Wondering where to stay in Yosemite National Park? Whether you’re looking for cozy cabins nestled in the woods, family-friendly lodges, or luxurious hotels with all the amenities, this guide has got you covered.
There are dozens of options both inside and outside Yosemite – and depending on where you’re traveling from, and what you want to see inside the park – you definitely want to choose wisely!
Over the years I’ve visited Yosemite literally over 20 times, and I’m only a little exaggerating when I say I know my way around all of the best lodges and cabins like they’re my own house!
In this guide, I’ll break down the best places to stay in and around Yosemite National Park, so you can focus on what really matters—enjoying the park’s incredible landscapes, hiking trails, and iconic waterfalls.
Disclosure: This page may contain sponsored content or affiliate links, including Amazon links, where I earn a small commission from any purchase – at no extra cost to you. This commission helps keep Brooke In Boots up and running. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and my own!
A Quick Look at the Best Places to Stay Near Yosemite
Ready to cut to the chase? These are my picks for the best places to stay in and around Yosemite National Park. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of all of these properties, plus more favorite hotels, motels, and campgrounds.
- Where to Stay in Yosemite For Families: Yosemite Lodge
- Best Vacation Rentals Inside Yosemite: Redwoods in Yosemite
- Best Hotel When Driving from Los Angeles: Tenaya Lodge
- Best Hotel When Driving from San Francisco: Evergreen Lodge
Where to Stay inside Yosemite National Park
Staying inside Yosemite National Park is a game-changer if you want to maximize your time exploring Yosemite. Whether you’re looking for rustic cabins, cozy lodges, or something a little more luxurious, staying within park boundaries means you’re just minutes away from iconic trails, waterfalls, and views. If you can, I always recommend staying inside Yosemite, especially inside Yosemite Valley if it’s your first visit.
Why?
Visitors with confirmed reservations inside the park also don’t need a “day-use” reservation to enter the park! Plus, you’ll skip the long drive from nearby towns and beat the crowds to those early morning hikes
Brooke’s Tips: Hotels and cabins inside the Park are fairly pricey for what you get – but if you can afford it, you’ll save hours driving to and from the park every day, and have a better experience overall!
Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park? The Yosemite Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Yosemite trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time planning and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
Hotels and Lodges In Yosemite Valley
If this is your first visit to Yosemite, you need to know that this park is huge. But Yosemite Valley is the beating heart of this Park, and for most visitors its where you’ll do 75% of your hiking and exploring. Its also where the vast majority of dining, groceries, Visitor Centers, and other services are located.
Yosemite Lodge
Price: $$ / Starting at $210
Amenities: Wifi, TV, Coffee Maker and Mini Fridge, on-site restaurants, pool (seasonal), bike rentals (seasonal)
This family-friendly and budget-friendly lodge is my top pick for where to stay when visiting Yosemite Valley. Located right in the heart of the valley and only a short walk to Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Village. They recently renovated and their dining options are the best in the park, with tons of healthy and satisfying options throughout the day, a Starbucks, and a bar.
In the summer, enjoy the pool and don’t miss renting bikes for an incredibly easy and enjoyable way to get around!
>> Click here to book Yosemite Lodge
Curry Village
Price: $ – $$ / Tent Cabins start at $85
Amenities: Heated and Unheated Tent Cabins come with sheets, blankets, pillows and towels, electric lights (but no outlets or TV) and use a communal shower and bathroom; Cabins and Motel rooms are modern but no TV. Multiple dining options, swimming pool (seasonal) and ice-rink (seasonal).
Curry Village is the perfect spot if you want an authentic, rustic Yosemite experience without breaking the bank. Choose from canvas tent cabins (heated and unheated), cabins, or standard hotel-style rooms, depending on your comfort level. There are good dining options in the newly renovated food court and Bar 1899 is probably the best adult watering hole in the park.
In the summer, enjoy the swimming pool and the fact that you’re within walking distance to the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail trailheads. In the winter, enjoy a hot coco and the iconic ice skating rink, all the literal shadow of Half Dome.
>> Click here to book Curry Village
Housekeeping Camp
Price: $ / Starting at $92
Amenities: Each “unit” sleeps 6 with a bunk bed and double beds, electric lights and outlets. Bedding is not provided.
