The Ahwahnee Hotel
Yosemite Valley
WELCOME TO YOSEMITEME!
WHERE TO STAY
INSIDE YOSEMITE
AHWAHNEE HOTEL (Yosemite Valley)
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DESCRIPTION:
LOCATION:
NIGHTLY COST:
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AHWAHNEE HOTEL (Yosemite Valley)
Price/Value
Cleanliness
DESCRIPTION:
LOCATION:
NIGHTLY COST:
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE (Yosemite Valley)
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WAWONA HOTEL (Wawona - South Entrance)
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INSIDE YOSEMITE
Lodging OUTSIDE of Yosemite National Park can be reviewed by CLICKING HERE.
PLANNING: Consider the following in your choices.
Affordability
$$$$$
Comfort Level
CAMPING: $
TENT/YURT: $$
HOUSEKEEPING: $$
HOTEL-LIKE: $$$$
AHWAHNEE: $$$$$
SLEEPING NEEDS
WEATHER EXPOSURE
CLEANLINESS
Length of Stay
Meals
Planning Time
Activities
THE SHORTER THE STAY,
THE EASIER TO GET
ACCOMMODATIONS
PROVIDING YOUR
OWN MEALS
VS.
DINING OUT
12 MONTHS IN ADVANCE FOR LODGING
5 MONTHS IN ADVANCE
FOR CAMPGROUNDS
$
SIGHTSEEING
VS.
HANGING OUT/
EATING
VS.
HIKING
DECIDING: Listed below is a brief snapshot of all accommodations in Yosemite.
Curry Village, Yosemite Valley
1. Hotels and Lodges
Price/Value
Amenities
Availability
Cleanliness
AHWAHNEE HOTEL $$$$$ (Yosemite Valley)
DESCRIPTION: The Ahwahnee opened in 1927 and qualified as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Built of steel, stone, concrete, wood and glass, its massive features, including its granite facade and expansive dining room and “Great Lounge”, provide a grand display of rustic yet appealing comfort. Its design and location maximize views of Upper Yosemite Fall, Glacier Point, and Half Dome. The Y-shaped building has 121 rooms consisting of hotel rooms, parlors, and suites, and 24 cottages. Daily cleaning service, fresh linens and towels are provided. There are no televisions and internet connections are weak. A restaurant, bar, and gift shops are onsite as well as a swimming pool.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of November 2024): Rates vary based on peak season demand. Standard Hotel Room and Standard Cottage ($390-$578); Classic Hotel Room and Classic Cottage ($401-$668); Featured Hotel Room ($519-$771); El Dorado Diggins, Mary Curry Tressider, and ADA Junior Suite ($571-$697); Third Floor Suite and Sunroom Suite ($996-$1,281); Presidential Suite ($1,221-$1,308); and Library Suite ($1,221-$1,257). Reserve up to one year in advance through TravelYosemite.com.
LOCATION: Ideally located in East Yosemite Valley about ¾ mile from Yosemite Village with Yosemite Shuttle access. See map here.
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YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE $$$$
DESCRIPTION: The Yosemite Valley Lodge is a collection of 13 one- and two-story buildings with three different room types. The "Traditional" hotel-like room has either one queen bed, one king bed, or two double beds. The "Bunk" room has one queen bed and a bunk bed. The "Family" room, of which there are four and are on the second floor, has one king bed, one bunk bed, and a sofa bed. Two sinks and substantial storage area are separated from the bathroom itself. The rooms are comfortable and amenities include a swimming pool (for the summer), bike rentals, amphitheater, gift shop, food court, post office, and even a Starbucks. There is no air conditioning. Internet connection can be accessed in the main check-in area.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of November 2022): There are three price points for the rooms depending on the time of year and the day of week. "Traditional" Rooms start at $238 (Sunday nights and early in the week during December and January), $248 (some January, November and late February dates), or $288 (holidays, most of February due to Horsetail Fall and from late March through October). "Bunk" Rooms go for $259 (Sunday nights and early in the week during December and January), $269 (some January, November and late February dates), or $309 (holidays, most of February due to Horsetail Fall, weekends and all nights from late March through October). The "Family" Rooms start at $280 (Sunday nights and early in the week during December and January), $290 (some January, November and late February dates), or $330 (holidays, most of February due to Horsetail Fall and from late March through October).. Reserving 12 months in advance is highly recommended. Reserve through TravelYosemite.com.
