The heart-stopping climb to the Half Dome, breathtaking views on the granite mountain peaks, and all-year-round camping ground for everyone are some of the reasons to list the Yosemite National Park into your travel bucket.
Located in the mountainous terrain of California, the Yosemite National Park is well-worth visiting. And, sure, it is going to be a long but scenic drive. Camping cabins, sites and other lodgings in the Yosemite National Park can often get quickly fully-booked. And, these lodgings inside the park can even cost an arm and leg.
Alternatively, you can opt to the nearby lodgings and hotels to the Yosemite National Park. Although they may offer similar quality of services and amenities, these nearby lodgings are cheaper. And, they allow the visitors to explore the other parts of the Yosemite National Park’s region.
So, in this article, I’d like to help you choose the ideal base near the Yosemite National Park. But, before that, let’s talk about the five entrances of the Yosemite National Park.
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The Five Entrances to the Yosemite National Park
The Yosemite National Park is accessible by five entrances. The first four are located in the west part of the park. And, only one entrance is accessible on the east side.
Tioga Pass
The east entrance to the Yosemite National Park is through Tioga Pass. This is sometimes referred to as Tioga Road.
At times, the Tioga Pass may not be passable due to snow. This usually occurs particularly in between late October and late May. So, in case, you’ll have to get around the Yosemite National Park and access any of the west gates.
Nearest town to the Tioga Pass is the Lee Vining. With over 200 residents, Lee Vining gets more charming as it gets supported by thriving and homegrown lodgings and restaurants.
Another side trip when traversing the Tioga Pass is the Mono Lake. It is home to rare plants and animals. You can most appreciate the lake through a guided tour.
You shouldn’t forget the town of the Mammoth Lakes as well. This town is packed with scenic lakes, ski and bike areas, and starting trails to nearby forest.
Hetch Hetchy
The northernmost entrance of the Yosemite National Park is through the Hetch Hetchy. Here, you can find the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir which supplies water to the residential and business communities of California.
The Hetch Hetchy entrance gets you to access the least visited areas, low areas of the Park, and two waterfalls among the largest in North America.
Along the way to the Hetch Hetchy, side trip to vineyard fields or to the replica of Mark Twain’s cabin can be made.
Big Oak Flat Entrance
The second northwest entrance of the Yosemite National Park is the Big Oak Flat Entrance. This is also called the Arch Rock Entrance. This is the convenient entrance for those who will be coming from the bay area.
The nearest town to the Big Oak Flat Entrance is the Groveland. Here, you can easily find places to go for dining, shopping, and lodging as well as banks with ATM. Downtown, a long-established hotel holds live music gig every summer and another hotel offers wine tasting event.
El Porta
The third Yosemite National Park entrance is near the El Porta. The El Porta town is complete with 24-hour gas station, picnic area, campsites, and market.
On the west of the El Porta are two towns which are Mariposa and Midpines. The town of Midpines is a spot for water sports and fishing. Meanwhile, the Mariposa is the largest town among the three in terms of its covered land as well as in terms of service establishments.
Fish Camp
For those coming from San Diego and Los Angeles, the most convenient entrance to Yosemite National Park is through Fish Camp. It is a town with a wide selection of lodgings as well as recreational activities.
List of the Yoshmite Lodging and Hotels
Now, let’s move on to the list of the lodging and hotels in the Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite West
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Cozy Bear Cottages
Just a few jumps to Yosemite National Park, the Cozy Bear Cottages is a vacation-house duplex for rent. Each apartment can accommodate two to six persons.
Each features two bedrooms, kitchen, dining area, patio, living room with fireplace, TV, and sofa bed. The apartments get cozier as they are adorned with bear home décor almost in every corner.The guests love the hospitable innkeepers of the Cozy Bear Cottages. Also, its location is strategically in a quiet spot even on peak season in Yosemite National Park.
The Cozy Bear Cottages is located in the middle of the community of the Yosemite West. The Yosemite West is only a few minutes away from the Fish Camp. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Fish Camp
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Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is one of the largest and luxurious hotel accommodations with recreational facilities near the park. It features deluxe and luxury suites as well as cabin type suites.
The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite also features spa treatment facilities, outdoor and indoor swimming pools plus Jacuzzi type pools. At night, they set up poolside film showing which any guests can watch. They house fine dining and casual dining options too. The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is closer to the South gate of the Yosemite National Park. It is a most ideal base for those who are up for Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area.
