Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Last Updated: September 2026

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.

From inside Yosemite Valley to gateway towns 45 minutes away, there are options for every type of traveler, from budget-friendly to upscale resorts. This guide will provide recommendations on where to stay based on what matters most to you, whether that’s location, luxury, family-friendly, or budget. And if it feels overwhelming, reach out for personalized guidance.

Where Should You Stay in Yosemite? The Quick Answer

If you can get a reservation, Yosemite Valley Lodge is my first choice for many travelers. You are right in Yosemite Valley, within walking distance of Yosemite Falls and connected to the rest of the Yosemite Valley by the free shuttle. The rooms aren’t luxurious, and food options will be limited, but the location can save you hours of driving over the course of a trip.

The challenge is Yosemite Valley Lodge books up a full year in advance. If it isn’t available, Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal is my favorite alternative for convenience and location (not for luxury). It’s just outside the park along the Merced River, with pools, kitchenettes, and larger room options that work particularly well for families.

For a splurge inside the park, I’d choose The Ahwahnee. If you want more of a full-service resort experience, Tenaya at Yosemite near the south entrance has pools, a spa, restaurants, and family activities. And if you’re looking for a secluded outdoor resort where the property itself is part of the vacation, Evergreen Lodge is another option I really like.

For lower prices and more restaurants, Mariposa gives you considerably more choice, but you’re trading that for about an hour’s drive to Yosemite Valley.

One other strategy I use: split your stay. Yosemite is so large that spending part of your trip on the west side and part near the south entrance can make much more sense than driving back and forth across the park every day.

If you are still figuring out what to do in Yosemite, check out my full guide to Yosemite National Park with 2-, 3-, and 5-day itineraries.

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.

If possible, I 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. Lodging inside Yosemite books up extremely far in advance, especially for summer. Reservations open 366 days ahead, and if staying in Yosemite Valley is important to you, I would start looking as soon as your dates become available.

Where to stay in Yosemite: Understanding the geography

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 are generally further away from the Valley relative to El Portal, but they will save you from the park entrance lines.

Prices: what to expect

Hotel prices near Yosemite can be high, especially in peak season. And they fluctuate dramatically depending on the season and when you book. That said, the more flexible you are with dates and locations, the more you can find a deal.

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.

June to August is peak season and will have the highest prices. Off-season prices (November-February) 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.

Staying inside Yosemite Valley

If you can get a reservation and the price works for your budget, staying in Yosemite Valley is a great option if you can accept the trade-off with limited restaurant options.

You’re already where you want to be in the morning. You wake up to an amazing view. You can walk or take the free shuttle to major sights and trailheads, and you don’t have to deal with driving into the park and finding parking every day.

The trade-off is that you’re paying a premium for location, and the accommodations aren’t necessarily nicer than what you’ll find outside the park.

Yosemite Falls is just a few minutes away on foot, the free valley shuttle stops at the lodge, and you can get an early start before many day visitors arrive. That convenience makes a huge difference in a park where driving and parking can take up a surprising amount of your day.

There are also several dining options on site, including Base Camp Eatery and the Mountain Room, so you don’t have to get back in the car for dinner.

The biggest drawback is availability. Yosemite Valley Lodge can sell out far in advance for popular dates. Reservations open 366 days ahead, but cancellations do happen, so keep checking if you don’t find your dates initially.

Why I recommend it: For most travelers, I’d rather spend the money on this location than on a fancier room an hour away. You’re buying back vacation time.

The hotel dates to 1927, with massive stone fireplaces, soaring public spaces, and views toward Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth stopping in to see it.

Rooms are considerably more expensive than Yosemite Valley Lodge, and this isn’t modern five-star luxury. You’re paying for the history, architecture, and location.

I would choose The Ahwahnee for a special trip, an anniversary, or anyone who considers the hotel itself part of the experience. If your priority is simply having the best location for exploring Yosemite, I’d save the money and choose Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Most accommodations are canvas tent cabins with beds and linens. Bathrooms are shared, the canvas walls provide very little sound insulation, and the experience is much closer to camping than staying in a hotel.

The location is excellent. You’re close to the Happy Isles trailhead for the Mist Trail, Mirror Lake, and the valley shuttle, and Curry Village has casual dining, pizza, a general store, and an outdoor gear shop.

There are also a limited number of cabins with private bathrooms if you want the Curry Village location with more comfort.

Who I’d recommend it for: travelers who care much more about being in Yosemite Valley than having a nice hotel room. If you don’t enjoy camping, communal bathrooms, or close quarters, I’d spend more for Yosemite Valley Lodge or look outside the park.

Staying in El Portal: the closest alternative to Yosemite Valley

If I can’t get a room in Yosemite Valley, El Portal is usually the first place I’d look.

You’re just outside the Arch Rock Entrance, which keeps your drive to Yosemite Valley much shorter than staying in Mariposa or Oakhurst.

There isn’t much of a town here, so restaurant and shopping options are limited. The reason to stay in El Portal is simple: proximity.

Rooms aren’t particularly fancy, but they’re much more spacious than Yosemite’s in-park accommodations, and many have balconies, river views, fireplaces, or kitchenettes. There are also larger room configurations that work particularly well for families.

