Coolest Places to Stay Near Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains have long been popular with artists, climbers, hikers and explorers. Ansel Adams snapped his famous photos here and John Muir loved exploring the peaks and valleys.
Planning a visit to this beautiful part of California? There are some amazing lodgings near Yosemite National Park.
Some of them are listed on Airbnb, others are condos, hotels and resorts. Be sure to sign up through this link for Airbnb to save up to $35 off your first trip.
Enjoy amazing views of Half Dome and El Capitan from the deck of your house inside Yosemite National Park. There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms for the whole family or your group of friends. The house is only a few minutes drive from the valley.
Book the View of Half Dome Home here.
Foxes Lair
Stay in this comfy condo with all the amenities of home just outside the border of Yosemite National Park. A great option if you’d like to prepare meals in the comfort of home after hiking all day or if the weather is not suitable for camping.
Sign up through this link for Airbnb to save $35 off your first trip.
This modern cabin has beautiful views of El Capitan and Half Dome and a cozy interior with lots of wood. Visit the park or go fly fishing in the Merced or Tuolumne Rivers. The cabin is perfect for a romantic getaway with one bedroom and a soaking tub for two.
Book the cozy Clouds Rest Cabin here.
This famous hotel located within Yosemite National Park is definitely the coveted spot to stay. Built in 1927, the hotel sits in the valley near the base of Half Dome. The historic building was designed in the “parkitecture” rustic style by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood (who also designed the Zion Lodge, Bryce Canyon Lodge, Old Faithful Lodge, and Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge. For more about this architecture style click here!) Reserve your hotel room, suite or cottage as far in advance as possible.
Get away from the hustle and bustle at this lovely loft condo that is close to the sights of the park. The open space layout makes it perfect for a couple or a family with one or two small kids.
Reserve the Loft Condo here.
Red Door Hideaway
This lovely apartment is located just a few miles from Yosemite’s most famous sights. Return home in the evening to a nice glass of wine on the deck and maybe even do some grilling after all that hiking.
Get discounts for Airbnb by using this link if you are not already a member.
There are 13 campgrounds within the National Park, but be forewarned, they fill up in advance, especially those in the valley area. During the high season you can reserve spots online at 7 of the 13 campgrounds. Some of the campgrounds even require reservations, but others are first come first served. Bear in mind that these usually fill up by noon or earlier.
If campgrounds within the park are full, check out Hipcamp for other options outside the park.
In addition to campgrounds, Yosemite also has backcountry camping. You’ll need a wilderness permit. There are also tents and cabins available for people who don’t want to bring their own shelter, and backcountry cabins too! Check out Half Dome Village (previously Camp Curry), Housekeeping Camp and High Sierra Camps for more information.
Since Yosemite campgrounds are typically crowded and full in the high season, check the surrounding area for other options. As mentioned above, check Hipcamp for options like Sanctuary of the Oaks. Get $20 credit for Hipcamp by signing up with this link.
In the area surrounding Yosemite, Inyo National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest and Toiyabe National Forest also offer campsites. Reviews and photos of the campsites can be found on the awesome website Campendium.
If you’d prefer not to stay in a tent, why not look into renting an RV or camper van from one of these companies? Also check out our 7 tips for car camping!
Things To Do Near Yosemite
Of course the #1 thing to do in the area is hike and explore in Yosemite National Park! If you will visit more than one National Park in year get the America the Beautiful pass which gives you free access to the parks. You can purchase the pass here.
Visit some of the Gold Rush towns along Route 49 including Columbia State Park, Jamestown, Bodie and Sonora
Go wine tasting in the town of Murphys and in the Shenandoah Valley
Visit Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park just south of Yosemite for a tour of several parks. Get an America the Beautiful pass to save money on the park entrance fees which were just increased by the Trump administration.
Visit eerie Mono Lake and paddle around it in your kayak or SUP
Planning a longer road trip? Check out our guide to exploring Central California!
Enjoy your visit to amazing Yosemite National Park!
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