, Island Park is a photographer’s dream.

Guidebook »

🐻 Bears

While grizzly and black bears mostly stay within Yellowstone National Park, they can travel long distances in search of food. Bear encounters are extremely rare, but we take precautions to ensure your safety:

• Store all food, trash, deodorant, toothpaste, and scented items in your car with the windows closed. A bear safety guide with additional detail is also provided in your tent.
• For extra peace of mind, we offer bear spray to borrow at our Welcome Center – just stop by if you’d like to borrow a canister. We ask that you please read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use. If you’d like to keep your bear spray for future adventures, you’re welcome to purchase a canister. Otherwise, please return any borrowed bear spray at checkout so it’s available for the next guests. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe!

🦌 Moose

Moose are gentle but wild animals—always observe from a safe distance (25 yards or more).

• Do not approach or feed them.
• Store food and scented items securely in your car.

🦟 Insects

Like any forest setting, mosquitoes and insects are present. We treat tent areas professionally, but bug spray is available for purchase at the Welcome Center.

🐄 Cows

We partner with local ranchers, allowing cattle to graze on-site, typically in September/October (but the months may vary). If you see cows during your stay, don’t be alarmed—it’s completely normal! While they are generally harmless, please:

• Treat them as you would any wild animal—observe, but don’t approach.
• Enjoy their presence as part of the authentic rural experience.
• They are harmless but should be treated as wild animals and we ask that you maintain your distance and refrain from yelling, disturbing, chasing (on foot or in any vehicle) or bothering them. They’re peaceful as they roam the property and add to the experience.

We welcome pets at Starlight Retreat for guests staying in our Tipi and Safari tents. Currently, we do not allow pets in our bell tents due to the carpet flooring.

There are a few important guidelines to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests:

• Pet Fee (pets other than dogs require written approval): $20 per night, per pet (up to 40 pounds).
• Pets must be kept on a leash at all times while on the property.
• Please clean up after your pet — waste bags are available at the Welcome Center.
• Pets are not allowed on beds or furniture inside the tents. Please bring your pet bedding for a comfortable stay.
• Keep pets close to avoid encounters with local wildlife, including moose and bears.
• Pets can not be left in the tent without you there.

Quiet hours start at 10:00 pm (22:00) and run till 7:00 am (7:00)

We ask that all guests be respectful of each other.

We don’t allow smoking or vaping of any kind on property. This includes for medicinal use. You’re welcome to go off property if you need to smoke. We have smoke alarms in each tent, any guest who smokes inside their tent will be charged a $10,000 replacement fee when we have to replace the tent and the articles inside as smoke smells absorb into canvas and do not come out.