The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite can arrange your day tour to the Yosemite National Park. Their tour package may include bus shuttle and naturalist tour guide. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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White Chief Mountain Lodge
The White Chief Mountain Lodge offers affordable suites well-equipped with full beds, queen size beds, TV, mini refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, bathroom with shower, and dining sets.
The accommodation of the White Chief Mountain Lodge comes with complimentary breakfast. The White Chief Mountain Lodge is conveniently located in Fish Camp. It is a few minutes away from stores and dining options. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
El Portal
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Yosemite View Lodge
The Yosemite View Lodge offers condominium-type suites. Generally, the suites are furnished with king sized beds or queen-sized beds, kitchenette, and en-suite bathroom with bathtub. Some even have own balcony.
The regular and deluxe suites can accommodate two to four persons. The suite on its ground floor is the biggest room. It can accommodate up to eight persons. It is complete with fully furnished kitchen, dining area, three bedrooms and living room area with sofa bed. The Yosemite View Lodge spoils its guests with outdoor regular pools and Jacuzzis. Indoor pools are also available. Other than that, the hotel gives guests two dining options.
The Yosemite View Lodge is a sitting along the Central Yosemite Highway and beside the Merced River. The lodge is nearest to Merced Gorge, and Yosemite West Gateway. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Cedar Lodge
The Yosemite Cedar Lodge offers an affordable lodging which basically has bedrooms furnished with king-sized beds or queen-sized beds, TV, desk, seating area and en-suite bathroom with shower and bathtub.
Its main hotel amenities include two in-house restaurants and swimming pools and spas. These pools are available indoor and outdoor.
The Yosemite Cedar Lodge is located along the Central Yosemite Highway and Merced River. It’s nearest to the landmarks Mcclendon Beach Picnic Site, Hites Cove Trail, Indian Flat Picnic Site and Overview Dirt Flat. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Mariposa
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Quality Inn Yosemite Valley Gateway
In Mariposa, CA, the Quality Inn Yosemite Valley Gateway hotel features non-smoking rooms with aircon and heater, coffee and tea maker, fridge, TV, and bathroom with bathtub.
In hotel’s common area, guests can access the outdoor pool, hot tub, gift shop, free Wi-Fi, free weekly newspaper, and free coffee in the lobby. Guests can also get a hearty complimentary breakfast. The Quality Inn Yosemite Valley Gateway hotel is strategically near a Yosemite bus Stop. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Groveland
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Buck Meadows Lodge
The Buck Meadows Lodge features standard, deluxe, and cabin type rooms with wood theme interiors. They are clean, up-to-date, and well-furnished.
Generally, the suites have queen size beds, TV, coffee maker, mini fridge, desk, chairs, and bathroom with shower. For dining options, they have an in-house restaurant which serves seasonal dishes.
The Buck Meadows Lodge is a motel just a bit off the main road. It’s only about 20 minutes away from the Big Oak Flat’ entrance. Your stay in the Buck Meadows Lodge allows you to access the amenities of its neighbor and sister property which is the Yosemite Westgate Lodge. This includes access to their spa, outdoor pool, laundry facilities, picnic areas, and campsite. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Yosemite Westgate Lodge
I’ve already mentioned that the Buck Meadows has bigger and more luxurious sister property. Located just right next to the Buck Meadows is the Yosemite Westgate Lodge.
The Yosemite Westgate Lodge features temperature controlled pool, and hot tub, picnic areas with benches and gazebo, laundry facilities, and business center facilities with reliable Wi-Fi.
The Yosemite Westgate Lodge is service by the Buck Meadows Restaurant. The suites of Yosemite Westgate Lodge have warm and woody interiors which complement the atmosphere outside. Its best room even has its own indoor Jacuzzi. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Lee Vining
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Lake View Lodge
While overlooking the Mono Lake, the Lake View Lodge provides different lodging options, from regular hotel suites, cabin type suites up to mobile homes.
In the Lake View Lodge, you can get to enjoy the outdoors as they provide picnic areas, tables, and grill facilities.
