Visiting Yosemite National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (although, for some people, it’s more like once every year!), and lodging options can make or break your trip. While there aren’t a ton of options actually inside the park itself, it’s good to know what is in the valley and what lodging options are outside of the park boundaries. While we can’t decide where to stay for you, we can share our picks for the best lodging options in Yosemite.
Lodging Options in the Park
Camping
Let’s be honest: there’s nothing like camping in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Waking up to the sounds of the gushing waterfalls and falling asleep beneath the towering pines and sparkling stars can’t be beat. The only problem is that everyone wants this experience. Only four campgrounds are actually in the valley: Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, and Camp 4. However, thirteen campgrounds are located all around the park, so if you don’t get one in the valley, there are other options. If acquiring a campsite is too difficult, sign up for our Classic Camping adventure, and we’ll take care of your reservations and show you around the park!
Housekeeping Camp
So many people drive past this sign in Yosemite and think it’s where the housekeeping staff stays. Not quite. The name of this location has a bit of history. When campgrounds first started in Yosemite, they were free, and campers were to bring their own supplies. If they didn’t have said supplies, they could arrange to rent them and have it all set up ready for them in Housekeeping Camp, where they would ‘keep their own house.’ Today it’s an excellent option if you want to camp but don’t have all of the supplies. All ‘camps’ are three-sided structures with canvas roofs, privacy curtains, and beds. They also have lights, outlets for charging, fire pits, and yes, you can still rent the bedding if you don’t have it.
Curry Village
Established in 1899, these fully enclosed canvas tents are closer to glamping than camping. As long as they have been standing, it has been a tradition for families to visit Yosemite and stay in Curry Village. While the accommodations are rustic, the experience is magical. Curry Village has bike and raft rentals, a market, an outdoor shop, and several dining options (Pizza Deck, anyone?). You will need food options since no cooking is allowed anywhere near the tents, and all food needs to be kept in a bear locker. Curry is also the starting point for some of the most popular hikes in the park (Mist Trail). When the hiking is done for the day, you can relax at the pool or play board games in the community lounge.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Yosemite Valley Lodge is located right across from the stunning Yosemite Falls. This lodge is a family favorite and is the only hotel option in the valley that isn’t super expensive. There are several dining options and even an on-site Starbucks to start your day. In the summer, you can pick up a bike rental here or take a dip in the pool. If you want to explore other parts of the park, the lodge is also where you can hop on the Yosemite Free Shuttle, the Glacier Point Tour, the Tuolumne Meadows hikers bus, or the Yosemite Valley Floor Tour.
The Ahwahnee
The Ahwahnee, a National Historic Landmark, has hosted everyone from Queen Elizabeth to Barack Obama. While it also has a pool, relaxing in the Great Lounge with a book is more appealing. When it’s time for a walk, perusing the old pictures in the Winter Club Room or the Solarium can surely entertain you. The highlight of staying at the Ahwahnee is having a meal in the massive Ahwahnee Dining Room. The 34-foot-high beamed ceilings and grand decorations have made many people mention Harry Potter. Don’t forget to visit the Sweet Shop before you retire to get an assortment of gourmet truffles.
Lodging Options Outside the Park
Big Oak Flat Entrance
High-End Option – Rush Creek
Rush Creek is the ultimate hotel for families, couples, singles, and everybody! Situated right outside the Big Oak Flat entrance to the park puts you equidistant to many of the park’s highlights. Although the main reason to visit is to see Yosemite, you’ll want to save plenty of time for enjoying the property. From the zipline for kids and nightly s’mores to the full-service spa, you might never want to leave. If you sign up for a Yosemite Hiking/Lodging Package, you’ll have nightly accommodations at Rush Creek (including food credits) and get picked up daily by a Lasting Adventures guide who will show you all the best parts of Yosemite.
Budget Option – The Groveland Hotel
A historic hotel right on the main street of Groveland. The Groveland Hotel only has 18 rooms, so you’ll feel like family whether you’re lounging on your private balcony or enjoying a cocktail at their artisan taproom.