LOCATION: Almost any location in Yosemite Valley is ideal, but the Lodge’s nearness to the trail leading to Lower Yosemite Falls, and the excellent view from its parking lot of both the Upper and Lower Falls, make for a superb destination. Additionally, a short walk eastward brings one to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Other trails lead to Leidig and Cook’s Meadows where bird and deer watching bring delight in the early mornings. The Yosemite Shuttle stops at the Lodge late into the evening. Click here for a map.
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WAWONA HOTEL $$$ (Wawona - HIWAY 41)
DESCRIPTION: Although originally established in 1856, the Main Building (29 rooms) of this Victorian-era National Historic Landmark was built in 1879. It stands next to the only building that survived an earlier fire, Clark Cottage (1876; 8 rooms). Four additional buildings complete the hotel campus: Little White (1884; 3 rooms), Moore Cottage (1895, 9 rooms), Washburn Cottage (1915; 16 rooms), and the large Annex (1918; 39 rooms). All buildings retain their period charm and rooms are furnished with similar period pieces and vintage elements.
Large wraparound verandas provide sitting areas during the evening (there is no air conditioning!). Fifty of the 104 rooms have private baths and 54 share a community bathroom. There are no televisions or phones in the guestrooms and wifi is spotty. The hotel dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A sparkling pool provides relief in the hot summer months. A picturesque nine-hole golf course blends into the Wawona meadow across the street from the hotel.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of November 2022): Standard Hotel Room without Bath ($153 during peak periods; $113 for early November weekends; and $99 for "midweek specials" November), Standard Hotel Room with Bath ($231 during peak periods; $176 for early November weekends; and $149 for "midweek specials" in November)). Advance reservations are recommended and can be obtained one year and a day in advance. Reserve through TravelYosemite.com.
LOCATION: The Hotel is situated on a knoll across from the Wawona Meadow and Golf Course about four miles north of the southern Yosemite entrance on Highway 41. Although located 27 miles (16.5 km) from Yosemite Valley (45-60 minute drive), it has easy access to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center. Click here for a map.
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STONEMAN HOUSE $$$ (Curry Village )
DESCRIPTION: Stoneman House consists of small, heated, rustic motel-type rooms with one or two double beds and a bathroom. Loft rooms include two double beds and a “loft” with a double bed. No cooking facilities exist in the rooms. There are no telephones, air conditioning, internet, or televisions in the room, however, an internet connection can be accessed in the main lounge area. All amenities that come with staying at Curry Village are included, such as swimming during the warmer months, bicycle rentals, inflatable raft rentals, and an assortment of food services.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of November 2022): There are three price points for the Stoneman House depending on the time of year and the day of week one arrives. Basic room rates for dates in early November, January, February, and March go as low as $248 a night. Some dates in December go for $252 a night. Dates from April through October generally go for $260 a night. Reservations made up to 12 months in advance are recommended. Reserve through TravelYosemite.com.
LOCATION: Stoneman House can be found in Curry Village/Yosemite Valley near the reservation office about 1.5 miles (30-minute walk) from Yosemite Village. Yosemite Shuttle stops are close by. The location affords proximity to popular trailheads, such as Happy Isles, Vernal and Nevada Falls (the Mist Trail) and Half Dome. Curry Village can be congested due to the 488 rental options. Parking is nearby. See map here.
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WOOD-SIDED CABINS $$$ (Curry Village)
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DESCRIPTION: There are 46 small, but comfortable, wood-sided cabins with a private bath in duplex and four-plex configurations, meaning each unit shares a wall with another unit. Electric wall heaters, electrical outlets and lighting are provided. There is no television or telephone service. Internet connections can be accessed in the Curry Village Lounge. Food can be stored in the rooms. Daily housekeeping, linens, and towels are included. A small outdoor deck or patio attached to the cabin “adds” to the indoor space and allows for a relaxing setting. Bedding options include 1 Double Bed, or 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed, or 2 Double Beds.
There are 14 small, stand-alone, wood-sided cabins without a bath, requiring use of a shared restroom with showers. These units come equipped with two double beds and electrical outlets. There is no television or telephone service. Internet connections can be accessed in the Curry Village Lounge. Daily housekeeping, linens, and towels are included. A few of the units have a small covered front porch.
Guests have access to all of the amenities that come with staying at Curry Village (e.g., outdoor summer swimming pool, winter skating rink, summer bicycle and raft rentals, tour/activities desk, and amphitheater).
