where to stay in yosemite
Yosemite National Park is a classic American icon, offering dramatic granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and granite stone‑capped peaks. Whether you’re planning a hard‑wired backpacking trek, a family weekend escape, or a romantic getaway, the right place to rest can make or break your trip. This guide will help you navigate the most reliable and memorable places to stay in Yosemite – from in‑park cabins and lodges to budget campsites and luxury hotels just outside the gates.
Quick FAQ (Bottom of Page) – Fast answers to the most common questions
1. In‑Park Accommodation vs. Outside the Gates
| Type | • Pros | • Cons | • When to Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yosemite Valley Lodge (modern, central) | Hot showers, snack bar, proximity to Yosemite Falls and Tioga Pass. | Specified room types are limited; often booked months in advance. | 3+ months |
| Curry Village (backpackers & families) | Rooftop hot tubs, seasonal cabins, night‑clubs, and a grocery store. | Hot rooms/packages; available only 2–3 months before departure. | 2+ months |
| Wawona Hotel & Skyline Lodge (historic) | Historic charm, old‑world dining, inexpensive. | Slightly south of the park; larger crowds in winter. | 3+ months |
| Campgrounds & RV sites | Full outdoor experience. | Higher fees, reserved; water & waste constraints. | 1–2 months |
| Private hotels, inns, and cabins outside the park | No need for reservations; lower rates; more amenities like kitchens. | Distances vary; no access to park luxury. | Anytime but early for peak season |
🚨 Tip: The majority of in‑park lodging is sold out long before the peak season (late May–early September). If you’re flexible, consider off‑season overnight stays (mid‑October through April) or spend a night outside and walk into the park.
2. In‑Park Lodging Highlights
A. Yosemite Valley Lodge
- Location: Close to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center; a short walk to Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and the Merced River.
- Room Styles: Modern rooms (hangout or deluxe) and “Grand Attic” suites. Outdoor patio and a rooftop lounge.
- Amenities: 24/7 candy – wait—we’re kidding! The Lodge features a full snack bar, a 24‑hour coffee bar, and a specialty restaurant (Yosemite Valley Bistro). Free Wi‑Fi — a rare treat here!
- Best For: Mid‑budget travelers; people who want “luxury” minimal vibe, yet close to the main attractions.
B. Curry Village
- Charisma: A lively backpacker camp loft, summer‑only cabins (both hot and cool rooms), and deluxe cabins for families.
- Honey‑comb Hot Tubs: Easy showers, and nightly karaoke. There’s also a “Cooking Club” where you can grill with your fellow guests.
- Best For: Backpackers, families, mystery nature hobbyists.
- Seasonal Note: Only open starting May 20 for seniors; months before that you might only gain season/hot room access.
C. Wawona Hotel and Skyline Lodge
- Historic Grandeur: Built in 1906, Wawona Hotel was a luxury destination in its day. Now smaller, with an intimate Adirondack style decor.
- Skyline Lodge: Offers cabin rentals, with a gas-fired fireplace cozy.
- Best For: icaesthetic cabin feel, and off‑peak budget travelers.
D. Camping & RV Sites
| Campground | Distance (to valley) | Capacity | Distinctions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Pines | 1.4 miles | 122 sites | Off‑peak only; wildfire prone. |
| North Pines | 2.6 miles | 160 sites | Only for primitive sites (no hookups). |
| Lower Pines | 3.3 miles | 207 sites | Boat and canyon access; lake views. |
| Tuolumne Meadows | 53 miles | 332 sites | .50‑mile between USDA camps. |
| Camp 4 | 4.3 miles | 232 sites | Legendary for rock climbers; social hum. |
| Riley’s Meadow | 3.4 miles | 73 sites | Most scenic viewpoint; check for fire restrictions. |
| 5RM (South Fork) | 71 miles | 200 sites | Full services; East side backcountry. |
| Mater Crag | 70 miles | 31 sites | Only for us. |
Quick Rule: Campsites with 4‑year‑plan reservations will close by late May. Do not gamble.
