Best Cities and Towns near Yosemite [Where to Stay Outside Yosemite]

You may dream of booking a room inside Yosemite National Park, but that may not be possible as rooms are extra expensive and usually booked out way in advance.

The second option is to look for the closest city to Yosemite, but it can be hard to choose without some additional information on local amenities and access to the park.

The good news is that we visit Yosemite many times a year and almost always stay in one of these small towns.

After countless visits, we can provide all the details you need to book a stay near Yosemite for your next outdoor adventure.

Towns near Yosemite National Park

Let’s face it, getting a reservation to stay inside Yosemite National Park is extremely hard, especially if you’re traveling in the summer, not to mention the high prices involved.

Luckily, there are multiple towns close to Yosemite with different budgets and styles of accommodations, where you can still have easy access to the park.

This guide covers a wide range of distances from Yosemite, with El Portal being the closest and Mammoth Lakes being the farthest away. 

Opting to stay in cities near Yosemite, even without a 6-month advance booking, will save you money since most accommodations inside the national park are way pricier during peak season.

Closest Towns to Yosemite National Park

1. El Portal

• Drive Time & Distance to Yosemite: 30 mins, 16 miles
• Local Services Available: market, gas station, picnic area, and campgrounds

As the closest town to Yosemite, El Portal is a fitting name for this census-designated place along Highway 140. 

It’s a scenic town in its own right, with the Merced River canyon serving up postcard-ready views for camera-clad tourists.

The Yosemite View Lodge is one of your best options to stay in El Portal which is only a five-minute drive to the entrance and they even have river view rooms.

The national park is easily accessible via the Merced bus stop using YARTS if you prefer public transport.

El Portal’s proximity to the park makes it the top choice for visitors looking for the best places to stay outside Yosemite, as it sits just outside the park’s Arch Rock entrance. 

As it is the closest place to stay outside the park, the accommodations do book up, so make sure to reserve your room as soon as you can.

You will find a few lodges and campgrounds, as well as a gas station, a small market, and a couple of restaurants.

Best Places to Stay:

• Yosemite View Lodge (YARTS stops here)
• Yosemite Gatekeeper’s Lodge
• Cedar Lodge (YARTS stops here)

2. Yosemite West

• Drive Time & Distance to Yosemite: 32 mins, 17 miles
• Local Services Available: none

Not to be confused with the actual park premises, Yosemite West is located on Wawona Road, which connects Fresno via Highway 41.

It’s a 30-minute bus ride to the nearest National Park attractions, including Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Mariposa Sequoia Grove, and the historic railroad. 

It sits conveniently on a four-way crossroads leading to different tourist experiences.

One of the best places to stay in Yosemite West is the Yosemite Hideaway which is only a half-hour drive to the park.

Yosemite West is on the pricier end of the spectrum when it comes to accommodations, with the best options being studio apartments and luxury home rentals. 

If you’re traveling with your family or with a big group, you will find plenty of options to accommodate the size of your party. 

An added benefit you get from staying in Yosemite West is the ability to prepare your own food and pack a picnic to take to the park, as you have access to a kitchen.

This small town near Yosemite only consists of accommodations and privately owned cabins, with no restaurants or other services, but you can easily drive to Wawona, which is only 25 minutes away. 

There are no shuttles from here to the Valley floor, so you can either drive or rent bikes to get to the park.

Best Places to Stay:

• Spacious 3-Bedroom Vacation Home
• Upper Level 2-Bedroom Duplex with Fireplace
• Yosemite Hideaway A

3. Wawona

• Drive Time & Distance to Yosemite: 50 mins, 28 miles
• Local Services Available: Gas station, 2 small grocery stores, visitor center, golf course, EV charging station

As one of the best towns to stay in near Yosemite, Wawona offers easy access to the park’s south entrance, which is complete with impressive views of valleys and cascading falls. 

It is home to the world-famous Mariposa Grove, where you can witness the giant sequoias in Yosemite. There’s even a free shuttle service in Wawona that can take you to see the trees.

The popular place to stay in Wawona is in one of the cabins at the Redwoods in Yosemite, which has lodging for all group sizes and budgets.

This town is 28 miles from the park, and YARTS provides the easiest transport option when heading to the national park, with two departures in the morning. 

Wawona has a historical appeal as it was once an American Indian settlement, along with some historic buildings and a covered bridge. 

The town has multiple lodging options, a campground, and some rental cabins, including some modern conveniences. A hotel founded in the 1800s also remains in operation. 

There’s a gas station, a restaurant, and two small stores for any last-minute needs. Since this town is still pretty remote, it is best to stock up on groceries before you check in to your place. 

