The Complete Guide to Yosemite National Park Lodging: Where to Stay in 2025

Planning your dream trip to Yosemite National Park? Finding the perfect accommodation can make or break your wilderness adventure. From luxury historic hotels to rustic tent cabins, I'll guide you through every Yosemite national park lodging option available, sharing insider tips from my multiple visits to help you choose the ideal place to rest after exploring California's crown jewel.

Inside Yosemite National Park Accommodations

When I first started planning my Yosemite national park lodging adventures over a decade ago, I quickly learned that staying inside the park offers an unparalleled experience. Managed by Yosemite Hospitality, these accommodations range from simple tent structures to world-class luxury hotels, each providing unique access to the park's wonders.

The crown jewel of in-park accommodations is undoubtedly The Ahwahnee, a National Historic Landmark that has welcomed presidents, celebrities, and nature lovers since 1927. During my stays here, I've marveled at the 34-foot beamed ceilings in the dining room and enjoyed evening cocktails in the Great Lounge while Half Dome glowed in the sunset. The hotel's 99 rooms and 24 cottages book up months in advance, particularly during peak season from April through October.

For families seeking where to stay in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley Lodge offers the perfect balance of comfort and location. Situated directly across from Lower Yosemite Fall, this 249-room lodge provides easy access to shuttle stops and trailheads. I've found their family rooms particularly spacious, and the Mountain Room Restaurant serves excellent cuisine with spectacular valley views.

The historic Wawona Hotel, though currently closed for renovations, remains a beloved Victorian-era lodging option in the southern portion of the park. Built in the 1870s, this white wooden hotel with its wide verandas has always been my favorite for its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. When it reopens, I recommend booking rooms with private baths, as the shared bathroom experience can be challenging for some visitors.

Luxury Hotels and Historic Lodges

My extensive research and personal stays have revealed that Yosemite national park lodging options extend far beyond basic accommodations. The Ahwahnee stands as the pinnacle of luxury, but several gateway properties offer comparable amenities with their own unique charm.

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, located just two miles from the park's south entrance, has become my go-to recommendation for families seeking luxury without sacrificing convenience. This AAA Four-Diamond resort features 302 rooms and suites, multiple pools, a full-service spa, and year-round activities. During my winter visits, I've enjoyed their ice skating rink and cozy fireplaces, while summer stays feature fantastic outdoor adventures and their popular poolside barbecues.

Rush Creek Lodge, another luxury option near the Big Oak Flat entrance, impresses with its modern mountain architecture and eco-friendly design. I've stayed in their hillside villas multiple times and consistently appreciate the attention to detail, from locally-sourced dining options to the saltwater pool and hot tubs with mountain views. Their tavern serves craft cocktails that perfectly complement sunset viewing from their expansive decks.

The Evergreen Lodge, nestled in the woods bordering Yosemite, combines rustic charm with modern amenities. Their newly expanded cabins feature private bathrooms, heating, and comfortable furnishings, while the main lodge provides excellent dining and a general store stocked with everything from camping essentials to local artisan goods. I particularly enjoy their evening campfire programs and guided adventure tours that depart directly from the property.

For those seeking true luxury, Château du Sureau & Spa, though located about an hour from Yosemite's south entrance, offers a Relais & Châteaux experience with Michelin-starred dining. During special occasions, I've found this property provides an excellent base for multi-day Yosemite explorations while ensuring world-class comfort and service each evening.

Budget-Friendly Options and Tent Cabins

Not everyone needs luxury to enjoy Yosemite national park lodging, and some of my most memorable stays have been in the park's more rustic accommodations. Curry Village, operating since 1899, offers an authentic outdoor experience with canvas tent cabins nestled beneath towering pines and granite cliffs.

During my numerous stays at Curry Village, I've learned to appreciate the simplicity of these tent cabins. The 427 unheated units sleep up to five people and share communal bathhouses, while the heated cabins provide more comfort during shoulder seasons. The location is unbeatable – I've watched climbers attempt El Capitan from my tent cabin doorway and fallen asleep to the sound of nearby waterfalls. The village atmosphere creates natural community among guests, and I've made lasting friendships around the central fire pits.

Housekeeping Camp presents another budget-friendly option with its unique concrete-and-canvas structures along the Merced River. These 266 units include electricity, beds for four people, and outdoor fire rings, but guests must bring their own bedding and cooking supplies. I've found this accommodation ideal for families who want camping convenience without tent setup, and the riverside location offers excellent swimming opportunities during warmer months.

The High Sierra Camps offer a truly unique cabin experience for adventurous visitors. These five camps, spaced six to ten miles apart, provide tent cabins and meals for hikers completing the 49-mile High Sierra Camp Loop. Reservations operate by lottery system due to extreme popularity, but I encourage everyone to apply – my week-long trek between these camps ranks among my greatest wilderness experiences.

White Wolf Lodge and Tuolumne Meadows Lodge serve the park's high country visitors during summer months. These rustic accommodations offer tent cabins without electricity or private bathrooms, but their locations provide unparalleled access to alpine hiking and backpacking opportunities. I've used both as base camps for summit attempts and fishing expeditions, appreciating their simple comfort after long days in the wilderness.

Gateway Communities Near Yosemite

When in-park Yosemite national park lodging fills up or budget constraints require alternatives, the surrounding gateway communities offer excellent accommodations often at more reasonable prices. Through years of exploration, I've discovered hidden gems in towns that serve as perfect base camps for park adventures.

Oakhurst, located along Highway 41 south of the park, provides the widest selection of chain hotels and restaurants. Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn has consistently impressed me with its pool, spa, and complimentary breakfast, while Hampton Inn & Suites Oakhurst offers modern amenities and reliable service. The 45-minute drive to Yosemite Valley makes this town ideal for visitors who prefer familiar hotel brands and extensive dining options.

