Published on September 17, 2024

For those of us who get all warm and fuzzy whenever we see a faded “My Dog Is My Co-Pilot” bumper sticker, it’s a comfort knowing that we live in the Golden Age of Pups. Curled up in the back seat or poking their noses out the passenger window, our furry friends are a trusted part of our lives at home and on the road.  But traveling with pets can take some “boning up” as they say, especially when it comes to finding the right lodging.

Fortunately, dog-friendly lodging in Yosemite and outside the park can be found throughout Yosemite Mariposa County.  Whether you and your sidekick want to walk a pet-approved trail in Yosemite Valley, play fetch in Lake McClure or explore the surrounding National Forests, you’ll find plenty of cozy places to stay in and around the park.

Can you bring your dog to Yosemite?

Yosemite Mariposa County offers plenty of dog-friendly lodging options. Whether you and your pup want to explore pet-friendly trails in Yosemite Valley, play fetch by Lake McClure, or roam the nearby National Forests, you’ll find plenty of cozy places to stay in and around the park.

That said, Yosemite National Park is more pet-friendly than most of America’s citadels to conservation. There are a few simple rules to follow to keep everyone safe. It makes sense that there are National Park regulations for visiting with your pet. If these rules for ruff-ing it work for you and Fido, then the next step is finding a place to stay. 

Dog-Friendly accomodations in Yosemite National Park

dog enjoying yosemite national park
Visiting Yosemite National Park doesn’t mean you have to leave Fido at home. Photo credit: DOGthusiast.com

Staying inside Yosemite National Park with your dog is indeed an unforgettable experience. Fresh air, lots of new smells drifting on the Sierra wind, and too many photo ops to capture with your pup tail-wagging in front of iconic backdrops are just a few delights of this mountain paradise.

Pro Tip:  When searching for lodging on yosemite.com’s Book>Direct engine, click “Pet Friendly” under Amenities and look for the Paw Print icon!

There’s nothing like taking a peaceful stroll in Yosemite Valley with your pup. Surrounded by towering landmarks such as Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

Pine cones and Sierra scents to sniff everywhere. Misty waterfall trails, happy humans right and left, an so…. many… sticks. That unbridled joy that dogs feel every day will go even higher when you’re vacation-vibing with all senses, canine and human, in cocert.

Camping and Cabin options

For pup-approved overnights, campgrounds in Yosemite Valley welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs in the heart of the action. Note: Dogs are not allowed in Camp 4, Curry Village tent cabins or on hotel lodging properties in the Valley.

Located 10 miles from Yosemite Valley, the Glacier Point Road region offers soaring postcard views with a fresh perspective from the Valley’s south rim. Here, dogs can find a warm deck for lounging at a pet-friendly cabin rental in Yosemite West, or set up your pup tent at an elevation (7,200 feet) with a stay at Bridalveil Creek Campground.

With its unsung cascade (Chilnualna Falls), often overlooked sibling waterway (South Fork of the Merced River) and ancient trees (Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias), the dog whistle of Southern Yosemite is strong.  A pet-friendly Wawona cabin rental makes paw-fect sense while curling up at the foot of a cozy sleeping bag can be done at Wawona Campground.

the redwoods at yosemite
Cabin rentals in Wawona, Yosemite West and Fish Camp provide great pet-friendly options where you don’t have to “ruff” it.

Northern Yosemite exudes rugged beauty from the history-rich enclave of Foresta up to the rarified air of Tioga Pass (9,943 ft). Leashed dogs are allowed at campgrounds in Northern Yosemite, or try a pet-friendly Foresta cabin rental for coffee and Greenies on the patio.

Dog-Friendly Lodging in Greater Mariposa County

Pets welcome at the Tenaya Explorer Cabins
No need to ruff it. Fur family members welcome at the Tenaya Explorer Cabins!

