Have you been wondering where your family should stay when visiting Yosemite National Park? Ranging from rustic campsites to luxury lodges, here are the 13 best accommodation options that’ll keep the whole family happy!
Just 170 miles from San Francisco’s towering Golden Gate Bridge is the ever-popular Yosemite National Park. And it’s so easy to see why this place draws in visitors from all over the world. The gushing waterfalls and towering cliff faces are major selling points. But the majestic mountains and centuries-old sequoias are nothing to scoff at either!
If you’re planning a trip to this place of next-level natural beauty, you’ll need to figure out where to stay when visiting Yosemite National Park. And whether you’re a serial glamper or prefer the finer things in life, I’ve got you covered.
This guide covers where to stay when visiting Yosemite National Park in detail. To make your decision easier, I’ll also run through kid-friendly amenities and bonus experiences that’ll make pressing “BOOK” a no-brainer! I’ll even include addresses and an interactive Google Map to get you on your way without a hitch.
Table of Contents
Where To Stay When Visiting Yosemite: Quick Summary
Don’t have time to read an in-depth analysis of Yosemite lodging options for your family vacation right now? I get it! Here are my top recommendations, and then you can dive in deeper if you have the time or need:
Top 5 Yosemite Family Lodging Recommendations
- Ahwahnee Hotel (Most Luxurious)
- Yosemite Lodge (Most Bang for the Buck)
- Curry Village (Most Rustic without camping)
- Wawona Hotel (Off the Beaten Track, but still in the park)
- Autocamp Yosemite (Glamping Superstar)
Best Yosemite Family Lodging: Interactive Map
Below you’ll find an interactive map that highlights each of the lodging recommendations made in this article. You’ll be able to see the relative distance to other hotels/accommodations, as well as to Yosemite highlights that your family will definitely want on your trip itinerary.
How to Use This Map:
Click on any of the lodging recommendations marked with the bed icon in this color. A popup will open discussing the viewpoint in greater detail.
Clicking the star next to the name of the map will save the map to your google account. To access it later on a computer or your smartphone, open google maps and select “Your Places”.
Where to Stay When Visiting Yosemite National Park
Lodging Options INSIDE the Park
As a traveler planning national park vacations for my own family, I have a strong bias toward lodging that is INSIDE the park, always. If getting to see as much of a national park as possible is the primary goal of your trip, then staying at the most convenient places to do so is always wise.
Often, national parks cover vast areas, and by staying inside the park, you’ll be saving yourself lots of valuable time by avoiding long drives into the park in the morning and out of the park in the evening.
We love to lodge-hop in parks like Yosemite that have multiple lodging options. That will give your family the best chance to cover lots of ground during your trip, AND have the bonus of experiencing different lodges and hotels owned and/or operated by the parks.
If you need strong wi-fi, you’ll have to stay outside the park. You’re not going to find an amazingly fast or strong signal anywhere in the park (which I look at as a “pro” rather than a “con”).
1. Yosemite Valley Lodge
Type of Accommodation: Lodge/Hotel
Address: Yosemite National Park, 9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Nearest Entrance: Arch Rock Entrance
Capacity for Guests: Up to 7
Best for: families wanting to maximize time in the park, especially Yosemite Valley
Just 5 minutes from Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley Lodge is one of the most centrally located and convenient lodging options in the park. While most of the 245 rooms are typical hotel room style (2 double beds) they also two other room types, family King Rooms, and Bunk Rooms.
In the Family King Rooms (there are only 4 at the lodge) you’ll have one king bed, plus a sleeper sofa, and bunk beds with a double bed on the bottom, and single on top. You’ll also get tons of extra space with a living area and kitchen. Oh, and don’t forget the handy DVD player and TV (although hopefully you’ll be so busy in the great outdoors, you’ll never find the time to turn these on).
Bunk rooms have a queen bed, plus the bunk bed with double bed on the bottom and single on top.
The glass and wood architecture in each room is gorgeous and lets the sun shine right through. Plus, there are 2 on-site dining options (Base Camp Eatery and Mountain Room Lounge) to keep everyone’s stomachs full. That’s right, you won’t even need to leave the park to grab grub!
In terms of other amenities, expect an outdoor pool, a gift shop, an amphitheater, and direct access to the Merced River. It’s just by the property and is a safe depth for splashing with little ones. For getting active with older kids, head to the dedicated bike stand and explore the carefully marked paths right by the Lodge.
