Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park
Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Polly Dimitrova
More than 3.5 million people visit Yosemite annually, making it one of the most visited national parks in the USA. With so many visitors, planning your trip requires quite a lot of preparation. One of the first and most pressing questions is “Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park”. It might seem like a simple inquiry, but numerous factors must be considered. In two trips to Yosemite, we have stayed at four different accommodations and they were all different and had their pros and cons. Keep reading as I break down the Yosemite lodging options and campgrounds for you and provide my personal insights.
Where to Stay In Yosemite National Park
Covering a total of 759,620 acres, Yosemite National Park is quite large and it might take you hours to drive from one sight to another. That being said, deciding where to stay In Yosemite during your visit can significantly impact your experience, whether you choose to stay inside the park or in the surrounding areas. For me, it goes without saying that staying inside the park is a much better option. Below you will find some of the main pros and cons of staying inside Yosemite National Park:
Pros of Staying Inside Yosemite National Park
- Staying inside the park is a huge time-saver
- Instead of wasting time driving to the park daily, you can focus on exploring and enjoying Yosemite’s highlights.
- During the peak season, a few miles-long line forms at the entrance. Staying inside the park means avoiding the traffic.
- Without the traffic, you can get an early start and enjoy the main sights of Yosemite before the crowds flock in.
- Reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to better air and water quality. We all need to work together to keep our natural treasures as intact as possible.
Cons of Staying Inside Yosemite National Park
- Accommodation inside Yosemite might be significantly more expensive than outside the park.
- The options are quite limited and with so many visitors, you would need to book at least 6 months in advance.
- Some Yosemite lodging options are quite basic and do not offer expansive amenities, which might be available outside the park.
Yosemite Lodging
If this was enough to convince you to stay inside the park, let’s take a closer look at the Yosemite lodging options next:
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Located at the heart of Yosemite Valley and only a few steps away from Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley Lodge is the most popular accommodation inside the park. With a total of 245 rooms ranging from traditional, family, and bunk bed rooms, this is the perfect option for families traveling to Yosemite. Some of the rooms are slightly renovated and provide more amenities, such as a mini fridge, television, and coffee maker. We stayed at Yosemite Valley Lodge on our first trip to Yosemite for a few nights and really enjoyed it for its simplicity and unbeatable location.
Ideal for: Families traveling with children drawn by the convenience and proximity to attractions of Yosemite Valley Lodge.
The Ahwahnee
Built in the 1920s, The Ahwahnee is Yosemite’s premier luxury lodging. It is not only the historic charm, but also its unique architectural style and opulent atmosphere, that attract so many visitors to stay at The Ahwahnee. With a wide range of deluxe rooms and suites, visitors will be treated to a much more luxurious, high-end experience. During our visit to Yosemite National Park in September, we stayed for a night at one of the signature cottages. The roaring fireplace on a chilly autumn evening was the perfect cozy way to put an end to a day of exploration. I was also pleasantly surprised by the tranquil atmosphere the next morning, as I woke up to the crisp fresh air and truly stunning landscape. While the hotel may not be as centrally located, it is surrounded by remarkable grounds, providing you with a feeling of solitude and peace. This luxury, elegance, and ambiance comes with a much higher price tag, though.
Ideal for: Travelers looking for a high-end, luxurious, full-service experience.
Curry Village
Curry Village is for those looking for the ultimate authentic and rustic experience of staying inside Yosemite National Park. This Yosemite lodging provides an option between camping tents and basic cabins. As a fairly budget-friendly option with a few additional amenities such as en-suite bathrooms for the cabins, Curry Village provides a camping-like experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of Yosemite. We picked a small cabin at Curry Village for our stay in Yosemite National Park in April. It was the perfect option as we were also traveling with our toddler and we definitely needed the comfort of an en-suite bathroom.
I personally absolutely loved staying at Curry Village! There were a few dining options to choose from, which made it extremely easy to grab a quick meal. Our son absolutely loved the pasta, while we truly enjoyed the pizza from the pizzeria. While the cabins are in very close proximity to each other, it did not feel too crowded. At the same time, though, we had a community-like feeling while staying at Curry Village as we got to meet other families.
Our 16-month-old would immediately point at the door wanting to go outside as soon as he would wake up. He enjoyed our little morning routine of going and grabbing coffee and breakfast from the cafeteria. He also loved playing and running around the cabin collecting sticks and rocks as we were getting ready for another day of exploration. It is needless to say we would also wave the day goodbye at the little patio right in front of our cabin door, recapping our family experiences from this trip to Yosemite National Park.
Ideal for: Families traveling on a budget looking for a lot more rustic, authentic, and nature-inspired stay at Yosemite National Park.
Wawona Hotel
Situated at the Southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, Wawona Hotel is a 45-minute drive away from Yosemite Valley. While it is much further away compared to some of the other options, but its proximity to Mariposa Grove makes it great if you are planning to visit the giant sequoias. It is a historic hotel with a slightly more outdated style but could be an equally good choice for lodging inside Yosemite.
Ideal for: Families planning to visit the giant sequoias, on their way in or outside Yosemite National Park
Note: To make your reservation for one of Yosemite Lodging make sure to visit their official Yosemite Hospitality website.
Campgrounds in Yosemite
There is also a wide range of campgrounds in Yosemite for adventure seekers looking for a more rugged and authentic experience. A visit between April and October, however, requires a reservation in advance, so keep that in mind, since campsites can be very difficult to find. Some of the most popular campgrounds in Yosemite are:
Camp 4
Widely chosen by the climbing community, Camp 4 is a vibrant and social location, ideal for those who want to spend the nights sharing tales and stories with new friends. Located in Yosemite Valley, visitors will get a chance to set up their tent only a short walking distance to some of the most iconic climbing routes. Also who doesn’t love waking up to the spectacular views of El Capitan?
Bridalveil Creek
Slightly away from the bustling Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Creek Campground is located in the Southern part of Yosemite National Park. You will be welcomed by the solitude and serene surroundings of the area, which receives a lot less visitors. Due to its more rustic atmosphere and back-to-basic camping experience, you might be able to get a reservation for Bridalveil Creek even a few weeks in advance.
North Pines
Situated along Merced River, North Pines Campground offers a slightly more peaceful and tranquil experience for campers. Still located in the Yosemite Valley, your tent will be looking straight at the incredible Half Dome and just a close proximity to Mist Trail. The daily rate of $36 might seem a bit higher, but pets are also welcomed at North Pines Campground.
Tuolumne Meadows
At an elevation of 8,600 feet, Tuolumne Meadows Campground is perfect for those looking for a different perspective of Yosemite. The temperatures are a lot cooler, the crowds are fewer, but the surroundings are still spectacular. Keep in mind that this is a seasonal campground, though, and it is only open between June and September.
Note: Campgrounds in Yosemite can be booked here:
From a simple campground tent to a high-end luxurious service, Yosemite offers it all. Where to stay in Yosemite would completely depend on your personal preferences, priorities, and budget. Regardless of your choice – between a premium Yosemite Lodging or a simple campground, staying inside the park is the best decision to make, as you will get the chance to truly immerse yourselves in the park’s unique atmosphere.
Let me know in the comments section below – have you been to Yosemite? Where did you stay when you visited?
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