6 Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals Near Yosemite National Park

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With its ancient sequoia forests and jaw-dropping — nay, life-changing vistas — it’s easy to see why Yosemite draws more than 4.5 million visitors a year.

Yosemite National Park is one of those rare natural gems that deserve at least one pilgrimage in your lifetime (hopefully more if you can swing it). Whether you’re a hiker, climber, camper, or just a free spirit who loves the great outdoors, there’s something here for adventurers of all ages.

The park offers a variety of lodging options from campgrounds to rustic lodges and even a luxury hotel. These can quickly become overcrowded, however, especially during peak travel season from May to September.

For a more secluded getaway far from busy parking lots and packed jacuzzies, vacation rentals tend to be the best bet. With sites like Airbnb and VRBO offering hundreds of cabins, condos, and luxury chalets in the same price range as park-sponsored lodging, it’s easy to find the perfect vacation rental for traveling friends, families, and retreats.

1. BeetleBark Bungalow

cabin rental yosemite national park — Photo: VRBO

Why you should stay here: This mini-cabin is just right for traveling couples, featuring a remodeled interior, private Jacuzzi, fire pit table, and a large deck for al-fresco dining.

Location: Wawona
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $227 / night

It’s a challenge to find a private cabin in Yosemite for less than $400, making the BeetleBark Bungalow a steal of a deal. Its 420 square feet of living space and two sofa beds are a bit too compact for big families and groups, but it’s the perfect size for couples and small families with one or two little tots.

Don’t let the thought of sleeping on an uncomfortable sofa bed scare you away — these come with 6-inch memory foam mattresses, so you’ll get plenty of rest after a long day of exploring Yosemite. There’s a washer and dryer to keep your hiking clothes from getting stale, and even an electrical vehicle charging port for eco-minded travelers.

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2. Gold Rush Ranch

yosemite sierra views cabin — Photo: VRBO

Why you should stay here: A rustic ranch with a modern interior, picturesque Sierra views, and nine acres of solitude.

Location: Midpines
Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $246 / night

Let’s face it — there’s no way you’ll find a vacation rental this big and beautiful in the National Park for such a great price. So if you’re traveling with a big family that needs the space and you’re okay with a short drive to the Yosemite West park entrance, Gold Rush Ranch is an excellent choice.

The ranch has three bathrooms and two bedrooms with a king bed, bunkbed, and a floor mattress to round out accommodations for six. The kitchen was recently upgraded with new appliances and cookware so you can cook up a feast, and there’s a wraparound deck with lounge chairs and hammocks to soak in the Sierra views after a hearty meal.

The property has a horse pasture, but you’ll need to check with the hosts before bringing your hooved trail buddies. There’s also a historic cabin from the Gold Rush era on the property, replete with tools and items from the property’s long history.

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3. Sierra Stream

airstream airbnb yosemite np — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay here: A classic Airstream camper on the shores of Bridgeport Reservoir.

Location: Bridgeport
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 3-4 nights
Rates from: $128 / night

Fair warning — there’s so much to do around Bridgeport Reservoir, guests at the Sierra Stream may end up spending more time around the campground and lake than in Yosemite National Park. Be sure to bring your paddleboard, kayak, and fishing gear, because you’ll feel the call of the water as soon as you check in.

The Sierra Stream is part of the larger Paradise Shores campground and RV park, and as the name suggests you’re just steps away from the water. The Airstream offers the perfect marriage between modern comforts and a classic camping experience, giving guests a cozy mattress, air conditioning, and a compact kitchen, with access to community bathrooms and showers along with communal fire pits, picnic benches and hammocks across the campground.

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4. Clouds Rest Cabin

Why you should stay here: A ridgetop cabin inside the park with sweeping views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and the surrounding mountains.

Location: Foresta
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 4 nights
Rates from: $350 / night

Hoping to skip the long lines at the park gates during your Yosemite trip? Book a weeklong stay at the Clouds Rest Cabin, and you’ll enjoy a rustic cabin for two that’s inside the park and just seven miles from Yosemite Valley. Oh, and you can see two of the park’s most popular attractions from your secluded perch atop the ridge.

Clouds Rest Cabin was custom-built by the owners using sustainable building practices and wood harvested from local hazardous tree logging. You’ll enjoy all the comforts of central heating, air conditioning, and hot water, along with a fully stocked kitchen and two cozy beds.

In a nod to the area’s rich history and culture, the walls of the cabin are decorated with vintage photographs and paintings from local artists. Most of the furniture has been rescued and restored from local homes demolished by the park service, Yosemite Valley hotel remodels, and local thrift stores.

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5. Johnson Family Yosemite Cabin

yosemite valley cabin rental — Photo: VRBO

Why you should stay here: This modern cabin is conveniently located inside the park, less than seven miles from the popular valley floor.

Location: Foresta
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 4 nights
Rates from: $385 / night

The Johnson Family Yosemite Cabin resides in the small ridgetop community of Foresta, well inside the park gates and just a short drive from Yosemite Valley. In fact, it’s so close and positioned so perfectly that you can enjoy views of Clouds Rest, El Capitan, and Half Dome from the cabin itself.

This family cabin delivers everything you need and nothing you don’t — a clean and simple interior with cozy beds, modern appliances, and the creature comforts of hot water, heating and A/C. The standard capacity is for four guests with two bedrooms and two beds, though the host also provides two air mattresses if you have a gaggle of kids that need more sleeping space.

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6. River Rock Retreat

chalet airbnb yosemite national park — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay here: This brand spanking new home is a luxurious retreat for big groups with big budgets.

Location: Yosemite West
Sleeps: 10
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $700 / night

The River Rock Retreat is priced a bit higher than your average Yosemite vacation rental, but it’s worth every penny if you can afford to splurge. The recently constructed lodge features a finely appointed interior with a beautiful river rock fireplace, vaulted ceilings, large picture windows to maximize the views and natural light, a full kitchen, and spa-quality bathrooms.

This gargantuan vacation rental can accommodate up to 10 guests with three bedrooms and seven beds, making it an ideal choice for family reunions and other gatherings. The rustic dining table can comfortably seat eight, and there’s room for everyone on the expansive deck.

Of course, let’s not forget the most alluring part of this vacation rental: it’s located inside the park gates at Yosemite West, so consider this your fast-pass to skip the lines and spend more time exploring Yosemite with your family.

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Plan Your Trip to Yosemite National Park

Ready to start planning your adventure itinerary? Here are a few of the most popular activities that deserve a place on your list of things to do and see in Yosemite National Park:

Places to visit: Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Meadows, Crane Flat Area, Hetch Hetchy, and Wawona
Rock formations: Half Dome, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks & Spires, the Three Brothers, Sentinel Rock, and Glacier Point
Tours: Yosemite Hospitality offers four year-round bus tours, including a Valley Floor Tour, Glacier Point Tour, Grand Tour, and Tuolumne Meadows Tour.
Fishing: Lakes and reservoirs are open for fishing year-round, while stream and river fishing is open from late April to mid November.
Trailblazing: Yosemite is packed with scenic trails from Sequoia groves to clifftop views, which you can explore on foot, mountain bike and horseback.
Watersports: Swimming is generally permitted in all bodies of water in the park (with a few notable exceptions). You can also explore the Merced River, South Fork Merced River, Tuolomne River, and Tenaya Lake on nonmotorized vessels like rafts and kayaks.
Winter sports: Winter is an excellent time to visit Yosemite thanks to significantly fewer visitors. Time your trip around the snowy months and you can spend your time skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and of course snow tubing and sledding for the kiddos.