Yosemite National Park only make up a portion of Mariposa County. The rest of the Yosemite Mariposa County realm is all-in with doggo-loving culture. From historic Gold Country towns to the surrounding national forest lands, furry comrades are abundantly welcomed. Dog-friendly lodging, hikes, water activities and more will fill your days with vacation rewards.

If staying inside the Park with your pet seems too short of a leash, a smart alternative is to book dog-friendly accommodations in Greater Mariposa County.  This approach allows for day trips into Yosemite with all the comfortable lodging options and free-ranging things to do outside the Park in Yosemite Mariposa County.

With a variety of settings from the colorful Gold Rush town of Mariposa to the rugged Merced River Canyon along Highway 140 and the forested oasis of Fish Camp, the Central Mariposa County region provides the most options for dog-friendly lodging.

Glamping Near Yosemite

In downtown Mariposa, where the elevated sidewalks once obliged stagecoaches of yore, you and your canine co-pilot can walk the main drag in Gold Rush style by day and stay at a dog-friendly property close to the action by night.

Wildhaven Yosemite, Mariposa’s newest glamping option, offers both cabin and tent options, all of which are pet-friendly. Simply, note that you’re brining your dogs (up to 2) when making your reservation. 

AutoCamp Yosemite — a fabulous collection of silver-clad Airstreams — welcomes two dogs per rental (max 50 lbs) as well as several dog-friendly luxury tents.

Pet-Friendly hotels in mariposa County

Yosemite View Lodge by the Merced River
Yosemite View Lodge

The Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station and the Mariposa Lodge allow up to two dogs per rented room (max 80 lbs), while the River Rock Inn offers Dog Friendly Rooms and a brick patio to enjoy your latte on-site from Sticks Coffee.

Located 35 miles from Arch Rock Entrance to Yosemite National Park, the laid back gem of Midpines chills in its own unique way. The Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort sounds like a clarion call to travelers from all over the world with bone-a fides that include the June Bug Cafe and Yosemite Health Spa.

Farther up Highway 140, the final stop before entering the park is El Portal.  Here, the Merced River Canyon narrows and you can feel Yosemite’s magic just around the bend. Yosemite View Lodge stands proud with balconies overlooking the Merced’s determined flow, while its dog walk path leads guests to a selfie tree for tag-worthy pics. Note: The Merced River can flow fast in spring/early summer so be sure to take caution when nearing its banks.

Heading south to Highway 41, the historic village of Fish Camp (population 50) rests in a forested glen just two miles from the South Entrance to Yosemite National Park.  While the town may be small, its full-service resort Tenaya at Yosemite looms large with animal lovers, and for good reason. Be sure to consider their Deluxe Pampered Pet Package for such canine conveniences as fresh-baked dog treats, dog toy and two hours of pet sitting services (with additional on-site kennel time available)!

Hidden along Highway 49 in Northern Mariposa County, the Gold Rush town of Coulterville feels like a movie set from a blockbuster Western. Stop at the Coulter Cafe & General Store for beer & bites on their dog-friendly outdoor patio, then stay at one of Mariposa County’s unique lodging properties: the Vacation Station. This lovingly appointed 1964 Boxcar and Caboose will allow you and your pup to slumber on the right side of the tracks.

More Ruff-ing It Resources

dogs in a car in yosemite national park
  • Yosemite’s B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a fun way to learn the rules, get sworn in by an actual Park Ranger and earn your B.A.R.K. badge.
  • Most lodging properties charge a Pet Fee. Contact the property directly to confirm the amount and terms of stay.
  • For best-in-show destinations, check out our Dog Friendly Yosemite Itinerary.
  • Explore the tranquil Sierra National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest with your pooch to get away from it all (8 ft leash or direct voice command required).
  • When booking Yosemite Mariposa lodging, remember to check the box for “Pet Friendly” in the Amenities section and look for the green paw print. Woof! (There It Is).
Categories: General Travel Tips, Lodging, Pet-Friendly Travel