I am planning to take my first trip to Yosemite in mid July and looks like most of the lodging options inside of the park are sold out. I was wondering if you guys have any recommendations for other lodging options that are inside of the park or close by the park that is close to the "action". Thanks in advance.
I'm pretty sure you can always try and camp at the notorious Camp IV which is usually busy, but you might be able to find some space. Just be prepared to hang out with a bunch of climbers...
I might try to hold off on the trip until you can get a confirmed camping or lodging reservation and I've heard that Yosemite books up well in advance (as in a year or more for some options).
There's nothing more frustrating than traveling with no idea whether you'll have a place to stay.
We made a family trip to Yosemite 3 years ago in August. Obviously we encountered the same problem with reservations. However, we took a chance and found the Bridal Veil Creek campground (on the Glacier Point Road ) to be delightful. Much cooler than the valley. Got there early in the morning and found plenty of sites to chose from. Of course, it is a 45 minute drive into the valley, but it's actually worth it to be away from the crowds and heat, and sunrise/sunset at Galcier Point is hard to beat.
Several years ago I stayed at the Bug Hostel about 20+ miles out of the park. I liked it. I was really only looking for a place to sleep since I was hiking and shooting from predawn until after dusk. The rates were good at $15/night, it was clean, had nice bathroom and showers, and also had a footlocker to store things that weren't with me all day. You could even get more private accomodations if you wish. I would check for current rates since it has been five years since I was there.
Great topic as I was just wondering the same. I have family in N. Cal. which I plan to visit soon.
My brother-in-law just got back from Yosemite after doing a last minute trip up there with his wife and two children. The only room they could find was outside the park in Mariposa. He normally stays inside the park and really regretted having to do the one hour drive each way to get to their hotel. Also there is a house keeping camp right in the valley that showed 'booked' online. But when they got there they had openings.
Another option is to stay on the back side near Tuolumne Meadows.
I think we are going to try and go off season after school starts this year (Sept or Oct). Although the falls won't be peaking like they are now, the crouds will be a lot less intense. Yosemite is probably the most crowded state park during 'on' season that there is. Think huge bus loads of tourists 'everywhere.' Yellowstone pales in comparison. Of course 'The Valley' is a lot smaller area to fit all those international tours buses in than Yellowstone.
Discussion
6 repliesI might try to hold off on the trip until you can get a confirmed camping or lodging reservation and I've heard that Yosemite books up well in advance (as in a year or more for some options).
There's nothing more frustrating than traveling with no idea whether you'll have a place to stay.
Mel-
Here's a link to the details: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bvcamp.htm
Be sure to climb Half Dome.
Good luck!
My brother-in-law just got back from Yosemite after doing a last minute trip up there with his wife and two children. The only room they could find was outside the park in Mariposa. He normally stays inside the park and really regretted having to do the one hour drive each way to get to their hotel. Also there is a house keeping camp right in the valley that showed 'booked' online. But when they got there they had openings.
Another option is to stay on the back side near Tuolumne Meadows.
I think we are going to try and go off season after school starts this year (Sept or Oct). Although the falls won't be peaking like they are now, the crouds will be a lot less intense. Yosemite is probably the most crowded state park during 'on' season that there is. Think huge bus loads of tourists 'everywhere.' Yellowstone pales in comparison. Of course 'The Valley' is a lot smaller area to fit all those international tours buses in than Yellowstone.
- Derek