Yosemite

Lodging

Lodging

Yosemite offers a range of lodging options, from historic hotels nestled within the park to luxurious resorts just outside its borders. Your choice of lodging can set the tone for your trip, offering convenience for exploring or pampering after a day of adventure.

Where to Stay in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, has long been a draw for nature lovers. Since its establishment as a protected area in 1864, Yosemite has evolved into one of the United States’ premier outdoor destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. The allure lies in its stunning landscapes, from towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome to serene meadows, ancient sequoias, and majestic waterfalls.

To make the most of your Yosemite experience, where you stay plays a crucial role in convenience, comfort, and access to nature. Whether you seek a luxury resort, a cozy short-term rental, or an immersive camping experience, Yosemite offers diverse accommodation options that cater to all preferences and budgets.

Getting to Yosemite

Yosemite is easily accessible by car, with main entrances via California Highways 120, 140, and 41. For those flying in, Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest option, approximately 90 miles south of the park. San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport are also viable options, especially for international travelers, though they are around 200 miles away.

Once at the park, the free Yosemite Valley shuttle system and guided tours help travelers navigate key areas without needing to drive.

Best Seasons to Visit

  • Spring (April to June): As the snow melts, waterfalls flow at their peak, and wildflowers begin to bloom. The weather is cool, but this is one of the best times to visit for scenery.
  • Summer (July to September): Warm weather and clear skies make summer the most popular season for visiting. However, it can be crowded, and lodging fills quickly, so early booking is essential.
  • Fall (October to November): Fall foliage brings color to the park, and the crowds diminish. The weather cools, making hiking more comfortable, and it’s a quieter time to explore.
  • Winter (December to March): Snow transforms Yosemite into a winter wonderland, perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, and enjoying the quieter, serene atmosphere.

What to Bring

  • Spring/Fall: Layers are essential. Bring light jackets, hiking boots, rain gear, and a hat for varying weather conditions.
  • Summer: Lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection (hats, sunscreen), hiking boots, and insect repellent are recommended.
  • Winter: Warm clothing, waterproof boots, gloves, hats, and snow gear are necessary for winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing.

Types of Lodging

In Yosemite, you’ll find everything from luxurious resorts to more modest accommodations:

  • Hotels and Resorts: Often featuring on-site dining, pools, and spas, these accommodations are ideal for travelers looking for convenience and comfort.
  • Bed and Breakfasts: Charming and intimate, B&Bs are often located just outside the park and offer personalized service with a cozy, homely feel.

Price and Suitability

  • Budget: Expect to spend $100–$250 per night for budget hotels or B&Bs. These are ideal for families and solo travelers looking for a comfortable place to rest without splurging.
  • Mid-range: Prices generally range from $250–$500 per night. Resorts in this range often cater to couples or families seeking more amenities.
  • Luxury: Top-tier resorts and hotels can exceed $500 per night. These options are perfect for luxury seekers wanting to indulge in superior services, from gourmet dining to spa treatments.

Top 10 Hotels, Resorts, and B&Bs in Yosemite

  • The Ahwahnee Hotel (Yosemite Valley)
    • Features: Historic luxury, fine dining, outdoor pool.
    • Address: 1 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
  • Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (Fish Camp)
    • Features: Indoor/outdoor pool, spa, guided tours.
    • Address: 1122 CA-41, Fish Camp, CA 93623.
  • Yosemite Valley Lodge (Yosemite Valley)
    • Features: Prime location near Yosemite Falls, restaurant, bike rentals.
    • Address: 9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
  • Rush Creek Lodge (Groveland)
    • Features: Pool, hot tubs, restaurant, recreation area.
    • Address: 34001 CA-120, Groveland, CA 95321.
  • Wawona Hotel (Wawona)
    • Features: Historic charm, golf course, seasonal pool.
    • Address: 8308 Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
  • Evergreen Lodge (Groveland)
    • Features: Cozy cabins, outdoor pool, restaurant.
    • Address: 33160 Evergreen Road, Groveland, CA 95321.
  • Yosemite Cedar Lodge (El Portal)
    • Features: Pool, family-friendly, casual dining.
    • Address: 9966 CA-140, El Portal, CA 95318.
  • Château du Sureau (Oakhurst)
    • Features: Luxury boutique experience, spa, fine dining.
    • Address: 48688 Victoria Lane, Oakhurst, CA 93644.
  • Big Trees Lodge (Wawona)
    • Features: Historic hotel, golf course, Victorian architecture.
    • Address: 8308 Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
  • Sierra Sky Ranch (Oakhurst)
    • Features: Historic B&B, cozy ambiance, outdoor pool.
    • Address: 50552 Road 632, Oakhurst, CA 93644.