The pools, game room, and hot tubs are a nice bonus after a day in the park, but the real advantage is that you can get these amenities without adding an hour-long commute to Yosemite Valley.

I’ve stayed here myself, and the kitchenette was particularly useful. We did pizza at the property one night and bought groceries for other meals rather than driving all the way back to Mariposa for dinner.

Dining options in El Portal are limited, and Wi-Fi and cell service can be spotty. But if your priority is spending your time in Yosemite instead of driving to Yosemite, this is a great option.

One important note: Yosemite View Lodge is in El Portal outside the park. Yosemite Valley Lodge is inside Yosemite Valley. The names are confusingly similar, but they are completely different hotels.

Staying in Mariposa: More hotels, restaurants and better prices

If staying as close as possible to Yosemite isn’t your top priority, Mariposa gives you a much larger selection of hotels, restaurants, and services.

It’s a historic Gold Rush town with a walkable downtown, breweries, restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores. It also tends to have better availability and lower hotel rates than Yosemite Valley or El Portal.

The trade-off is the drive. Plan on roughly an hour to Yosemite Valley without significant traffic or entrance delays. And remember that many hotels advertise their distance to the Yosemite park entrance rather than Yosemite Valley. That’s not particularly helpful when the valley is where you’re actually trying to go.

Other Mariposa Options

For something simpler and often less expensive, Mariposa Lodge is a basic motel in a very convenient downtown location.

If you want something more experiential, AutoCamp Yosemite in nearby Midpines offers upscale Airstream and glamping accommodations, while Wildhaven Yosemite is another glamping option worth comparing.

Looking for more Mariposa options?

Staying near Yosemite’s South Entrance

The south entrance makes sense if Mariposa Grove, Wawona, and the southern part of Yosemite are important parts of your itinerary.

It’s much less convenient for spending multiple days in Yosemite Valley, so I wouldn’t choose this area simply because you found a nice hotel here without looking at the drive times first. But it could be a good option for a night or two if you are splitting your stay, especially if you want a full-service resort experience.

It’s just outside the south entrance in Fish Camp, with indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, a spa, multiple restaurants, seasonal activities, and several accommodation styles, including traditional hotel rooms, cottages, and Explorer Cabins.

It’s especially good for families because enough is happening at the resort that you don’t have to spend every waking hour sightseeing or hiking.

The location also puts you very close to Mariposa Grove, where the giant sequoias of Yosemite are. The trade-off is distance to Yosemite Valley. Plan on roughly an hour to get there, depending on traffic and conditions.

I’ve booked Tenaya for clients for as little as around $150 per night outside peak season, when it can be an especially good value.

Why I’d choose it: Tenaya makes sense when the resort experience and south Yosemite attractions are priorities. If you’re planning to spend every day in Yosemite Valley, I’d choose El Portal or in-park lodging instead, or split your stay. It’s also one of the best options off-season when many roads are closed, and the southern entrance is the main route into the park.

Staying near Groveland: A more secluded Yosemite experience

The Groveland side of Yosemite works differently from El Portal or Mariposa. I wouldn’t choose it simply as a convenient base for driving into Yosemite Valley every day.

I’d choose it because you want the lodging to be part of the vacation.

The secluded property has cabins surrounded by forest, a pool, a restaurant, a tavern, and a long list of organized activities. Depending on the schedule, you may find guided hikes and tours, games, crafts, s’mores, and other family activities.

It’s a particularly good option if you want some downtime built into your Yosemite trip rather than spending every day driving from one attraction to another.

The location is less convenient for Yosemite Valley than El Portal, so I wouldn’t recommend Evergreen based on proximity alone. You’re choosing it for the setting and experience.

Why I’d choose it: This is one of the few Yosemite-area properties where I’d deliberately schedule time to stay at the resort.

My Yosemite split-stay strategy

For trips of four nights or longer, I often think a split stay makes more sense than choosing one Yosemite hotel for the entire trip.

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 the 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 the park” lodging options are great, convenient locations. 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. Mapping hotels only to “Yosemite National Park” and not to Yosemite Village or the actual attraction you’re visiting, not merely the park entrance. Saving money isn’t necessarily a bargain if it adds two hours of driving every day.

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.

FAQ: your questions answered

What is the best place to stay in Yosemite National Park?

For most travelers, my first choice is Yosemite Valley Lodge because the location saves so much driving and gives you easy access to Yosemite Valley’s trails, viewpoints, and shuttle system. If it’s unavailable, Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal is my favorite alternative outside the park.

How far in advance do I need to book Yosemite hotels?

For Yosemite Valley Lodge and The Ahwahnee in peak season (June-August), book up very quickly. Reservations open 366 days in advance. 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.

Looking for where to stay in other parks? Check out my Where to Stay Guides for Yellowstone, Glacier, and Zion.

Planning a Yosemite vacation?

Choosing the hotel is only one part of planning Yosemite. Where you stay affects which entrance you use, how early you need to leave each morning, how much time you’ll spend driving, and which parts of the park make sense to combine on the same day.

Need ideas for what to do once you’re there? Start with my Yosemite National Park itinerary. And if you need more help, I can do all the homework. I create customized national park itineraries based on your interests, activity level, budget, and travel style.

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