NIGHTLY RATES (as of November 2022): Wood-sided cabins with a private bath can go as low as $188 in January, $205 in November, $227 in winter months but typically cost $264 a night during April through October. Wood-sided cabin without bath go as low as $123 in January, $130 & $140 in November, $144 in winter months but typically cost $164 - $190 a night during April through October. Reserving 12 months in advance is highly recommended. Reserve through TravelYosemite.com.
LOCATION: These wood-sided cabins are located in Curry Village/Yosemite Valley about 1.5 miles (30-minute walk) from Yosemite Village. Yosemite Shuttle stops are close by. Curry Village can be congested due to the 482 rental units. The cabins with bath have two parking options, nearby or a short walk away in the old apple orchard area (see orange-colored units on map). The cabins without a bath will have a long walk even if parking in the old apple orchard (see units numbered 1101-1114 on map).
Click here for a map.
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WOOD-SIDED CABINS $$$ (White Wolf Lodge)
DESCRIPTION: The four wood-sided cabins at White Wolf Lodge, built in the 1930’s by the original homesteading family, became eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The cozy, duplex cabins with private bathrooms contain propane heating, a desk, a chair, a dresser, and two double beds. Daily cleaning service and clean linens are available. Electricity is limited but is provided for lighting and heat. A central dining room is available for guests to eat breakfast and dinner. Guests are not permitted to cook inside or outside their cabin so come prepared with snacks if the dining room proves to be too expensive. There are some “general store” items available (e.g., camping food, sundries, snacks and drinks) but nothing extensive. The nearest food store is 26 miles away at Tuolumne Meadows, although selection is limited. There is no Wi-Fi or cellular phone service available. The Lodge provides a secluded getaway with many trailheads to the high country nearby.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of November 2022): White Wolf Lodge is open mid/late June through early September weather permitting (dependent upon snow levels and road openings). Nightly rate for the four wood-sided cabins is $172 for 2023. These cabins are in high demand and go quick. Reserve 12 months in advance. Reserve through TravelYosemite.com.
LOCATION: White Wolf Lodge is set in a subalpine meadow surrounded by a mixed, lodgepole pine forest at about 7,880 feet in elevation, 1 ½ miles off Highway 120 (Tioga Road), the northernmost road in Yosemite National Park. White Wolf Lodge is 31 miles away from Yosemite Village, 26 miles west of Tuolumne Meadows on Highway 120, 23 miles east of the Big Oak Flat Road entrance to the Park on Highway 120, and 47 miles east of the city of Groveland, California, near where Highway 120 enters the Park. See map here.
2. Private Rental Homes
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WAWONA - THE REDWOODS PROP MGMT $$$$
DESCRIPTION: The 120 nicely appointed homes and cabins in Wawona are located inside Yosemite and are about five miles north of the southern entrance. They vary in features and nightly rates since they are private homes and primarily suit the needs of the owner. All are managed by "The Redwoods in Yosemite" management company. The cabins fall into four categories of quality and comfort: 1. BRONZE, 2. SILVER, 3. GOLD, and 4. PLATINUM. The homes range from one to seven bedrooms, and from one to four baths. They accommodate from one to 22 guests. All homes provide fresh linens, towels, fully equipped kitchens and baths, and open decks with barbecues. Inquire about internet connections. Wi-Fi may be spotty. “Pet Friendly” homes are also available.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of July 2023): The rate table is shown below. Rates are approximate at the time of posting and do not include a management fee or the sizeable bed tax, so you will be paying more than what is listed below. Reservations can be made by telephone (844-355-0039) or online by clicking here. ATTENTION: These and other homes can also be found on VRBO by searching under "Wawona, CA."
LOCATION: The town of Wawona lies about 4 miles inside the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park on Highway 41 from Fresno, California. Elevation is about 4,000 feet. The homes are set back about a mile off Highway 41 on Chilnualna Falls Road in a quiet residential area. The Wawona Hotel is nearby along with its amenities such as the nine-hole golf course, gift shop, Hill Studios, and Pioneer History Center. See map here.