Short Term Rentals

For travelers seeking more space, kitchen facilities, and a local living experience, short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have become increasingly popular.

Advantages and Disadvantages

  • Advantages: More space, privacy, full kitchens, and the option to accommodate larger groups or families.
  • Disadvantages: Lack of on-site staff, inconsistent standards, and the need for self-check-in and cleaning.

Booking Tips

  • Platforms: Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway are popular for Yosemite short-term rentals.
  • Tips: Always check reviews, verify the host’s identity, confirm amenities, and book well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Top 10 Short-Term Rentals in Yosemite

  • Luxury Yosemite Retreat (El Portal)
    • Features: 3 bedrooms, modern amenities, hot tub.
    • Price: From $400/night.
  • Secluded Cabin Near Yosemite (Groveland)
    • Features: 2 bedrooms, deck, forest views.
    • Price: From $250/night.
  • Yosemite View Lodge (El Portal)
    • Features: Riverside cabins, kitchenettes, outdoor pool.
    • Price: From $150/night.
  • Mountain Top Cabin (Mariposa)
    • Features: Panoramic views, large deck, rustic charm.
    • Price: From $275/night.
  • Creekside Cabin (Wawona)
    • Features: Cozy interiors, near hiking trails.
    • Price: From $200/night.
  • Forest Haven Cabin (Bass Lake)
    • Features: 4 bedrooms, near water sports, family-friendly.
    • Price: From $350/night.
  • Redwood Retreat (Oakhurst)
    • Features: Pet-friendly, large yard, hot tub.
    • Price: From $220/night.
  • Yosemite Pines (Groveland)
    • Features: Wooded surroundings, pool access.
    • Price: From $300/night.
  • Yosemite Escape (Mariposa)
    • Features: Modern design, large windows, eco-friendly.
    • Price: From $275/night.
  • Creekside Cottage (Fish Camp)
    • Features: Peaceful setting, 2 bedrooms, family-friendly.
    • Price: From $200/night.

RV and Camping

Yosemite’s natural beauty is a dream for campers and RVers. With several options for campsites within the park and nearby, staying close to nature has never been easier. Whether you’re in an RV, trailer, or tent, camping offers a raw connection with Yosemite’s wilderness.

Top 10 RV and Camping Options in Yosemite

  • Upper Pines Campground (Yosemite Valley)
    • Features: 238 campsites, restrooms, drinking water, close to iconic trails like Mist Trail and Half Dome.
    • Address: Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
    • Price: $36 per night.
  • North Pines Campground (Yosemite Valley)
    • Features: 81 campsites, located near the Merced River, picnic tables, fire rings.
    • Address: Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
    • Price: $36 per night.
  • Lower Pines Campground (Yosemite Valley)
    • Features: 60 campsites, restrooms, water, proximity to Mirror Lake and scenic viewpoints.
    • Address: Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
    • Price: $36 per night.
  • Wawona Campground (Wawona)
    • Features: 93 campsites, close to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, family-friendly, pet-friendly.
    • Address: 8308 Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
    • Price: $36 per night.
  • Tuolumne Meadows Campground (Tioga Road)
    • Features: 304 campsites, elevation 8,600 feet, great for summer camping, hiking access.
    • Address: Tioga Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
    • Price: $26 per night.
  • Bridalveil Creek Campground (Glacier Point Road)
    • Features: 110 campsites, located at higher elevation with cooler temperatures, near Glacier Point.
    • Address: Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
    • Price: $18 per night.
  • Yosemite Lakes RV Resort (Groveland)
    • Features: Full hookups for RVs, cabins, yurts, swimming pool, fishing, and proximity to the park entrance.
    • Address: 31191 Hardin Flat Road, Groveland, CA 95321.
    • Price: $60–$90 per night.
  • Indian Flat RV Park (El Portal)
    • Features: Full RV hookups, tent sites, pool access, and Wi-Fi, located along Highway 140, a short drive from Yosemite Valley.
    • Address: 9988 Highway 140, El Portal, CA 95318.
    • Price: $40–$100 per night depending on site.
  • Summerdale Campground (Fish Camp)
    • Features: 30 campsites, close to the south entrance of Yosemite, shaded, suitable for tents and RVs.
    • Address: Fish Camp, CA 93623.
    • Price: $22 per night.
  • Hodgdon Meadow Campground (Big Oak Flat)
    • Features: 105 campsites, located near the Big Oak Flat entrance, year-round access, RV and tent sites.
    • Address: Big Oak Flat Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
    • Price: $36 per night.