Its onsite coffee shop is only open during summer and fall seasons. But, other nearest dining options are just within a walking distance.The Lake View Lodge is strategically located in Lee Vining. Thus, it is near to the east entrance of the Yosemite National Park. It is also near the Lee Vining Creek, Sierra Nevada Mountain, and June Mountain. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Yosemite Gateway Motel
Also in Lee Vining, the Yosemite Gateway Motel offers basic hotel suites. By basic, I meant all you’ll probably need like comfortable beds, TV, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and en-suite bathroom with bathtub or shower.
There are no extra amenities. But, people love the suites with balcony overlooking the Mono Lake. Besides, it is within a walking distance to restaurants and stores. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
June Lake
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Double Eagle Resort and Spa
In June Lake, the Double Eagle Resort and Spa offers condominium type suites and cabin type suites for at least a couple or small groups. For bigger groups, they offer a fully-furnished guest house.
Your stay at the Double Eagle Resort and Spa gives you access to their fitness gym, indoor pools, steam rooms, whirlpools, spa facilities, and in-house bar and restaurant. You can also access walking trails which lead to forest and Ponds.
Aside from a vacation to the Yosemite National Park, the Double Eagle Resort and Spa is ideal base if you’d be visiting the June Mountain Ski Area, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Mammoth Lakes, and Gull Lake Marina. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Whispering Pines
Also located in June Lake, the Whispering Pines Motel provides affordable cabin type and studio type suites. All are furnished with the typical facilities you’d need for your vacation.
The Whispering Pines Motel features an indoor spa, dry sauna, and veranda with grill facilities. Dining options are available offsite. But, they are located just across the street and few blocks from the motel.
Guests love the view from the Whispering Pines Motel. It is surrounded by Mammoth Lakes, Carson Peak, and Horsetail Falls. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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June Lake Villager
The June Lake Villager provides simple hotel facilities like comfortable beds, lounging area, and en-suite bathroom with shower or bathtub. Premium suites have kitchen area furnished with stoves, microwaves, kitchen utensils, cutlery, and other kitchen appliances usually available in your own home.
Meanwhile, the standard rooms may only have a coffee maker. It shouldn’t be trouble since the June Lake Villager has barbecue facilities and picnic area in its common area. Plus, the hotel is surrounded by neighboring restaurants and stores.
The June Lake Villager is located within town proper of June Lake. It is also near the Gull and Mono Lakes. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Mammoth Lakes
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Mammoth Mountain Inn
As it sits in the ridge of the Mammoth Mountain, the Mammoth Mountain Inn features great views, homey suites, and winter sports facilities. Ski and snowboard lifts are just next to it. No wonder, it is a favorite base of those into winter sports, particularly skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
The Mammoth Mountain Inn offers standard and economy rooms as well as luxurious condo-type suites. They also have indoor bar and grill restaurant which is family-friendly. They also have another bar and grill restaurant outside that lets guests savor the mountain views.
The shared lounge is very spacious, homey and made even warm by its fireplace. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Austria Hof Lodge
The Austria Hof Lodge in Mammoth Lakes stretches their services from complimentary breakfast to discounted Airport Shuttle and complimentary ski or board storage.
The Austria Hof Lodge has shared amenities like an outdoor hot tub, picnic area, and barbecue facilities. It also includes onsite restaurant and bar. Though, it is seasonal.
The guest rooms of the Austria Hof Lodge are spacious and well furnished with TV, DVD player, desk, fridge, ironing facilities, and seating areas. Aside from these, the Austria Hof Lodge provides off-site condo suite rentals. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Alpenhof Lodge
The Alpenhof Lodge provides regular suites and cabin type suites with free WiFi, TV, DVD player, fridge, iPod docking alarm clocks and en-suite bathrooms. The accommodation comes with complimentary breakfast.
The Alpenhof Lodge also provides spaces for guests to relax. They have amenities like indoor hot tub and sauna, outdoor Jacuzzi and swimming pool. The swimming pool is available for the summer season only.
The Alpenhof Lodge is located in the central area of Mammoth Lakes Town. Free shuttle around the town pass by the Alpenhof Lodge. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Juniper Springs Resort
The Juniper Springs Resort offers studio type suites, condo type suites, and townhouses rentals. These have a well-furnished kitchen, fireplace, and own balcony.
The shared hotel amenities of the Juniper Springs Resort include a fitness gym, heated pools, Jacuzzi, sports and media facilities, and bike rentals. The Resort is a drop-off point of the free shuttle around the Mammoth Lakes town as well.
