Hey, I’m so glad you’re planning a trip to Yosemite! I’ve learned that where you stay can totally change your vacation. Last year, the park saw over four million visitors, so a little planning goes a long way. The park is huge, and picking the right basecamp can save you from heavy traffic and stress. This guide will show you the best places for Yosemite National Park Lodging, whether you want a grand hotel, a spot for your family, or some nice Yosemite cabins and cottages. I’ll help you find the perfect spot, making sure you spend less time driving and more time seeing this great national park.
Best Month to Visit
The best time to visit Yosemite really depends on what you want to see.
| Best Month to Visit | Seasonal Occasion / Key Event |
| May | Peak Waterfall Flow |
| September | Ideal Hiking Conditions & Fewer Crowds |
| July | Wildflower Blooms |
| February | Skiing & Winter Sports at Badger Pass |
| Travel Insurance-Always consider travel insurance. It helps cover trip cancellations and unexpected medical needs, offering peace of mind on your trip. |
Where to Stay in Yosemite
1. The Ahwahnee
The Ahwahnee Hotel at Yosemite is like a classic movie location. In fact it served as inspiration for The Shining! This grand hotel blends rustic style with great design. Its huge stone fireplaces and nice tapestries are worth seeing on their own. It’s one of the top luxury hotels in Yosemite, perfect for a special trip if comfort is your main priority.
Special Feature: Grand Great Lounge with huge stone fireplaces.
Where to stay: 1 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park Lodging, CA 95389
Hours: Open- Close: Front desk is open 24/7.
Hidden Gem: An unmarked lounge balcony has private waterfall views
2. Curry Village
Curry Village offers a social and rustic stay right under Glacier Point. It is famous for its canvas tent cabins because they allow you to enjoy the outdoors as it was designed. I loved going to sleep and listening to the forest sounds, great way to unplug from a hectic life. And a great option for families wanting one of the best locations for a reasonable price.
Special Feature: Outdoor ice rink in winter, pool in summer..
Where to stay: 9010 Curry Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Hours: Open- Open- Close: Front desk is open 24/7.
Hidden Gem:The historic Mountaineering School is based right here.
3. Yosemite Valley
This area is the heart of the park. So this is where the biggest sights are. Simply put, if you are staying here you are minutes from high cliffs, green meadows and the Merced River. This is the center of Yosemite and means the least amount of driving and hassle while travelling around. This is one of the best Yosemite National Park lodgings for any new visit.
Special Feature: Great access to many iconic park landmarks..
Where to stay: 9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Hours: Open- Close: Park area is accessible 24/7..
Hidden Gem: A quiet trail behind the lodge leads to picnic spots
4. Glacier Point
This overlook is perhaps the most famous view in Yosemite National Park, with great views of the full YNP Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. It is 7,214 feet high, and is simply a must-see spot, especially at sunrise or sunset. You can’t stay all the way up top, but there are plenty of lodgings nearby, which is a fantastic home base to explore the park and southern hiking trails.
Special Feature: Commanding, wide view of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome.
Where to stay: Yosemite West, Yosemite National Park Lodging, CA 95389
Hours: Open-Closed: Road open late May to Oct/Nov.
Hidden Gem: Washburn Point offers similar views with fewer people.
5. Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
With over 500 mature giant sequoias, walking here makes for an unforgettable experience. The giant sequoias are some of the largest living things on earth and walking among them is special. The Giant Forest is located in the southern part of the park, and is a quieter area. It’s a perfect day trip from nearby Yosemite lodging inside the park for a change of pace.
Special Feature: The Grizzly Giant, one of the largest trees here
Where to stay: Wawona, Yosemite National Park Lodging, CA 95389
Hours: Open- Close: Open year-round; shuttle runs seasonally.
Hidden Gem: The easy Wawona Meadow Loop trail is dog-friendly.
6. Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
Staying here is a real high-country experience, at 8,700 feet. The rustic canvas of Yosemite tent cabins are great and cozy, plus there is a wood-burning stove in each. You are totally unplugged with no electricity at all, or cell service. It’s a great base for hikes to alpine lakes and granite domes; you can escape the busier valley floor.
Special Feature: Cozy wood-burning stoves in each tent cabin.