If you need to charge your car, there are a handful of 8 kilowatt slow chargers available to guests. And if you’re not driving, feel free to use the shuttle that regularly stops here and takes you around the park.
The place is slightly dated (which kinda adds to the charm), but you honestly can’t beat the stellar location when the kids are all hiked out.
2. Curry Village
Type of Accommodation: Mixed (Camping, Lodges, and Hotel)
Address: Curry Village Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Nearest Entrance: Eastern Entrance
Best for: Families who want a rustic atmosphere with an excellent Yosemite Valley location.
Curry Village is up there with the most diverse places to stay in Yellowstone. It combines classic canvas-tent camping with wood cabins and old-school hotel rooms. It’s also right in the heart of Yosemite Valley and is within walking distance of Half Dome and Glacier Point (a huge selling point!).
If you’re wondering where to stay when visiting Yosemite National Park on a budget – this is a great option. It’s warm, cozy (original founders David and Jennie Curry made it practical but homey), and packed with amazing amenities.
Not only is there a seasonal swimming pool, but there are several dining areas, a pizza deck, raft rentals, and an outdoor amphitheater!
I also think the Curry Village Bar is the perfect place for a sneaky nightcap. In the wintertime, you can even take the kiddos to the Curry Village ice skating rink for a whirl around the ice.
There are several options for lodging in Curry Village. These include canvas tents (both heated and unheated options), wood cabins, and hotel rooms in Stoneman Cottage.
The canvas tents have shared community baths. The cabins can be rented with or without private bathrooms. And all of the Stoneman Cottage rooms have their own private baths.
3. Housekeeping Camp
Type of Accommodation: Camping/Glamping
Address: 9005 Southside Dr. Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Nearest Entrance:
Best for: Camping fans who don’t want to pitch tents, sleep on the floor, or be too far from the action.
Housekeeping Camp is one of my go-to recommendations for where to stay when visiting Yosemite National Park if you love camping. It’s a little worn down these days, but it’s affordable and you don’t need to pitch a tent!
The concrete and canvas structures are fitted with bookcases, beds, and purchasable linens (along with privacy curtains – phew!). I also appreciate that each unit sleeps up to 6 with bunk beds, double beds, and electrical lights. Just be aware that you need to request additional beds if you need them (as they’re not a given).
Also, you have to provide your own sleeping bags here, so keep that in mind…if you’re flying, this could be a deal-breaker (who wants to lug sleeping bags for the entire family?).
Also, be aware that pets are not allowed to stay in these units.
The amenities are basic, but you get access to free parking, bear-proof lockers, a shower room, and a fire pit. Throw in the laundry room, campfire ring grill, and the free shuttle bus, and it’s easy to see why this place books out every year.
You’re also in the middle of Yosemite Valley along the Merced River. So, you’ll be near everything from Mirror Lake and Taft Point to Vernal Falls. Oh, and there are even sandy beaches just a short walk away! In short, this place is all about location, location, location.
4. The Ahwahnee Hotel (formerly The Majestic Yosemite Hotel)
Type of Accommodation: Hotel
Address: Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Nearest Entrance: Eastern entrance
Best for: Families with older children looking for luxury
The Ahwahnee underwent a very expensive refurbishment in early 2023 and is the perfect place for families who prefer a luxury hotel. Seriously, the dark wood, stone fireplaces, and enormous dining hall will blow you away!
It’s slightly better for older children as the onsite restaurant is on the fine-dining side. They do offer a good kid’s menu though, so don’t worry too much! Even though it’s “fancy”…it’s national park fancy.
Other amenities include a heated swimming pool, a gift shop, excellent Wi-Fi, a candy shop, and connecting rooms (great for privacy if you have teens, or small napping babies!)
The main selling point is that it’s in a great location that’s under a mile from Yosemite Village and the Merced River. This means you’ll be right by the park’s best hiking and biking trails, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. You’ll also be super close to a selection of ranger programs that are great for first-time visitors.
I’ll warn you and say that you’ll be paying a premium during both low and high season as this is a NICE hotel. But the views of El Capitan are worth the price of admission!
Pro Tip: Even if you choose not to stay here overnight, don’t miss breakfast, or a brunch here. It’s out of this world. Best cup of coffee I ever had. No joke.