For a more rugged camping experience while still technically having a roof over your head, Housekeeping Camp offers an affordable and fun stay in Yosemite Valley.
These open-air, three-walled shelters give you the feeling of sleeping under the stars without the hassle of pitching a tent. Located right along the Merced River, you’ll be steps away from swimming, cooking at your own campfire, and waking up to stunning valley views. It’s perfect for families or groups looking for a budget-friendly option with a bit of extra adventure.
>> Click here to book Housekeeping Camp
The Ahwahanee Hotel
Price: $$$ / Starting at $668
Amenities: Wifi, pool, on-site dining and bar, coffee makers and mini fridge, television
If you’re looking for luxury in the heart of Yosemite, The Ahwahnee Hotel is the crown jewel of the park’s accommodations. Presidents have stayed here. The Queen has stayed here. This is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Yosemite National Park.
This historic, elegant hotel is known for its stunning architecture, grand dining room, and exceptional service. Whether you’re sipping wine by the giant fireplace or taking in the breathtaking views of Half Dome and Glacier Point from your window, you’ll be experiencing Yosemite at its finest. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic getaway or a special occasion.
Brooke’s Tips: Not in your budget? Anyone can make a dinner reservation at the historic dining room (check the dress code) or grab a post-hike drink at their causal bar in the lobby!
>> Click here to book the Ahwahnee Hotel
Hotels and Lodges Outside Yosemite Valley (But Still in the Park)
These spots are located outside Yosemite Valley, but still located within the actual National Park. If you’re traveling as a family and want the convenience of a full cabin with kitchen, this is where you’ll want to look!
Wawona Hotel
Price: $$ / Starting at $155 (shared bath) and $232 (en-suite bath)
Amenities: Pool (seasonal), Golf Course, Horseback riding, on-site dining
Take a step back in time at the Wawona Hotel. This is a charming, Victorian-era retreat near Yosemite’s southern entrance. The cozy rooms and wrap-around porches give you that old-fashioned hotel vibe, and the hotel’s proximity to Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point makes it an excellent base for exploring outside the Valley.
Spend the afternoon golfing at the adjacent golf-course (first built in 1918), or horseback riding tours from the stables, then relax with live piano music in the evening. The Wawona Hotel is ideal for those seeking a quiet, historic setting with easy access to Yosemite’s top attractions.
As a family, we spent many Christmases and Thanksgivings at the Wawona, it’s a charming spot – but don’t forget you’ll be about 45 minutes from the Valley!
>> Click here to book the Wawona Hotel
Redwoods in Yosemite
Price: $$ – $$$
Amenities: Individual cabins with full kitchens, bath, decks, fireplaces, ect. Small general store for cooking and supplies.
For a cozy cabin experience inside the park, Redwoods in Yosemite offers vacation rentals in Wawona, ranging from rustic cabins to spacious cabin-mansions.
Perfect for families or groups, these cabins offer full kitchens, fireplaces, and private decks to unwind after a long day of hiking. The peaceful forest setting feels like a hidden retreat – in fact most visitors have no idea this area exists! Yet you’re just minutes from Yosemite’s southern entrance, the Wawona Hotel, and Mariposa Grove. It’s a great home base for both summer and winter adventures in the park.
The Redwoods have been around for decades, and many families have been coming here for generations (including ours!) This is our go-to spot when traveling to Yosemite with our dogs, as many cabins allow pets.
>> Click here to book the Redwoods in Yosemite
Yosemite West Rentals
Price: $$ – $$$
Amenities: Individual cabins with full kitchens, bath, decks, fireplaces, ect.
Located on the southern edge of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite West Rentals provide a convenient home base for exploring Glacier Point, the Mariposa Grove, and beyond.
These vacation homes and cabins are perfect for those seeking a bit more space and privacy during their trip. With full kitchens, decks, and stunning views of the surrounding forest. These are generally newer properties than the Redwoods Cabins, with a less central location.
Not all Yosemite West rentals are located inside the Park. If you’re visiting when day-use reservations are required, make sure to double check!
>> Click here to book Yosemite West Rentals
More Lodging Outside Yosemite Valley
For seasonal lodging outside the Valley – but still inside the Park – check out the iconic high-sierra camps and ski lodges.