Where to stay: Tioga Pass Rd, Yosemite National Park Lodging, CA 95389
Hours: Open–Close: Typically open mid-June to mid-September.
Hidden Gem: Nearby Soda Springs has naturally carbonated water.
7. Wawona Hotel
This hotel, from the Victorian era, will take you back in time with its wide verandas and live piano music. Important: The hotel closed indefinitely for repairs on Dec. 2, 2024. You absolutely have to check the official park website to verify its status before you search for nearby Yosemite cabins or cottages. A great, peaceful spot when it’s open.
Special Feature: Nice Victorian architecture and wraparound verandas.
Where to stay: 8308 Wawona Rd, Wawona, CA 95389
Hours: Open–Close: Verify on official site.
Hidden Gem: The Pioneer Yosemite History Center is a short walk away.
8. Badger Pass Ski Area
Badger Pass, as California’s oldest ski area is a relaxed and family-oriented winter experience. It is very good for beginning skiers, snowboarders, or snow tubers. And there is so much more beyond the lifts where it serves as a trailhead for miles of cross-country ski trails. This spot is a key part of any winter visit and is close to great Yosemite National Park Lodging vacation rentals.
Special Feature: California’s oldest downhill skiing area.
Where to stay: Yosemite West, Yosemite National Park Lodging, CA 95389
Hours: Open–Close: Open mid-December to late March, conditions permitting.
Hidden Gem: A 21-mile round-trip ski trail leads to Glacier Point.
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9. Yosemite Falls
As one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, you will never forget the sound of Yosemite Falls, particularly late spring. The easy trail to the lower falls makes it accessible for everyone. It is the centerpiece of many Yosemite Valley hotels and a must-see for every visitor who comes to the Yosemite National Park Lodging.
Special Feature: One of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
Where to stay: 9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Hours: Open–Close: Accessible 24/7.
Hidden Gem: Visit during a full moon to see a “moonbow.
10. El Capitan Meadow
This grand meadow has the most iconic view of the massive granite monolith of El Capitan. I think it is a glorious place to spend time either picnicking, watching rock climbers, or taking photos. The Merced River runs along the margin of this meadow, and the tranquility is breathtaking. It’s a key stop and close to many Yosemite lodges and resorts.
Special Feature: Prime spot to watch climbers with binoculars.
Where to stay: 9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Hours: Open–Close: Accessible 24/7.
Hidden Gem: At night, you can see climbers’ headlamps on the rock.
11. Tenaya Lake
Tenaya Lake is often called ‘the Jewel in the High Country’ – this amazing alpine lake is right off Tioga Road, and it has nice sandy beaches and crystal clear water for those summer days of kayaking, or even just lounging on the beach surrounded by large granite domes, making it one of the prettiest and easiest accessible locations in Yosemite’s high country.
Special Feature: Nice sandy beaches perfect for a picnic
Where to stay: Tioga Pass Rd, Yosemite National Park Lodging, CA 95389
Hours: Open–Close: Accessible when Tioga Road is open.
Hidden Gem: Its original name was Pywiack, or “Lake of Shining Rocks.
Travel Basics & Tips
- Book Yosemite National Park lodging inside the Park well in advance.
- Park pass & vehicle reservations may be needed.
- Use bear-proof food lockers, as the fines can be enormous.
- Utilize the free shuttle to reduce parking frustrations.
- Cell service is limited; prior to your trip, download offline maps.
Conclusion
Selecting where to stay in Yosemite is the first step in planning your trip. Your home base is your ticket to a peaceful trip. Finding the right home base can change a stressful trip full of traffic into a peaceful natural experience.. Whether you pick one of the grand Yosemite lodges and resorts or a quiet cabin, you’re setting yourself up for a good time. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect spot in Yosemite National Park Lodging. It’s genuinely one of my favorite parks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stay in my car in Yosemite?
Ya, sure, you can stay in the car only if you are in the campground, which is designated.
How to book a housekeeping camp in Yosemite?
You can book a housekeeping camp from their online site, or you can also use this no. Call 888-413-8869
Is Yosemite Park better than Yellowstone?
While both the national parks are the most beautiful, Yosemite has more interesting and well-renowned sightseeing and trails.