5. Wawona Hotel
Type of Accommodation: Hotel
Address: 8308 Wawona Rd, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Nearest Entrance: Southern Entrance
Best for: Families wanting a no-nonsense and affordable hotel near Wawona.
The Wawona Hotel belongs on any list of where to stay when visiting Yosemite National Park. It’s around 40 minutes to the center of Yosemite Valley, so I recommend it if your family will be in Yosemite for a slightly longer stay (more than 3 nights).
However, this location, though not in Yosemite Valley, will put you within touching distance of Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center. This makes it a useful base for covering the area in its entirety.
This accommodation option is perched near the Southern end of the park and has a lovely historical charm thanks to its Victorian-era architecture. It’s on the large side with 100+ rooms, riding stables, a golf course, an onsite restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a piano bar. I also really appreciate the free parking and roll-away cribs that you can request from reception.
But what I love most about this particular hotel is the easy access to hiking trails. The Swinging Bridge Loop, Wawona Meadow Loop, and the Big Trees Loop Trail are all accessible from the hotel (and are kid-friendly!). And although horseback riding is THE draw here, you can also go cross country skiing and snowshoeing during the wintertime.
Just be warned that there are shared bathrooms for some rooms which might make you feel uncomfortable. There are also no TVs which I love, but it might be a deal-breaker if you’re planning a lot of hotel downtime.
6. White Wolf Lodge
Type of Accommodation: Lodge/Hotel
Address: White Wolf Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Nearest Entrance: Tioga Pass/East Entrance
Best for: Lovers of rustic vacations who aren’t afraid to go back to basics and way off the beaten track
White Wolf Lodge is a no-frills seasonal wilderness lodge that takes things back to basics. It’s super remote, and you’ll spot pine trees and wildflower meadows from virtually every angle (AKA: it’s gorgeous!).
The Lodge is home to 24 canvas-tent cabins and 4 traditional wood cabins with private bathrooms. If you’re not used to the rustic camping life, I highly recommend booking a cabin as shared bathrooms just aren’t the most fun (late night hunts for flashlights to get little ones to the potty…thanks but no thanks ;).
The tent cabins sleep up to 4 and you’ll get beds, sheets, blankets, and a wood-burning stove included in the price. Just be warned that there’s no electricity in the tents and no Wi-Fi on property (as they say on the booking website…”enjoy the digital detox”!
The traditional cabins offer propane heaters, a private bathroom, two double beds, electricity (for light and heat), and a cleaning service. It’s definitely the upmarket option, and is worth shelling out slightly more for.
Along with the basic amenities inside the rooms, there’s a small store selling camping food and a dining room. There aren’t really any kid-friendly activities on-site, so you’ll need to head out on the trails for entertainment (and bring games along!).
I totally get that the back-country life isn’t for everyone who’s figuring out where to stay when visiting Yosemite National Park. But you’ll be close to hiking trails near Lukens and Harden Lakes and Yosemite’s stunning high country. So, you can beat the crowds with little ones by hitting the meadows early.
7. Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
Type of Accommodation: Camping/Lodge
Address: Tioga Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Nearest Entrance: East Entrance
Best for: A rustic camping experience surrounded by the rugged mountains.
Feel like living the high life (literally!) near the Tuolumne River? If so, you’ll love Tuolumne Meadows Lodge as it’s approximately 8,700 feet above sea level and offers truly incredible views.
In my opinion, this is where to stay when visiting Yosemite National Park if you want to truly embrace camping. That means no electricity, no TVs, and no Wi-Fi. It won’t be for everyone, but the canvas-tent cabins are so serene and great for backpacking.
In terms of amenities, you can expect animal-safe food storage, a fire pit, a riverside dining tent, showers, and restrooms.
One thing I love about this place is that there are ranger-led campfire programs during the summertime in Tuolumne Meadows. Kids adore them and they’ll teach you all about the area’s history and geology.
Plus, even though you’re in the heart of Yosemite’s high country, the Tuolumne Meadows is very accessible for kids. You can thank the clear streams and shallow pools for that!
8. High Sierra Camps
Type of Accommodation: Camping
Address: Around Tioga Road in Yosemite’s Backcountry
Nearest Entrance: Tioga Pass/East Entrance
Best for: Families with older children who want to see the best of Yosemite’s scenery on foot.
