Yosemite National Park in California offers a variety of accommodation options for tourists, ranging from historic lodges and hotels inside the park to campgrounds and nearby hotels outside the park. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in and around Yosemite National Park:
1. Staying Inside Yosemite National Park
A. Yosemite Valley Lodge
- Why it’s great: Located just steps from Yosemite Falls, this lodge offers spectacular views and easy access to Yosemite Valley’s key attractions. It’s ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the park with breathtaking views of the iconic waterfalls.
- What to expect: The rooms at the lodge offer comfort and convenience, with modern amenities like a restaurant, gift shop, and easy access to the valley floor.
- Best for: Visitors who want to be close to Yosemite Falls and the main attractions in Yosemite Valley.
- Tip: Book well in advance as rooms can fill up quickly, especially during the summer season.
B. The Ahwahnee
- Why it’s great: The Ahwahnee is a historic and luxury hotel located in the heart of Yosemite Valley, offering elegant accommodations and a refined experience. Known for its grand architecture and stunning views, this is one of the most iconic hotels in Yosemite.
- What to expect: The hotel offers spacious rooms, fine dining, and a rich history. Guests enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, and the hotel’s architecture reflects the park’s grandeur.
- Best for: Those seeking a luxurious stay in a historic setting with access to fine dining and amazing views.
- Tip: Due to its popularity, make reservations early, especially if planning to visit during peak tourist seasons.
C. Wawona Hotel
- Why it’s great: The Wawona Hotel is a Victorian-style hotel located in the southern part of the park. It’s a quieter option compared to the Yosemite Valley accommodations and is close to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
- What to expect: The hotel offers charming, historic rooms with a more rustic feel. The Wawona Hotel is known for its beautiful garden setting and the nearby golf course.
- Best for: Guests who want a peaceful and historic experience in the southern part of the park, with easy access to the giant sequoias.
- Tip: The hotel offers seasonal rooms, so check availability as it may only be open from spring to fall.
D. Campgrounds in Yosemite
Why it’s great: If you enjoy camping, Yosemite has several campgrounds that provide a more affordable way to stay inside the park, offering a closer connection to nature.
What to expect: Yosemite has both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. Popular campgrounds include:
North Pines Campground (near Yosemite Valley)
Upper Pines Campground (near Yosemite Valley)
Camp 4 (popular with climbers)
Wawona Campground (close to the Mariposa Grove)
Best for: Budget-conscious visitors or outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience Yosemite’s beauty while staying close to nature.
Tip: Reservations are recommended for campgrounds during peak seasons, as they fill up quickly. Always bring appropriate gear for the weather conditions.
2. Staying Outside Yosemite National Park
While staying inside the park is highly convenient, there are also great accommodation options in nearby towns. Staying outside the park offers more budget flexibility and often more availability during peak seasons.
A. El Portal
- Why it’s great: El Portal is located just outside the Arch Rock Entrance of the park, offering easy access to Yosemite Valley.
- What to expect: El Portal has a variety of accommodations, including motel-style lodgings, vacation rentals, and small inns. It’s a good option for those looking for a balance between accessibility to the park and more affordable lodging.
- Best for: Tourists who want to stay close to the park entrance without paying the higher prices of accommodations inside Yosemite.
- Tip: El Portal is located about 20-30 minutes from Yosemite Valley, making it a convenient and affordable option for visitors.
B. Mariposa
- Why it’s great: Mariposa is a charming historic town about an hour’s drive from the South Entrance of Yosemite. It offers a wide range of accommodation options, from cozy inns to budget motels.
- What to expect: Mariposa offers a mix of motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and vacation rentals. The town has a small-town charm, with local shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.
- Best for: Travelers who want to experience a more authentic California town while still being within reasonable driving distance of the park.
- Tip: Mariposa tends to be quieter and less crowded than accommodations closer to the park, making it a great choice for those looking for a more relaxed experience.
C. Oakhurst
- Why it’s great: Oakhurst is a larger town about 45 minutes from the South Entrance to Yosemite. It offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.
- What to expect: Oakhurst has all the amenities of a small town, including shopping, dining, and gas stations. It’s a good base for travelers who want to explore Yosemite and Mariposa Grove but also enjoy a more expansive selection of accommodations.
- Best for: Families or visitors who prefer a wider selection of amenities and more affordable accommodations while still being relatively close to the park.
- Tip: Oakhurst also offers proximity to Bass Lake, which is great for outdoor recreation like fishing, boating, and hiking.
3. Lodging Options Near the Park’s Other Entrances
A. Groveland
- Why it’s great: Groveland is located near the Big Oak Flat Entrance to Yosemite, making it a convenient option for those coming from the San Francisco Bay Area or Central Valley.
- What to expect: The town offers a mix of bed-and-breakfasts, motels, and vacation cabins. It’s a quieter option compared to towns like Mariposa or Oakhurst.
- Best for: Those looking for a peaceful stay near the park’s Big Oak Flat Entrance, with easy access to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and the park’s northern parts.
- Tip: Groveland is located about 45 minutes from the Yosemite Valley, so it’s ideal for visitors who prefer a slower pace and a quieter location.
4. Booking Tips and Recommendations
- Book Early: Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks, especially during the summer months and holidays. Make reservations well in advance, particularly for accommodations inside the park.
- Off-Season Stays: If you’re planning a visit during the off-season (fall and winter), many accommodations inside the park have lower prices, and there are fewer crowds.
- Campsites: Campsites fill up quickly, especially in summer and fall, so book early if you plan to camp inside the park.
- Accessibility: If you want to stay inside Yosemite but can’t find accommodations inside the park, look for options just outside the park boundaries for easier access.
Conclusion:
Whether you want to stay in the heart of Yosemite National Park at iconic lodges like Yosemite Valley Lodge or The Ahwahnee, camp under the stars in Yosemite Valley, or find affordable lodging in nearby towns like Mariposa, El Portal, or Oakhurst, there are plenty of great options to suit your preferences. Make sure to plan and book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best accommodations for your trip to this beautiful and historic national park.
