Yosemite is enormous. Things that seem close on a map can mean hours of driving, so where you stay in Yosemite is really important. There are fairly limited options for staying inside the park, but plenty of options for staying outside the park. And those options vary considerably in terms of distance from the park, price, and amenities.
Where you stay really depends on what matters to you, how far you want to drive, and how far in advance you are planning your trip. If you are booking in peak season, your options for in-park lodging may be nonexistent unless you plan 9-12 months in advance. That said, there’s always a way to make a last-minute trip work with a bit of flexibility.
I have visited Yosemite multiple times and learned some great tips and tricks. From inside Yosemite Valley to gateway towns 45 minutes away, there are options for every type of traveler, from budget-friendly to upscale resorts.
In this guide, I will show you exactly where to stay based on what matters most to you. Location? Luxury? Saving money? Families? I have you covered.
Executive summary: the quick answer
If you are in a rush, here is my cheat sheet for 2026.
- Best inside the valley and best all-around option: Yosemite Valley Lodge. Central location, walk to trailheads, free shuttle access. But only available for advance planners or off-season travelers.
- Best upscale inside the valley: The Ahwahnee. Historic elegance, $500+ per night peak season, fine dining.
- Best budget inside the valley: Curry Village. Tent cabins with beds, communal bathrooms, and $200/night for camping-level accommodations.
- Closest gateway hotel and best for families wanting convenience: Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal (closest you can get to Yosemite without being in Yosemite). River views, pools, on-site dining, kitchenettes, and larger room options.
- Best on a budget: Mariposa (1 hour from the valley). Walkable downtown, many accommodation options, including some budget-friendly ones like the Mariposa Lodge, and good restaurants.
- Best upscale resort: Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp/Oakhurst area (1 hour south of the valley). Full-service resort with spa, pools, multiple restaurants, great for families.
- Best experience resort: Evergreen Lodge in Groveland (1 hour north of the valley). Outdoor experience resort with great amenities and activities.
- Best for splitting your stay: 2 nights Mariposa (west side) + 2 nights Tenaya Lodge (south side) to minimize driving.
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Why where you stay matters
Location matters in Yosemite much more than it does at smaller parks. Inside Yosemite Valley, you can walk to trailheads before sunrise without crowds. Stay in El Portal, and you’re only 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley. Choose Mariposa or Oakhurst, and you have more hotel options and save money, but add over an hour of driving each way.
Keep in mind that you no longer need reservations in 2026 to enter Yosemite. This could mean long lines at the entrance gates if you are staying outside the park, and possibly not even being able to get in during peak times in peak season.
I would always recommend staying in Yosemite for at least part of your trip because of the long drive times and potential for long lines at the gate, but it’s not always an option. Unless you like camping, the options in the park book up very fast (think 10-12 months). You might get lucky and get a one or two-night reservation. Even one night in the park would be really helpful with cutting drive times if you don’t mind hopping hotels.
The geography of Yosemite hotels
Let me break down the Yosemite map, as understanding where things are is really important when you are deciding on the best place to stay in Yosemite.
- Inside Yosemite Valley. There are only two hotels actually in Yosemite Valley: Yosemite Valley Lodge and The Ahwahnee. Curry Village offers tent cabins nearby. This is where you want to be for maximum convenience.
- El Portal (25 minutes west). The closest gateway town to Yosemite Valley. Limited dining options, but right at the park entrance. Yosemite View Lodge is the best option here. It’s only 5 minutes to the Yosemite gate, but still 25 minutes to Yosemite Valley (with no traffic).
- Mariposa (1 hour west). Historic Gold Rush town with walkable downtown, good restaurants, and easier hotel availability than El Portal or in-park options.
- Oakhurst/Fish Camp (1 hour – 1:30 hours south). Fish Gate is closer, but Oakhurst has more restaurants and amenities. While it’s far from Yosemite Village, it’s the closest to the park’s southern attractions, including the giant sequoias. Home to Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, a full-service resort. Good for families who want activities beyond just hiking.