E. Yosemite Lakeside Campgrounds
- Half Dome Camp: Overflows with hikers prepping for ascending.
- Sentinel Camp Ground: West Gate accommodation.
F. Intensive Off‑Peak Accommodation
| Name | Type | Budget | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yosemite Valley Glacier Point | 4‑Star resort | $$$$ | Arrival back to hotel – scenic hikes. |
| Stars Precipitating Reservations | Airbnb | $$ | Local hosts; 0% commission near Central California. |
| National Pastoralism | Cabin & Room | $ | Close to a 200-year-old ranch. |
3. Outside Yosemite – Hotels, Rentals, & Campgrounds
Close‑by 150–300 km from the park entrance ensures you can start early or finish late no matter how intense your schedule.
| City | Style | Example | Distance | Key Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mariposa | Boutique inns | The Boulders Hotel | 110 mi | Mariposa County Historical Museum |
| Tuolumne City | Guesthouses | Piedmont Guest House | 100 mi | 6‑mile drive to Tuolumne Meadow |
| Oakhurst | 4‑Star resort | Oakhurst Lodge | 18 mi | close to the park’s West entrance |
| Napa & Sonoma | Luxury hotels | Auberge du Soleil | 115 mi | 70‑mile scenic drive; drive through Churchill’s FM |
| Berkeley & Oakland | Airbnb & Host‑stay | 4‑Star hotels (Mongaroo) | 170 mi | Five-star dining with no valley interfering |
Hiking POCKET:
- When you live 30‑40 mi from the park, you’ll still enjoy sunrise and sunset photo ops – keep an eye on your GPS for the best sunrise hike route.
Recommended Off‑Camping
- Angels Landing, Glacier Point (Hike): Perfect at dawn after your night outside the park.
4. Pricing & Reservation Hacks
| Stage | Approx. Cost (Adult Occupancy) | Where to Book | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yosemite Valley Lodge | $180–$350/night | Yosemite.com | $$$$ for summer hours |
| Curry Village Cabin | $135–$225/night | Seeking Reservations System | 2‑3 months in advance |
| Wawona Hotel | $165–$250/night | Yosemite.com | Good for families and cheap meal options |
| Yosemite Camping | $24–$30 per night | Yosemite.com (Parks Re:Claim) | Add “Eagle,” “Sod” cabins for $50 |
| Oakhurst Cottage (12 July) | $140 | Expedia | Benefit from 25% off if booked at a 52 week lock‑in |
💡 Smart Money Moves:
- Buy in bulk – if you’re booking multi‑night, don’t break the trip into days.
- Look for week‑long discounts – hotels often drop rates after the 4th day in August.
- Use credit card points – especially for Airbnbs and hotels.
- Check for early reservations – use the “advanced booking” icon on the Parks website; it offers better rates and free cancellations.
5. Checklist: Booking Essentials
Decide the Type of Experience
– Luxury lodge ≈ $300/night
– Mid‑tier cabins ≈ $170/night
– Rental/Camper ≈ $45/night plus gas
Set a Budget – Combine lodging, meals, activities (e.g., “Lodges & Food Inclusive Tours”).
Select the Dates
– Summer – book 4‑5 months ahead.
– Fall/Off‑season – 1‑2 months is enough.
Reserve
– Oldest to newest: Yosemite Parking Info – note the parking permits.
– Given restrictions, book as soon as possible to snag alley‑end spots.
Plan the Route
– Map out the “best way to shuttle in/out” and your “leisure stops” (e.g., meadows, memorial grounds).
- Check for Alerts
– Poaching and hurricanes may close or switch reservations.
