Places to Stay Near Yosemite

Best Places to Stay Near Yosemite

If you’re looking for the best lodging near Yosemite National Park, start your search in Mariposa County. Many people that visit beautiful Yosemite National Park try to take in as much of the area as they can in as little time as possible. Our guide, Yosemite in Two Days, helps visitors to tackle this massive area in the hopes to cover as much as possible if you’re only able to stay a very short period of time, but it’s highly recommended to stay longer! No matter how long you plan to stay, Yosemite lodging options are everywhere, and there’s not one perfect time to come, because in the words of John Muir:

“This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor ever rising.”  – John Muir

There also may be no better feeling than rising to the sun and hearing the subtle sounds of Yosemite animal life around you when you stay in the park. Did you know that there are more than 400 species of wildlife that roam the area? From amphibians, fish, and reptiles to birds and exciting mammals. Patrons of the park shouldn’t be surprised to hear owls, foxes, bighorn sheep or bears when they stay a few nights.

It’s always just best to keep in mind, though, that Yosemite is one of the most popular National Parks. While there are plenty of places to stay near Yosemite, reservations are always a good choice if you’re looking for lodging near Yosemite, or in Yosemite National Park, especially because many places are well-known or popular. To ensure that you get to enjoy your trip to the fullest extent, keep your eyes peeled for prime lodging opportunities.

From Luxury to Budget: Best Lodging Near Yosemite Mariposa

If you’re planning to stay in the valley, The Ahwahnee (formerly The Majestic Hotel), is a historic lodge from the 1900s erected so royalty and high-society visitors could visit Yosemite National Park and enjoy a comfortable stay. This hotel lodge also includes separate cottages throughout the grounds, a heated swimming pool, large dining room (dress code still intact), a pub, a massive lounge, and a breathtaking fireplace.

Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, the waterfalls in Yosemite are simply unmatched. For a porch-side view of these magnificent phenomena, Yosemite Valley Lodge has a beautiful view of Yosemite Falls. For other views of natural wonders from the comfort of your room, check out Half Dome Village, too. Your visit to Yosemite National Park depends on what you want to see and how you want to experience it. There are varying levels of ways to enjoy the beauty of a seemingly hidden gem that is Yosemite, lost in the trees and the grandeur.

Budget travel to Yosemite really isn’t all about roughing it. There are lodging bargains available in many places throughout the heart of the park and its neighboring communities. These options could include camping for those that enjoy being as close as possible to nature, as well as RV camping for travelers with a coveted converted home on wheels as they chase sunsets down the coast, or the ones who want a quiet getaway equipped with the essentials: bed and breakfast. Those that are traveling with a group might want to consider renting a cabin or vacation rental for their stay, where they can live communally and enjoy the comforts of a kitchen and bath.

Start with deciding if you will be staying within the National Park, or outside of it, and it will help you narrow down your search. Lodging near Yosemite, in Mariposa County, not only includes the majority of lodging within the Park, but it also offers options in gold rush towns throughout the Yosemite region. Some places to stay near Yosemite include Fish Camp, Wawona and Yosemite West, Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite West Gate and much, much, more. For those looking for a fun and unique “glamping” type of stay, as they explore the wilderness offered here, both Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort and AutoCamp Yosemite will likely pique your interest.

Mariposa County is an escape from the every day, a place to ground, breathe and be present with nature. From the vistas to the fascinating history, it’s quite hard to leave once you’ve landed, but we always welcome back visitors with open arms. From Coulterville, Greeley Hill and Buck Meadows to Midpines and El Portal. Experience Yosemite Mariposa County with us and let us help you find the best places to stay in Yosemite on a budget or anywhere else in between. Mariposa County has much to offer—and the surrounding towns, charming restaurants, and long-standing shops make the stay in Yosemite Mariposa County that much more enjoyable.

Important Things to Know About Lodging Near Yosemite and Planning a Trip

Travel is a lot easier than many people think—you just have to have the right tools in front of you to get the ball rolling and stay rolling. John Muir is famous for advocating his friends and followers to get out into nature and connect more with who they were, and we think the statement rings true, if not more so, today. Being in nature allows you to see life from a different perspective and adventure calls daily at Yosemite.

Mariposa County is just the type of place you have to visit to fully grasp its incredible beauty and myriad of things to do and see. Mariposa is home to Yosemite National Park, but it offers so much more than the national park and lodging near Yosemite.

There really is something new and special to discover within each of the four seasons, so be sure to plan a visit to experience each one!

Resources that are helpful when looking for places to stay near Yosemite:

• Yosemite Mariposa County Lodging
• Yosemite Mariposa County Map
• Yosemite Road Conditions (Also to make sure to check our blog and park alerts on the home page for up-to-date road conditions and notifications from Yosemite National Park)
• Yosemite Weather
• Yosemite Wilderness Permits
• Yosemite National Park Maps