- Groveland (1:00 north). Home of Evergreen Lodge, a great family-friendly escape from the Yosemite crowds.
Keep in mind these are one-way distances, so double your extra driving time each day. And they don’t account for traffic or road construction, which can certainly happen in peak season.
Important note about “inside the park”: There are private lodges and Airbnbs within Yosemite National Park boundaries, but most are NOT near Yosemite Valley, where the main attractions are. They may not save you driving time compared to staying in El Portal. But they will save you from the park entrance lines.
Prices: what to expect
Hotel prices near Yosemite are generally not cheap, especially in peak-season. And they fluctuate dramatically depending on the season and when you book.
Booking early is almost always better. Many hotels near Yosemite have free or low-cost cancellation policies, so you can book far in advance and then track prices. If prices drop, cancel and rebook.
Sites like Hotels.com now provide price tracking like Google Flights. They will tell you if the current price is low, typical, or high. You can set alerts and rebook if prices drop.
Peak season prices (June-August, spring break):
These are approximate ranges assuming you book 3-6 months in advance. Prices typically increase the closer you get to your dates.
- Yosemite Valley Lodge: $300-450+ per night
- The Ahwahnee: $500-700+ per night
- Curry Village: $150-250 per night (tent cabins)
- El Portal hotels: $200-350 per night
- Mariposa hotels: $150-250 per night
- Oakhurst/Tenaya Lodge: $300-450 per night
Off-season prices (November-February): Prices drop significantly, but access is more limited. Tioga Road is closed, and Glacier Point Road may be closed depending on the snow. The southern entrance provides the best access during the winter. I booked a trip for a couple at Tenaya Lodge for only $150 per night in March, which is an amazing deal.
Best nature experience inside the valley: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Yosemite Valley Lodge sits in the heart of Yosemite Valley, steps from Yosemite Falls and surrounded by towering granite cliffs.
What makes it special
This is the most centrally located hotel in the park. You can walk to the base of Yosemite Falls in 5 minutes. The free shuttle stops right outside. You have immediate access to the trailheads before the parking lots fill up at 8 AM.
Rooms are modern but not fancy. Think clean and comfortable with mini-fridges, coffee makers, and private bathrooms. Some rooms have valley views, others face the forest. The lodge has multiple buildings spread across the property.
Dining options include the Base Camp Eatery (cafeteria-style), Mountain Room Restaurant (sit-down with valley views), and the Mountain Room Lounge (bar with food).
From the reviews
One guest on Hotels.com said, “The location cannot be beat. We walked to Yosemite Falls, caught the shuttle to other trailheads, and enjoyed sunset right from our room. Yes, it’s expensive, but the convenience was worth every penny.”
Another reviewer noted, “The rooms are basic but clean and comfortable. The real value is being IN the valley. We saw deer outside our window at breakfast and were on the trail by 7 AM before the crowds.”
The trade-offs
It is fair and reasonably priced for in-park lodging, but certainly not cheap. It’s my #1 recommendation for a Yosemite trip, but the problem is availability. In peak season, it will probably be booked 10-12 months in advance. Cancellations do happen, so keep checking.
Expect $300-450+ per night in peak season. The restaurant options are limited and pricey. But for a park this large, the trade-offs are worth it.
Who it is for
Anyone who can actually get a reservation! This is for advance vacation planners who know their dates a year out. It’s great for serious hikers who want to start their days early, families who want walk-out access without dealing with parking, or anyone who values being in the heart of Yosemite Valley. So, I’d recommend it for everyone.
Booking tips
Reservations open 12 months in advance. Book the day they open for peak season (June-August). Check back frequently for cancellations. Shoulder season (May, September-October) is much easier to book.
Best upscale experience: The Ahwahnee
The Ahwahnee is Yosemite’s grand historic hotel. Built in 1927, this is one of America’s most iconic national park lodges.