Best Places to Stay:

• The Redwoods in Yosemite
• 55 Deer Creek
• 9B Deer Hollow

4. Midpines

• Drive Time & Distance to Yosemite: 1 hour, 38 miles
• Local Services Available: Restaurant, gas station, small convenience store

Just 26 miles from the Yosemite park entrance, Midpines is a residential community located along both sides of Highway 140 in the county of Mariposa.

This rustic lodge is one of the best places to stay outside Yosemite, and you can usually find availabilities even a couple of months out, given your dates are flexible.

Although it takes an hour to get to the Yosemite Valley floor from here, you can easily hop on the YARTS bus, which has multiple departures in the morning. 

An added benefit of taking the YARTS shuttle into the park is that you do not have to worry about getting a reservation when it’s required. 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly area to stay near Yosemite, several hotels and lodges are available in this town and are surrounded by picturesque woods and meadows. 

Although Midpines only has one small store and a gas station, the town of Mariposa is only a 10-minute drive and has all the amenities you would need.

Best Places to Stay:

• Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort (YARTS stops here)
• 3-Bed Vacation Home with private patio
• Autocamp Yosemite
• Budget-friendly Studio Apartment

5. Fish Camp

• Drive Time & Distance to Yosemite: 1 hour, 35 miles
• Local Services Available: general store, a couple of restaurants

Located on the western slope of Sierra Nevada’s central range, just over two miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite. 

If you like having access to resort-like amenities, staying at this lodge will give you all the comforts and conveniences that you could ever need.

Fish Camp may not be the closest town to Yosemite, but it is the closest to the southern entrance.

However, it still takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get to the Valley floor with winding roads, so you can’t go too fast.

From May to September, you have the option to take the YARTS shuttle, so you don’t have to worry about driving and parking, and as an added bonus, you will not need a reservation when it’s required.

Fish Camp has several inns, lodges, a couple of restaurants, and a general store nestled amongst the pine trees.

The closest gas station is in Wawona or you can drive 20 minutes into Oakhurst for more amenities.

Local Tip: If you stay in Fish Camp, why not stop by the Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad and take a scenic train ride through the Sierra National Forest?

Best Places to Stay:

• Tenaya Lodge – for a pet-friendly stay in Yosemite
• Narrow Gauge Inn
• Cozy Cabin with a Hot Tub

6. Mariposa

• Drive Time & Distance to Yosemite: 1 hour, 44 miles
• Local Services Available: Gas stations, restaurants, grocery store, ATMs

If you’re wondering where to stay outside Yosemite, why not consider staying in Mariposa?

As a quaint town near the Arch Rock Entrance, Mariposa is one of the Gold Rush towns close to Yosemite. 

Rich with historical references to the Old West and gold mining, it’s a place where you can time travel en route to Yosemite Valley.

If you decide to stay in Mariposa, you can take advantage of the YARTS shuttle to take you into the park, which is an hour away or more, depending on traffic.

You can stay at this highly-rated inn which is right in the center of town and has easy access to the YARTS bus stop.

One of the benefits of staying in Mariposa is its access to all the services that you need.

You will find multiple restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, ATMs, and even some antique shops.

Due to its proximity to the park, it may not be the most ideal option to base yourself if you only have a few days to see Yosemite, unless you don’t mind the travel time spent going there and back.

Although Mariposa is among the best towns to stay near Yosemite National Park, it can be tricky to traverse its winding mountain roads for those that get car sick, so make sure to pack motion sickness pills with you.

Best Places to Stay:

• Mariposa Hotel Inn
• Stunning Treetop Villa
• Mountaintop Retreat with Jacuzzi
• Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station

7. Groveland

• Drive Time & Distance to Yosemite: 45 mins – 1:15 hrs, 49 miles
• Local Services Available: Gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, ATMs

One of the best towns to stay near Yosemite that stood witness to the Gold Rush era is Groveland, which is 25 miles away from the Big Oak Flat entrance. 

Depending on where you stay in Groveland, it can take you anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes to get to the Yosemite Valley visitor center.

One of the best places to stay in Groveland is this beautiful lodge which is perfect for families and is less than a mile from the Big Oak Flat Entrance.

There are multiple lodging options in this area as well as various campgrounds to choose from, with some right next to the creek.

From May through September, you can ride the YARTS bus to get to the park, although it only has one departure time going there and back.

If you plan on visiting Tuolomne Meadows, you can easily access Tioga Pass if you stay in this town close to Yosemite.

Aside from its Iron Door Saloon and Old West vibes, Groveland has a fair share of modern comforts, such as restaurants, a microbrewery, a grocery store, and coffee shops.