Not far from the Juniper Springs Resort are ski facilities provider, golf course, coffee shop and restaurant. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Holiday Haus
The Holiday Haus Motel in Mammoth Lakes offers economy rooms which come with free Wi-Fi access, breakfast, and a few parking spaces. Shared hotel facilities are spa tub and barbecue area.
The Holiday Haus Motel is located in the town proper of the Mammoth Lakes. Thus, it will not be hard finding nearby restaurants and stores. It is also a drop-off spot of free shuttle bus. It is also conveniently located near the Village Gondola. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Rodeway Inn Wildwood
The Rodeway Inn Wildwood Inn provides king rooms, good for two, and regular bedroom, good for up to four persons. Basic room amenities are aircon, heater, coffee maker, TV, safe box, desk, seating area, and bathroom with shower.
The complimentary breakfast is served on the shared dining area. Other shared amenities are its seasonal outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, fitness gym, sundeck, and grilling facilities.
It is near Mammoth Lakes town proper as well as bars and restaurants. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Sierra Lodge
The Sierra Lodge provides non-smoking king and queen rooms. Both have mountain and city views. The rooms also have kitchenette furnished with fridge, microwaves, bar sink, and tableware.
Guests can enjoy its complimentary services such as breakfast, access to outdoor Jacuzzi and barbecue area, Wi-FI access, Ski locker access, covered parking, and shuttle to Mountain Ski Area. The free shuttle service of Mammoth Lake town stops by this Lodge as well.
Walking distance to the Sierra Lodge are shops, bar, and restaurants. It is also near a Mammoth Mountain lift. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Travelodge Mammoth Lakes
The Travelodge Mammoth Lakes is a three-story hotel with regular and deluxe suites. Basically, they are furnished with TV, work desk, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and bathroom with shower.
The accommodation in the Travelodge Mammoth Lakes comes with free breakfast, Wi-Fi access and parking. For indoor activities, billiard tables are available in a shared game room.The Travelodge Mammoth Lakes is near Sierra Star Golf Course, Mammoth Ski Resort, and Mammoth Museum. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Motel 6 Mammoth Lakes
Nestled in Mammoth Lakes is a Motel 6 branch. This is one of the over 1,400 branches of Motel 6 around Canada and United States. In North America, the Motel 6 is already the biggest owned and controlled hotel chain.
The Motel 6 Mammoth Lakes provides economy lodging with aircon, heater, TV, balcony, and bathroom with bathtub or shower. The Motel 6 Mammoth Lakes is close to Village Gondola, Eagle Express and Chair 7. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Edelweiss Lodge
The Edelweiss Lodge is a long established hotel in the Old Mammoth area. It has been welcoming guests since 1957.
The Edelweiss Lodge retains its 1950s atmosphere. At the same time, it is equipped with updated amenities. Their hotel type suites and cabin type suites have free Wi-fi, cable TV, DVD player, and coffee maker. These are suites are also built with their own kitchen and fireplace.
The Edelweiss Lodge is located in the quiet area of the town of the Mammoth Lakes. But, it is still included in the route of the town’s free shuttle. Also, it is few minutes away to shops and restaurants. As well as to the Snowcreek Golf Course and Mammoth Creek Park. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Bridgeport
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Redwood Motel
The Redwood Motel in Bridgeport, California makes the most of its green surroundings and mountain backdrop through setting up a beautiful garden. This garden is made lovely with Gazebo, porch-type swing, tables, and patio grill facilities.
Since there is a nearby designated fishing area, the motel offers fish cleaning station, a supply of ice and coolers.
For lodging, the Redwood Motel in Bridgeport, California offers mobile home and cabin type rooms. Each is furnished with aircon, coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, cable, and TV. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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Ruby Inn
The Ruby Inn in Bridgeport has warm and summery vibe rooms. Regular rooms have cable TV, aircon, microwave, and coffee maker. Guest rooms then get extra seating area and ironing facilities.
The Ruby Inn in Bridgeport is a non-smoking establishment. But, has two designated smoking areas. The Ruby Inn in Bridgeport offers their guest an outdoor hot tub, playground, picnic area, and grill facilities. In its shared lobby, there are snack bar and soda vending machines. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Images Credit: photos are from the lodges and hotels via booking.com
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