Planning and Preparation

Types of Facilities

  • RV Parks: Equipped with electrical hookups, water access, waste disposal, and sometimes bathhouses.
  • Campgrounds: More rustic, often geared toward tents or smaller RVs, with limited amenities like shared restrooms and water sources.

Planning and Preparation

  • Booking: Yosemite campsites fill up months in advance, so early booking is essential, especially during summer. Reservations are available via recreation.gov.
  • Essentials: Pack gear suited to the season, including tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and bear-proof food storage. Ensure you have the necessary permits for campfires or backcountry camping.

Pet Policies

Yosemite is a pet-friendly destination, but there are some restrictions. Pets are allowed in developed areas such as paved roads and campgrounds, but they are prohibited on trails, in wilderness areas, and in lodging facilities like hotels and resorts. If you plan to bring your pet, it’s essential to stay in a pet-friendly accommodation, such as some B&Bs, short-term rentals, or certain RV parks.

Examples of pet-friendly accommodations include:

  • Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite: Pet-friendly rooms available, complete with dog-friendly amenities like bedding and treats.
  • Redwood Retreat (Oakhurst): A short-term rental that welcomes pets with a large yard for exercise.

Sustainability Efforts

Several lodging and rental options in and around Yosemite are committed to sustainability. Many accommodations have adopted eco-friendly practices, such as using solar power, offering water conservation programs, and promoting the use of local, organic products. The Rush Creek Lodge and Evergreen Lodge, for instance, are noted for their commitment to sustainability, with energy-efficient designs, composting programs, and eco-conscious initiatives for guests.

Seasonal Considerations

Lodging prices and availability in Yosemite fluctuate significantly based on the season:

  • Spring and Fall: More affordable rates with fewer crowds, but you should still book in advance, especially for popular hotels and campsites.
  • Summer: This is the busiest season, and rates can be at their peak, with many accommodations booking out months in advance. Ensure you make reservations as early as possible.
  • Winter: Some lodges and campsites close during the winter, though several remain open, offering lower rates. Winter is ideal for visitors who enjoy snow sports or quieter, more serene park experiences.

Final Thoughts

Yosemite’s diverse lodging options allow travelers to choose accommodations that best fit their preferences, budgets, and desired experiences. Whether you opt for the luxury and convenience of a resort, the charm and privacy of a short-term rental, or the adventure of camping under the stars, planning ahead is key to ensuring a memorable and enjoyable stay in Yosemite.

For families, resorts with kid-friendly amenities and easy access to trails and shuttle services are ideal. Couples might prefer cozy B&Bs or intimate short-term rentals that provide privacy and proximity to romantic viewpoints. Adventurers and nature enthusiasts may find RVs and campgrounds to be the perfect way to connect more deeply with Yosemite’s pristine wilderness.

Ultimately, no matter which option you choose, you’re bound to find a home away from home that enhances your experience in one of America’s most iconic national parks. Be sure to pack appropriately, plan for the season, and secure your accommodations early to ensure a seamless and extraordinary visit to Yosemite.

Yosemite National Park

With its accessible pathways and educational programs, Yosemite provides a safe and engaging environment for children and adults to explore the great outdoors together. Take a leisurely stroll through Mariposa Grove and stand in awe beneath the ancient giant sequoias, or enjoy a picnic by the serene waters of Tenaya Lake. Every corner of Yosemite offers a chance to teach your kids about the beauty and importance of nature conservation while having fun under the vast, open skies. Don’t miss the chance to watch the sun set over the granite peaks, painting the sky with colors as vibrant as your adventures.

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