Yosemite Park Lodging Availability
Details on Lodging Availability At Yosemite Park and Yosemite Valley.
In essence, Yosemite Park lodging availability is not very good in that everywhere gets booked up fast. There are plenty of lodgings available but you must book as far in advance as possible, and particularly if you plan on staying at a plush place within Yosemite Valley, such as Ahwahnee Hotel or Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. While there are thousands of campsites in Yosemite Valley and around, these also get booked up fast.
Types of Yosemite accommodation
Hotels are the most expensive type of accommodation in Yosemite National Park and there are only a few to choose from. The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Lodge at the Falls are the best hotels in the park and come with great rooms, facilities, and positioning; both being located in Yosemite Valley. Wawona Hotel is another popular hotel and lies in the south of the park near to the Badger Pass Ski Area.
Many come for the picture perfect lodges and cabins and they can be found in many parts of the park, at the hotels and also as vacation rentals. They are generally hundreds of dollars per night but typically come with all facilities and are often located in areas of outstanding beauty. Cabins also come in the tent cabin hybrid form, with concrete walls, floors and a canvas roof. They are cheap and are located in all the main campgrounds.
Campsites are also located in the main campgrounds of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierras and of course offer the cheapest night’s sleep, while B&Bs and inns are typically located outside the park.
Where to stay
Yosemite Valley: The main center for Yosemite Park lodging availability, with the top hotels and the main campgrounds. The Ahwahnee Hotel is here along with Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp, as well as the park headquarters in Yosemite Village. The main landmarks of Half Dome and Glacier Point are within reach. Be aware that Yosemite Village gets busy and noisy in the summer.
Foresta: Not far from Yosemite Valley (10 miles west) and a lot quieter and a popular area for those looking for a vacation home. It’s in a nice forest setting with views of Half Dome and El Capitan and can be accessed from Highway 120. Yosemite West is nearby on Highway 41 and within reach of Badger Pass, while Glacier Point is farther south and ideal for those looking to stay close to Half Dome.
Wawona and Mariposa Grove: Lying toward the south of Yosemite National Park and featuring the historic Wawona Hotel and an area of redwood trees farther south. Wawona stays open year round while Mariposa Grove closes November through March.
High Sierras: This is the highest part of the park and is accessed by Tioga Pass Road. The campgrounds of Tuolumne Meadows and White Wolf Lodge are up here along with an array of backcountry campsites. The High Sierras is the best bet for those into hiking and is served by Highway 120 East. Crane Flat is a forested region between High Sierra and Yosemite Valley.
Outside the park: Towns and communities surrounding the park also have Yosemite Park lodging availability, with cheaper digs and more options. They include the likes of El Portal, Mariposa, Fish Camp, and Mammoth Lakes.