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WAWONA - CAMP CHILNUALNA $$$
DESCRIPTION: Camp Chilnualna (pronounced “chill-new-all-na”) means “echo of the water” and is a certain reference to the waters of the South Fork of the Merced, which bisects Wawona, and which provides some excellent swimming holes. The “Camp” has four modest cabins that can accommodate 1-8 guests, two with two bedrooms and two baths, and two with two bedrooms and one bath. Camp Chilnualna boasts being one of the first accommodations in Wawona, aside from the Wawona Hotel, providing lodging for guests visiting the area. Cabins provide fresh linens, towels, fully equipped kitchens and baths, and open decks with barbecues. Inquire about internet connections and televisions. Wi-Fi may be spotty. Although the homes are not “pet friendly”, Camp Chilnualna host, Garth May, will provide care for your pet during your stay in Wawona (daily cost of $40).
NIGHTLY RATES (as of May 2020): Nightly rates as of May 2020 include the following: $219 (2 bedroom, 1 bath), $272 (2 bedroom, one bath) , $274 (2 bedroom, 2 baths), and $318 (2 bedroom, 2 baths). There are 3-night minimums during the summer. To reserve, click here where you will find individual cabin links that will take you to its respective Airbnb.com reservation page.
LOCATION: Camp Chilnualna lies about a half-mile on the right past Wawona Elementary School on Chilnualna Falls Road in North Wawona. North Wawona sets back on the North side of the South Fork of the Merced River, about six miles inside the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park on Highway 41 from Fresno, California. Elevation is about 4,000 feet. The Wawona Hotel is nearby along with its amenities such as the nine-hole golf course, gift shop, Hill Studios, and Pioneer History Center. See map here.
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FORESTA - PRIVATE HOMES $$$$
DESCRIPTION: At least 11 homes are available to rent in Foresta, a small enclave of private homes in Yosemite National Park at an elevation of 4,314 feet. The small residential area is eight miles from the Yosemite Valley off of Highway 120. Homes range in size from one bedroom and one bath to three bedrooms and three baths and can accommodate 1-10 guests. Linens, bedding, and fully functioning kitchens are provided. Inquire about Wi-Fi and internet connections as each home varies in amenities and comforts. The advantages of Foresta over staying in areas such as El Portal (which is 3.7 miles outside Yosemite’s Arch Rock entrance on highway 140) are: (1) its seclusion allows a reprieve from the crowds in Yosemite Valley, (2) it can be cooler than areas outside the park (such as El Portal, Mariposa, and Oakhurst), (3) these are the closest private homes to Yosemite Valley, and (4) being inside the Park, daily lines of cars entering the Park are avoided at the Park entrances. The Foresta area along the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) area is still recovering from the 1990 fire that burned much of the surrounding forest.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of May 2020): Rates vary based on the season and type of home, and, generally range in price from $300 to $667 in the summer, and from $200 to $550 in the winter. Three homes can be rented through VRBO (1 bedroom & 1 bath, sleeps 3; 2 bedroom & 2 baths, sleeps 3; and 2 bedroom & 2 baths, sleeps 8), three homes can be rented through Lodging4Vacations.com, and five homes can be rented through Yosemite Vacation Homes.
LOCATION: Foresta is located inside Yosemite National Park off of Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Road in a small community of privately owned properties. As noted, it is eight miles from Yosemite Valley. Glacier Point, Tunnel View, and Merced and Tuolumne Redwood Groves are not far by auto. It is 16.2 miles (38 minutes) from the Big Oak Flat entrance to the Park and 10.4 miles (21 minutes) from the Arch Rock Entrance on Highway 140. From Yosemite’s southern entrance (Highway 41), the travel distance is 38 miles (75 minutes). See map here.
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YOSEMITE WEST - SCENIC WONDERS $$$$
DESCRIPTION: Yosemite Scenic Wonders Property Management Company currently manages 54 cabins and homes and 26 condominiums in privately owned land called Yosemite West. They are situated at 5,866 feet in elevation where winter storms can bring plenty of snow. Summers can be cooler than in Yosemite Valley. The property is not technically “within” the boundaries of Yosemite National Park, but there is only one way to get in; you must travel through one of the Yosemite National Park entrances, the closest one being the southern entrance along Highway 41. Activities within walking distance are limited, but the community is close to the Badger Pass Ski Resort for winter skiing and other activities. The 54 homes range in size from 2 bedroom/1 bath accommodating 4 to 5 bedrooms/3 baths accommodating 14 guests. Many of these homes and cabins provide amenities such as Dish Satellite TV, fireplaces, barbecues, and washer and dryer. Inquire about air conditioning, internet connections, and Wi-Fi availability.