Stock up on your travel supplies at the Main Street Market. ATMs are on the town’s southern borders for when you run out of cash. 

Groveland is also a great place to fill up on gas as the prices are significantly lower than stations close to the park.

If you’re driving from San Francisco, this is one of the towns you’ll pass by before reaching the park.

Best Places to Stay:

• Rush Creek Lodge – only a 5-minute drive to the park’s entrance
• Hotel Charlotte
• Charming Mountain View Cabin
• Yosemite Lakes RV Resort

8. Bass Lake

• Drive Time & Distance to Yosemite: 1:20 hours, 49 miles
• Local Services Available: small convenience store, restaurants

Bass Lake in Madera County often gets referred to as little Lake Tahoe for its alpine atmosphere. 

Even if you’re not an angler, you’ll appreciate its scenic views, where there are plenty of hiking trails and water activities to enjoy during your stay.

If you decide to stay in this town near Yosemite, this charming cottage features beautiful mountain views, and it even has a hot tub.

Though it’s situated just 16 miles outside Yosemite’s southern entrance, it will take more than an hour or so to get to the heart of the valley, driving on long winding roads on Hwy 41.

Bass Lake is a destination on its own, which means that when you are not in the National Park, you can still enjoy nature. 

Bass Lake is also only a 10-minute drive to the town of Oakhurst, where you can fuel up or get supplies for your stay. 

This town lets you commune with nature while ensuring a good night’s sleep at accommodations ranging from campgrounds to a rustic resort. 

You can wake up and have a cup of coffee with a view of the lake before heading into Yosemite for the day.

Local Tip: If you get car sick, make sure to take some motion sickness pills with you, so you’re not miserable on the drive.

Best Places to Stay:

• Bass Lake Cottage Yosemite Park (with Hot Tub!)
• Spacious Cabin for 6
• The Pines Resort & Conference Center
• WorldMark Bass Lake

9. Oakhurst

• Drive Time & Distance to Yosemite: 1 hour – 1:30 hrs, 50 miles 
• Local Services Available: Gas stations, large grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, brewery

Situated in the foothills of Madera County, Oakhurst is the closest city to Yosemite National Park, with the southern entrance only 16 miles away.

One of the best accommodations in this area near Yosemite is this family-friendly inn with its stellar reviews for the amenities in the property, such as an indoor swimming pool. 

This small city has all the amenities you will need to supply and fuel your day trips into the national park.

Oakhurst is pretty advanced compared to many other towns on this list, with multiple large grocery stores, restaurants, a brewing company, large chain coffee shops, big box pharmacies, and a sporting goods store.

Although the town has lots of modern comforts, the lodges and hotels have the rustic surroundings you would expect from a destination near Yosemite. 

Many of the accommodations are set back from the commercial area, giving you those country vibes you want on a trip to nature. 

To get to Yosemite from Oakhurst on a bus, you can ride the YARTS via Fresno Highway 41. 

Although it’s only 16 miles from the park’s entrance, it takes over an hour to an hour and a half to get to the Valley floor.

📢To see the exact drive time, you can find the Yosemite National Park address here, along with the different park entrances.

Best Places to Stay:

• Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
• Adorable Creekside Cottage
• Hounds Tooth Inn
• Modern Mountain Home 

10. Sonora

• Distance to Yosemite: 1:50 hours, 76 miles
• Local Services Available: Gas stations, large grocery stores, restaurants, breweries, pharmacies, ATMs

Sonora is another town that is somewhat close to Yosemite National Park, with full amenities on the northern side of the park.

If you choose to base yourself here, this adorable cottage is perfect for a couple and features rooms with your own private jacuzzi. 

The drive to the Big Oak Flat park entrance will take about an hour and another 45 minutes to get to the visitor center via Highway 120. 

There are some winding sections on this road, so bring your dramamine if you get car sick. 

Touted as the “Gold Country,” Sonora is a fascinating throwback to the gold rush era, with its historic downtown architecture seamlessly blending with modern commercial establishments. 

The town of Sonora is a mix of old-time charm combined with all the modern amenities needed for a trip to Yosemite. 

There is everything you could want in a jump-off point to the National Park, including grocery stores, sporting goods, restaurants, fast food, and even a brewing company.

If you’re looking for places to stay outside Yosemite, you can book at one of Sonora’s affordable lodging facilities. 

Choose between historic hotels in Tuolumne County and bed-and-breakfasts within walking distance from shopping and dining centers.

