Staying at a hotel near the entrance of Yosemite National Park is a superb choice for those wanting an immersive outdoor vacation. With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular destinations in California. Yosemite hotels grant easy access to some of the park’s most iconic sites, such as Half Dome, El Capitan, and Glacier Point, and outstanding amenities such as swimming pools, and spas for some relaxation after a day of exploring. Many hotels provide priceless local information and tailor-made packages that include discounts on admission fees or other activities within the park. Staying with one of these accommodations offers you a way to enjoy your Yosemite trip in comfort and ease. Here are the best hotels near Yosemite National Park entrances with outstanding hospitality and facilities.
The Best 8 Hotels Near the Entrances of Yosemite National Park
Taking a trip to Yosemite? Check out Matador’s accommodation guides to the best places to stay:
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Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite
Rush Creek Lodge is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway near Yosemite National Park. Located just outside the park boundary off Highway 120, it’s only a 45-minute drive from Yosemite Valley and an hour’s drive east to Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows.
The resort resembles an oversized ski chalet and is particularly popular with families. Surrounded by pine trees and wildlife, Rush Creek feels like a nature retreat with deluxe amenities making for a comfortable stay. Outside, guests can relax in the heated saltwater swimming pool and hot tubs, or gather around the fire pit to make S’mores. Inside the main lodge, you’ll find a recreation room filled with pool and foosball tables, and board games. Rush Creek also offers guided outdoor adventures such as hiking and photography tours of the park.
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite: 34001 Highway 120, Groveland, 95321
Price per night: $449
The Pines Resort
The Pines Resort is located in the Sierra National Forest just 17 miles outside of Yosemite’s south gate. The lakefront hotel also offers guests easy access to great fishing, camping, hiking, and water sports on Bass Lake.
This is another superb family-friendly option and is the only lakeside resort in the area. The facilities here are outstanding. There’s a private beach and marina, an onsite grocery store, a bar, restaurants, a tennis court, a golf driving range, and a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tubs. Accommodations have lake or forest views and range from 84 inviting mountain chalets, 20 deluxe lakefront suites, or two private, fully-furnished houses, equipped with an array of thoughtful, modern amenities.
The Pines Resort: 54432 Road 432 P.O. Box 90, Bass Lake, CA 93604
Price per night: $349
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Located just two miles from the park’s southern entrance, Tenaya Lodge is a 40-minute walk away from the breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley. If you are driving, you’ll be able to get to the park’s southern visitor hub — which has a store, post office, gas station, and information center — within 15 minutes from the lodge.
The main lodge building is a mix of contemporary decor and rustic touches such as stone fireplaces, exposed timber beams, leather couches, and patterned throw pillows. Facilities are of a very high standard. Helpful staff is available to arrange activities around the resort, including horse riding, and there’s an excellent spa, three swimming pools, five whirlpool tubs, and in winter an ice-skating rink and a sledding hill.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite: 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623
Price per night: $333
Double Eagle Resort and Spa
Photo: Expedia
Nestled in the Eastern Sierra Mountains, Double Eagle Resort and Spa offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It’s just 12 miles from the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park and is close to many outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Guests can choose from a variety of rooms and suites with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and water. Luxury rooms have charming balconies, whirlpool tubs, a small refrigerator, and complimentary coffee service. There are also two-bedroom cabins with wood-burning fireplaces for winter, and a private outside deck with comfortable furniture and charcoal grills for summer evening dinners.
Double Eagle Resort and Spa: 5587 Highway 158, June Lake, CA 93529
Price per night: $335
Yosemite View Lodge
Photo: Expedia
Yosemite View Lodge is another perfect place to stay for a family vacation. Located along the main highway, just two miles from Yosemite National Park’s Arch Rock Entrance, it offers unbeatable value for money and a range of amenities to keep all entertained. The nearest town is Mariposa (a 45-minute drive), so most visitors come here by car. Comfortable and modern rooms look out onto the Merced River that flows out of Yosemite National Park. The lodge also has multiple outdoor and indoor swimming pools and hot tubs are a nice perk — especially after a day exploring in the park. There’s also onsite dining and a convenience store.
Yosemite View Lodge: 11136 Highway 140, El Portal, CA 95318
Price per night: $320
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
For nearly a century, Evergreen Lodge has been the perfect getaway for Yosemite visitors. Located just outside the national park boundary, an hour’s drive north of Yosemite Valley, this charming woodsy lodge offers nearly 90 vintage and contemporary cabins nestled in acres of forest. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly retreat or a romantic escape, this contemporary mountain resort is a great all-rounder.
The lodge features a variety of amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Take advantage of the seasonal outdoor pool and children’s playground, or enjoy a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant and bar. Service is also outstanding. Helpful staff are there to help organize outdoor excursions and have superb local knowledge.
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite: 33160 Evergreen Road, Groveland, 95321
Price per night: $277
Cedar Lodge
Photo: Expedia
Located in El Portal, Cedar Lodge is a short 12-minute drive from Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance and under an hour to Yosemite Big Oak Flat Entrance. The town of El Portal is situated in the Merced River Canyon and makes a great base for exploring the park.
Cedar Lodge has a range of rooms from standard kings to deluxe suites. Don’t expect bells and whistles here, there is a seasonal pool and an on-site restaurant, but it lacks extra amenities that the other Yosemite hotels listed have. That said, it has good reviews and is an affordable option close to the park.
Cedar Lodge: 9966 Highway 140, El Portal, CA, 95318
Price per night: $260
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites
Photo: Expedia
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites is in Oakhurst, minutes away from the south gate entrance to Yosemite National Park on Highway 41.
The suites range in size from king suites that sleep a small family, to sprawling rooms that will comfortably accommodate a group of four adults. All have modern decor, plush bedding, and all the added basics (hair dryers, TVs, mini-fridges, and signature toiletries) you’d expect from a hotel of this standard. There’s also a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a dry heat sauna and spa. Overall for this price point, the Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites delivers — especially if you are only staying in the area for a night or two.
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites: 40644 Hwy 41, Oakhurst, CA, 93644
Price per night: $173
The best time to visit Yosemite National Park
Late May and early June are ideal for viewing waterfalls, while September offers cooler temperatures perfect for hiking. October to February is the cheapest time to visit because more of the park is closed down during this period. From spring through fall, it’s best to arrive in the park before or after peak hours (before 9:00 AM and after 5:00 PM) to avoid delays and traffic congestion.
The top things to do in Yosemite
- Hiking — With over 750 miles of trails, Yosemite is a hiker’s paradise. From easy strolls around Mirror Lake to challenging climbs up Half Dome, there’s something for all abilities.
- Wildlife watching — Yosemite is home to an array of wildlife including black bears, deer, coyotes, and more. Keep your eyes peeled while exploring the park and you may just spot some of these animals in their natural habitat.
- Photography — The stunning landscapes of Yosemite make it a photographer’s dream come true. Capture breathtaking shots of El Capitan or Half Dome from various angles or take advantage of the park’s many other photo ops like waterfalls and meadows filled with wildflowers.
- Rafting — Take a rafting trip down the Merced River and experience the beauty of Yosemite from a different perspective. You can also go kayaking or canoeing on several lakes throughout the park if you prefer a more tranquil experience on the water.
- Stargazing — On clear nights, head out into one of Yosemite’s meadows or valleys and take in the night sky filled with stars above you. Yosemite Conservancy offers guided stargazing programs in the Valley with expert naturalists who can teach you about constellations and nocturnal fauna.