The 26 condominiums are essentially hotel-like rooms with two queen beds and one bathroom, accommodating 2-4 guests. They are comfortable and nicely decorated.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of May 2020): Winter rates for the 54 cabins and homes range from $225 to $525 with an average price of $322 a night. Summer rates for cabins and homes range from $350 to $1,100 with an average price of $583. Winter rates for condominiums range from $119 to $299 with an average price of $137 a night. Summer rates for the condominiums range from $259 to $309 with an average price of $281. Reservations can be accessed by clicking here. ATTENTION: Additional private homes and cabins can be found on Homeaway and VRBO by searching in "Yosemite West, CA"
LOCATION: Yosemite West is located on Highway 41 (Wawona Road), about 19 miles from the Southern Yosemite entrance near Wawona and about 10 miles to the Wawona Tunnel View (and another five miles to Yosemite Village). From Highway 140, the Yosemite Arch Rock entrance, it is about 18 miles. From Highway 120, the Big Oak Flat Road entrance, it is about 30 miles. From Tioga Road/Tioga Pass entrance, it is about 55 miles (1.5 hours). The Glacier Point Road is nearby and Glacier Point lies 18 miles away. The Badger Pass Ski Resort is about a 16-minute drive (7 miles.). See map here.
3. Housekeeping Camp
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Cleanliness
HOUSEKEEPING CAMP (Yosemite Valley) $$
DESCRIPTION: The 266 Housekeeping units are centrally located along a bend in the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. The units can sleep up to six persons (two cots must be requested for persons 5 and 6). The accommodations are a slight upgrade from camping and provide a three-walled, cement enclosure with a canvas ceiling (the center wall is shared with another unit). A heavy canvas curtain can be used as a privacy screen for the sleeping area. The 7.5’ by 13’ (2.3 x 4 m) sleeping area contains a double bed, a bunk bed, two chairs, a steel mesh storage unit with three shelves, a mirror, a light, and an electrical outlet. An enclosed and covered patio (10’ x 14’/3 x 4.3 m) provides a convenient food preparation area, a picnic table for 6, one light, and an electrical outlet for kitchen appliances and charging devices. A campfire ring and two large food storage boxes are also provided outside the patio area. The river units provide nice views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome and the sandy riverbed provides a relaxing place to enjoy the water, especially for young ones. River units must be requested and provide greater proximity to the water.
A water spigot and bathrooms are close by and community showers can be accessed near the gift shop/registration area. The gift shop sells a number of food items and beverages, camping gear, and gifts and souvenirs. Additional bedding and “housekeeping” supplies can be rented on a daily basis and speaks to how Housekeeping Camp originally got its name. Housekeeping Camp is open from mid-April to mid-October.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of January 2025): Housekeeping Camp includes standard and riverside units. Nightly rate is $116 for each. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance at TravelYosemite.com.
LOCATION: Ahhh . . . these acccmmodations, as close as you can get to the Merced River, are centrally located in Yosemite Valley and offer an excellent starting off point for any adventure. A Shuttle stop is nearby and hiking and biking trails abound. A pedestrian bridge crosses over the river and provides easy access via a short walk to Yosemite Village. See map here.
4. Tent Cabins/Yurts
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Cleanliness
CURRY VILLAGE TENT CABINS $$ - $$$
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DESCRIPTION: There are 319 tent cabins (AKA yurts) in Curry Village with wooden frames wrapped and covered in canvas. This thin canvas membrane separates guests from the outside world and other very nearby tent units, which has implications for noise and weather. There are both heated (2-4 guests) and unheated units (2-5 guests). The heated tent cabins should be given serious consideration for comfort level in the cooler/cold months. The heated units are activated on the Tuesday after the first Monday in September and deactivated on the Friday before the last Monday in May. Bed configurations include: one double and three single beds, two single beds, or one double bed. Although all tent cabins have electric lights, there are no electrical outlets to charge electronic devices nor to use any appliances in the tents. No cooking is allowed inside the tents. Bear boxes are mandatory to store food items. There are no telephones, televisions, or plumbing. Guests share a central bath and shower house. Guests are provided with sheets, wool blankets, pillows and towels during their stay. Multiple dining choices are offered in Curry Village and a “grocery” store with limited items is available.