6. Pro‑Tips for the Ultimate Stay
| Tip | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Arrival Early | Get to the valley by 7 a.m. Score the best camping spot or enjoy the open chore of the lodge before the crowds. |
| Outdoor Gear | Bring your own sleeping bag if you’re using the camps; you will pay for only 8% of heating costs. |
| Eat Outside | The Valley Lodge has great restaurants, but you’ll save money by bringing a picnic from Oakhurst. |
| Avoid Overcrowding | For day‑trip visitors, start at dawn – the park light‑lines at Sunset. |
| Use Trailhead Rotation | If you’re staying in the valley, avoid roads 15 and 190 by car; Let the shuttle or a rental car bring you to West Shoulder. |
| Wrap Up With Fire | Back‑country cabins permit fire, but double‑check the local fire restrictions each evening. |
| Consider the “Cruise” | Hike or cycle the “Great Basin Loop” – stays sense the entire valley and full-ride pack. |
| Stay updated | Register for evening bulletins – you’ll get park alerts about road closures and flight and food restrictions. |
7. Safety, Etiquette, and Conservation
- Leave no trace – Keep the rock and the trees safe for future hikers; pack out all your trash or use the curbside systems.
- Attention to wildlife – Do not feed the bears; secure food in lockers.
- In‑Park Permits – If you’re planning a hike to a designated trail with an entrance fee (like Half Dome), book a permit using the Yosemite National Park Permits portal.
8. Choosing Where to Stay: A Decision Guide
| Experience | Lodge to Book | Budget | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| First‑Time Scenic-Date | Yosemite Valley Lodge | $200+ | Book 4 months; Pre‑pay for a fall wind. |
| Backpacker | Curry Village | $125+ | Pack a small stove, 3‑day supply, map. |
| Family with Kids | Wawona Hotel | $160 | Bed & breakfast, school stop. |
| Backcountry Backpacker | Tuolumne Meadows | $30 | U‑S grounds, 24‑hour parking. |
| Remote Enthusiast | Upper Pines | $70 | No off‑peak; closed in winter. |
| All‑Season | Soda Lodge | $40 | Eastern side; less traffic. |
🎒 Pro‑DIY: If you’re traveling during peak season (late May–mid-June or mid‑August–late September), consider a group camp where you can rent a 3‑BHK cabin that handles everything — food service, electric, and water. These can be expensive but are unbelievably convenient.
9. Featured Roaming Spot: While We’re Live
Spotlight: Yosemite’s Glacier Point – If you invest in a 4‑star hotel in 2025, you can access a breathtaking sunrise view accessible only from the base of Glacier Point.
Kayak 631: This sunrise kayak ride floats world‑class mountain vistas into the limelight.
Tickets
| Ticket | Price (Adult) |
|---|---|
| Regular | $30 |
| VIP | $70 |
| Family (2 Adult + 2 child) | $50 |
Swipe → 👉 Book early, as there are only 150 total available each day – earlier you can guarantee a midnight tranquil sunrise sailing.
10. Conclusion
Yosemite offers more than scenery; it presents a spectrum of lodging options that will shape your entire trip. Whether you’re staying in a rustic lodge with hot tubs, camping on a serene meadow, or resting in a boutique inn outside the valley, the mosaic of experiences lets you choose what suits your adventure.
Ultimate Tip: Stop filling your bag with geocaching or fidget spinners before you tackle the Yosemite Yolo trail. Relax at your chosen lodging; then set out to wander where your feet and heart lead.
Happy trekking, staying, and exploring!
Quick FAQ (Bottom of Page) – Fast answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I book a campsite in Yosemite after the reservation closes (May)? | Not if they’re full – but standing by the same parks & national network you might find a leftover spot on "The U‑S" due to cancellations. |
| Which Lodging is best for families with small kids? | Wawona Hotel because they have a bigger kitchen and family rooms; or Curry Village for cabins. |
| What’s the cheapest lodging option? | Camping, $24–$34 per night. |
| Do I need a permit for a day hike? | Mostly no, except for Half Dome and some backcountry trails that use the Yosemite Permits portal. |
| Can I stay same day for a valley lodge? | Sunday through Wednesday have available spots for same‑day bookings, but in big summer weather you’re likely to be denied. |
I hope this serves as a reliable compass to navigate Yosemite’s lodging options. Remember, the best place to stay is the one that balances cost, convenience, and personal priorities. Happy travels!
