The Ultimate Guide to Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park is one of those bucket-list adventures you’ll never forget. Whether you’re dreaming of standing in awe beneath El Capitan, hiking to Vernal Fall, or simply soaking in the serenity of the meadows, Yosemite delivers unforgettable moments at every turn.

But where you stay can make or break your Yosemite experience. Your choice of lodging determines how much driving you’ll do, how quickly you can access trailheads, and even the kind of atmosphere you’ll enjoy after a long day of exploring.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down all the options, from luxury hotels inside the park to budget-friendly campgrounds near the gates. I’ll also sprinkle in some personal insight, because I’ve been in those shoes of frantically searching for availability months before my trip (spoiler: you really do need to book early).

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Staying Inside Yosemite National Park

Why Stay Inside the Park?

The biggest advantage of staying inside Yosemite is convenience. Imagine waking up, sipping your coffee with views of Half Dome, and then strolling to your trailhead without a long drive. You’ll avoid traffic at the entrances, and if you’re like me, someone who loves catching sunrise in Yosemite Valley, you’ll be grateful you didn’t need a 5 a.m. wake-up call just to beat the crowds.

Of course, this convenience comes at a cost: limited availability and higher prices. Rooms book up months (sometimes a year) in advance, so flexibility is key. To see what’s available, you can check Yosemite lodging on Expedia.

Lodging Options

Hotels & Historic Lodges

• Ahwahnee Hotel (formerly The Majestic Yosemite Hotel): This is Yosemite’s crown jewel. Built in 1927, it’s a National Historic Landmark that blends rustic architecture with luxury. Expect high ceilings, stone fireplaces, and a dining room that feels straight out of a movie set. Perfect for honeymooners or those looking for a splurge. Rooms here go fast, so it’s worth checking Ahwahnee Hotel availability.
• Yosemite Valley Lodge: Situated right by Yosemite Falls, this lodge is a family-friendly favorite. It’s more affordable than the Ahwahnee and offers straightforward comfort with unbeatable location. You can see current rates for Yosemite Valley Lodge.
• Wawona Hotel: A charming Victorian-style hotel near the southern entrance, dating back to the 19th century. If you want something quieter and historic, compare Wawona Hotel options.

Cabins & Vacation Rentals

• Curry Village (formerly Camp Curry): A mix of rustic cabins, tent cabins, and motel-style rooms. It’s a classic Yosemite experience. Basic, communal, and buzzing with families and groups.
• Housekeeping Camp: Halfway between camping and cabin life, you’ll have concrete-floored units with beds, electricity, and fire pits. Not glamorous, but it’s riverside and affordable.

Campgrounds

• Upper Pines, North Pines, and Lower Pines: Located in Yosemite Valley, these are the most popular campgrounds. They’re close to everything but extremely competitive to book.
• Tuolumne Meadows Campground: Open only in summer, this spot is at higher elevation (8,600 feet). It’s quieter, cooler, and offers access to the high country.

Pros & Cons of Each

• Hotels & Lodges: Pros—comfort, services, historic charm. Cons—expensive, very limited availability.
• Cabins & Housekeeping Camp: Pros—affordable, social atmosphere. Cons—basic amenities, can be noisy.
• Campgrounds: Pros—budget-friendly, close to nature. Cons—hard to book, fewer comforts.

How Far in Advance You Need to Book

• Hotels and lodges: Up to a year in advance.
• Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp: 6–12 months ahead is safest.
• Campgrounds: Reservations open five months in advance on Recreation.gov and often sell out within minutes.

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Staying Near the Park Entrances

Not everyone can snag a spot inside the park, and honestly, that’s okay. Some of the best accommodations are just outside the gates, and you’ll often find more amenities, dining options, and availability.

South Entrance (Oakhurst & Fish Camp)

• Best for families who want easy access to Mariposa Grove (home of giant sequoias).
• Oakhurst is the largest nearby town with grocery stores, chain hotels, and restaurants. Fish Camp is smaller but closer to the park. Try Oakhurst hotels on Expedia for family-friendly stays.

West Entrance (El Portal & Mariposa)

• El Portal is the closest community to Yosemite Valley outside the park. Staying here means quick access without being inside the valley itself.
• Mariposa is about 45 minutes from the Arch Rock Entrance, with a charming Gold Rush history vibe.

Search El Portal or Mariposa hotels for options near this entrance.

Arch Rock Entrance

• This is technically the main western entrance and funnels you straight into Yosemite Valley. El Portal is the go-to here.