For those who intend to rent a tent cabin, especially in winter, a helpful “Tips and Tricks” article by Mary Donahue can be found by clicking here. Guests also have access to all of the amenities that come with staying at Curry Village (e.g., outdoor summer swimming pool, winter skating rink, summer bicycle and raft rentals, tour/activities desk, and amphitheater).
NIGHTLY RATES (as of November 2024): There are different price points for both heated and unheated cabins. For the unheated cabins, nightly prices are $98-$119 (for winter weekdays), $138 (winter busier days), $99/$113/$138 in November, and $181 (April through October).
For the heated cabins, nightly prices are $118 (for winter weekdays), $139/$158 (winter busier days), $132/$157 (in November), and $182 (April through October). Tent cabins can be reserved up to 12 months in advance. They provide the Yosemite visitor the best opportunity for lodging if planning is “last minute.” Reserve through TravelYosemite.com.
LOCATION: These tent cabins are located in Curry Village/Yosemite Valley about 1.5 miles (30-minute walk) from Yosemite Village. Yosemite Shuttle stops are close by. Curry Village can be congested due to the 482 rental units. Parking is limited to the old apple orchard area and a long walk will be required for some cabins situated in the back. See map here.
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WHITE WOLF LODGE TENT CABINS $$$
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Amenities
DESCRIPTION: The 24 one-room, canvas tent cabins at White Wolf Lodge have wood floors and wooden frames wrapped and covered in canvas. Sleeping arrangements can accommodate four guests with two single beds and a double bed. The tent cabins include a wood-burning stove stocked with complimentary firewood. The nightly rate also includes sheets, linens, blankets, pillows, and towels, but no daily cleaning service. Guests share the nearby central shower house and bathrooms. There is no electricity (candles or lanterns can be used for light), no internet connection, and no Wi-Fi. There are no cooking facilities, but breakfast and dinner can be enjoyed in the rustic dining room. Bears frequent the area so secure food storage boxes are provided behind the tent cabins.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of November 2022): White Wolf Lodge is open mid/late June through mid-September depending upon snow levels and road openings. Nightly rate for the tent cabins is $137. These can be reserved up to 12 months prior to your stay. Reserve through TravelYosemite.com.
LOCATION: White Wolf Lodge is set in a remote, subalpine meadow surrounded by a mixed, lodgepole pine forest at about 7,880 feet in elevation 1 ½ miles off Highway 120 (Tioga Road), the northernmost road in Yosemite National Park. Trailheads to Lukens and Harden Lakes can be found here. White Wolf Lodge is 31 miles away from Yosemite Village, 26 miles west of Tuolumne Meadows on Highway 120, 23 miles east of the Big Oak Flat Road entrance to the Park on Highway 120, and 47 miles east of the city of Groveland, California, near where Highway 120 enters the Park. See map here.
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TUOLUMNE MEADOWS LODGE TENT CABINS $$$
Cleanliness
DESCRIPTION: The 69 one-room, canvas tent cabins at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge have cement floors and metal frames wrapped and covered in canvas. Sleeping arrangements can accommodate four guests with either four single beds or a double bed and two single beds. The tent cabins include a wood-burning stove stocked with complimentary firewood. The nightly rate also includes sheets, linens, blankets, pillows, and towels, but no daily cleaning service. Guests share the nearby central shower house and bathrooms. There is no electricity (solar lanterns are used for light, but be sure to bring flashlights), no internet connection, and no Wi-Fi. There are no cooking facilities, and cooking and picnicking is not allowed near the tents, but breakfast and dinner can be enjoyed in the riverside dining tent (summer only). Bears frequent the area so secure food storage boxes are provided. A Post Office is available for those receiving supplies. Guests enjoy the ranger-led campfire programs and guided hikes in the meadow.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of August 2021): Tuolumne Meadows Lodge is open mid-to-late June through mid-September depending upon snow levels and road openings. Nightly rate for the tent cabins is $141. These can be reserved up to 12 months prior to your stay. Reserve through TravelYosemite.com.
LOCATION: Tuolumne Meadows Lodge is about a mile east of Tuolumne Meadows, the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The tent cabins are surrounded by forest at about 8,775 feet in elevation and provides a convenient starting point for the High Sierra Camps loop (about 50 miles) and many other wilderness trails. It can be accessed off of Highway 120 (Tioga Road) and is 9 miles west of Yosemite’s eastern Tioga Pass entrance. Tuolumne Meadows Lodge is 60 miles from Yosemite Village and 49 miles east of the Big Oak Flat Road entrance to the Park on Highway 120. A moderate hike from the parking lot to the tent cabins can be expected. See map here.
