Best Places to Stay in Yosemite National Park
Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park
Choosing where to stay in Yosemite National Park can shape your entire experience. Lodging inside the park offers convenience and immersion, while nearby towns provide more flexibility and availability.
This guide breaks down the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park, including options inside the park and just outside the gates, so you can choose what fits your plans best.
How to Choose the Best Place to Stay in Yosemite
When deciding where to stay, consider:
How early you want to start your days
Whether minimizing driving is important
Your comfort level with rustic lodging
Availability during peak seasons
Staying inside the park offers convenience, while staying nearby provides flexibility.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Location: Yosemite Valley, near Yosemite Falls
Drive time:
Yosemite Valley: Walkable
Glacier Point: About 1 hour
Taft Point: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Yosemite Valley Lodge is centrally located near Yosemite Falls and offers easy access to walking paths, shuttle stops, and iconic Valley views. It’s a practical option for visitors who want to stay close to major attractions without luxury pricing.
Website:
https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/yosemite-valley-lodge/
Curry Village
Location: Yosemite Valley
Drive time:
Yosemite Valley: Walkable
Glacier Point: About 1 hour
Taft Point: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Curry Village offers a more casual experience with a range of lodging options, including cabins and tent cabins. It’s a popular choice for travelers who want an immersive park experience and don’t mind simpler accommodations.
Website:
https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/curry-village/
The Ahwahnee Hotel
Location: Yosemite Valley
Drive time:
Yosemite Valley: Walkable
Glacier Point: About 1 hour
Taft Point: About 1 hour 15 minutes
The Ahwahnee is Yosemite’s most iconic hotel, known for its historic architecture and refined atmosphere. It’s ideal for couples or visitors looking for a more elevated stay inside the park while remaining close to Valley locations.
Website:
https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/the-ahwahnee/
Yosemite West
Location: Inside Yosemite National Park, between Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point
Drive time:
Yosemite Valley: About 30 minutes
Glacier Point: About 45 minutes
Taft Point: About 45 minutes
Yosemite West is a residential area within the park boundary offering privately owned vacation rentals. These homes provide more space and privacy and are a great option for groups or couples who want a quieter stay while remaining well positioned for Glacier Point and Taft Point.
Website:
https://www.yosemitewest.com/
The Redwoods in Yosemite
Location: Near Wawona, inside Yosemite National Park
Drive time:
Yosemite Valley: About 45 minutes
Glacier Point: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Taft Point: About 1 hour 30 minutes
The Redwoods in Yosemite offers cabin-style lodging surrounded by forested scenery. This area works well for visitors who want a quieter, more secluded stay and plan to explore the southern part of the park.
Website:
https://www.redwoodsinyosemite.com/
Places to Stay Outside of Yosemite National Park
If lodging inside Yosemite National Park is unavailable, staying just outside the park can be a great alternative. Nearby gateway towns offer a wider range of accommodations and are often easier to book, especially during peak season.
Important note: Staying outside the park does not replace Yosemite’s required day-use or peak-hour entry reservations when they are in effect. Lodging reservations outside the park do not grant park entry. You will still need to secure a valid entry reservation if required for your visit dates.
El Portal
Location: Along Highway 140 near the Arch Rock Entrance
Recommended places to stay:
Yosemite View Lodge
https://yosemiteviewlodge.com/Cedar Lodge
https://www.cedarlodge.com/
Drive time:
Yosemite Valley: About 30 minutes
Glacier Point: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Taft Point: About 1 hour 45 minutes
El Portal is one of the closest towns to Yosemite Valley and sits along the Merced River. It works well for couples, families, and guests who want shorter drive times without staying inside the park.
Oakhurst and Fish Camp Area
Location: Near the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park
Recommended places to stay:
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
https://www.tenayalodge.com/The Yosemite Cabin
https://theyosemitecabin.com/
Drive time:
Yosemite Valley: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Glacier Point: About 1 hour 45 minutes
Taft Point: About 2 hours
This area offers the widest range of lodging, dining, and amenities. It’s a practical base for visitors who prefer full-service accommodations and don’t mind a longer drive into Yosemite Valley.
Mariposa
Location: Near the Highway 140 entrance to Yosemite National Park
Recommended places to stay:
AutoCamp Yosemite
https://autocamp.com/location/yosemite/
Drive time:
Yosemite Valley: About 1 hour
Glacier Point: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Taft Point: About 1 hour 45 minutes
Mariposa is a historic Gold Rush–era town with a quieter, more relaxed feel. It’s a good option for couples and families looking for charm and a slower pace without the crowds of larger gateway towns.
