With over 1,000 square miles to explore in Yosemite National Park, it can be hard to figure out where are the best places to stay. Yosemite is somewhat unique in that there is park lodging and camping available in the park (as usual), as well as many vacation homes (aka Airbnbs and VRBO’s) and other hotels within the park borders.
Typically, I recommend staying in-park lodging when visiting National Parks because it gets you closest to all of the must-dos. But, when there are vacation homes IN the park, I would definitely recommend that option instead. You will get so much more space & nicer accommodations. If you have your heart set on staying in a hotel, skip down to the end of the article.
My Top Picks
Let’s dive in with the best of the best! I'll go into more detail below, but if you just want to know my top picks for where to stay at Yosemite in each category, here they are!
- My #1 pick for best places to stay in Yosemite for families: Click HERE
- My #1 pick for large families (sleeps 10+): Click HERE
- My #1 pick for best places to stay in Yosemite for couples: Click HERE
- My #1 pick for the best hotel to stay in Yosemite national park: Click HERE
Which Is The Best Area To Stay In Yosemite?
I’d recommend you stay IN Yosemite park (rather than looking for a place to stay NEAR Yosemite) – avoid the long lines to enter the park during peak seasons (which can be hours long).
There are great options for places to stay in Yosemite whether you are traveling as a family, a couple, or a large group.
The towns of Foresta, Yosemite West, and Wawona are all within park borders and are close to the things you won’t want to miss in Yosemite National Park, so I recommend staying there if you are looking for a vacation home.
If you choose to stay at a park hotel, Yosemite Valley is your best bet.
Download the official park map HERE.
The Best Places To Stay: Yosemite National Park
When deciding where to stay in Yosemite, you really can't go wrong with a vacation home. You will be able to get MUCH nicer accommodations, much more space, and fun extras that you just can't get with park lodging.
Plus, you'll usually have a kitchen so you can cook, which saves you money AND saves you from having to eat the often ‘just okay' park food.
I only look for properties that are in a great location and are very highly rated & reviewed, so you can rest easy knowing you are seeing the best of the best here!
PRO TIP: Not all lodging options have air conditioning. Make sure you always read the fine print.
Vacation Homes For Families
1. Royal Retreat
Two king bedrooms make this a great choice when looking for the best places to stay in Yosemite! Located in Yosemite West, by the turn-off for Glacier Point. You'll love the views of the forest from each room!
Bedrooms: 2
Beds: 3 (2 kings, 1 sleeper sofa)
Bathrooms: 2
Maximum # of guests: 4
2. Spring Meadow Retreat
You'll love this modern home located in Wawona. Enjoy your morning coffee on the deck or relax in your personal hot tub after a fun day exploring & hiking! There is even a creek steps for the home! As a bonus – this home is ADA-friendly! Your family can play lawn darts or cornhole, which are provided. The hot tub alone makes this one of the best places to stay at Yosemite!
Bedrooms: 3
Beds: 4 (1 king, 1 queen, 2 twins)
Bathrooms: 2
Maximum # of guests: 6
3. River View A-Frame
When choosing where to stay in Yosemite National Park, you will definitely want to consider this gorgeous, two-story, A-frame cabin with awesome views of the Merced River! Located in Wawona.
Bedrooms: 3
Beds: 3 (1 king, 2 queens)
Bathrooms: 2
Maximum # of guests: 6
4. Yosemite Refuge
Located in Yosemite West, 12-miles inside the park gates. Location plus the well-stocked kitchen and beautiful views make this home one of the best places to stay near Yosemite. You'll love the sunsets from the deck every evening!
Bedrooms: 2
Beds: 4 (1 king, 1 queen, 2 sleeper sofas)
Bathrooms: 2
Maximum # of guests: 6
5. Amazing view of Half Dome and El Capitan.
This home is one of the BEST places to stay in Yosemite National Park if you want AWESOME views! Enjoy seeing Half Dome & El Capitan from your master bed, living room, & deck. You'll be away from the crowds in a more private area, but only 10-miles from Yosemite Village. The game room is a fun bonus for families to enjoy!
Bedrooms: 3
Beds: 4 (3 queens, 1 sleeper sofa)
Bathrooms: 3 (plus a loft)
Maximum # of guests: 6
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6. Larkspur Lair
Great location inside the park in North Wawona. It's the perfect home for families with multiple kids. A clean and comfortable option with a 450 square foot deck to enjoy!