- High Sierra Camps: Backcountry camps in the high Sierra. These are hike-in and horseback camps, where your meals are served family style. Staying here requires a coveted reservations issued via an annual lottery.
- White Wolf Lodge: Canvas tent-cabins and rustic cabins 30 Miles from Yosemite valley in a quiet corner of the Park. Open in summer.
- Tuolumne Meadows Lodge: Canvas tent-cabins and rustic cabins, great for exploring Tioga road and the high-sierra. On-site dining for guests only (dinner reservations required) and open seasonally.
- Glacier Point Ski Hut: Ski-in, winter backcountry hut at Glacier Point.
Yosemite Lodging Outside the Park – Nearby Towns & Entrances
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again – Yosemite is huge. There are 5 separate entrances, and depending on where you’re driving in from and where you plan on exploring, you could spend hours in the car getting around if you aren’t careful.
If you’re coming from Los Angeles, Fresno, Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Parks, or really anywhere south of the Park, you’ll want to stay near the South Entrance, near the towns of Wawona, Oakhurst, and Fishcamp.
If you’re coming from San Francisco and the Bay Area, look for lodging near the East Entrances (Arch Rock and El Portal) in the towns of Groveland, El Portal, and Foresta.
And finally, if you’re entering via Tioga Road (from Reno, Mammoth Lakes – open summers only) look for lodging near Lee Vining.
You can use this map to see approximate locations for each of these towns and entrances to the Park:
Where to Stay Near the South Entrance (Wawona, Oakhurst, Fishcamp)
If you’re coming from Los Angeles, Fresno, Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Parks, or really anywhere south of the Park, these are best places to stay near the towns of Wawona, Oakhurst, and Fishcamp.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (Wawona)
Price: $$ / Starting at $250
Amenities: Wifi, on-site restaurants and bar, pool & hot tub, pet friendly rooms and pet sitting services, bike rentals, and kids activities
If you’re looking for a resort-style experience just outside the park’s south entrance, Tenaya Lodge is a great pick.
With indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options, this lodge is perfect for those who want to relax after a long day of adventuring, or stay somewhere with more amenities than you’d find inside the park.
This is my pick for the best place to stay when visiting Yosemite if you’re driving from Los Angeles or all points south of the park.
>> Book the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemtie
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway (Oakhurst)
Price: $$ / Starting at $149
Amenities: Breakfast included, Wifi, Indoor and OutdoorPools, on -site restaurant
Located in the town of Oakhurst, just outside Yosemite’s south entrance, the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway offers a comfortable and affordable stay with easy access to the park, and nearby Bass Lake.
This hotel is a great option if you want to explore the southern part of Yosemite while enjoying the kinds of amenities like an indoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast, that you won’t find inside the park.
In nearby Oakhurst, you’ll find grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and all the other essentials.
>> Click here to book the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway
There are tons of more great lodging options in the Oakhurst area, including plenty of reliable and comfortable chain hotels like the Holiday Inn Express Oakhurst and the Fairfield Inn & Suites Oakhurst.
Compare more prices and availability using this map:
Where to Stay Near the East Entrances (Groveland, El Portal, Foresta)
If you’re coming from San Francisco and the Bay Area, here’s some of the best lodging near the East Entrances (Arch Rock and El Portal) in the towns of Groveland, El Portal, and Foresta.
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
Price: $$ / Starting at $180
Amenities: Wifi, on-site restaurant, bike rentals, bar, spa, pool and hot tub
Set in the beautiful forest near Yosemite’s eastern entrances, the Evergreen Lodge offers a more off-the-beaten-path stay with a rustic yet refined charm. This resort is located about 1 hour from Yosemite Valley.
The cabins here are perfect for couples, families, or groups, offering all the comforts of home with a back-to-nature vibe. After a day exploring the nearby waterfalls and trails, you can unwind by the pool, rent a bike, or enjoy a drink at the on-site restaurant.
Evergreen Lodge is perfect for those looking for a family-friendly retreat with easy access to Yosemite’s less-crowded spots like Hetch Hetchy.