What makes it special
The Great Lounge features soaring 24-foot ceilings, massive stone fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Half Dome and Glacier Point. This is where you come for elegance and history.
Rooms blend rustic charm with modern amenities. Some face the valley with views of Half Dome, others face the forest. Many have balconies or patios.
The Ahwahnee Dining Room serves upscale cuisine with a dress code (collared shirts, no athletic wear). The Bar at The Ahwahnee offers a more casual setting with views.
From the reviews
A Booking.com reviewer wrote, “This is a bucket-list property. The architecture is stunning, the Great Lounge is like stepping back in time, and waking up with views of Half Dome from our room was unforgettable. Worth the splurge for a special occasion.”
Another said, “The Ahwahnee feels like a living museum. Everything from the Native American-inspired decor to the grand dining room is spectacular. It’s expensive, but you’re paying for history and location.”
The trade-offs
At $500-700+ per night in peak season, this is the most expensive option in Yosemite. The dining is pricey and requires reservations. Some reviews note that the rooms, while charming, can feel dated compared to modern luxury hotels.
Who it is for
Couples celebrating anniversaries or honeymoons. History buffs who appreciate grand national park lodges. Anyone who wants the most iconic Yosemite lodging experience money can buy.
Booking tips
Reservations open 12 months in advance. It doesn’t book up quite as fast as Yosemite Valley Lodge because of the higher price point, but it still books up quickly. Also, a great option for lower prices and better availability in the shoulder season (May, September-October).
Best budget option inside the valley: Curry Village
Curry Village is Yosemite’s affordable lodging option, located at the east end of Yosemite Valley below Glacier Point.
What makes it special
This is the closest you can get to camping without actually camping. Curry Village offers canvas tent cabins with beds, linens, and heaters. You get a “roof” over your head and a comfortable bed.
The location is excellent. You can walk to the shuttle, Happy Isles trailhead (gateway to Vernal Falls and Half Dome), and Mirror Lake. The village has a cafeteria, pizza deck, outdoor gear shop, and general store.
The reality
You are paying around $150-250 per night for essentially a relatively small tent with beds. The tent cabins have no bathrooms, so you use communal facilities nearby. The walls are canvas, and the tents are really close together, so you will hear your neighbors. There is no heating or cooling beyond a small space heater.
Curry Village has a few heated wooden cabins with private bathrooms that cost $200-300+ per night, which bridges the gap between tent camping and hotel rooms. It’s a great option, but there aren’t many, and they book up almost as fast as Yosemite Valley Lodge.
From the reviews
A Tripadvisor reviewer said, “This is glorified camping. If you go in with the right expectations, it’s great. We loved the location and being able to walk everywhere. Just know you’re sharing bathrooms and the walls are thin.”
Another wrote, “The tent cabins are basic but worked perfectly for us. We were only there to sleep anyway since we spent all day hiking. The pizza deck and cafeteria made meals easy.”
The trade-offs
You are paying hotel prices for camping accommodations. If you want privacy, quiet, and comfort, this is not it. But if you want affordable access to Yosemite Valley, it works.
Who it is for
Budget-conscious travelers who prioritize location over comfort. Young adults who don’t mind communal bathrooms. Families who want a unique “camping” experience with beds.
Closest gateway town: Yosemite View Lodge (El Portal)
Yosemite View Lodge sits along the Merced River in El Portal, just 15 minutes (8 miles) from Yosemite Valley.
What makes it special
This is the closest hotel outside the park. You are less than a mile from the iconic Yosemite welcome sign and about 3 miles from the park entrance. That said, it’s still a half hour from Yosemite Village, but it really is as close as you can get without staying in the park.
The property offers rooms with river views, balconies, fireplaces, and kitchenettes (fridge, microwave, coffee maker, toaster). It’s a very large property with multiple outdoor pools and hot tubs overlooking the Merced River. They have multiple room types, including rooms with lofts for more space. On-site dining includes a sit-down restaurant, a pizza place, and a general store.
The 336-room property feels like a small resort despite being right outside the park.