Best Places to Stay:

• Bradford Place Inn
• The Inn on Knowles Hill Bed & Breakfast Hotel 
• Hotel Lumberjack

11. Lee Vining

• Drive Time & Distance to Yosemite: 2 hours, 77 miles
• Local Services Available: Gas stations, grocery store, restaurants, two visitor centers

Lee Vining is one of the best towns in Yosemite to stay in if you’re coming from Los Angeles or anywhere from the eastern side of California, as this is the only entrance on that side. 

Though it’s only 18 minutes away from the Tioga Pass entrance, it takes about 2 hours total to get to the heart of Yosemite Valley via Tioga Road. 

Sitting at the base of the Eastern Sierras and nearby Mono Lake, it offers beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains. 

As the closest town to Yosemite on the eastern side, Lee Vining has a rustic feel and a barren high desert landscape.

Lee Vining is a good place to base yourself if you plan on visiting nearby areas such as Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop, or Convict Lake.

The town features a grocery store, a few small restaurants, gas stations, two visitor centers, and lodging facilities for every budget. 

If you’re driving to Yosemite from Lake Tahoe, this is one of the first towns you’ll come across.  

The only thing that will likely prevent you from coming to this town is the seasonal closure of Tioga Pass.

Local Tip: It’s also important to note that the town sits at an elevation of 6781, which might be problematic for those that struggle with high altitudes.

Best Places to Stay:

• Lake View Lodge
• Lake Front Cabins
• Studio Condo with Stunning Mountain Views

12. Mammoth Lakes

• Drive Time & Distance to Yosemite: 2:30 hours, 104 miles 
• Local Services Available: gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, brew pubs, pharmacies, ski resort, airport

Of all of the cities near Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes are farthest away on the eastern side of the Sierras. 

The closest park entrance is about a 45-minute drive while getting to the Yosemite Valley visitor center will take a total of 2.5 hours of driving, though a very scenic one. 

The drive from Mammoth to Yosemite involves heading over the Tioga Pass which closes for the season from late October to as late as mid-June. 

The benefit of staying in the beautiful Mammoth Lakes is that it’s an amazing destination on its own, with stunning lakes, nearby hot springs, and an abundance of outdoor activities.

You will also have easy access to all the amenities and accommodations you could want, ranging from inexpensive such as staying in Mammoth campgrounds, to luxury.

Due to its distance to the park, you will have to get up really early to get your day started, so you won’t get stuck behind a pile of cars at the park entrance.

Best Places to Stay:

• Dog-Friendly Condo with Hot Tub
• Mountain Retreat with Gorgeous Views
• The Village Lodge

💦 If you stay in Mammoth Lakes, you will have access to some of the best hot springs in California.

Cities near Yosemite Table

*Distance & Drive Time to Yosemite Valley Visitor Center 

City/Town	Distance	Drive Time
El Portal	16 mi	30 mins
Yosemite West	17 mi	32 mins
Wawona	28 mi	50 mins
Fish Camp	35 mi	1 hour
Midpines	38 mi	1 hour
Mariposa	44 mi	1 hour
Groveland	49 mi	45 mins – 1:15 hrs
Bass Lake	49 mi	1:20 hrs
Oakhurst	50 mi	1:00 – 1:30 hrs
Sonora	76 mi	1:50 hours
Lee Vining	77 mi	2 hours
Mammoth Lakes	104 mi	2:30 hrs

Staying outside Yosemite doesn’t have to be a compromise, especially when you can take advantage of the public bus called Yosemite Area Regional Transportation (YARTS).

Through bus rides running the length of the Yosemite region at specific drop-off points, you won’t miss any of your travel itineraries inside the park.

What is YARTS? A public bus service that connects various cities such as Mariposa, Merced, Fresno, and Sonora to Yosemite National Park. It has several hotel stops along Highway 140, as well as Mariposa and El Portal. See schedule.

➡️ Local Tip: Your bus ticket includes an entrance to Yosemite, so this is a great option to get into the park if you can’t get a reservation when it’s required. See fares here.

Map of Cities near Yosemite National Park

Where is Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in central California. 

While the park consists of 759,620 acres that are located in four counties, the top attractions in the park are in and around the Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome and Bridal Veil Falls.

When looking up directions for Yosemite, it’s best to use the address of the visitor center, which is centrally located in the valley.

Yosemite National Park Address (Visitor Center):

9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, United States

What city is Yosemite National Park in?

There are no cities located in Yosemite National Park, but there are a few unincorporated communities, including Foresta, Yosemite West, and Wawona.

While there are many small towns near the park, the closest city to Yosemite is Sonora which is 76 miles from the valley floor attractions.