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HIGH SIERRA CAMPS (Tent Cabins) $$$$
DESCRIPTION: The five High Sierra Camps can be accessed by foot or horseback into Yosemite’s backcountry. Lodging is in canvas-covered steel framed huts on a cement platform and sleep up to four people. Camps are dormitory style so guests might be split by gender or by groups. Each unit provides linens, a lantern, a wood burning stove and wood. There is no electricity (candles or lanterns can be used for light), no internet connection, and no Wi-Fi. The Camps are spaced about 6-10 miles apart and form a convenient loop of about 50 miles that can be hiked from Camp to Camp. In addition to bedding, the Camps provide a hearty breakfast and dinner served in a dining tent (no cooking is permitted). A sack lunch can be purchased as well. Guided, Unguided, and Meals only packages can be reserved. The five Camps include: 1. Vogelsang (12 cabins with 42 occupancy), 2. Merced Lake (19 cabins with 60 occupancy), 3. Sunrise (9 cabins with 35 occupancy), 4. May Lake (8 cabins with 36 occupancy), and 5. Glen Aulin (8 cabins with 32 occupancy). A camp comparison chart can be found here.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of May 2020): Nightly rates are as follows (Adult/Child): Vogelsang ($152/80.50), 2. Merced Lake ($159/84.50), 3. Sunrise ($159/84.50), 4. May Lake ($159/84.50), and 5. Glen Aulin ($152/80.50). Daily rates for Sack lunches are $15.50/7.75 and for Meals Only are $80/36. Complete cost of a 5-day Guided Trip is $706.50/373.75 and for a 7-day trip is $1,048.50/553.25.
This popular destination for backpackers requires a lottery for reservations which occurs in October for the following year. Any openings that are not filled are opened up to the public around March. Packages include Guided, Unguided, or Meals Only trips (meals only users can sleep at the High Sierra Campgrounds associated with each Camp). A wilderness permit is required (up to 24 weeks in advance) in addition to the reservations. Visit TravelYosemite.com to read about how to reserve a space via the lottery, a FAQ sheet, and how to obtain a wilderness permit.
LOCATION: Each Camp has a corresponding trailhead off of Highway 120 in the Tuolumne Meadows area. A description of each hiking trail can be found here. See map here.
5. Campgrounds
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CAMPGROUNDS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY $
DESCRIPTION: There are four campgrounds in Yosemite Valley. Three of the four, Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines, are situated in the eastern end of Yosemite Valley near the trailheads to Mirror Lake and Vernal Falls (the Mist Trail). There are 238 sites at Upper Pines (10 handicap access), 60 sites at Lower Pines (5 handicap access), and 81 sites at North Pines (5 handicap access). Each campground has sites that can accommodate RVs. All three campgrounds have paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets in community bathrooms, and drinking water at spouts throughout the campground. Showers, shopping, and eateries can be accessed at nearby Curry Village.
The fourth campground is Camp 4, a walk-in only campground with 36 sites for tents only (sleeping in vehicles is not allowed). Parking is available adjacent to the campground (it's a very short walk to the campsites). A parking permit is required from spring through fall. You will receive a free parking permit upon registering. Each campsite contains a fire pit (no grill), picnic table, and four shared food lockers [35"(D)x43"(W)x28"(H)], and is near a bathroom with drinking water and flushing toilets.
NIGHTLY RATES (as of May 2020): Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines can be reserved for $26 a night. They can only be reserved at recreation.gov starting five months in advance. The process starts at 7 am PST (USA) on the 15th of the month for dates that are five months ahead. A chart for reservation dates can be found here.
Camp 4 reservations vary throughout the year. As of 2019, campsites are available only by daily lottery, one day in advance, via recreation.gov beginning May 22 (the first lottery is on May 21) and lasting through September 15 (last lottery is September 14). The lottery is open from midnight to 4 pm PST (USA) each day, with results notifications soon thereafter.
According to the NPS website, “There is a non-refundable lottery fee of $10 per application (up to 12 people). The camping fee (only charged with a successful lottery application) is $6 per person per night. Each person (not just the primary applicant) must check in at the campground using a valid photo ID that matches the entry on the lottery application. (Minors must check in but do not need a photo ID.) Six people will be assigned to each campsite; people in one group may be assigned to different campsites. You can register for up to seven nights.”
