On June 15, 2020 Yosemite National Park officially reopened after being shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They’re now taking new reservations and will allow a limited amount of people into the park at a time.
It’s one of the many national parks across the United States that has reopened in recent weeks, and we decided to take a quick pit stop on our city tours to stop and smell Yosemite’s 1,200 square miles of protected nature. Our national parks are primetime destinations that let you see the splendor of the American countryside while disconnecting from everyday technological life.
What you might not know is that national parks have lodging and accommodation options that don’t require you camp out in a tent and cook over a propane stove. Not that this is bad in any capacity. We love camping—it’s a great way to experience nature.
However, there’s something special about waking up in a queen-sized bed, enjoying a fresh shower, and watching the day take hold from a private patio (often with its own fire pit). You get all the benefits of tent camping with a lot more luxury.
Below, we explore a bit about the park’s majesty before mapping out a few routes and great stops for food on the way in. Then, we end with some of the best Yosemite glamping experiences you’ll find that are perched just outside the entrance to the park.
Exploring Yosemite National Park
As some have said, every view at Yosemite National Park is a $1 million view. It’s not surprising given the landscapes of rushing waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, giant sequoias, and vast wilderness.
The park was first established in 1864 and covers 1,200 square miles of protected wilds. It’s open to the public throughout summer, winter, spring, and fall, and each season brings with it a distinct experience to any Yosemite adventure.
Yosemite National Park is located in Northern California, roughly 3 to 4 hours east from San Francisco. That positions the Bay Area, Sacramento, or Fresno as the best options for people flying in, renting a car, and driving out. The more local crowds often choose to drive, which includes people from:
- Las Vegas (5.5 hours)
- Los Angeles (4.5 hours)
- San Diego (6.5 hours)
- Portland (12 hours)
- Phoenix (11 hours)
No matter where you’re coming from, you’re going to have to drive, at the very minimum, an hour and a half to arrive at Yosemite. That’s something you should be excited about though, as the approach is absolutely jaw dropping from any destination. And when you’re on the drive, there are a few great roadside spots you should stop at for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Coming From the North
If you’re driving in from the North, you’ll most likely head into Yosemite on Highway 120 which takes you through a small town called Groveland. It’s got some great options, from the rustic Iron Door Saloon to the more refined Charlotte’s Tavern.
However, the fan favorite seems to be Hula’s. Swing by for some beastly burgers and shakes. Other great options include the Grill at Pine Mountain Lake for a sit down restaurant or The Rock of Twain Harte for some not-to-miss BBQ.
Arriving From the South
Driving up from the South you can expect to arrive via Highway 41 that goes through Fresno and the smaller Oakhurst. Either place has great food options, like the Tako BBQ food truck, La Elegante, and BJ’s Country Kitchen in Fresno.
If you’re looking to push on a bit further toward Oakhurst, check out South Gate Brewing Company for some cold brews and killer bar food. And you can’t go wrong with Sugar Pine Pizza or Plazuelas Mexican Restaurant.
Food Within the Park
There are dining options within Yosemite, but in all honesty they’re not known for their high quality. However, almost everyone will tell you that you must dine at the Majestic Hotel Restaurant, especially for the breakfast buffet.
Otherwise, you can visit Degnan’s Kitchen, The Loft at Degnan’s, or The Village Grill Deck for some simple fare. If you’re bringing food with you into the park, make sure you’re well aware of how to store it safely in the bear lockers so you don’t bring a cooler that won’t fit. We all want good food, not bears rummaging through our campsites.
Get Your Glamp On
For many, overnight stays in Yosemite equates to tent camping. That’s certainly an option, but don’t forget that you can also go glamping in Yosemite. There’s something to be said for enjoying the resplendent beauty of Yosemite while still enjoying the modern, luxurious touch of life.
Below, we’ve laid out some of our favorite options for those who want to strike this perfect harmony between worlds. If any of these glamping hotels ignite your passion and seize your interest, reach out to us directly and we’ll help book it for you.
AutoCamp Yosemite
AutoCamp is known for their design-forward accommodations embedded into the great outdoors. Everything they offer is designed to help you connect with nature with an exceptional experience.
Their Yosemite location features three different lodging options, including the trademark AutoCamp airstream trailer suite:
You can also book a luxury safari tent:
The classic cabin suite is always an option as well:
Each choice has a very different look and feel to it, but they’re all united by common amenities like spa-inspired bathrooms, chic interiors and kitchens, and private patios and campfires. Additionally, they’re all placed around a communal clubhouse that serves as the central hub for guests to revel in a shared sense of community.
Far Meadow
Far Meadow was built to serve as a simple retreat for chic nomads who want to enjoy the bounty and beauty of the High Sierra Mountains. Throughout every option they offer, nature, fun, and friends remain at the heart of their designs.
When it comes to Yosemite glamping, they have five different options you can book. It all starts with their Base Camp, which can sleep four guests and is located only minutes away from the south entrance to the park:
The Black A Frame is nestled in the woods and can also sleep four guests. Plus, there’s a vintage trailer on the space which has additional sleeping space if needed. It’s casual, effortless, and is a perfect example of rustic living:
For the more adventurous, there are two other A Frames a red one and a plain one, resting 7,000 feet at elevation, fourteen miles above Bass Lake on the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. Let this serve s your private Yosemite glamping cabin without the crowds, as you sit surrounded by meadows, swimming holes, and hiking trails:
If you’re looking for a great slice of the American spirit, the Log Cabin might be your favorite option up here. It’s simple, intimate, and admittedly a bit primitive. Don’t let that deter you though, because it’s been part of the landscape since before Far Meadow was created:
Under Canvas Yosemite
We are huge fans of Under Canvas and their glamping experiences. Needless to say, it was difficult to contain our excitement when we heard they’re planning to open an Under Canvas in Yosemite.
It will be located on 85 acres of forested land with 90 safari-style tents, a main lobby tent with cafe-style dining, lounge areas, and will sit only 20 minutes from the entrance to the park. It’s the perfect basecamp to explore Glacier Point, Half Dome, and el Capitan.
If you’re interested in booking a different Under Canvas experience (which we highly recommend), reach out to us and we’ll get you set up. In the meantime, enjoy some photos from their other glamping options to get a taste for what Yosemite glamping could look like:
Yosemite National Park is only one of the gorgeous options we have in America. Luxpitality will be touring you through Zion, Yellowstone, and so many others to help you get the best trip of your life inspired.
Make sure to check back in, and if you’re looking to plan a trip to Yosemite National Park let us know. We can help book any of the accommodations on this list.