What are good alternative hotel locations in Yosemite National Park area?
We're planning a Bay Area trip in May-June and our route takes us near Yosemite, which is some place I've always wanted to visit, and so we want to stay about three to four nights in the area, ideally in the park. However, it's relatively late in the year to be booking, and so options are limited. I've found a few options in or very near the park but it involves shortening our stay, or living without electricity, or other compromises (with which we may decide to be okay, but I want to consider my options).
As far as places in the general Yosemite National Park area, what are viable places to stay as far as the ease of getting to the park, that are likely to still have accommodations 90 days in advance? Merced seems to have plenty of lodging at good prices, but it's almost a two-hour drive away. Fresno has some of the same problems but at least is closer to King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, which opens up other options.
As I don't wish this to be too subjective or specific to my situation, please give more general answers (examples of lodging are fine). In my specific case we are just a married couple, but others will surely have the same question and may have different circumstances.
As a good parallel example, Canmore, Alberta would be a good base for someone exploring Banff National Park - an easy drive to the park, but with a plethora of lodging options. What are the Yosemite equivalents, if any?
Best Answer
We stayed in Oakhurst, just near the Southgate. It was very easy access, had facilities around the area, and is close the the giant redwood grove, as well as easy access to the main Yosemite valley.
Saw a coyote (alive, finally), and spectacular views in October. Loved our trip, and several of my favourite photos are from that weekend. Highly recommend that area for accommodation. It's also only a few hours from San Fran - we flew into SFO and drove from downtown San Francisco.
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What town should I stay in when visiting Yosemite?
The closest town to Yosemite is Mariposa, which is right on Highway 140. The charm of this location lies in its connection with the Gold Rush period, of which traces can still be found. It is located southwest of the park, a 45 minutes drive from Yosemite National Park.Where can I sleep in my car outside of Yosemite?
- Pines Campgrounds.
- Camp 4.
- Wawona.
- Bridalveil Creek.
- Hodgdon Meadow.
- Crane Flat.
- Tamarack Flat.
- White Wolf.
How can I enjoy Yosemite without reservations?
If you plan to drive through Yosemite National Park and don't have a reservation, just be sure to arrive at the gate before 6 am or after 4 pm. All early reservations for the summer are available now. In previous years there was a complicated phased roll-out for different times. This year, it's simpler.Where should I stay the night before Half Dome?
If you want to cut your mileage down on the day you climb Half Dome, spend the night in the Little Yosemite Valley campground, a mile beyond the top of Nevada Fall.Top 5 Hotels Near Yosemite National Park, California, USA
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