Planning Tip for Staying Outside the Park
If you stay outside Yosemite National Park:
Factor in daily drive time for early mornings or sunset plans
Check seasonal road conditions before your trip
Confirm whether day-use or peak-hour entry reservations are required for your visit dates
Planning these details ahead of time helps avoid delays and stress once you arrive.
Camping Options Near Yosemite National Park
Camping is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Yosemite’s scenery. Options range from traditional tent and RV campgrounds inside the park to well-located sites just outside the gates. Reservations are highly recommended and often required — especially for popular sites and summer dates.
Important note:
Camping reservations do not grant park entry. You may still need a Yosemite day-use or peak-hour reservation for your visit dates in addition to your campsite reservation.
Campgrounds Inside Yosemite National Park
Upper Pines Campground
Location: Yosemite Valley
Recommended for: Tents, small RVs (no hookups)
Drive time:
Glacier Point: ~1 hour
Taft Point: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Upper Pines is one of the most iconic campgrounds in Yosemite Valley, centrally located with easy access to hiking trails, Yosemite Falls, and shuttle stops.
Reservations / Info:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232447
Lower Pines Campground
Location: Yosemite Valley
Recommended for: Tents, small to medium RVs
Drive time:
Glacier Point: ~1 hour
Taft Point: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Lower Pines is right along the Merced River with views of the valley walls. It’s popular for valley explorers and sunrise sessions.
Reservations / Info:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232427
North Pines Campground
Location: Yosemite Valley
Recommended for: Tents, RVs (some spots)
Drive time:
Glacier Point: ~1 hour
Taft Point: ~1 hour 15 minutes
North Pines sits between Upper and Lower and offers similar proximity to Yosemite Valley highlights.
Reservations / Info:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232428
Wawona Campground
Location: Near Wawona (South of Yosemite Valley)
Recommended for: Tents, RVs
Drive time:
Yosemite Valley: ~45 minutes
Glacier Point: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Taft Point: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Wawona Campground is a quieter forest site near the Wawona area, close to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Reservations / Info:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232441
Campgrounds Just Outside Yosemite
El Portal Campground
Location: El Portal
Recommended for: Tents, RVs, cabins (varies by site)
Drive time:
Yosemite Valley: ~30 minutes
Glacier Point: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Taft Point: ~1 hour 45 minutes
El Portal Campground is close to one of the fastest routes into Yosemite Valley and convenient for early starts.
Reservations / Info:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232449
Sierra Ranch Resort & Campground
Location: Near Oakhurst (South Entrance)
Recommended for: Tents, RVs, cabins
Drive time:
Yosemite Valley: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Glacier Point: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Taft Point: ~2 hours
Offers more amenities and space than primitive campgrounds while still being a solid base for Yosemite visits.
Reservations / Info:
https://www.sierraranchresort.com/
Mariposa KOA
Location: Mariposa
Recommended for: Tent sites, RV hookups, cabins
Drive time:
Yosemite Valley: ~1 hour
Glacier Point: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Taft Point: ~1 hour 45 minutes
A well-equipped KOA that’s great for families or visitors who want amenities like showers and recreation areas.
Reservations / Info:
https://koa.com/campgrounds/mariposa/
Camping Planning Tips
Reserve early: Yosemite campgrounds book out months in advance, particularly May through September.
Know the rules: Most campgrounds inside the park do not offer hookups and have quiet hours.
Bear safety: All Yosemite campgrounds require bear-safe storage for food and scented items.
Timing: For sunrise photography or early hikes, staying closer (like Yosemite Valley campgrounds) cuts morning drive time
Common mistakes people make when booking lodging in Yosemite
• Assuming a hotel reservation guarantees park entry
Staying outside Yosemite does not replace required day use or peak hour entry reservations when they are in effect. Lodging alone does not grant access into the park.• Underestimating drive times
Some towns look close on a map but can mean very early mornings or long drives after sunset. This matters a lot for sunrise ceremonies, sunset portraits, and guest comfort.• Booking before confirming ceremony or photo locations
Where you stay should support your timeline, not fight it. Lodging that works for Yosemite Valley may not make sense for Glacier Point, Taft Point, or Tuolumne Meadows.• Not accounting for weather and elevation
Higher elevation lodging can mean colder nights, snow in shoulder seasons, or icy morning roads. This can affect what time you can realistically leave for your day.• Choosing based on price alone
Cheaper lodging farther away often adds stress, longer drives, and less flexibility. Convenience and location usually matter more than saving a small amount.• Waiting too long to book during peak season
Spring through fall fills fast. If you wait too long, you may lose the best locations that align with your experience and timeline.
Ready to plan this the easy way?
When you book with me as your Yosemite, I help you choose lodging that actually works with your ceremony location, season, and vision. You are not guessing or booking blindly. You are planning with someone who knows the park, the drive times, and the flow of a Yosemite wedding day.