Bedrooms: 3
Beds: 5 (1 king, 1 double, 3 twins)
Bathrooms: 2
Maximum # of guests: 7
7. Upscale Yosemite West Home (with elevator)
This spacious home offers privacy for all! Don't let the 3-stories worry you, just take the elevator! You'll have no problem cooking in either of the two gourmet kitchens! The home is very well-stocked, providing thoughtful extras. And your family is sure to love the wrap-around deck.
Bedrooms: 3
Beds: 5 (3 kings, 2 sleeper sofas)
Bathrooms: 3
Maximum # of guests: 8
8. Luxury Home Inside Yosemite Gates
Wondering where to stay when visiting Yosemite where you can enjoy beauty inside & out? This is the place! Get off the grid and into nature in this Yosemite West home. Previous guests say it's the most well-appointed and organized house they've ever stayed in. Listen to the mountain creeks as you unwind on the deck. Kids will love the loft area complete with a pool table, mini arcade, game table, and board games.
Bedrooms: 4
Beds: 9 (2 queens, 2 bunk beds (1 trundle), 2 twins)
Bathrooms: 2
Maximum # of guests: 8
9. Minutes From Valley Attractions
Your family can spread out in this spacious 3,200 square foot home inside the gate of the park in Yosemite West, only 20-minutes from the valley floor. End your day on the deck watching the sunset and enjoying the star-filled sky! You'll want to come back again and again.
Bedrooms: 3
Beds: 5 (1 king, 2 queens, 1 twin, 1 sleeper sofa)
Bathrooms: 3
Maximum # of guests: 8
10. Yosemite Inverness House
Less than 30-minutes from Yosemite Valley. Access to many running and hiking trails in the neighborhood. Clean and cozy!
Bedrooms: 3
Beds: 5 (2 kings, 1 double, 1 bunk)
Bathrooms: 2
Maximum # of guests: 8
Vacation Homes For Large Families
I know that sometimes you may like to travel with another family or take the grandparents to help out with the kids. It can be difficult to find the perfect property for your large family. Here are the best places to stay in Yosemite park for groups of 10 or more!
1. Rivercrest Lodge
3,000 square feet to spread out in. Gorgeous view of the river from the back deck! The game room with pool table, hot tub, and propane fire pit are amazing extras everyone will love!
Bedrooms: 3
Beds: 7 (1 king, 2 queens, 2 twins, 2 sleeper sofas)
Bathrooms: 3
Maximum # of guests: 10
2. Rustic Retreat
Three king beds rank this property among the best lodging in Yosemite! In winter months you will love the heated tile floors in the kitchen and bathrooms. Soak your day away in the hot tub or enjoy a game of foosball!
Bedrooms: 3
Beds: 7 (3 kings, 4 twins)
Bathrooms: 3
Maximum # of guests: 10
3. Three Springs Hideout
Located in North Wawona. You will love your evenings in the hot tub – which sits next to the creek & forest. Each of the three bedrooms has a personal thermostat so everyone can sleep comfortably. Kids will love the loft area with 4 twin beds. Lots of fun spots to enjoy the outdoors on this property.
Bedrooms: 3
Beds: 7 (2 kings, 1 queen, 4 twins)
Bathrooms: 3
Maximum # of guests: 10
4. Yosemite Mountain Lodge
Your large group will have plenty of room to spread out in this 4000 square foot home! Play a game of pool or mix up a cocktail in the pub-style game room & bar. This is a unique property with fun spaces inside and out. Located in Yosemite West – easy drive to Mariposa Grove & Yosemite Valley.
Bedrooms: 4
Beds: 6 (1 king, 3 queens, 2 double)
Bathrooms: 4
Maximum # of guests: 10
5. El Capitan Log Cabin
Definitely one of the best places to stay when visiting Yosemite, a true log cabin! You'll love the 3 king beds, a pool table, and log cabin decor. Located in North Wawona.
Bedrooms: 4
Beds: 8 (3 kings, 2 twins, 3 sleeper sofas)
Bathrooms: 4
Maximum # of guests: 12-14
Yosemite Vacation Homes For Couples
1. Fun Modern Home
Located in Yosemite West, just 10 miles from Yosemite Valley. You'll love relaxing on the balcony that overlooks miles of undeveloped forest that backs up to the property. The gorgeous windows and modern decor make this a wonderful place to stay in Yosemite.
Bedrooms: 1
Beds: 1 (king)
Bathrooms: 1
Maximum # of guests: 2
2. Views Of El Capitan & Half Dome
Enjoy AMAZING views from bed or take in the stars on the deck at night! This cute property is located only 7 miles from Yosemite Valley. It's comfortable & well stocked. Located in Foresta.
