From traditional hotels to bed and breakfasts, rustic camping sites and luxurious vacation rentals, it’s easy to find just what couples, families or groups are looking for. Throughout Yosemite Mariposa County, there are countless wonderful options to choose from in quaint little county towns and in Yosemite Valley!

Stretch your dollars in a cozy canvas cabin. Splurge on upscale accommodations with spectacular park views, such as Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and of course, The Ahwahnee, Yosemite’s AAA Four-Diamond, national historic landmark hotel which is visited by celebrities and heads of state from all over the world. (Even if you’re not staying at The Ahwahnee, it’s definitely worth a visit – take the tour, visit the restaurant or lounge, or simply marvel at the size of the fireplace.) Or you might choose to stay just outside the park, such as in El Portal’s Yosemite View Lodge or Cedar Lodge, both alongside the picturesque Merced River.

There are also campgrounds in Yosemite Valley, at Wawona, and along Tioga Road. Backpackers, after obtaining a free wilderness permit and following certain restrictions, are allowed to camp in most of the ninety-four percent of the Park designated as wilderness. Information on making reservations at these accommodations is available in the listings.

Many visitors have their hearts set on staying in the Valley, or in a high country campground. However, if no reservations are available and if you cannot visit at another time, staying outside the Valley, or outside the Park, will not ruin your vacation. At peak times, when the Park becomes very crowded, staying elsewhere for the night may actually be more peaceful and the better choice. Roads in the Park are open twenty-four hours, and driving home later in the evening, or coming back early in the morning will let you avoid most traffic. If the idea is to avoid driving, you can leave your car and take the YARTS buses from El Portal, Mid Pines and Mariposa.