Yosemite National Park, a jewel of the Sierra Nevada, is a dream destination for nature lovers. Planning a trip to this iconic park often revolves around one crucial question: Where To Stay In Yosemite? Lodging inside Yosemite, especially during peak season from mid-April to mid-October, is notoriously limited. Securing the perfect accommodation requires advance planning and understanding your options, both within and just outside the park boundaries. This guide will help you navigate the best places to stay in Yosemite, ensuring a memorable visit.
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of Yosemite Valley, several iconic lodging options exist, each with its unique charm and level of comfort. Yosemite Valley Lodge, recently returned to its historic name, offers a classic Yosemite experience. However, securing a room here, particularly a family room, is highly competitive. Reservations for May through September are typically fully booked the moment they are released, 366 days in advance. While cancellations do occur, finding consecutive nights can be challenging and requires both persistence and a bit of luck.
For a more luxurious stay, the historic Ahwahnee Hotel stands as a grand Yosemite landmark. Known for its stunning architecture and elegant dining, the Ahwahnee offers an unforgettable, albeit expensive, experience. Alternatively, Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp provide more rustic and budget-friendly options within Yosemite Valley. Curry Village features tent cabins in a prime location, while Housekeeping Camp offers basic cabin units. It’s important to note that these are not glamping experiences; they are basic and cater to those seeking a more outdoorsy, less frills approach. While these options may have better availability than Yosemite Lodge, they might not suit every family’s preferences.
If in-valley lodging proves elusive, consider exploring options within Yosemite National Park but outside Yosemite Valley itself. Yosemite West and The Redwoods in Yosemite are private communities nestled inside the park, offering self-catering vacation rentals in cabins and condos. These can be excellent choices for families, providing more space and flexibility. While located a 30-50 minute drive from the valley floor, they offer closer access to attractions like Glacier Point and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. When booking in Yosemite West, ensure the cabin is indeed within Yosemite West and not further afield in areas like Bass Lake. Reputable websites like Scenic Wonders offer listings for these properties, and further online searches will reveal other booking platforms.
For accommodations just outside the park’s southern entrance, Tenaya Lodge at Fish Camp presents a compelling option. Located right at the entrance, this lodge offers amenities like a pool and on-site dining. Tenaya Lodge provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Yosemite, especially for those who appreciate resort-style facilities.
When planning your Yosemite lodging, it’s best to avoid staying in Mariposa. While Mariposa is outside the park, it is considered too far away to be a convenient base for daily park exploration, significantly increasing your travel time to and from Yosemite’s main attractions.
In conclusion, finding where to stay in Yosemite requires careful consideration and advance booking. For the quintessential Yosemite Valley experience, Yosemite Lodge and the Ahwahnee Hotel are iconic but challenging to book. Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp offer more rustic and potentially more available options in the Valley. Yosemite West and The Redwoods provide excellent cabin and condo rentals within the park, ideal for families. Tenaya Lodge at Fish Camp offers a comfortable option just outside the southern entrance. By understanding these options and planning ahead, you can secure the perfect base for your Yosemite adventure.
