Places to Stay Near Yosemite National Park

For first-timers planning to visit Yosemite, there are many great places to stay near Yosemite National Park, each offering a different experience depending on what you’re looking for. Staying inside Yosemite National Park offers unmatched convenience, but choosing accommodations in Mariposa County often means better availability, more amenities, and access to charming gateway communities. Explore lodging options.

Best Places to Stay Near Yosemite That Fit Your Needs

Finding the right place to stay outside Yosemite can be easier with a simple decision guide that matches different traveler styles to the best lodging regions and accommodations. From rustic tent cabins to full-service resorts, Yosemite Mariposa County offers options for every kind of Yosemite adventure.

Great For Families
Tenaya at Yosemite: A resort-style favorite with lots of family activities and a convenient location near Mariposa Grove.
Yosemite Cedar Lodge: Spacious, family-friendly rooms just minutes from Yosemite Valley along the Highway 140 entrance.
Yosemite View Lodge: A riverside stay even closer to the park boundary, ideal for easy access to Yosemite Valley and day trips to Curry Village.

For Budget Travelers
The Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort: A quirky, welcoming option with communal spaces and access to nearby trails, onsite dining and spa. Here you will find various accommodations from shared hostel style living to private rooms and cabins.
The Mariposa Lodge: Affordable, walkable to restaurants, shops and YARTS stop, and located in the cute town of Mariposa.
River Rock Inn: A charming, budget-conscious stay in the heart of downtown Mariposa within walking distance to all you need.


For Quiet, Nature-Connected Stays
Wildhaven Yosemite: A peaceful, outdoor-focused retreat perfect for travelers seeking a deeper connection with nature.
Autocamp Yosemite: Modern Airstreams and stylish tent cabins that blend comfort with the outdoors, including locations convenient to Yosemite West.

No matter your travel style, Mariposa County offers a welcoming basecamp for exploring Yosemite National Park, with lodging nearby that supports easy access to every corner of the park, from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove and beyond.

Different Areas for Lodging Near Yosemite Valley

Choosing where to stay outside Yosemite depends on which entrance you plan to use, what kind of atmosphere you prefer, and how close you want to be to the park’s most popular areas. Each gateway community offers its own personality, from the forested resort vibe of Fish Camp near the South Entrance to the scenic river canyon towns along Highway 140 at the Arch Rock Entrance, known as the “All Weather Highway.” The western approach through Highway 120 serves laid-back foothill towns and easy access to Big Oak Flat, while the High Sierra communities near Tioga Pass offer alpine scenery but experience seasonal winter closures. By understanding what each area offers, travelers can choose the base that best fits their style, whether that’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, peaceful and quiet, or focused on quick access to Yosemite Valley.

Overview of Yosemite Entrances and Nearby Areas

Staying Near Yosemite vs. Inside

Staying inside Yosemite National Park offers easy access to places like Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point, but accommodations can be limited, more costly, and require early booking. Lodging in nearby locations throughout Mariposa County provides a wider range of amenities, more dining options, easier parking, and often lower costs while still keeping you close to the park’s major entrances. Many visitors use the YARTS shuttle for convenient car-free travel into Yosemite Valley with pick up locations at many lodging locations. Both options offer unique advantages depending on your priorities, and this guide can help you choose the best fit as you plan your trip.

Consider Seasonality, Closures & Booking Windows

Travel timing plays a major role in planning your Yosemite stay, especially as peak season fills quickly and drive times increase during busy summer months. The Yosemite shoulder season in late summer and early fall offers lighter visitation and more lodging availability, while winter brings serene landscapes. Here are some helpful tips for navigating winter in Yosemite. Tioga Road typically opens late spring and closes by early winter depending on snow levels, which affects access to the high country. Summer often includes vehicle reservation periods that limit peak-hour entry, making advance planning essential. To prepare for all conditions and maximize your visit, explore the full seasonal travel planner before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Town to Stay in Outside of Yosemite National Park?

The best town depends on what you value most: El Portal and Midpines offer the closest access to Yosemite Valley, perfect for travelers who want to maximize time on the trails. Mariposa provides the most amenities, shopping, dining, and a charming small-town vibe, while Fish Camp is ideal for those entering through the South Entrance to reach the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. For other gateway options, Groveland is convenient to the Big Oak Flat Entrance. Coulterville offers an off-the-beaten-path experience with historic charm and plenty of solitude.

What is the Closest Town to Yosemite National Park?

The “closest” town depends on which entrance or destination you plan to visit. El Portal sits just outside the Arch Rock Entrance and is the nearest base for reaching Yosemite Valley. Fish Camp is closest to the South Entrance and provides quick access to Mariposa Grove, while Groveland is the gateway to the Big Oak Flat Entrance. For summer access to the high country via Tioga Pass, Lee Vining is the closest town on the eastern side.