"I don't think I'm really in a situation to complain, because I consider myself to be privileged to be doing what I do."
David Beckham Professional British Footballer ("Soccer")
Whoa, people! Hold your horses! Or, maybe I should say hold your Housekeeping Camp reviews before you click submit! Let’s keep things in perspective here. Where can you stay in Yosemite for only $120 a night (USD with taxes and fees included) being steps from one of the most famous Wild and Scenic Rivers (i.e., the Merced); you have views of two of Yosemite’s most iconic landscapes (i.e., Half Dome and Upper Yosemite Fall); you have access to a laundromat, showers, and restrooms; and you are within walking distance to Yosemite Village and Curry Village where shopping, dining, and vital information about the Park can be accessed (e.g., Village Store, Ansel Adams Gallery, the food court at Curry Village, and the Welcome Center in Yosemite Village)? I know of no lodging in the Park that provides that kind of value despite what the negative reviews on the internet say about Housekeeping Camp.
You probably know that nightly rates at the Ahwahnee Hotel, the “bougie” getaway lodging in the Park, range from $578 (standard hotel room) to $1,308 (the Presidential Suite) during peak days in the summer and holidays. The Yosemite Valley Lodge ranges from $316 (Traditional Room) to $339 (Bunk Rooms) to $362 (Family Room) a night before taxes are included! -- Prices listed are for 2025 according to travelyosemite.com, the official booking site for the Park.
Even Curry Village’s tent cabins surpass $200 a night during the peak season when taxes are added! And remember, although you get a bed with bed covering at the Curry Village tent cabins, you cannot cook inside the tent. Curry Village does have a cafeteria-like restaurant and other dining options, but this will add significantly to your daily costs, especially for an average family of four.
Some might say that camping at one of Yosemite’s campgrounds is the best value for the money. Consider this, however: The chances of actually getting a campsite for your dates and your number of nights remain slim. Additionally, camping comes with all sorts of challenges, such as no showers (unless you bring your own “solar” type shower), less comfortable sleeping arrangements, the “dirt” factor, and no electricity or plumbing hookups. Yosemite’s campgrounds do have restrooms that are on par with what Housekeeping Camp offers. Strangely, I rarely hear campers complain about the campground restrooms (although, admittedly, they are operated by the National Park Service instead of Aramark, the Park’s Concessionaire).
For those who own their recreational vehicle and find a Yosemite campsite for $35 a night, I agree those two together bring excellent value. If one has to rent an RV, however, the costs begin to far exceed Housekeeping Camp if you consider the $200+ (USD) a night RV rental rate. Housekeeping Camp then becomes the better value.
Really, lodging at Yosemite’s Housekeeping Camp is camping! It simply adds a few amenities making the stay a bit more comfortable. Let me list the advantages of staying at Housekeeping Camp while addressing some of the complaints noted in the negative reviews.
“If you don’t have a problem with noise . . . it’s charmingly rustic and feels like summer camp. The riverfront tents have lovely views, the bunk beds are more comfortable than a half-inflated air mattress at least, there’s a fire pit that you’re allowed to use for a few hours in the evenings, and while there’s no privacy whatsoever at least you can bring things to hang for visual barriers. The squirrels and jays are very bold, don’t turn your back on snacks for a minute!
Trip Advisor Review: Housekeeping Camp
Yosemite National Park
Date of stay: September 2023
LODGING SPACE DESCRIPTION: The six-inch cement walls make an “H” providing two separate “lodging” units. The side walls slope down from the middle wall and hold up the vinyl-covered canvas “roof” which extends out over the semi-fenced-in porch. The open side has vinyl-covered canvas “curtains” that can be left open or closed for privacy and protection from the weather. These curtains were replaced in 2024 and now come with the rules and regulations for Housekeeping Camp printed on them, serving as a reminder for those who might forget what they agree to when registering (e.g., “quiet time” at 10:00 p.m.!).
A 4-shelf metal rack for storage, a light, a mirror, and an electrical outlet inside complete the amenities.
The walls do limit the sound of basic conversation, but the open-air design of the units and their proximity simply cannot dampen excessive noise levels, be it a crying baby or loud music.
The covered porch contains a cement floor with a table that seats 6+ persons. A smooth food preparation area on the porch is near an electrical outlet and a light.
SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS: A double bed and a bunk bed are provided in each unit. A 6-inch mattress provides sleeping comfort, which improves upon sleeping pads or inflatable mattresses often used for tent camping. Bed linens can be rented, but throwing on a sheet and using a sleeping bag works wonders to keep things simple yet comfortable. Also, cots can be rented and during the summer months can be situated near the sleeping quarters or even outside the Housekeeping Unit near the campfire ring/grill.
“. . . the glorified 'tents' are absolutely filthy. I doubt whether the accommodation has been cleaned in the past 10 years. There was a thick layer of dirt and dust on the floor and mold on the tarp covering which acted as a door. Surely this would not pass a health inspection."
Trip Advisor Review: Housekeeping Camp
Yosemite National Park
Date of stay: July 2023
CLEANLINESS: Most complaints focus on the lack of upkeep and/or cleaning in general. There is some truth to these complaints, however, rarely would we hear similar complaints from tent campers. For example, the units remain exposed to the weather 365 days a year. Consequently, dirt quickly accumulates.
Additionally, rain, snow, heat, and cold extract a cost on the physical materials. As an experiment, I cleaned off the food preparation area upon arrival. Then, I did it again the following morning. Notice the level of dirt that accumulated just from one August night (see photo to the right).
Similar to camping, you will get bird droppings, tree debris, and dust. Yes, previous visitors may deposit some leftovers, but why not take 20 minutes to clean up yourself before settling in? A quick sweep and cleaning of the table and food prep area goes a long way toward enhancing your and other visitors' stay in Yosemite. This is not to minimize the responsibility of Yosemite’s concessionaire, Aramark, to maintain a standard of cleanliness that keeps visitors safe and comfortable.
Nevertheless, Housekeeping Camp’s current design began in the early 1960s to allow more campers to enjoy the Park even though they did not have the needed camping equipment and supplies. Simplicity and access were the keys. The same remains true today. Housekeeping Camp makes camping an easier and more comfortable experience for many who wish to experience Yosemite’s grandeur. Bring cleaning supplies and make things look nicer than when you arrived.
As for the restrooms, despite some old fixtures, they are cleaned at least once a day. Everyone has different standards for cleanliness. Unfortunately, one person can clog a toilet five minutes after a restroom has been cleaned. Expectations that individuals clean up after themselves would be nice but are not realistic in the society in which we live (trash decorates the freeways in most large California cities).
"If you’re the kind of person who thinks “it’s early/late, I should be quiet because other people might want to be sleeping”— this is not the place for you. You’re too considerate of others, and you’ll be shocked and appalled by the lack of consideration other human beings have. This place is LOUD LOUD LOUD. Even on a Wednesday night in mid-September after kids are back in school. I can’t imagine how noisy it would be on a weekend or in the summer."
Trip Advisor Review: Housekeeping Camp
Yosemite National Park
Date of Stay: September 2023
NOISE LEVELS: Past criticisms of Housekeeping Camp have focused on the contempt that some visitors show toward the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. Usually, this is attributed to large groups that weaken the courage of one person to speak up to end the din when 10 p.m. rolls around. The Park’s concessionaire has attempted to moderate this abuse by printing the rules on the canvas “curtains,” allowing for no excuses to violate (see photo below of one segment of printed "curtains").
Similar issues are faced at Yosemite’s campgrounds, although proximity to neighbors is less at a Yosemite campsite. Bring earplugs if you are noise-sensitive as you might do at a campsite.
LOCATION: Housekeeping Camp’s central location between Curry Village and Yosemite Village allows for several positives: 1. Short distances to Park sites allow for easy walking which limits the need to use the shuttle buses, 2. If one chooses to use a shuttle, a shuttle stop can be conveniently found across the street from the registration office, 3. Being on the banks of the Merced River allows quick and easy access to riverfront swimming along the beaches and shores when the water level is sufficient in mid to late summer, 4. Hiking trailheads to iconic sites remain relatively close and allow for early morning starts without the hassle of driving to a trailhead; just get out of your sleeping bag and go, 5. Shopping and dining opportunities occur via its proximity to Curry and Yosemite Village; plus, there is a small grocery/gift shop onsite at Housekeeping Camp for emergency supplies, and 6. Scheduled activities in Yosemite and Curry Village, such as Ranger, Art, or Naturalist Programs, can be easily accessed from Housekeeping Camp.