For planning purposes or if you need the address for Yosemite, search for the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, which is situated close to the top park’s most popular attractions. 

What town is Yosemite National Park in?

Yosemite National Park is not located in a town, but the Yosemite Valley is where many of the park’s attractions are located, along with park services, including hotels, concessions, and tours.

There are many small towns in and around the perimeter of the park where visitors can book accommodations at hotels and vacation rentals.

Some of the top towns for staying near Yosemite include El Portal, Wawona, and Mariposa.

Yosemite Valley Quick Facts

• Fees: $35 per car, valid for 7 days
• Reservations: Not Required
• Best Time to Visit: Spring is the best time to go to Yosemite when the waterfalls are gushing and the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet. Summer is the peak season if you want a guarantee of good weather.
• Where to Stay: Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal or Yosemite Bug in Midpines for better availability.
• Getting there: The closest airport to Yosemite is Fresno Yosemite International which is 35 miles away. For the best flight deals, use Skyscanner to browse various airlines and prices.
• How to Get Around: Having your car is the easiest way to get around, especially if you’re visiting other nearby sights. Check RentalCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars.
• Best Yosemite Tours: Check out these tours from San Francisco to enjoy the highlights of the park.
• Best Self-Guided Tour: This audio tour from GyPSy Guide provides engaging commentary to make your trip more fun and interesting at such an incredible price!
• Insider Tip: Make sure to get the America the Beautiful National Park Pass for only $80, which allows entry to over 400+ national park sites valid for an entire year. You can get it from REI.

FAQs 

What major city is near Yosemite?

Merced is the closest major city to Yosemite National Park. The drive from Merced to the Yosemite Visitor Center on the valley floor will take 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Merced has all the amenities needed for a stopover before heading into the National Park.

What town is the gateway to Yosemite?

The city of Merced is commonly referred to as the gateway to Yosemite. This slogan can be seen on their website and on road signs in and around the city.

They got this name based on their convenient location that connects highways 99 and 140 that leads to the National Park.

What is the best town to stay near Yosemite National Park?

The best town to stay near Yosemite National Park is El Portal, as it is only 16 miles from the valley floor, where visitors will get easy access to the park’s attractions and amenities.

The small unincorporated community has two restaurants, a general store for supplies, a gas station, and a few great hotels to choose from.

The biggest benefit of staying in El Portal is that you will be inside the Arch Rock park entrance, and you will not have to wait in traffic each day you want to visit Yosemite National Park.

What cities are close to Yosemite National Park?

The closest cities to Yosemite National Park are Sonora, Merced, and Fresno, which are a minimum of 76 miles from the Yosemite Valley.

There are several small towns and unincorporated communities near and inside the park ranging from places with full amenities and lodging to small areas with only private homes. 

For travelers looking for cities or towns with accommodations near Yosemite, the best options are in El Portal, Wawona, Mariposa, and Oakhurst.

What is the closest town near Yosemite?

The closest town near Yosemite is El Portal which is a small unincorporated community with multiple hotels and lodges, along with a few restaurants and other services.

El Portal is located inside Yosemite National Park and is just 16 miles from the top attractions and amenities in the Yosemite Valley.

Other towns that are close to Yosemite include Wawona, Mariposa, Groveland, and Oakhurst, which offer a combination of services and lodging.

What is the closest city to Yosemite National Park?

The nearest city to Yosemite National Park is Sonora, which is located 76 miles from the attractions located in the Yosemite Valley.

There are many small towns and unincorporated communities closer to the park that offers lodging and limited services like restaurants and gas stations.

The town of El Portal is the closest to the valley, while Oakhurst offers the most amenities and the largest selection of hotels.

Where is the best place to stay near Yosemite National Park?

The best place to stay near Yosemite is in the small town of El Portal, which has multiple options for hotels and lodging.

El Portal has a gas station, two restaurants, and a small store, but other services are very limited.

For other places to stay near Yosemite with more services and amenities, the towns of Mariposa, Groveland, and Oakhurst are the best options for a stay. 

Wrap-Up: Best Towns near Yosemite 

These towns near Yosemite are the perfect gateway towns to Yosemite National Park, where you can book your accommodations and resupply for your next day’s trip to the park. 

Hopefully, this list has helped you figure out where to stay when visiting Yosemite, whether it’s at the nearest city to Yosemite National Park or a small town close to the park.

So whether you’re coming by to settle for the night or seeking convenient accommodations close to Yosemite, make sure to book early as the stays in these conveniently located towns book out early. 

Related:

• San Francisco to Yosemite
• Sacramento to Yosemite
• Yosemite to Sequoia National Park Drive