We have stayed both inside and outside various parks. You can have a great time either way. A lot of it depends on your family and your traveling style. Usually my first choice is inside, but I would still go if I stayed outside. For example, we had to change the dates of our Yellowstone trip at the last minute, and I didn't want to check every day for cancellations inside the park. We stayed outside in both West Yellowstone and Cooke City and had a wonderful time.
At Zion, I had made reservations for both inside and for right outside the park in Springdale. We ended up choosing the hotel in Springdale (because it was August and the hotel had a pool!) and canceling Zion lodge. I don't regret that decision and would stay in Springdale again.
I just say that because sometimes people can get hung up on only staying inside the parks. While I agree it can be nice, I still think you can have a wonderful trip staying outside the parks!
At Zion, I had made reservations for both inside and for right outside the park in Springdale. We ended up choosing the hotel in Springdale (because it was August and the hotel had a pool!) and canceling Zion lodge. I don't regret that decision and would stay in Springdale again.
I just say that because sometimes people can get hung up on only staying inside the parks. While I agree it can be nice, I still think you can have a wonderful trip staying outside the parks!