If you’re wondering where to stay when visiting Yosemite National Park as a camping fanatic, High Sierra Camps is IT. There are 5 Sierra High camps in total and they’re each set 6-10 miles apart to encourage you to hike from site to site.
It’s not exactly glamping, but you will get mattresses, pillows, and basic bedding provided for you. So, it’s on the rustic side but it’s way better than pulling out an air mattress! The amenities are on the basic side, but you’ll get hot showers and restrooms as long as there’s sufficient water available.
You’ll also get breakfasts and dinners served family-style in your tent and can even order lunch to-go on your hikes. Just remember to make good use of the food lockers here as you don’t want to invite bears to camp (seriously!).
I think this is one of the most incredible accommodation options if you want to see Yosemite’s backcountry. However, it’s not going to be suitable for tiny tykes as there’s simply too much hiking involved to move from camp to camp.
Because of the limited number of tents available and popularity of this opportunity, people must enter a lottery for the chance to gain accommodation here. Check the website for lottery details if you’re interested, and know that you won’t be able to plan a trip to stay at High Sierra Camps last minute because of the lottery system.
BEST part is they offer guided tours from June through September! These used to be run by park rangers, but as of 2024, they will be run by Yosemite Mountaineering School guides. Pricing for these trips includes your lodging, meals and guide.
Best Family Lodging OUTSIDE the Park
While it’s always my recommendation to stay in the park whenever possible, sometimes those options are booked, or we have other items on our vacation agenda that make staying outside the park better for our family’s needs.
And there are some awesome options for lodging close to Yosemite! Here are my top recommendations:
9. Evergreen Lodge
Type of Accommodation: Lodge/Hotel
Address: 33160 Evergreen Rd, Groveland, CA 95321
Nearest Entrance: Hetch Hetchy
Best for: Families looking for a relatively affordable stay with kid-friendly facilities and activities.
If you’re up for a longer trip to Yosemite (and who wouldn’t be?) Evergreen Lodge is a great place to check out. It’s near an area of the park that’s lesser known and fewer tourists venture to…Hetch Hetchy. There isn’t as much to do with a family up in this area, so I don’t recommend it for first-timers or if you don’t have long in Yosemite as it’s a long haul from the rest of the park.
That said, Evergreen Lodge is AWSOME, and I’m so glad we got up this way, and you should definitely consider it as well. This resort has 88 cabins across a 20-acre space. It’s all relatively rustic, and the woodsy atmosphere is stunning.
The entire property is super fun for kids. Not only is there a zip-line here, but there’s an activity center with board games and crafts, outdoor games, a great library of outdoorsy-themed children’s books, and an indoor game center.
It’s like a non-stop wonderland for little ones. If you have a spare afternoon, you can even play frisbee golf before roasting s’mores over the bonfire.
There are also several pools (including a heated one!)…
a restaurant serving classic mountain cuisine, and great alcoholic drinks. And a great general store for emergency purchases and fun souvenirs!
When you have an evening free, you need to head on the Sunset Vista Happy Hour Tour. It takes you to a spot that overlooks the Tuolumne River Canyon and you can watch the sunset with a glass of wine.
10. Yosemite View Lodge
Type of Accommodation: Lodge/Hotel
Address: 11136 CA-140, El Portal, CA 95318
Nearest Entrance: West Entrance
Best for: Families with young children who want a comfortable and modern place to stay.
Tucked away in the town of El Portal, Yosemite View Lodge is a great choice that’s just minutes from the park. Although you’re quite not in the heart of the action, this place is clean, loaded with amenities, and is surrounded by incredible cliffs. And the views of the river? Glorious.
You’ll find on-site restaurants (including a pizza place!), air conditioning, pool, and cribs you’ll find at this lodge. But the kicker is the in-room kitchen. Each kitchen is equipped with a toaster, microwave, hob, plates, cutlery, and everything you need to enjoy a home-cooked meal. If you haven’t packed groceries, head to the onsite shop (it’s expensive, but does the job).
If you’re looking for a touch of luxury, you can pick a room with a large fireplace and a hot tub. If that wasn’t enough, there’s an arcade, a lazy river, and laundry facilities onsite. So, if you’re traveling with toddlers – you’ll be very grateful.
