The Complete Guide to Yosemite Lodging

Yosemite National Park is a beautiful national park and landmark located in Sierra Nevada, California. It was the very first national park designated by the U.S. government for wilderness preservation and protection in 1890, and continues to be one of the United States’ greatest treasures.

Widely recognized as one of the most visited landmarks in the U.S., Yosemite National Park logs over four million annual visitors. The National Park is 95% pure wilderness, with a variety of breathtaking granite cliffs, sparkling streams, vast lakes, and colossal waterfalls. The park is known for its impressive biological diversity, and visitors can easily interact with many of the 300+ species of wildlife living within park borders. 

In order to fully experience Yosemite, it’s recommended that visitors stay for a few days to explore all the park has to offer. Though only 5% of the park is inhabited, Yosemite’s 1,169 square miles of land mass offer a variety of options, catering to anyone from the luxury traveler to the rustic camper.

Whether you’re planning your very first trip or visiting the park again with fresh eyes, we’ve rounded up all the information to find the best lodging option in Yosemite National Park for your upcoming stay.

Lodging Options inside Yosemite Park

Hotels

For experienced travelers seeking luxury accommodations, Yosemite offers a few opulent hotels within park borders. These hotels are full-service, and contain in-house dining options, cocktail bars, gift shops, onsite parking, and other traditional amenities. Travelers looking to spend the day golfing, relax at the spa, or take private horseback riding lessons while surrounded by Yosemite’s cliffs can do so at a hotel. Hotels are certainly the most glam of all lodging options, and are recommended for those seeking upscale service.

Most hotels are not pet-friendly.

Cabins, Condos, & Homes

Cabins are the ultimate lodging option for families, couples, and large groups staying within Yosemite National Park. Cabin, condo, and home rentals offer private kitchens, bathrooms, parking, televisions, WiFi, and in most cases, sleep eight to twelve visitors. Many properties also have outdoor fire pits and BBQ grills for those interested in more traditional camping amenities. Pet friendly options are available as well. With a wide variety of properties available, it’s easy to choose the perfect rental home to match your traveling style.

Learn more about cabins for rental in Yosemite park here.

Lodges

The lodges within Yosemite National Park primarily cater to families and large groups. Traditionally, they provide more budget-friendly options for upscale camping. Lodges range in design and offerings, but many have swimming pools, private bathrooms, and shared community spaces. Lodges generally offer outdoor grills for cooking meals in a more rustic setting. While some lodges do have air conditioning and heat, many do not. This may be an important factor to consider in your lodging decision, as peak summer temperatures rise above 100F, and winter temperatures sink into the low 20’sF. Some lodges may be pet-friendly.

Camps & Campgrounds

If you are visiting Yosemite for a more traditional camping experience, reserving lodging at a campsite is advised. Reservations can book up to one year in advance, so it’s best to start looking as soon as you’ve confirmed your trip. Campgrounds may offer communal baths or more rustic vault restrooms. Tap water may or may not be available, and campgrounds require you to pitch your own tent. Some campsites accommodate RV’s as well.

Camps – as compared to campgrounds -- are generally composed of concrete structures with canvas roofs that house one or multiple bunks for sleeping. They are subject to seasonal temperatures and typically offer public showers, electrical outlets, and outdoor grills. Enthusiastic hikers may choose to bounce between camps as they traverse the various areas of park. This will offer the most opportunity to stay close to various landmarks within Yosemite, such as Mirror Lake and Tuolumne Meadows.

Both camps and campgrounds are generally pet-friendly.

As for all accommodations, both Yosemite and lodging reservations may be subject to changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s important to call ahead and check on the latest reservation requirements before arrival. Call Science Wonders at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to get updated Yosemite travel information.

If you’re looking for Yosemite National Park lodging, call Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to begin planning your memorable vacation. Scenic Wonders offers quality home, condo, and cabin rentals inside of Yosemite National Park at reasonable prices!