Where to stay near Yosemite National Park? Here are the best places to stay to make the most of these majestic Californian landscapes!
Staying in California? Head east of San Francisco! With a surface area of over 3,000 square kilometers, Yosemite National Park is the largest protected area in the state. With its breathtaking wild landscapes, it’s definitely worth a visit. Discover Bridalveil Fall, the immense El Capitan monolith, Mirror Lake and much more!
To visit San Francisco National Park is to visit a land of giants. Here, everything seems out of proportion… The granite cliffs reach heights of over 1,000 metres, the redwoods are barely 10 metres high and the waterfalls are among the largest in the world! If you’re reading this, you’re probably already convinced. But where to stay near Yosemite National Park? First of all, it’s a good idea to plan several places to stay in order to make the most of the site’s natural treasures. Whether you stay on the east or west side of the park, you’ll have access to several points of interest. Here’s how to get the most out of the park!
Yosemite National Park
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You can sleep right in the park, for example at Yosemite Village or Curry Village. This is obviously a very practical solution from a logistical point of view. However, if you want to enjoy the comforts of a hotel, be warned that prices are very high! If you still fancy this option, don’t forget to book in advance. You’ll need to allow between six months and a year to secure a room.
Among the hotels in the park, three historic establishments stand out:
- The Ahwahnee;
- Curry Village ;
- Wawona Hotel.
If you’re looking for a more economical option, opt for camping! The park is home to 13 campsites, some of which operate on a reservation basis, others on a « first come, first served » basis. At the height of the season, the latter is particularly daring, but why not give it a try?
Can’t find a vacancy and starting to pull your hair out? Take the time to check booking websites regularly. There are always cancellations, so there are plenty of opportunities to be seized! In any case, camping in the wild or sleeping in your car (or camper van) outside camping areas is strictly forbidden. For your information, however, you are welcome to go hiking at night.
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Groveland (west entrance)
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Groveland is located some 30 kilometers west of Yosemite National Park. If you’re traveling from San Francisco, it’s a natural choice. Beyond its proximity to the park, Groveland is a charming, typical Western town. All year round, it’s a lively place, as evidenced by its music scene and farmers’ market on Fridays and Saturdays. The town also offers a wide range of services related to the park.
Groveland is close to a number of must-see attractions, making it one of the best places to stay near Yosemite National Park. The town also gives you access to other points of interest, such as the Rainbow Pool. Want to learn more about Groveland’s history? Visit the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum! The El Portal group of hotels is even closer to the eastern entrance, but the area has suffered from a number of recent fires. Nevertheless, if proximity is your primary criterion, you can still choose this option.
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Mariposa (south entrance)
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Along with Groveland, Mariposa is one of the most authentic sleeping destinations near Yosemite National Park. This little town can be seen as the alter ego of the former, since it’s located on its opposite side. An opportunity to discover other points of interest on the site!
Mariposa is also a pretty Western town, home to historic hotels and pleasant motels. It offers a full range of services for those wishing to visit the park. Bear in mind, however, that Mariposa is almost an hour from the entrance. If you only want to get there the next day, it’s still a very good option. Prefer to stay close to Yosemite National Park? Then Oakhurst is your second gateway to the south.
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Oakhurst (South entrance)
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Staying in Oakhurst means you’re within easy reach of the park entrance. It’s one of the most densely populated towns in the Yosemite region, and while it may have less charm than Groveland or Mariposa, it offers visitors many advantages. Hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, supermarkets… you name it! For the record, Oakhurst was once home to Sierra Entertainment, the famous video game development company.
If you’re arriving via Fresno or Sequoia National Park, Oakhurst could be your first option for sleeping near Yosemite National Park.
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Lee Vining (East entrance)
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If you’re coming from the east, you can spend the night in Lee Vining. This small town lies between the shores of Mono Lake and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Before you get there, you can stop off at Mammoth Lakes, a beautiful ski resort about a two-hour drive from Yosemite National Park.
Lee Vining is a town of little interest in itself, but it’s an ideal base for visiting the eastern part of the site. It is home to a wide range of motels and bed & breakfasts. Here, too, you’ll find a wide range of services to help you make the most of your visit to the park: maps, excursions, detailed information, etc. In short, if you want to take the time to visit Yosemite National Park in its entirety, Lee Vining is an ideal base!