LOCATION: Yosemite Valley at 4,000 feet elevation. See map here.
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CAMPGROUNDS SOUTH OF YOSEMITE VALLEY $
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DESCRIPTION: There are two campgrounds south of Yosemite Valley, Wawona and Bridalveil Creek. Wawona Campground has 93 sites in three loops (A, B, & C) with space for RVs and trailers up to 35 feet (pets must be leashed at all time). There is one Group Site with no trailers or pets allowed. Two horse sites include space for trailers up to 25 feet. Four campsites in Loop C are limited to people with disabilities and provide wheelchair access to picnic area and bathrooms. Wawona campground has paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets in community bathrooms, and drinking water at spouts throughout the campground. A small grocery and gift shop can be found in Wawona.
Bridalveil Creek Campground has 110 sites with space for RVs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 24 feet. There are two group sites (no RVs or trailers allowed) and three horse sites with space for RVs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 24 feet. Each campsite contains a fire ring, picnic table, and food locker [33"(D)x45"(W)x18"(H)], and is near a bathroom with drinking water and flushing toilets. The group sites have five food lockers.
NIGHTLY RATES: Wawona Campground can be reserved for $26 a night April through September (Loops A, B, C, & Horse Site) and $18 a night (Loop A) from October through March. The Group Site can be reserved for $50 a night all year. Reservations must be made for all sites from April through September at receation.gov starting five months in advance. The process starts at 7 am PST (USA) on the 15th of the month for dates that are five months ahead. A chart for reservation dates can be found here. The 20 sites in Loop A and the Group Sites are first-come, first-served from October through March. The Horse Site can be reserved by calling 209/375-9535 from approximately April through September.
Bridalveil Campground is available for $18 a night from July through early September and operates on a first-come, first-served basis for all loops (A, B, & C). Group sites must be reserved five months in advanced for July through September for $50 a night five months ahead at recreation.gov. Reservations for Horse Sites are required five months in advance from July through September for $30 a night by calling 209/375-9535.
LOCATION: Wawona Campground is located about eight miles north of the southern Yosemite entrance, and one mile north of the Wawona Hotel on Wawona Road (Highway 41). Its elevation is at 4,000 feet (1,200 m). See map here.
Bridalveil Campground can be accessed eight miles east of the intersection of Highway 41 and Glacier Point Road. The intersection is halfway between Wawona and Yosemite Valley. The campground itself is situated at 7,200 feet (2,200 m) elevation.
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CAMPGROUNDS NORTH OF YOSEMITE VALLEY $
DESCRIPTION: There are seven campgrounds north of Yosemite Valley, all of which can be accessed via Highway 120 (AKA Tioga Road) from the west to the east end of the Park. These campgrounds are subject to closure when Highway 120 closes due to deep snow. Three of the seven campgrounds (Tamarack Flat, 52 sites; Yosemite Creek, 75 sites; and Porcupine Flat, 52 sites) have vault toilets and no running water. Water must be retrieved from a nearby creek and filtered or boiled. Additionally, RVs and trailers are not recommended at these campgrounds due to narrow and rough roads and smaller sites. These are available first-come, first served.
The remaining four campgrounds (Hodgdon Meadows, 105 sites; Crane Flat 166 sites; White Wolf, 74 sites; and Tuolumne Meadows, 304 sites) have tap water and restrooms. They can accommodate RVs and trailer.
NIGHTLY RATES: The vault-toilet campgrounds (Tamarack Flat, Yosemite Creek, and Porcupine Flat) are first-come first-served and cost $12 a night. White Wolf is first-come first served but costs $18 a night. Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows (50% reserved) can be reserved five months in advance through recreation.gov for $26 a night (again, they are open when Highway 120 is open). The reservation process starts at 7 am PST (USA) on the 15th of the month for dates that are five months ahead. A chart for reservation dates can be found here.
LOCATION: All campgrounds are located off Highway 120. Elevation of each campground is as follows: Hodgdon Meadow (4,900 ft/1,500 m), Crane Flat (6,200 ft/1,900 m), Tamarack Flat (6,300 ft/1,900 m), White Wolf (8,000 ft/ 2,400 m), Yosemite Creek (7,700 ft/ 2,300 m), Porcupine Flat (8,100 ft/2,500 m), and Tuolumne Meadows (8,600 ft/2,600 m). A map of campground location can be found here.