Big Oak Flat & Groveland

• Perfect if you’re coming from San Francisco. Groveland is a historic little town with B&Bs, motels, and even golf. You’re looking at about a 40-minute drive to Yosemite Valley.

Compare Groveland stays.

East Entrance (Lee Vining & Mammoth Lakes)

• Only open in summer when Tioga Pass is clear (usually late May through October).
• Lee Vining is a tiny town but close to Mono Lake, while Mammoth Lakes offers ski resorts, lodges, and a more resort-town atmosphere.

You can book Mammoth Lakes resorts easily.

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Types of Accommodations

Hotels & Resorts

From the luxury of the Ahwahnee to chain hotels in Oakhurst, Yosemite has options for every budget. Resorts near Mammoth or Fish Camp often come with spas and pools. Nice perks after long hikes.

Cabins & Vacation Rentals

If you want privacy and a kitchen, vacation rentals in Groveland or Fish Camp can be a lifesaver. I stayed in a cozy A-frame cabin once, and being able to cook my own pasta after a day on the trails was a small joy.

Camping & RV Sites

Inside the park, these are the most competitive options. Outside, you’ll find RV parks and campgrounds that don’t book up quite as fast.

Glamping

Think safari-style tents with real beds and sometimes even Wi-Fi. AutoCamp Yosemite (near Mariposa) is a standout, with Airstreams and luxury tents. Perfect for those who want nature without sacrificing comfort.

Unique Stays

Want something memorable? Look for treehouse rentals near Groveland or historic inns in Mariposa. These stays add a special twist to your trip.

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Budget Considerations

Luxury

• Ahwahnee Hotel for those who want the best.
• Evergreen Lodge (outside Big Oak Flat entrance) blends rustic cabins with upscale amenities.

Mid-Range

• Yosemite Valley Lodge is the top mid-range option inside the park.
• Hotels in Oakhurst or Groveland also fit this category.
• Cabin rentals in Fish Camp are good mid-range choices.

Budget-Friendly

• Campgrounds (inside or near the park) are the cheapest.
• Hostels and motels in Mariposa or Groveland are also affordable.
• RV parks for those traveling with campers.

Tips for Saving Money

• Visit in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when prices drop and crowds thin out.
• Book weekdays instead of weekends.
• Stay in nearby towns like Mariposa for cheaper food and lodging.

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Seasonal Factors

Summer

• Peak season. Warm weather, open trails, but also traffic and crowds. Prices skyrocket.

Fall

• Quieter, cooler, and gorgeous with fall colors. Lodging is easier to book.

Winter

• Yosemite becomes a snowy wonderland. Badger Pass Ski Area opens. Limited lodging inside the park, but magical if you don’t mind cold.

Spring

• Waterfalls are at their most powerful. Wildflowers bloom. Roads to Tuolumne Meadows may still be closed until late spring.

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Tips for Booking and Planning

1. Book early. Like, really early.
2. Be flexible with dates and lodging type.
3. Check cancellation policies. Sometimes last-minute spots open.
4. Consider park shuttles if you’re staying inside.
5. Factor in drive times if you’re staying outside. Yosemite Valley can be an hour or more from the gates.

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Final Recommendations

• First-timers: Stay inside Yosemite Valley if possible. Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village are perfect introductions.
• Families: Curry Village or a rental in Oakhurst.
• Luxury travelers: Ahwahnee Hotel or Evergreen Lodge.
• Budget travelers: Campgrounds or motels in Mariposa or Groveland.
• Adventure seekers: Tuolumne Meadows camping or Mammoth Lakes in summer.

Quick Summary Matrix

• Luxury: Ahwahnee Hotel
• Family-Friendly: Curry Village
• Budget: Camping near El Portal
• Convenient for San Francisco travelers: Groveland
• Unique stay: AutoCamp Yosemite (glamping)

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Conclusion

No matter where you stay, inside Yosemite’s valley floor, in a rustic cabin outside the gate, or under the stars in a campground, you’ll be rewarded with access to one of the most spectacular national parks in the world.

The key is planning ahead. Book as early as you can, but don’t stress if the perfect room isn’t available. Sometimes, those “backup” options lead to the best memories (like the time I ended up camping by the Merced River instead of my planned cabin. It turned out magical).

At the end of the day, Yosemite isn’t about the hotel room or the tent. It’s about the granite cliffs, the waterfalls, the wildlife, and the moments of awe that stay with you forever.

Start by exploring Yosemite accommodations on Expedia and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.