From the reviews
Reviewers consistently praise the location and river setting. One said, “The sound of the river outside our balcony was so relaxing after a day of hiking. We loved having a kitchenette to make breakfast and pack lunches. The location is perfect—10 minutes to the valley.”
Another reviewer noted, “This is not the same as Yosemite Valley Lodge (confusing names!). Yosemite View Lodge is in El Portal OUTSIDE the park, but it’s the closest option and much easier to book. Great value for the amenities.”
The trade-offs
El Portal is really small. There are very few dining options beyond the lodge itself. The pizza is great, but the sit-down restaurant doesn’t get great reviews. When I stayed here, we did pizza one night and bought groceries to cook in the kitchen the other nights. You could drive to Mariposa for a better restaurant selection, but it’s an hour drive round-trip, and the whole point of staying in El Portal is to drive less. You can also eat meals in the park.
WiFi and even cell service is pretty spotty, so download what you need in advance.
Who it is for
Anyone who wants the closest possible location but can’t get into the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Families who benefit from kitchenettes and resort-style amenities (pools, hot tubs) and would prioritize a small drive for far nicer accommodations than Curry Village.
Important note
Do NOT confuse Yosemite View Lodge (in El Portal) with Yosemite Valley Lodge (inside the park). The names are confusingly similar, but they are completely different properties.
Best charm and dining: Mariposa
Mariposa is a historic Gold Rush town an hour west of Yosemite Valley.
What makes it special
This is a real town with character. The walkable downtown has shops, restaurants, breweries, and a historic courthouse. You can grab dinner at a local brewery, get coffee at an independent cafe, and stock up on groceries for picnic lunches.
Mariposa offers better hotel availability and lower prices than El Portal or in-park options. You will find chain hotels (Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station) and independent options (Mariposa Lodge, Yosemite Inn).
The drive to Yosemite Valley is a solid hour on Highway 140, a scenic route along the Merced River, not accounting for traffic or lines at the entrance gates. Many hotels may claim less than that to Yosemite, which is technically true since the entrance gate is closer, but you aren’t really going to the entrance gate. Always map a hotel’s distance to Yosemite Village and what you want to see.
Top picks in Mariposa
Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station. This is one of the highest-rated chain hotels in Mariposa. Large rooms with fridges and microwaves. Free breakfast. Pool and hot tub. Walkable to downtown restaurants. Rooms run $200-250+ in peak season, depending on how far in advance you book. Pro-tip: There is another Best Western Plus in Oakhurst, so make sure you are booking the right one for where you want to stay.
Mariposa Lodge. A family-owned motel in the heart of downtown. Clean, basic rooms with friendly staff. Walking distance to shops and 1850 Brewing Company. Nothing in Yosemite is that affordable in peak season, but this is one of the most affordable options.
AutoCamp. This is in Midpines, which is very close to Mariposa. 4-star glamping with lots of amenities in an AirStream or Adventure tent. Can be $300-400/night in peak season.
Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping. A less expensive glamping option is around $200/night.
Not quite what you are looking for? Hotels.com has lots of great options at competitive prices that are usually refundable.
The trade-offs
The hour-long drive each way adds up. But the trade-off is lower prices, easier booking, and much better dining options than El Portal.
Who it is for
Budget-conscious travelers who do not mind a morning drive. Foodies who want real restaurant choices. Anyone who appreciates small-town charm and prefers staying in a real community versus a resort.
Best upscale resort: Tenaya Lodge (Fish Camp/Oakhurst)
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite sits 2 miles outside Yosemite’s south entrance in Fish Camp, about 1 hour from Yosemite Valley.
What makes it special
This is a full-service, four-star resort with everything you could want. The grand lodge features a soaring lobby with a massive stone fireplace, Native American-inspired decor, and mountain views.
Amenities include a full-service spa (Ascent Spa with massages and treatments), three outdoor pools plus one indoor pool, multiple hot tubs, ice skating rink (seasonal), fitness center, bike rentals, guided hikes, kids’ activities, an arcade, and five on-site restaurants.