Mariposa, the county seat, charms visitors with its Gold Rush history and authentic small-town atmosphere. During my stays at the historic Mariposa Hotel Inn, I've enjoyed exploring the town's museums and antique shops. The Mother Lode Lodge provides comfortable accommodations with mountain views, while several bed-and-breakfast properties offer personalized service and local insights that enhance any Yosemite visit.

El Portal, technically within Yosemite's boundaries but outside the main park area, offers the closest external lodging to Yosemite Valley. Yosemite View Lodge provides riverside accommodations with many rooms featuring private spas and fireplaces. The 30-minute drive to major attractions beats most gateway communities, making it popular despite limited amenities. I've found this location perfect for visitors who want park proximity without tent cabin camping.

Groveland, along Highway 120 west, combines historic charm with modern convenience. The Hotel Charlotte has been welcoming travelers since 1918, offering Victorian elegance and exceptional restaurant service. For those consulting a detailed Yosemite National Park map, this route provides scenic Sierra Nevada foothills driving and access to lesser-visited park areas like Hetch Hetchy.

Seasonal Considerations and Booking Tips

Successfully securing Yosemite national park lodging requires understanding seasonal patterns and booking strategies I've refined through years of experience. Peak season extends from April through October, with summer months presenting the greatest challenges for securing accommodations.

Spring visits from March through May offer spectacular waterfalls and wildflower blooms, but weather can be unpredictable. I've learned to pack layers for these trips, as temperatures can vary dramatically between valley floor and higher elevations. Dogwood flowers typically bloom in late April, creating stunning photographic opportunities throughout the valley. However, some high-country accommodations like Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and White Wolf remain closed until late spring or early summer.

Summer represents peak season for good reason – all park facilities operate, weather remains generally stable, and hiking conditions are optimal. Unfortunately, this also means maximum crowds and highest accommodation prices. I recommend booking exactly 366 days in advance when reservations open, particularly for weekend stays. The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Valley Lodge often sell out within hours of availability, while tent cabins at Curry Village may last slightly longer but still disappear quickly.

Fall brings fewer crowds and spectacular autumn colors, making it my favorite season for Yosemite national park lodging experiences. October offers comfortable temperatures and excellent hiking conditions, though some high-elevation facilities begin closing. Waterfalls run lower during this period, but the reduced visitor numbers create more intimate park experiences and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

Winter transforms Yosemite into a snow-covered wonderland, with dramatically reduced crowds and often available walk-up accommodations. The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Valley Lodge remain open year-round, providing cozy retreats after days of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Glacier Point Ski Hut offers unique overnight experiences for advanced winter recreationists willing to ski 10.5 miles to reach this spectacular high-country location.

My Personal Lodging Experiences in Yosemite

After more than fifteen years of regular Yosemite visits and stays in virtually every type of Yosemite national park lodging, I've accumulated insights that guidebooks rarely mention. Each accommodation type offers distinct advantages depending on your travel style, budget, and adventure goals.

My most memorable stay occurred during a February blizzard at The Ahwahnee, when heavy snowfall trapped guests inside for two days. Rather than feeling confined, this created an magical community atmosphere as strangers shared stories around the Great Lounge fireplace while snow accumulated against the massive windows. The hotel staff maintained exceptional service despite supply challenges, and I witnessed genuine hospitality that transforms accommodation into experience.

Conversely, my week at Curry Village during a July heat wave taught valuable lessons about preparation and expectations. While the tent cabins lack air conditioning, their canvas construction actually provides better ventilation than solid-wall rooms during extreme temperatures. I learned to appreciate early morning and evening hours when the valley comes alive with wildlife, while midday heat sent most visitors to shaded areas or air-conditioned facilities.

Family trips have reinforced the value of location over luxury when traveling with children. Our stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge proved ideal because kids could easily walk to shuttle stops, visitor centers, and trailheads without extensive car travel. The lodge's proximity to Swinging Bridge and the Merced River provided endless entertainment for younger family members while adults planned hiking adventures.

High Sierra Camps lottery success led to my most challenging but rewarding Yosemite national park lodging experience. Carrying minimal gear between camps while enjoying prepared meals and comfortable beds created the perfect balance of wilderness adventure and civilized comfort. Each camp's unique location offered different perspectives on Yosemite's high country, from lake reflections at May Lake to alpine meadows at Glen Aulin.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Yosemite national park lodging significantly impacts your overall park experience, whether you're seeking luxury comfort, budget-friendly adventure, or authentic wilderness immersion. Through extensive personal experience and research, I've learned that successful accommodation planning requires flexibility, advance preparation, and realistic expectations about seasonal availability and pricing.

In-park accommodations offer unparalleled convenience and atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience Yosemite's natural rhythms without daily commutes from gateway communities. However, their popularity demands booking strategies and backup plans for when primary choices remain unavailable. Gateway community hotels provide reliable alternatives with familiar amenities, often at lower costs than park properties.

Remember that Yosemite national park lodging serves as your basecamp for adventures, not your primary destination. Whether staying in The Ahwahnee's elegant rooms or Curry Village's rustic tent cabins, the true magic happens outside your accommodation – on trails leading to thundering waterfalls, during sunrise photography sessions, or around evening campfires sharing stories with fellow adventurers.

Plan ahead, remain flexible, and choose accommodations that align with your travel style and budget. Most importantly, remember that every lodging option in and around Yosemite provides access to one of America's most spectacular natural treasures. Your perfect accommodation awaits – start planning today for tomorrow's unforgettable wilderness adventure.