>> Click here to book the Evergreen Loge at Yosemite
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite
Price: $$ / Starting at
Amenities: Wifi, pool, spa, on-site restaurant, bar, kids activities, playground
Just minutes from Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance, this modern mountain resort offers cozy rooms, suites, and hillside villas with balconies for soaking in the forest views. After a long day of hiking, unwind at the spa with a hot tub soak or treat yourself to a massage.
The lodge also boasts an amazing saltwater pool, game room, and nightly activities like s’mores by the fire. It’s the ideal spot for families or couples wanting a bit of pampering after exploring the park.
Looking for more options? Use this map to compare prices and availability for hotels in the Groveland area:
Where to Stay Near West Entrance / Tioga Road (Lee Vining)
If you’re visiting Yosemite from Reno, Lake Tahoe, or Mammoth Lakes, you’ll enter Yosemite via the spectacular Tioga Road, open seasonally in summer. The closest town to the Tioga entrance is the town of Lee Vining. There are a few motel-style lodging options, in Lee Vining, listed below.
If you’re looking for more chain hotels and hotels with more amenities – consider staying in nearby Mammoth Lakes, which is approximately 45 minutes from the park entrance, and 2.5 hours from Yosemite Valley.
While you’re in Lee Vining, don’t forget to check out Mono Lake – a massive salt lake with otherworldly rock formations.
Tioga Lodge at Mono Lake
Price: $$ / Starting at $195
Amenities: Wifi, Pet-friendly
If you’re heading to Yosemite via the stunning Tioga Pass, the Tioga Lodge at Mono Lake is a charming stop just outside the park’s east entrance. It’s a simple lodge with views of the lake and pet friendly rooms.
Overlooking the otherworldly Mono Lake, this historic lodge offers rustic cabins and rooms with unbeatable views. It’s perfect for anyone looking to explore Yosemite’s high country or visit nearby Mono Lake or Bodie Ghost Town, or looking for an overnight stop when traveling up California Highway 395.
>> Click here to book the Tioga Lodge
Yosemite Gateway Motel
Price: $$ / Starting at $209
Amenities: WiFi, Coffee Makers, TV and Lake Views
If you’re looking for clean, convenient, and affordable motel just outside Yosemite’s eastern entrance, the Yosemite Gateway Motel in Lee Vining is a solid pick.
Located near Mono Lake, this cozy motel offers clean, basic rooms with easy access to Tioga Pass and Yosemite’s high country.
>> Click here to book the Yosemite Gateway Motel
Compare prices for more hotels and vacation rentals using the map, below:
Camping in Yosemite National Park
Camping is immensely popular in Yosemite, with 13 front-country campgrounds, many open year-round.
Book your campground reservations as soon as possible. Yosemite campground reservations often sell out within seconds (yes, you read that right) of going online.
Reservations are all managed through Recreation.gov. Campground reservations become available 5 months in advance, on the 15th of each month at 7AM Pacific Time. Camp 4 offers one day in advance reservations by lottery, available on Recreation.Gov.
The following campgrounds are located inside Yosemite Valley: Upper Pines (Open All Year); Lower Pines (April-October); North Pines (April-October); Camp 4 (Open All Year).
The following campgrounds are located outside Yosemite Valley (but still inside Yosemite National Park): Tamarack Flat Campground (Seasonal, Tioga Road Corridor); White Wolf Campground (Seasonal, Tioga Road Corridor); Yosemite Creek Campground (Seasonal, Tioga Road Corridor); Wawona Campground (Open All Year); Bridalveil Creek (Seasonal, closed 2022); Hodgdon Meadow (Open All Year, North Yosemite); Crane Flat (closed 2022, North Yosemite); Porcupine Flat (closed 2022); and Tuolumne Meadows (Seasonal, Closed Until 2024 -2025).
Learn more about Campgrounds and Campground reservations in Yosemite National Park, here.
Backcountry camping is also available to wilderness permit holders only. Learn more about these competitive wilderness permits, here.
More Yosemite Resources to Plan Your Next Trip
17 Amazing Easy & Short Hikes in Yosemite National Park
13 Iconic Yosemite Waterfalls & Waterfall Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Where to Stay in Yosemite: Best Hotels & Lodging for Every Budget
Yosemite Reservations and Permits 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Best Entrance to Yosemite National Park & Tips for Driving to Yosemite
Hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls in Yosemite
Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park? The Yosemite Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Yosemite trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time planning and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