Rooms range from standard hotel rooms in the main lodge to cottages and explorer cabins with more space and privacy. All include mini-fridges, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, and comfortable beds. The resort fee includes WiFi, pool access, and on-site shuttle service.
From the reviews
One wrote, “This lodge has everything. We spent one full day just enjoying the property—pool, s’mores by the fire pit, hiking trails on-site. The next day, we drove to Yosemite. Perfect balance of resort comfort and park access.”
“Tenaya feels like an in-park lodge even though it’s technically outside. The architecture and setting are gorgeous. Yes, it’s expensive, but you get a lot for your money—spa, pools, multiple restaurants, kids’ activities.”
The trade-offs
The drive to Yosemite Valley is about 1 hour. However, Mariposa Grove (giant sequoias) is only 10 minutes away, which is a huge advantage if you plan to visit the grove. Dining on-site is pricey. Some families drive 20 minutes to Oakhurst for more affordable meal options.
Peak season rates run $300-450+ per night. Off-season rates drop significantly. I’ve booked it as low as $150/night.
Who it is for
Families who want resort amenities and activities beyond hiking. Couples looking for a spa retreat with easy Yosemite access. Anyone who wants a full-service lodge experience with options to spend a “resort day” between hiking days.
Best experience resort: Evergreen Lodge (Groveland)
Evergreen Lodge is for those who want to be away from the crowds. It’s a drive to Yosemite or any semblance of a town, but you may not want to leave the lodge.
What makes it special
You can have an amazing experience without even leaving the resort. It’s a beautiful, secluded mountain resort. Accommodation options include glamping and cabins. There’s onsite dining, but families come here for the activities. From swimming to ping pong and bocce ball and massages, there’s so much to do here. There’s a daily activities calendar that includes arts and crafts, games, s’mores, and more each day. And a range of guided tours each day.
The split-stay strategy
Here is a strategy many people overlook: split your lodging between two locations. If you cannot get reservations inside Yosemite Valley, book 2 nights on the west side (Mariposa or El Portal) and 2 nights on the south side (Tenaya Lodge or Oakhurst area).
Why this works
You minimize backtracking. Spend your first two days exploring the valley (staying in Mariposa or El Portal). Then check out, drive through the valley one last time, exit via the south entrance, and check into Tenaya Lodge. Spend your last two days exploring Mariposa Grove, Glacier Point, and Wawona area from the south.
This strategy gives you:
- Different scenery and dining options for each half of the trip
- Access to both sides of the park without excessive driving
- More flexibility in booking (easier to find 2-night blocks than 4-night blocks)
The trade-off
You have to pack up and move hotels mid-trip. But for many people, the benefits outweigh the hassle.
Common mistakes to avoid
Here are the mistakes I see people make when booking Yosemite hotels.
1. Confusing Yosemite View Lodge with Yosemite Valley Lodge. These are completely different properties. Yosemite View Lodge is in El Portal (outside the park). Yosemite Valley Lodge is inside the park. Yes, the names are confusing.
2. Assuming all “inside park” lodging is convenient. There are private lodges and Airbnbs within Yosemite National Park boundaries, but many are NOT near Yosemite Valley. Check exact locations and drive times.
3. Booking based on price alone without factoring in drive time. Saving $50 per night in Oakhurst means adding 2 hours of daily driving. For a 4-day trip, that is 8 hours in the car. Is it worth it?
4. Waiting too long to book. In-park lodging books up 10-12 months in advance for peak season. Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal is pretty big and tends to have decent availability, but it can book up on peak weeks. You will likely get the best prices the further out you book. Book early and use price trackers to rebook if prices drop.
5. Overlooking Tenaya Lodge for families. If you are traveling with kids and want activities beyond hiking, Tenaya Lodge is worth the premium and the drive. The pools, kids’ activities, and resort amenities keep everyone happy.
