Yosemite Lodging Options

Park lodging arrangements are basically divided into three geographic areas: Yosemite Valley, south Yosemite, and north Yosemite. Since most of the visitors travel to the valley, we'll start there. At the top of the price range is the majestic Ahwahnee, built in 1927. In many ways grand, so is the room rate, starting at roughly $350/night, and higher during peak season (May-September). The other main motel/hotel is the Yosemite Lodge, next to the famous Yosemite Falls. It is more for the common folk, with prices ranging between $100 to $150, a bit more during peak season. Curry Village has room with baths for around $80-$100, rooms with private and shared baths, and even canvas tent cabins with communal baths for around $50. Finally, Housekeeping Camp is basic camping with tents, cots, and tables provided while the visitor provides linens, sleeping bags, and cook ware. There are shared public showers, a store, and a laundromat, but open summers only.

South Yosemite offers the landmark Wawona Hotel, built in the 1879 with 100 rooms, cottages for those who want to experience old-fashioned lodging, Victorian style. The bathroom is in the back and there are cramped quarters, but if the family is up to a unique lodging experience (it is a National Historic Landmark), it is worth taking it in. But if you want to have more privacy, this part of the park also offers privately owned homes and vacation homes that are rented year round as reasonable prices. The communities are called The Redwoods and Yosemite West, are not too far from the main highway through the southern entrance on through the valley.

Finally, in the northern part of the park, lodging is offered only during summer due to winter closure. The Evergreen Lodge offers reasonable rates with a continental breakfast included; these are cabin-style rooms. White Wolf Lodge also has cabin-style rooms, as well as tent cabins with shared bath and shower facilities. Tuolumne Meadows Lodge has canvas tent cabins with four beds, a wood stove, and candles (there is no electricity).

So, no matter what Yosemite lodging you choose, there is one thing that will never disappoint you; the sites to see in Yosemite are breathtaking and worth every bit of the time it takes to plan this wonderful trip.