Planning your stay in Yosemite requires more than picking dates, it’s about choosing the perfect place to connect with nature and unwind after a day on the trails. With options ranging from historic hotels to rustic canvas tents, Yosemite National Park lodging caters to every kind of traveler. This guide of the National Park Shops explores top-rated accommodations within the park, offering insights into amenities, ideal visitor types, and booking strategies. Whether you want convenience, solitude, or a blend of both, the right lodging choice enhances your entire Yosemite experience.
Big Trees Lodge
- Address: 8308 Wawona Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
- Phone: (888) 413-8869
- Price Range: $150–$250 per night
- Rating: 4.4/5
Formerly known as Wawona Hotel, Big Trees Lodge offers timeless Victorian charm nestled near the southern entrance of the park. Built in 1856 and surrounded by meadows and evergreens, this historic property is one of the oldest Yosemite National Park lodging options still in operation. The lodge is best known for its wraparound porches, antique furnishings, and peaceful, storybook ambiance.
This lodging option caters to travelers who seek serenity and heritage rather than modern luxury. Many rooms retain their original design, including shared hallway bathrooms, a nostalgic nod to 19th-century travel. Guests can enjoy fireside piano music in the evening, browse the on-site library, or take a stroll to nearby Chilnualna Falls. With its access to Mariposa Grove and fewer crowds, Big Trees Lodge provides a relaxed and refined escape among the many Yosemite National Park lodging experiences.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
- Address: 9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
- Phone: (888) 413-8869
- Price Range: $250–$450 per night
- Rating: 4.3/5
For visitors prioritizing location, Yosemite Valley Lodge stands out as one of the most sought-after Yosemite National Park lodging choices. Nestled directly across from the base of Yosemite Falls, this lodge offers guests front-row views of the tallest waterfall in North America. The rooms are modern yet rustic, with large windows that frame iconic granite cliffs and pine-covered slopes, creating a calming retreat after a day of exploration.
Its unmatched central location means guests are within walking distance of major trailheads leading to Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Mirror Lake. The lodge also acts as a hub for the park’s shuttle system and offers guided ranger tours, making it highly convenient for travelers without a car. Families will appreciate the on-site dining options, including a restaurant and casual café, while couples can enjoy sunset strolls to the nearby Yosemite Chapel. Due to its premium setting and high demand, this Yosemite National Park lodging option often fills months in advance, early booking is essential.
Curry Village
- Address: 9010 Curry Village Dr, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
- Phone: (888) 413-8869
- Price Range: $140–$300 per night
- Rating: 4.2/5
Curry Village offers a rustic, vibrant, and community-oriented lodging experience at the base of Glacier Point. This budget-friendly destination features a mix of over 400 accommodation units, including heated canvas tent cabins, wooden structures with private bathrooms, and motel-style rooms, making it one of the most flexible Yosemite National Park lodging options for diverse travel needs. The location provides unmatched proximity to popular trailheads such as the Mist Trail, Happy Isles, and Half Dome, making it a prime base camp for hikers and backpackers.
In addition to its scenic access, Curry Village boasts a social and active environment. Guests can enjoy the large dining pavilion, seasonal ice rink, outdoor amphitheater with ranger-led programs, and bike rentals that let you explore Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Though the accommodations are modest, the communal spirit, immersive forest setting, and affordability appeal to both first-time visitors and returning nature lovers. Among all Yosemite National Park lodging options, Curry Village stands out as the most social and experience-driven place to stay.
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
- Address: Tioga Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
- Phone: (888) 413-8869
- Price Range: $150–$250 per night
- Rating: 4.1/5
Open seasonally, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge offers a peaceful gateway to Yosemite’s high-elevation wilderness. Situated at 8,600 feet along Tioga Road, the lodge provides 69 canvas tent cabins, each outfitted with wooden bed frames and wool blankets but no electricity. This design fosters a unique, back-to-basics experience that appeals to visitors seeking quietude, stargazing, and a deeper connection with nature. Guests wake to the crisp mountain air and the sound of the nearby Tuolumne River, perfect for those drawn to trout fishing, granite dome hikes, or alpine wildflower photography.
The lodge offers a centralized dining tent where guests enjoy hearty, communal-style meals and can share stories after long hikes. Evenings are illuminated by lantern light and accompanied by ranger-led talks or impromptu fireside conversations. There is no cell service, Wi-Fi, or modern distractions, making this one of the most meditative and unplugged Yosemite National Park lodging options. Whether you’re a thru-hiker on the John Muir Trail or a traveler seeking clarity in the high Sierra air, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge delivers a rare, unfiltered wilderness experience.
Glacier Point Ski Hut
- Address: Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
- Phone: (209) 372-8444
- Price Range: $150–$220 per night (includes meals)
- Rating: 4.6/5
In winter, Glacier Point Ski Hut delivers a truly remote and magical backcountry experience, making it one of the most adventurous and exclusive Yosemite National Park lodging options available. This rustic hut is accessible only by a 10.5-mile guided cross-country ski trek, which begins at Badger Pass and leads through towering pine forests and sweeping snowfields. Upon arrival, visitors are rewarded with a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the distant High Sierra peaks, all draped in pristine snow.
The hut features shared sleeping quarters, hearty communal meals, and a cozy wood-burning stove that provides warmth after a strenuous day on the trail. Lighting is by lantern, and the lack of electricity and cell service invites reflection, storytelling, and connection with fellow adventurers. Guests wake early to catch stunning sunrises and may spot fresh animal tracks in the snow just outside the door. For those prepared for the physical challenge, this unforgettable winter refuge offers serenity, solitude, and a rare connection to the raw wilderness of Yosemite – a standout choice in Yosemite National Park lodging for those who crave adventure and reward.
Conclusion
Finding the right Yosemite National Park lodging is about matching your comfort needs with your sense of adventure. From historic hotels and family cabins to high-country huts and tent villages, Yosemite offers accommodations that deepen your connection to its world-famous landscapes. Planning ahead is key, lodging books up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
No matter where you stay, being inside the park gives you the benefit of early trail access, fewer crowds at sunrise, and unforgettable scenery right outside your window. Choose your ideal Yosemite National Park lodging and get ready for a trip that blends natural beauty, tranquility, and a touch of rustic charm.