Budget Option – Hotel Charlotte
Hotel Charlotte is even smaller, at 13 rooms, but is no less lacking in charm. Hotel Charlotte offers some pet-friendly rooms, and in summer, they run one of the best restaurants in town, Charlotte’s Tavern.
Arch Rock Entrance
Yosemite View Lodge – El Portal
Not to be confused with Yosemite Valley Lodge, Yosemite View Lodge is situated two miles outside the Arch Rock entrance in El Portal. This large property has four pools and seven hot tubs(yes, 7!!) and welcomes pets. Need we say more?
El Capitan Hotel – Merced
A Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice award-winner, the El Capitan Hotel in Merced is a destination unto itself. With 114 guest rooms, four dining experiences, a historic theater, a fully-equipped gym, and numerous lounge options, it will be hard to walk out the door. But they also make it easy to visit Yosemite stress-free with discounted YARTS tickets and deals with tour companies like Lasting Adventures.
South Entrance
High-End Option – Chateau du Sureau – Oakhurst
If you want to feel like you’re in a European fairy tale in the middle of the Sierra Nevada, check out Chateau du Sureau. This five-star luxury resort is a castle that contains the Elderberry House, their long-standing restaurant that sources local food at its peak of flavor for its 4-course tasting meals.
Tenaya at Yosemite – Fishcamp
This massive resort has all the options and amenities for you, including whether to stay in a room, a cabin, or a cottage suite. Tenaya at Yosemite specializes in entertainment, from ice skating in the winter to ‘Dive-In’ movies at their indoor pool. Don’t forget to visit their spa to release all the tension from the steep hiking in Yosemite!
Budget Option – The Inelle – Marriott – Oakhurst
The Inelle, a tribute portfolio hotel, is sleek and sophisticated without being pricey. While lacking a pool, this hotel does not lack in style. The Inelle delivers on what matters with the Hemlock Restaurant & Bar, pouring curated cocktails and craft beers after a long day of hiking. Cozy up outside on their couches around the fireplace, and you won’t miss the pool splashing sound. Not one bit.
Unique Lodging Options in Yosemite
In the park
Backpacking
One of the most unique options in Yosemite is to sleep under the Milky Way while backpacking. Lasting Adventures offers many fabulous itineraries from the beginner backpacker to someone wanting a more strenuous experience. While you have to do some of the work here by hiking to each destination, your expert guides will entertain you along the way with park history and nature tidbits. Once at camp, you can relax by the water as your guide prepares a culinary feast followed by hot chocolate by the fire.
Yosemite West
Located inside the park, Yosemite West is where you’ll find studio apartments and luxury homes that can be rented out.
Big Oak Flat Entrance
Under Canvas – opening in May 2025
Under Canvas is glamping at its finest. They have locations in many national parks, including the Smokies and the Grand Canyon. Yosemite is the newest location to emerge. With on-site dining, nightly s’mores, and West Elm furnishings, this is not the camping you grew up with. Canvas tents can sleep two to six people.
Arch Rock Entrance
Autocamp – Midpines
A different twist on glamping: Autocamp’s claim to fame is Airstream Trailers for accommodations. Each Airstream has a kitchenette, a modern spa-inspired bathroom, and a flat-screen TV. There’s also an on-site restaurant, general store, and, of course, materials for S’mores!
South Entrance
Stay in a treehouse! – Oakhurst
The type of accommodation your family will never forget! Stay in a treehouse, and everyone will become a kid again.
Stay in a caboose! – Oakhurst
This is also one of the more unique options out there. A family of four will be able to enjoy the caboose.
Traveling to Yosemite requires a lot of planning and preparation ahead of time. Choosing the perfect place to stay is a small part of that process, but it can make such a difference. Whether you stay at the Ahwahnee or camp under the stars, there are lodging options for everyone in one of America’s favorite National Parks.
The post Lodging Options in Yosemite National Park appeared first on Lasting Adventures | Top-Rated Guide Services.