Our Guide to Accomodation in Yosemite Valley
Wanting a budget-friendly or a luxury version of Yosemite? Our guide has it all!
So what is the best way to ‘see the sights’? We guess it depends on what you’re really hoping to experience. Below is a scale of options on how to explore the park, from budget friendly to luxury escapes.
These options are in the Valley itself. There are plenty of options outside the valley, however we recommend staying in the valley to maximise your sightseeing time as the commute can be well over 2 hours each way!
Budget friendly options
Camping is by far the cheapest way to experience the park. There are a number of camping grounds in the valley itself, although these can easily become crowded and are more expensive than remote campgrounds. You’ll need to look closely at what you need and what time you’re visiting as certain areas are only open at particular times of the year. All campgrounds require bookings and are extremely competitive to get; you need to book your campground well in advance and be prepared to have to book it as soon as the date becomes available to avoid missing out.
These are the campsites in the valley:
*All prices are according to 2025 listed prices.
Upper Pines (open year round)
Non-electric sites $36USD/night
Lower Pines
Non-electric sites $36USD/night
North Pines
Non-electric sites $16-48USD/night
Camp 4
Non-electric sites $10-64USD/night
There are 9 other campgrounds beyond the valley, which require reservation. Beyond this, backcountry camping are not part of the reservation system and will require a wilderness permit.
2. Canvas-Style Tents (if you don’t have the gear, or are an international traveller)
HouseKeeping Camp + Curry Village in the valley offers a ‘camping’ experience with its tent-style accommodation. Both are just a few minutes walk from the free bus around the valley. The tents are minimalistic, but have everything you need including beds, shared amenities, and a bear-proof lockers for all your food.
HouseKeeping Camp offers cheaper accommodation than Curry village with 1 night costing $120USD versus $200USD. However, you will also need to bring your own sleeping bag, as only linen can be hired.
Curry Village: https://www.nationalparkreservations.com/booking/step1.php?prop=3685
HouseKeeping Camp: https://www.yosemite.com/places-to-stay/camping-and-rv/yosemite-housekeeping-camp/
Moderate-Budget, Hotel Accomodation
Yosemite Valley Lodge is a moderate-cost accommodation option for those looking for a hotel-style experience. It is the closest accommodation to the majestic Yosemite Falls Trailhead. It also features a food court, restaurant and swimming pool (open seasonally). A good thing to note is Yosemite Valley Lodge does NOT have air conditioning, so if you’re planning on travelling in summer it might be a good idea to bring a battery operated fan!
A night at Yosemite Valley Lodge will cost $362USD for a room. The rooms have different layouts and have the potential to sleep up to 4-6 adults.
Yosemite Valley Lodge (https://www.nationalparkreservations.com/booking/step1.php?prop=3705)
Luxury Accomodation
Offering a luxury experience in the heart of the valley, The Ahwahnee hotel boasts itself as being the ‘crown jewel of Yosemite’ (sorry Half Dome). Built in the 1920’s the Hotel has been wonderfully maintained and has undergone restoration work to maintain its stunning decor. The hotel has hosted many famous and high-profile clientele and offers a luxurious experience for those seeking it. Just strolling the hotel grounds will give you views of Half Dome, Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley.
A night at The Ahwahnee can cost anywhere between $670 and $1500USD/night.
The Ahwahnee Hotel
https://www.yosemite.com/places-to-stay/hotels-and-motels/the-ahwahnee-hotel/