6. Not considering a split stay. You do not have to stay in one place the entire trip. Splitting between the west and south sides can significantly reduce driving time.
FAQ: your questions answered
How far in advance do I need to book Yosemite hotels?
For Yosemite Valley Lodge and The Ahwahnee in peak season (June-August), book 10-12 months in advance when reservations open. For gateway towns (El Portal, Mariposa, Oakhurst), 6+ months is ideal to get the best prices, but you can usually find availability 1-3 months out. Shoulder season (May, September-October) is much easier to book.
What is the difference between Yosemite View Lodge and Yosemite Valley Lodge?
Yosemite View Lodge is in El Portal, 5 minutes outside the park entrance, but 25-30 minutes from Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley Lodge is right inside Yosemite Valley in the park. They are completely different properties despite the similar names. Yosemite View Lodge has kitchenettes, multiple pools, and a riverside location. Yosemite Valley Lodge is centrally located in the valley with walk-out trail access.
Is it worth staying inside Yosemite Valley?
If you can get reservations and afford it, absolutely yes. The convenience of walking to trailheads, avoiding long lines at the entrance gates, parking nightmares, and experiencing the valley at sunrise and sunset without crowds is completely worth it. However, El Portal is pretty close and offers a great alternative, often with lower prices and better availability.
Should I stay in Mariposa or Oakhurst?
Both are great gateway towns with restaurants and amenities, but neither is close to the heart of the park. Mariposa is a bit closer and west of Yosemite, but still an hour away. It has more walkable downtown charm. Oakhurst is about 1.5 hours south of Yosemite Village, but closer to the sequoias and trails on the south side. It’s also close to Tenaya Lodge, in Fish Camp, a great resort option. If you can’t stay in the park or in El Portal, I’d recommend splitting your time between Mariposa and Oakhurst to reduce driving, as Mariposa is better for exploring the west and northern sides and Oakhurst for the south.
Can I stay inside Yosemite National Park?
Yes, but there are only two hotels actually in Yosemite Valley: Yosemite Valley Lodge and The Ahwahnee. Curry Village offers tent cabins nearby. Private lodges and Airbnbs exist within park boundaries but are often far from Yosemite Village.
How far is El Portal from Yosemite Valley?
About 13 miles and 25 minutes driving time from El Portal to the valley floor. You will pass through the Arch Rock Entrance and drive along the scenic Merced River.
Is Curry Village worth it?
Curry Village works if you understand what you are getting: tent cabins with beds and linens, but communal bathrooms and thin canvas walls. You are paying $150-250 per night for essentially a tent. The location is excellent, and the price is lower than the lodges, but the accommodations are very basic. If you prioritize location over comfort, it can be worth it.
Should I split my stay between different towns?
Yes, this is a smart strategy many people overlook. Stay 2 nights on the west side (Mariposa or El Portal) to explore the valley, then move to the south side (Tenaya Lodge area) for 2 nights to explore Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point. This minimizes driving and gives you different scenery and dining on each half of the trip.
Want to explore more hotel options?
If none of these options seem right for you or you want to compare other options, I’d check out Hotels.com for booking (no, I don’t work for them, but full disclosure, I am an affiliate marketing partner). That said, I’ve been using Hotels.com for years before I even started this blog, and here’s why:
- Easy to compare rates and amenities for independent and chain hotels in one place
- Rates are usually the same or lower than booking direct, and you get bigger discounts the more you book
- 2% back for future hotel stays that can also be used on Expedia or VRBO
- Often better, more flexible refund policies than booking directly
- Rate tracking for many properties—tells you if the price is high, average, or low, and sends alerts if prices drop so you can cancel and rebook
Stop researching and start exploring
You could spend hours and hours reading hotel reviews and comparing prices across 10 different websites. Or you could let me handle all of the research and help you find the perfect lodging for your trip, budget, and travel style.
Need ideas on what to do in Yosemite? Check out my 3, 5, and 7-day itineraries for Yosemite.
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