11. Rush Creek Lodge & Spa at Yosemite
Type of Accommodation: Lodge/Hotel
Address: 34001 CA-120, Groveland, CA 95321
Nearest Entrance: Highway 120 West Entrance
Best for: Families with young kids who want to spend plenty of time at their accommodation.
If you’re trying to figure out where to stay near Yosemite National Park, Rush Creek Lodge is one of the best options. It boasts 143 rooms with private balconies (for those Sierra sunsets!), comfy beds, games, and books.
Although the general Lodge Rooms are most popular for 4-person parties, the Hillside Villas can sleep up to 6. So, it’s great for larger families who need plenty of space.
Now, parents are going to love the indoor/outdoor spa with views over Yosemite from the Jacuzzi. But it’s the game room, playgrounds, and daily activities that make this an amazing place to stay. Offering everything from oversized Connect 4 to climbing frames and trivia games, there’s plenty for kids to do here. And hey, you can’t beat nightly s’mores by the enormous fire pit!
It’s a bit further out as it’s around 40 minutes from the center of Yosemite Valley. However, it’s worth the drive for the onsite restaurant (Rush Creek Tavern!), heated swimming pools, and bundles of space.
12. Tenaya at Yosemite
Type of Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Address: 1122 CA-41, Fish Camp, CA 93623
Nearest Entrance: South Gate Entrance
Best for: Families desiring lots of options for activities at their resort for an affordable rate
Tenaya is very kid-friendly. And it’s a beautiful setting…perched underneath glorious sugar pines and cedars!
It’s about 2 miles from the South Entrance and is lovely lodge with hotel rooms, cozy cottages, and spacious Explorer Cabins.
The two-bedroom cabins can sleep up to 6 with a King and Queen bed and provide water bottles and a s’mores kit (great for kids!). We stayed in the lodge when we were there because the explorer cabins were booked, and I was bummed about that for sure.
If you head over to the main lodge, you’ll get a daily guided nature hike, dive-in movies at the pools, a Game Room, and several spas. The fitness and steam rooms, on-site restaurants (and pizzeria!) are also huge pluses. If you need souvenirs, snacks, or gear, there’s also the Tenaya General Store & Gift Shop that’s always fully-stocked.
Our family spent one night here, and overall I feel that there’s an excellent balance between child-friendly and adult-focused amenities. Just be warned that many of these activities require a daily “Amenity Fee” of $30 a night (as a heads-up!).
13. Autocamp Yosemite
Type of Accommodation: Glamping
Address: 6323 CA-140, Midpines, CA 95345
Nearest Entrance: Rt 140 (West) Entrance
Best for: Families wanting a unique lodging experience that still has all the modern amenities
At bougie, upscale Autocamp (located 35-minutes from the Arched Rock Yosemite entrance) your family can choose to stay in an airstream, a luxury tent, or a family cabin.
The choice is yours, but no matter what, the experience is sure to be epic. This chic glamping brand now boasts 9 camps nationwide, and I’d be shocked if there weren’t more on their way very soon.
If you go with the airstream, you’ll have a private bathroom with a rainfall shower head and toiletries, plus a kitchenette with a coffee and tea maker, microwave, mini-fridge, and electric kettle.
These vintage airstreams have a queen bed and a twin futon bed. If you need more sleeping space, staff will provide an extra futon mattress upon request.
Outside your magical airstream abode, you’ll have a private picnic table and a private fire pit with chairs.
While the Airstream (and the tent) option can accommodate a family of four, it may feel a bit squished. So if that doesn’t sound appealing, or you’re a larger family, Autocamp has cabins that can accommodate up to 6 guests.
Don’t feel like preparing a meal? Visit the on-site restaurant, which offers gourmet dishes and a complimentary breakfast each morning.
You’ll also find a fabulous outdoor swimming pool and playground, along with a main building offering workspaces, WiFi, plush furniture, a lovely fireplace, a water dispenser, snacks, beverages, and board games.
And that completes our list of the best family-friendly lodging options in and around Yosemite NP! I sure hope this article has helped you decide where to stay when visiting Yosemite National Park!
Looking for more information about Yosemite NP, or awesome lodging options in more amazing US national parks? Be sure to check out these articles, too:
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- Badlands National Park Cabins: Cedar Pass Lodge Guide
- 8 BEST Yellowstone Glamping Options For Families
- 17 Best Family Glamping Spots: Joshua Tree National Park
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