Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park | 12 Best Places

When deciding where to stay, Yosemite’s lodging options can be quite varied. You can choose to camp beneath the stars with nothing but canvas between you and the great outdoors, or opt for solid walls to protect you from the elements. 

There’s a perfect place for everyone to find within (and outside of) the Yosemite National Park entrances. Grab your best pair of hiking shoes and prepare for a nature-filled holiday you won’t forget any time soon. 

Here’s the lowdown on where to stay in Yosemite when you visit Yosemite National Park. 

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Reservation

Before we dive into the magical wonders of Yosemite, here’s something super important for your 2024 adventure plans: Yosemite now requires reservations to drive into the park during specific periods in the summer.

• January 1 through February 9: No reservation required to drive into Yosemite.
• February 10 through 25: A reservation is required 24 hours per day on Saturdays, Sundays, and on Washington’s Birthday (Monday, February 19).
• February 26 through April 12: No reservation required to drive into Yosemite.
• April 13 through June 30: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and on holidays (May 27 and June 19).
• July 1 through August 16: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm every day.
• August 17 through October 27: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and on holidays (September 2 and October 14).

Best Places to Stay in Yosemite

There are a few options for those wondering how to stay near Yosemite National Park or even inside it. Camping is the obvious choice. Otherwise, cabins and hotels within the boundaries of Yosemite park offer excellent options if you want to stay close to nature but prefer more urban amenities. 

Campsites and cabins are limited and often booked far in advance, so another possibility involves choosing a hotel in the nearby towns. Experiencing the park’s landscapes by day and enjoying the cosmopolitan comforts of the town by night—it’s the best of both worlds.   

Camping in Yosemite National Park

If you’re looking for outdoor places to stay in Yosemite National Park, the park is home to ten incredible campgrounds spread within its borders. The glacier-carved Yosemite Valley and the Merced River is undoubtedly the central location to camp in, with Yosemite Falls, Yosemite West, Glacier Point, and Half Dome all nearby. 

Luxury: Curry Village

When considering the best place to stay for a Yosemite National Park glamping experience, a stay at Curry Village is as close as you can get. It really is a tiny village, complete with restaurants, bike rentals, a swimming pool, and even shops. 

Its location on the eastern end of Yosemite Valley near Glacier Point is scenic and close to popular trailheads. It’s more expensive than renting a site and bringing your own camping gear. But renting anything at this unique campground in Yosemite National Park guarantees a 5-star experience in the woods. 

There are 46 wooden cabins with private bathrooms and 14 more that share communal bathrooms, as well as 403 canvas tent cabins and 18 standard motel rooms. 

The canvas tent cabins have wooden floors and cot beds with electrical lights. Propane heaters are available for some of the tent cabins. None feature power outlets, but they’re fully kitted out with linens and blankets. Showers and washrooms are a short walk away. 

The wooden cabins have heat and power outlets and can also include double beds. The motel rooms at Stoneman Cottage have daily housekeeping and heating and are simple and rustic at their core. 

Reservations for Curry Village open one year and one day in advance and sell out fast, so be quick and book one of the luxury cabins or tent cabins now. 

Mid-Range: North Pines Campground

Towering granite cliffs, majestic pines, and a melodious river: this campsite at the far end of Yosemite Valley is an ideal woodsy location. It’s situated within walking distance of many hiking trails, yet far away enough from the crowds that it maintains a pleasant peacefulness. 

With only 81 campsites up for grabs, competition is high in the peak summer season, especially for coveted riverside spots. This campground is only open for a portion of the year from April to early November, but the sites are roomy enough to accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. 

Each campsite comes with picnic tables and a fire ring, as well as a food storage locker. The national park is a bear habitat, after all, so necessary precautions are enforced. Drinking water and flushing toilets are also at your disposal, as well as a shuttle bus service. 

This campground is only open from March to October approximately. 

Budget: Upper Pines Campground

With 238 campsites at your disposal, Upper Pines Campground might be the best place to stay in Yosemite National Park if you want a better chance at grabbing a camping spot. 

Large pines and cedars dominate this area, offering a mix of sun and shade, with views of the valley walls peeking in between the trees. It also happens to remain open year-round to eager campers, although the number of available sites drops to around 50 from December to mid-February. 

The campsites at Upper Pines are a little smaller than at North Pines and don’t offer much privacy, but there are many trailheads nearby. Although some sites can accommodate RVs smaller than 35 feet, the cheapest option is to book a backpacking site, which goes for as little as $8 a night. 

Yosemite National Park Hotels

Yosemite National Park lodging options are available. Below are some private vacation rentals for a pleasant stay.

Luxury: Yosemite Copper Bear Lodge

This luxury home within the park boundary of Yosemite National Park sleeps an impressive eight people in its three bedrooms and is only minutes from the valley floor. Gloriously large windows offer views of the surrounding forest, and plush leather furniture and antlered chandeliers give a real country-lodge vibe. 

The warm wooden accents and rustic flourishes make it a cozy choice, especially after a day of hiking the nearby trails. Sit back and relax to the melody of tiny mountain creeks babbling amongst the maples and large white firs beside the outside deck. 

There’re also plenty of other things to keep you entertained: a pool table, game table, mini arcade, and even board games. For those who value their electronic comforts, the 42-inch flat-screen TV will be appealing. 

From the house, it takes about 25 minutes to reach Yosemite Valley. When considering where to stay at Yosemite National Park, Copper Bear Lodge is one of the best lodging options.

Read More: 20 Best Yosemite Photography Spots

Mid-Range: Yosemite View Lodge

When looking for places to stay in Yosemite, this one is a winner even though it’s technically 5 minutes drive outside of the park boundary. 