FOOD PREP AND EATING: Electricity (15 amps) is available at the large cooking station and upgrades the whole cooking process compared to tent camping. A five-sided table seats six but plenty of room exists to set up additional tables for bigger groups if desired.
Naturally, food storage is required. Two “bear boxes” can be found outside of the Housekeeping Unit. This exceeds that which is provided at Yosemite’s campgrounds and makes it easier to organize food items and coolers. The bottom box measures 33 inches deep x 45 inches wide x 18 inches tall. The top box measures 17 inches deep x 49 inches wide x 17 inches tall.
Unlike Yosemite’s Campgrounds, a small grocery store permits food purchases in case an important item was forgotten (Open 8 am to 8 pm). Gifts and souvenirs are also for sale along with essential camping and food items (e.g., ice, water, wood for a camp fire, sandwiches/wraps, canned goods, etc.).
PARKING: Parking can be found near each lodging unit. Sufficient parking eliminates the battle to find daily parking, a struggle encountered by many day users. Once you locate a parking spot, use bicycles, the Valley shuttle, or simply walk as your primary mode of transportation to most destinations in Yosemite Valley.
RELAXING: Bring your own camping chairs to expand the lodging space to include the grill/fire ring. Some river units provide ample space to relax and take in some reading along the banks of the Merced River.
SHOWERS: A shower house opens at 7 a.m. for early risers and closes at 9:30 p.m. for those who like to shower before retiring. Admittedly, a shared shower facility does come with some challenges with issues of cleanliness present at times (bring shower shoes for the best experience). During my stay, I found it difficult to maintain a consistent water temperature. The hot water became scalding and turning the faucet to cold produced a delayed rush of cold water. Nevertheless, even a cold shower refreshes immensely compared to going without for five or six days.
Wait times can be 10 to 15 minutes after dinner, but with eight shower stalls, the wait does not seem long. Shower gel is provided but I recommend bringing your own bathing supplies to reduce the risk of an empty soap dispenser. One towel is provided to each person. A shower ticket is provided for the length of your stay, terminating on the day you check out. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being spotless), the cleanliness score averages about seven. The showers are cleaned at midday.
GIFT SHOP: The gift shop is next door to the registration desk. Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., it serves as a mini “grocery store” for emergency items. The “gift shop” portion displays a limited selection of t-shirts, memorabilia, and knick-knacks related to Yosemite. It is the smaller of the shops in the Valley (e.g., the Ahwahnee Hotel, Curry Village, and the Yosemite Valley Lodge).
RESERVATIONS: Reservations can be made one year in advance of your stay at travelyoemite.com. Finding a site can be difficult from May through August, but cancellations do occur seven days in advance (otherwise, one will be charged for the reservation).
DEVICE CHARGING: The electrical outlets do provide sufficient electrical current for charging electronic devices. Power strips do maximize the number of devices that can be charged.
LAUNDRY ROOM: A laundromat is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., an amenity that can come in handy for longer stays.
WATER SOURCE: A “communal” water spigot can be found near each unit (see map below -- spigots are circled in blue and bathrooms are in purple).
TRANSPORTATION: Across the street from the registration desk is a shuttle bus stop, allowing visitors easy access to other areas of the Park.
MAP CREDIT: National Park Service
"Then I used the bathroom. Stalls filthy, with filth smeared all over walls and stall door. Talked to several other employees, nobody who would do anything about the filth. I ended up sleeping in my car that night and got a hotel outside the park for my second night. No refund."
Trip Advisor Review: Housekeeping Camp
Yosemite National Park
Date of Stay: October 2023
RESTROOMS: Ten restrooms are situated throughout the Camp’s 266 sites. The restrooms have a row of sinks along with two urinals and toilets for men and toilets for women. As noted above in the cleanliness section, policing guests to maintain clean conditions is not feasible. Yes, Aramark has a responsibility to clean the restrooms, yet, in extreme conditions as noted by the visitor who posted the complaint above, he could have used another restroom nearby instead of leaving the Park altogether. Who would do that?
As for me, like David Beckham, I’m in no situation to complain. If I can get lodging at Housekeeping Camp, I feel happy and privileged to be there.
PHOTO BELOW: Housekeeping Camp at Night!
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