Glamping at Yosemite is a great idea for travelers who want to enjoy the outdoors and have a camping experience without missing out on basic amenities. Traditional camping isn’t for everyone, so if you prefer to camp in style, this guide can help you plan your next trip.
What is Glamping?
“Glamping” is a broad term that describes a camping experience that’s more luxurious than typical camping. It’s usually a way to spend time near nature while having more facilities than camping usually offers. It has all the benefits of a camping trip without “roughing it.”
You can go glamping at any destination, but what better place to do it than a gorgeous national park. Glamping in Yosemite is an experience you’ll never forget!
Best Glamping Spots in Yosemite
If you’re hoping to go glamping near Yosemite, you’ll need to find the perfect spot to do it. Here are some great options to consider, but don’t forget to do your own research too.
Romantic and Secluded Yurt
- Location: Oakhurst, California
- Size: 2 guests
- Price: About $240 per night
This large Yosemite yurt is the perfect place for couples looking for a romantic getaway among nature. It’s a large, round space that two people can relax comfortably inside. It has a queen-sized bed, a wood-burning fireplace, and a private bathroom and kitchen. It even has heating and air conditioning. So, after a day of spending time outdoors, you and your loved one can relaxed in a spacious shelter that has all your needs. It’s located on the western edge of Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Pines RV Glamping
- Location: Groveland, California
- Size: 4 to 6 guests
- Price: $159 to $289 per night
Judging by the name, you might think this destination is only for RVs, but think again! For a unique Yosemite glamping experience, you can stay in a Conestoga wagon overnight. The wagons are air-conditioned with one large bed and a bunkbed set. You can either choose an option with a small seating area or an extra bunk bed set. Thus, it’s a great option for the whole family. However, this accommodation doesn’t have a bathroom and kitchen inside, so you will have to spend more time outdoors than you would with some of the other places.
AutoCamp Yosemite
- Location: Midpines, California
- Size: 3 guests
- Price: $139 to $270 per night
AutoCamp Yosemite is only 40 minutes away from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance, and it’s beloved for its unique rooms. Most of the rooms look like Airstream trailers from the outside, but inside, they have a queen bed, sofa bed, bathroom, TV, heating, air conditioning, and even housekeeping. There are also luxury tents available and luxury suites that are cabins or small buildings. These rooms have everything you’d get at a hotel, but they’re much closer to nature, allowing you to spend plenty of time outside.
Yosemite’s Sierra Haven
- Location: Yosemite West, California
- Size: Up to 9 guests
- Price: About $443 per night
This cabin is the ultimate luxury glamping experience, and it’s located right in Yosemite. It’s a cozy, secluded suite surrounded by nature. It has two stories with three bedrooms that include four beds. It also has two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room space. So, it’s like any other nice hotel room, but it has lots of extra space and it has gorgeous nature views. It’s the perfect getaway for large groups, such as a big family or a trip with several couples. It has heating and an indoor fireplace, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have air conditioning, so it’s better for colder months.
Micro Cabin Getaway
- Location: Wishon, California
- Size: 2 guests
- Price: About $259 per night
These micro cabins are great options for people who want to go glamping without too much extra space. These small cabins include a power generator, solar power, air conditioning, and water. There’s a bed and small bathroom inside, and a seating area outside. These cabins are on a public campsite, so there are also public bathrooms available. It’s a great option for a couple looking for something simple but much more comfortable than tent camping.
Little Red Caboose
- Location: Oakhurst, California
- Size: 2 to 4 guests
- Price: About $234 per night
If you’re looking for something unique, this caboose-style suite is perfect for you. As the name implies, it looks like a train caboose from the outside, but it’s a cozy sleeping area inside. The caboose has a main room downstairs and a small loft space upstairs. It has two sleeping areas, a sitting area, a kitchenette, and a full bathroom. There’s also a TV, deck, and outdoor barbecue. The caboose even has heating and air conditioning inside as needed. Best of all, it’s only 20 minutes away from Yosemite’s park entrance.
Hawk’s Rest Treehouse
- Location: Oakhurst, California
- Size: Up to 4 guests
- Price: About $200 per night
Yosemite National Park is filled with beautiful trees, so this cabin allows you to be as close to trees as possible. This glamping experience is a treehouse that’s surrounded by 800-year-old oak trees that are just outside Yosemite. This unique suite has two queen beds and a bathroom, so it’s a great place to relax in between outdoor activities. It even has a wraparound deck so guests can relax outside while taking in the breathtaking views. It can only be accessed by stairs, so it’s not ideal for guests who dislike climbing and heights. The online listing doesn’t state if there’s air conditioning and/or heating.
What to Pack for Glamping in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park glamping can vary based on where you’re staying. Many glamping options have as many amenities as a hotel while others may only have your basic needs. Either way, you need to remember that a lot of your activities will be outdoors, so pack accordingly based on what you plan to do.
Here are some general items you should pack:
- Clothes – Pack in layers. Even if it’s hot during the day, it could be colder at night or at higher altitudes.
- Walking shoes
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- A backpack/bag – To carry anything you want to bring with you on hikes.
- Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and possibly shampoo/body wash if you have shower access.
- Food and drink – Some sites may have food options nearby, but you’ll likely want to cook some meals yourself.
- Activities for down time – Card games, books, and anything else you want to bring.
The best part about glamping is that you don’t need to bring as many traditional camping supplies. There’s no need for a tent, sleeping bag, or air mattress because your glamping site will provide you with shelter and beds.
What to Do While Glamping in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is a beautiful vacation destination with lots of places to explore. Here are some popular spots to visit while at Yosemite:
- Yosemite Valley
- Half Dome
- Tunnel View
- Glacier Point
- Yosemite Falls
- Tuolumne Meadows
- Mariposa Grove
- Mist Trail
These are just a few of the many mesmerizing spots at Yosemite. Most visitors spend the majority of their trip hiking around and exploring the space, so if hiking and outdoor adventures aren’t for you, you might not enjoy Yosemite glamping sites. Yosemite is a massive place, so be sure to choose a glamping accomodation that’s close to the attractions you’re most interested in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you plan the best glamping Yosemite trip, here are some questions you might be wondering.
How Big is Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite National Park is 1,169 square miles. You can drive straight through Yosemite in about an hour and a half.
What is the Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park?
May through September is the best time to visit Yosemite because that’s when the park is most accessible. Many of the roads and trails close during colder months due to snow.
Is There an Admission Fee at Yosemite National Park?
Yes, you need to pay to enter Yosemite whether it’s by foot or vehicle. It costs $15 for a 7-day pass if you enter by foot, horseback, or bus. It costs $35 for a 7-day pass if you enter by car. A one-year automobile pass is $70.
Can You Set Up a Tent at Yosemite?
Yes, you can set up a tent at Yosemite, but only at designated camping sites. There are lots of campsites suitable for tents and RVs if you’d prefer to stay at those instead of a glamping site.
Can You Sleep in Your Car at Yosemite?
You can only sleep in a car or RV at Yosemite if it’s at a designated camping site that you registered at. You can’t sleep in your car along the side of the road.
Get Ready for Yosemite Glamping!
If you’re looking for an outdoor experience, glamping in Yosemite National Park is a great option to consider. You’ll get to enjoy the outdoors just like you would on a regular camping trip, but you’ll have more amenities so you can still feel clean and comfortable. There are lots of unique glamping options to choose from, so find one that suits your needs best. People who enjoy glamping may also be interested in camping at California beaches.