With the Merced River beside the lodge and greenery-flecked hills, this 3-star lodge is no less charming than a proper Yosemite campsite. It boasts four pools and a hot tub for those hiking-weary feet, and an on-site restaurant and bar. Every room is comfortably furnished and comes with a kitchenette, a coffee machine, and cable TV. 

This Yosemite lodging option also has a convenience store available for trail snacks to take on your hike. Classic American breakfast is served buffet-style, and pets are welcomed. The Wi-Fi may not be free, but enjoying some downtime in the game room is. 

Budget: Sage Cabin

Located within the park boundary of Yosemite Park, this compact cabin is the answer if you’re wondering where to stay when visiting Yosemite on a tighter budget. This prime rental real estate is warmly and modestly furnished. 

With one bedroom and bathroom and the capacity to sleep 4 with a sofa bed, the cabin has a patio with a barbecue and a delightful reading loft. Hiking and running trails can be accessed straight from the cabin, and the bustling Yosemite Valley is only 15 minutes away.

Yosemite National Park lodging doesn’t get better than this at this price. Satellite internet is available, although on limited bandwidth. But come snow or sunshine, the cabin is kitted out to be cool in summer and warm in the wondrous winter landscape of Yosemite. 

Places Near Yosemite National Park

There are several small towns and cities that encompass the area around Yosemite National Park. Even though you’d need to drive a little to get to the park, the lower prices make staying in one of these places very attractive. 

Not to mention, the city comforts of easily accessible Wi-Fi and plenty of restaurants and amenities to choose from. Two cities nearby Yosemite include Oakhurst and Groveland. To follow are some of the best places to stay near Yosemite National Park during your trip. 

Luxury: Hounds Tooth Inn (Oakhurst)

A chic, clean aesthetic with touches of contemporary-country lodge decor characterizes this elegant inn near Yosemite. The spacious rooms are comfortable to a fault, and the breakfast is beyond believable. 

With continental, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options, and breakfast-on-the-go, it’s hard to beat this delicious feast. Some rooms include a jacuzzi and patio, which is completely worth the extra bit of money for the ultimate post-hiking relaxation. 

A private garden is at your disposal, as well as a sitting area with splendid views of the Sierra Mountains. The Wi-Fi is free, as is parking. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and Fish Camp are on the way to the national park’s south entrance as an added bonus if giant sequoias are on your bucket list.

Mid-Range: A Bed of Roses (Oakhurst)

Rustic and modest interiors with warm accents and plush carpets give you a cozy country feel in this charming B&B near Yosemite. Less than 10 miles from Yosemite’s south entrance, an exceptional breakfast is served up every morning to eager guests. 

Every room features an iPod docking station and a flat-screen TV with cable. One of the larger rooms features an elevated spa bath with a skylight, as well as a mini fridge and private seating area. An outside deck with a grand view of the Sierra Mountains is shared by all, and barbecue facilities are available. 

There’s even a small seasonal outdoor pool for warm summer nights, and the Wi-Fi is complimentary. 

Budget: The Oakhurst Inn at Yosemite (Oakhurst)

This two-star vacation rental is a delightful gem near Yosemite with a seasonal outdoor pool, 24-hour front desk service, and free Wi-Fi. 

The family rooms are pleasantly furnished with large beds, white linens, and warm wood accents, and a terrace complete with a jacuzzi is open to all guests. Air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs are standard for the rooms, and vending machines are available. 

The breakfast is American and Continental buffet style, and the location is peaceful, with Bass Lake nearby. 

Luxury: Mountain Lake Chalet (Groveland)

With a balcony and mountain views, this vacation rental has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and features air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Less than 7 miles from Yosemite North Gateway, this home is situated in a peaceful neighborhood with idyllic conditions. 

The decor is vaguely modest Victorian, and a hearty fireplace will warm up the living room during the winter. You may even wake up to find a stag or wild turkey enjoying the morning air beyond the terrace. 

Barbecue facilities and an outdoor pool are at your disposal, as well as a charming garden. There are even hiking options nearby.  

Read More: The Perfect Yosemite 2 Day Itinerary

Mid-Range: Yosemite Rose Bed & Breakfast (Groveland)

Roughly 6 miles from the North Gate at Yosemite National Park and about an hour’s drive from Yosemite Valley, this charming vacation rental oozes Old-World elegance. 

Their breakfast is incredible, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options in their American, Italian, and Full English spreads. The Wi-Fi is complimentary, and barbecue facilities are available to those who have the urge to grill. 

The garden terrace is the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking in Yosemite. Rooms have a private bathroom and air-conditioning, as well as views of the gorgeous garden. 

Budget: Hotel Charlotte (Groveland)

Boasting an in-house restaurant beyond its charming sky-blue-and-white exterior, Hotel Charlotte nonetheless has plenty of coffee shops and other eateries nearby. 

Free Wi-Fi and ensuite bathrooms are standard, and delicious muffins and fruit are served every morning for breakfast. Lobby amenities include a station to make coffee, hot chocolate, and tea, as well as a microwave and toaster for quick meals. 

It’s a short 30-minute drive to Yosemite National Park’s entrance from here and about an hour to Yosemite Valley.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay Near Yosemite National Park

With so many options, it’s natural to wonder where to stay in Yosemite National Park. While camping on the grounds gives you the benefit of being close to the trails, some might prefer the drive if it means a cozy hotel room to hunker down in at night. 

There are slightly more luxurious glamping options for those who fall somewhere in between these categories, so everyone can be catered for. 

Are you planning to stay in Yosemite National Park a little longer? After you visit Yosemite, check out the best things to do in Mammoth Lakes.

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