National Parks are for everyone to enjoy, so it’s fortunate there are many places to stay near Yosemite. It all depends on how you want to enjoy the park. If you want to see the main sites and not travel too far, a hotel within the park may be the best option for you. For those who want be in the action and ready to hike at a moments notice, camping is the way to go.
Campsites
The number one way to really experience Yosemite, camping! However, it is difficult to get a camping spot in Yosemite due to high demand and you will need to be aware of when to make your reservations. This of course requires planning ahead. Yosemite has 13 different campsites, each with different release schedules for camping sites as outlined below:
Book five months in advance on the 15th of the month: Upper Pines, Lower Pines, Wawona, North Pines, and Hodgdon Meadow.
Reservations open two months in advance on the 15th of the months: Crane Flat & Bridalveil Creek campgrounds.
Book two weeks in advance: Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, Tamarack Flat, and White Wolf campgrounds.
One week in advance: Camp 4 campground.
All of these campgrounds can be reserved at www.recreation.gov or by phone. Make sure to check the NPS website for current closures before your trip.
Hotels Within the Park
Yosemite Valley Lodge ($$) – Yosemite National Park, CA
- Close proximity to the famous Yosemite Falls
- Easy access to shuttles within the park
- Outdoor pool & seasonal onsite bike rentals
- Family size rooms (king bed & bunk beds) as well as Bunk Rooms for groups (queen bed & bunks beds)
The Ahwanhee ($$$)
- Waterfall & cliff views
- Heated swimming pool
- Easy access to parks shuttles
- Room types include suites, cottages, and standard hotel rooms
Hotels Outside the Park
Tenaya at Yosemite ($$) – Fish Camp, CA
- Resort just 3 miles outside the South park entrance
- Several activities including guided flashlight hike, mountain bike rentals, archery, panning for gold, and night time telescope viewing
- Hotel will organize tours in the park for any season
- Room types include lodge rooms, cabins, & cottages
Rush Creek Lodge & Spa ($$$) – Groveland, CA
- Less than 5 minutes drive to the West park entrance, very close to Sequoia grove
- Many activities onsite including: forest bathing, basket weaving, sunset happy hours, stargazing, snowshoeing (in winter), and many different guided hikes
- Both lodge rooms & villas available
Airbnbs
Boho Bungalow ($$) – Coarsegold, CA
- Super cute 2 bedroom 2 bathroom house with pool (new!) in a quiet secluded paradise
- Full kitchen, grill, large front porch with comfortable furniture
- 15-20 minutes from Bass Lake & about 40 minutes to the West entrance of Yosemite NP.
- We loved dancing around the kitchen to the old school record player!
A Frame Cottage ($$) – Coarsegold, CA
- This is an awesome A frame with 2 bedrooms & 1 bathroom
- It has a full kitchen, washer & dryer, and enclosed yard for your dog!
- Bonus space with a desk if you need to work remote on your trip
- 32 miles (~45 minutes) from Yosemite, and 15-20 minutes to Bass Lake
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