Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Fodor's) - Fodor's [22]
Yosemite Creek.
$ | This secluded campground, set at 7,600 feet on a dirt road, is not suitable for large RVs. It’s a good jumping-off point for spectacular hikes to the rim of the valley and to the top of Yosemite Falls. There is no water available. Pros: peaceful setting, near many great trails; not much partying goes on to keep you awake. Cons: the road here is poorly maintained; rather remote; no reservations. | From Big Oak Flat entrance station, turn left onto Tioga Rd. (Hwy. 120) and continue 30 mi to the posted turnoff on right; drive 5 mi to campground 95389 | 209/372–0265 | www.nps.gov/yose | 75 tent/RV sites | Pit toilets, bear boxes, fire grates, picnic tables, public telephone | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Closed early Sept.–June.
OUTSIDE THE PARK
Best Western Yosemite Gateway Inn.
$$–$$$ | Oakhurst’s best motel has carefully tended landscaping and rooms with attractive dark-wood American colonial–style furniture and slightly kitsch hand-painted wall murals of Yosemite. Kids love choosing between the two pools. Pros: pretty close to Yosemite; clean; comfortable. Cons: chain property; some walls may seem thin. | 40530 Hwy. 41, Oakhurst 93644 | 559/683–2378 or 800/545–5462 | www.yosemitegatewayinn.com | 122 rooms, 12 suites | In-room: refrigerator, Internet. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, pools, laundry facilities | AE, D, MC, V.
Fodor’s Choice | Château du Sureau.
$$$$ | This romantic inn, adjacent to Erna’s Elderberry House, is straight out of a children’s book. From the moment you drive through the wrought-iron gates and up to the fairy-tale castle, you feel pampered. Every room is impeccably styled with European antiques, sumptuous fabrics, fresh-cut flowers, and oversize soaking tubs. Fall asleep by the glow of a crackling fire amid goose-down pillows and Italian linens, then awaken to a hearty European breakfast in the dining room. Afterward, relax with a game of chess in the piano room beneath an exquisite ceiling mural. Cable TV is available by request only. Pros: luxurious; you’ll feel pampered; great views. Cons: debilitatingly expensive; if you’re not really into spas, it might not be worth your while. | 48688 Victoria La., Oakhurst 93644 | 559/683–6860 | www.elderberryhouse.com | 10 rooms, 1 villa | In-room: refrigerator, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, pool, laundry service, no kids under 12 | AE, MC, V | BP | Closed two weeks early Jan.–mid-Jan.
Comfort Inn of Mariposa.
$ | This white three-story building with a broad veranda sits on a hill above Mariposa. Some of the comfortable rooms have sitting areas. It’s about an hour from Yosemite’s western gate on Route 140, but a good bet if other properties in the area are booked. Pros: reasonably priced; good views; pleasant little town. Cons: pretty far from Yosemite—taking the public bus YARTS is a good option. | 4994 Bullion St., Mariposa 95338 | 209/966–4344 or 888/742–4371 | www.choicehotels.com | 59 rooms, 2 suites | In-room: refrigerator, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: pool | AE, D, DC, MC, V | CP.
Evergreen Lodge.
$$–$$$$ | The perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, the cabins here have sumptuous beds, comfy armchairs, candy-cane-striped pull-out sofas, and tree-stump end tables. The terrific roadhouse-style restaurant ($$) serves bean burgers and meaty dishes like broiled elk tenderloin. The long bar has a friendly feel, perhaps owing to the reggae music that plays here often). After dinner, you can shoot pool in the bar, play Ping-Pong outside, melt s’mores, attend a lecture or film, or play Scrabble by the fire in the barnlike recreation center. Multi-night stays are required from April through October, as well as on holidays. Pros: rustic setting is romantic; staff is very friendly; lots of things to do. Cons: far from Yosemite Valley (though close to Hetch Hetchy). | 33160 Evergreen Rd., 25 mi east of Groveland, 23 mi north of Yosemite Valley, Groveland 95321 | 209/379