Where To Stay When You Visit Yosemite National Park
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There are several options for lodging when visiting Yosemite National Park, including:

  • Camping: Yosemite has 13 campgrounds, with some available for reservation and others available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Hotels and Lodges: There are several hotels and lodges within the park, including the Ahwahnee Hotel and the Yosemite Valley Lodge. These are available for reservation and fill up quickly, so it’s best to book well in advance.
  • Housekeeping Camp: There are also three housekeeping camp locations in the park, where visitors can rent a tent cabin.
  • Backcountry camping: For those who want to experience the park’s wilderness, permits are required for overnight backcountry camping.
  • Outside the Park: There are also many hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and campgrounds located just outside the park boundaries in the nearby towns of El Portal, Mariposa, Groveland, and Oakhurst.

Campgrounds Within The Park:

It’s important to keep in mind that some campgrounds are first-come, first-served and some are by reservation. It’s highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak season, as campground fill up quickly. Also, some campground may have restrictions on RV size, so it’s important to check the details before making a reservation.

There are several campgrounds available for visitors to Yosemite National Park, each with their own unique features and amenities. Here are a few options:

  • Upper Pines Campground: This is the largest campground in the park and is open year-round. It offers over 230 sites for RVs and tents, and is located near the Yosemite Valley.
  • Lower Pines Campground: This campground is also located in the Yosemite Valley and offers 60 sites for RVs and tents. It is open from late spring to early fall.
  • North Pines Campground: This campground is located near the Merced River and offers 81 sites for RVs and tents. It is open from spring to fall.
  • Wawona Campground: This campground is located in the southern part of the park and offers 93 sites for RVs and tents. It is open from spring to fall.
  • Hodgdon Meadow Campground: This campground is located near the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station and offers 104 sites for RVs and tents. It is open year-round.

Campgrounds Outside The Park

Here are also several campgrounds outside of Yosemite National Park that offer a variety of amenities for RVers and tent campers. Here are a few options:

  • Mariposa Grove RV Park: This RV Park is located in Mariposa, CA, just outside the park’s southern entrance. It offers full hook-up RV sites, tent camping, and cabin rentals.
  • Yosemite Pines RV Resort: This RV resort is located in Groveland, CA, just outside the park’s western entrance. It offers full hook-up RV sites, tent camping, and cabin rentals. Amenities include a swimming pool, mini golf, and a general store.
  • Yosemite RV Resort: This RV resort is located in Coarsegold, CA, just outside the park’s southern entrance. It offers full hook-up RV sites, tent camping, and cabin rentals. Amenities include a swimming pool, mini golf, and a general store.
  • Yosemite Lakes RV Campground: This RV campground is located in Groveland, CA, just outside the park’s west entrance. It offers full hook-up RV sites, riverfront camping, tent camping, and cabin rentals. Amenities include a playground and a general store. This campground is very close to the entrance of the park and Rush Creek Lodge.

Hotels and Lodging Outside of the park:

  • Mariposa: This historic gold rush town is located about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of the park’s southern entrance. It offers a variety of lodging options, including bed and breakfasts, hotels, and vacation rentals. Some popular options include:
    • Mariposa Hotel: This historic hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant and bar, and a convenient location near the park.
    • Miners Inn: This budget-friendly hotel offers basic rooms and an outdoor pool.
    • Yosemite Bed & Breakfast: This charming bed and breakfast offers comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast.
  • Oakhurst: This town is located about 20 miles (32 km) south of the park’s southern entrance and offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Some popular options include:
    • Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn: This hotel offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a convenient location near the park.
    • Chateau du Sureau: This elegant hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites, a fine dining restaurant, and a spa.
    • Oakhurst Vacation Rentals: This company offers a variety of vacation rental homes and cabins in the Oakhurst area, many of which are located near the park.
  • Groveland: This small town is located about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of the park’s western entrance and offers a handful of bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals. Some popular options include:
    • Hotel Charlotte: This historic hotel offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location near the park.
    • Rush Creek Lodge: This is an ideal location with a pool, a beautiful playground for the kids to play on, a cafe and a restaurant. You will even have the options for spa services or a hot tub soak after a long hike in the park.
    • Groveland Inn: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
    • Pine Mountain Lake Vacation Rentals: This company offers a variety of vacation rental homes and cabins in the Groveland area, many of which are located near the park.
  • El Portal: This small community is located about 13 miles (20 km) northwest of the park’s western entrance, and offers a limited number of lodging options including the historic Cedar Lodge and the Yosemite View Lodge
  • Fish Camp: This small community is located about 6 miles (9.7 km) from the south entrance of the park and offers a limited number of lodging options including the Tenaya Lodge
  • Wawona: This small community is located about 40 miles (64 km) from the southern entrance of the park, and offers a limited number of lodging options including the historic Big Trees Lodge

It’s always recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season as the park can get very crowded and finding a place to stay can be difficult. Additionally, it’s recommended to check out the official website of the park for more information and booking options, as well as reviews of the different options to get an idea of what might be the best fit for you. For a complete list of what to do with kids in Yosemite National Park, go HERE.

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