Planning a trip to Yosemite? Here are 10 budget-friendly hotels to stay nearby
Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park this summer?
Travel costs can quickly add up, so finding affordable lodging can make all the difference.
In a recent Merced Reddit post, site user XxEdwiiiiixX asked for suggestions for affordable places to stay.
“My partner and I are planning on a trip to Yosemite. We are looking to spend the night there and would like any suggestions with a hotel,” the Reddit user wrote. “Budget friendly would be nice.”
While the Yosemite National Park website recommends planning a visit between October and April for “the best rates at all lodging in or near Yosemite,” you may not want to wait that long.
That’s why the Merced Sun-Star has compiled a list of some of the most affordable hotels in and around the park available this summer.
We looked through online travel sites, including Expedia and Booking.com, to find budget-friendly optons for every traveler.
As of Friday, June 13, here are 10 spots where two guests can book a stay for under $200 a night — before taxes and additional fees:
Virginia Creek Settlement
Location: 70847 Highway 395, Bridgeport
Price range: Rates for two guests start as low as $97 per night.
Holiday Haus
Location: 3905 Main St., Mammoth Lakes
Price range: Nightly rates for two guests start at just $132.
Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort
Location: 6979A Highway 140, Midpines
Price range: For two guests, low prices start at $139 a night.
Mountain Trail Lodge and Vacation Rentals
Location: 42150 Highway 41, Oakhurst
Price range: Room rates for two guests start at $139 a night.
Edelweiss Lodge
Location: 1872 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes
Price range: A stay for two guests starts as low as $142 per night.
Silver Maple Inn
Location: 310 Main St., Bridgeport
Price range: Nightly rates for two guests start at just $155.
Austria Hof Lodge
Location: 924 Canyon Blvd., Mammoth Lakes
Price range: Rates for two guests start as low as $167 per night.
Quality Inn Near Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
Location: 3537 Main St., Mammoth Lakes
Price range: For two guests, low prices start at $169 a night.
The Mammoth Creek Inn
Locatin: 663 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes
Price range: Rates for two guests start as low as $177 per night.
Mammoth Mountain Inn
Location: 10400 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes
Price range: Two guests can stay for as low as $190 a night.
Do I need a reservation to visit Yosemite National Park this summer?
In 2025, you’ll need a reservation to drive into or through Yosemite National Park between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. on select days through Monday, Sept. 1, the park said on its website.
Those dates include the Labor Day holiday weekend.
“If you are planning to visit after peak hours, please do not arrive before 2 p.m.,” the national park said on its website. “Vehicles blocking roads will be cited.”
Here are the dates when reservations are required to visit Yosemite National Park from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. :
Sunday, June 15, through Friday, Aug. 15
Saturday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 1
How do I book a reservation for Yosemite National Park?
“Reservations for all dates” at Yosemite National Park have been released on Recreation.gov, according to the park’s website.
Those peak-hour reservations are valid for three consecutive days, including the arrival date.
“Additional reservations are available seven days before the arrival date” at 8 a.m. each day via Recreation.gov, Yosemite National Park said.
For example, you can make a reservation for an Aug. 31 arrival date as early as Aug. 24.
“Reservations sell out almost immediately,” Yosemite National Park officials warned, and there’s no guarantee you’ll get one.
The national park encouraged would-be visitors to create a Recreation.gov account ahead of time, so they can be “logged in and ready to get a reservation” promptly at 8 a.m.
If you don’t have access to a computer, you can call 877-444-6777 to make a reservation.
This story was inspired by reporting from Fernanda Galan at The Fresno Bee.
This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 11:16 AM with the headline "Planning a trip to Yosemite? Here are 10 budget-friendly hotels to stay nearby."