Beds: 1 (king)
Bathrooms: 1.5
Maximum # of guests: 2
3. Custom Cottage
Located in Yosemite West. Enjoy the view from the patio, the 6-foot whirlpool bath (for 2), and the California king bed! A fun loft design perfect for a romantic getaway. Many previous guests say that this home exceeds expectations!
Bedrooms: 1
Beds: 1 (king)
Bathrooms: 1
Maximum # of guests: 3
4. Lupin Cabin
What makes this one of the places to stay at Yosemite? It's located in Foresta, just 15 minutes from Yosemite Valley and it's purposefully placed for maximum privacy. You'll be able to access hiking trails (wildflowers included) & waterfalls right from your cabin door!
Bedrooms: 1
Beds: 2 (1 king & 1 double sofa bed)
Bathrooms: 1
Maximum # of guests: 4
Best Hotels in Yosemite National Park
As I’ve already mentioned, I would recommend staying in one of the many awesome vacation homes because you get so much more space & amenities for the money, but you will certainly be right in the middle of the action if you stay at in-park lodging. Here are the best park lodging options There are 9 in-park hotel-ish options:
The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite (aka The Majestic Yosemite Hotel)
The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite is a grand hotel that mixes elegance, history, and amazing views! You can book a typical hotel room, suite, parlor (hotel rooms combined with luxurious suites – the best luxury option), or cottage.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Open year-round & located at the base of Yosemite Falls. This hotel offers easy access to all of the most popular Yosemite attractions. Choose from a traditional hotel room, family room, or bunk room. Family rooms are the best option for larger families, but there are only four of them, so make reservations WAY in advance!
Wawona Hotel (aka Big Trees Lodge)
Located in the southern part of the park near Mariposa Grove. This historic Victorian hotel was first established in 1856. Hotel rooms are small but lovely. Choose from rooms with a private bath or rooms without a bathroom (short walk to a shared bathhouse).
Other Yosemite Hotels To Choose From
In case you haven't found the perfect place with the availability you need above, these are other Yosemite hotels that are inside (or near) the park borders but are not run by the park.
Yosemite National Park FAQ’s
What are the Yosemite Nation Park “must do’s?”
Yosemite National Park is HUGE, so unless you are planning on spending a LOT of time there, you won't be able to see it all (the park covers 1,169 square miles)! There are hundreds of hiking trails to explore ranging from easy & flat to very long and/or very steep, not to mention all of the other cool stuff to see & do.
So, how on earth do you decide what to pack into your short time there? I’ve narrowed down my top 4 must-do’s in Yosemite. Add these to the top of your list & you will not be disappointed. I’ll also share some things you need to know before you go at the end. CLICK HERE to see my top 4 list!
Which airport to fly into for Yosemite?
The closest major airport is FAT – Fresno Yosemite International Airport. All of the major airlines fly into this airport including American, Delta, United, and Southwest and they have on-site rental car service.
What is the best time of year to visit Yosemite?
If your schedule allows, travel to Yosemite in May. This will allow you to avoid the crazy summer crowds, but still, have access to all that the park can offer. Summers are beautiful in Yosemite, but they are super-crowded. Just be aware and pack your patience. By mid-late August, some of the waterfalls will barely be flowing, if at all though.
September is another great month to visit to avoid crowds. Much of the park is closed during the winter months.
What else should I know before I go to Yosemite?
I wrote this article all about things you will want to know before heading to Yosemite National Park the first time. It's packed with helpful tips for first-timers!
What do I need to pack for Yosemite?
You will definitely want a good pair of hiking shoes. Sunscreen is another must. You will also want layers since mid-day temperatures and evenings can differ greatly. There can also be a big difference between the temperatures on the valley flor as opposed to high up in the mountains.
If you REALLY want to make sure you have everything you need, grab my complete packing checklist HERE (it's free)! It has EVERYTHING you need so you won't forget a thing!
If you'd like to check out the park in advance from the comforts of home, there are some fun ways to explore the park virtually – check out my Virtual Vacations article for more! Want more National Park recommendations? Check out my top picks for Arches here!
Until next time…
About The Author
My mission is to inspire and empower families to prioritize travel now, creating unforgettable memories and deeper connections with their loved ones.
I provide guidance and practical solutions to help busy parents integrate travel into their lives, fostering joy, fulfillment, and stress-free adventures. Don’t wait until it’s too late; the time to travel is now.
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Wow! Most beautiful places to stay! Ran into here while doing research for a stay in Yosemite for my brand new National Parks forum. As you like you will find my brand new forum here: https://www.national-parks-usa.com/forum/
Maybe you like to look and share some of your experiences?
Thank you and happy traveling!