The Pines Resort Bass Lake

Question

Hi All,

Planning on travelling to Yosemite in August and am currently looking at accommodation. Would you recommend The Pines Resort Bass Lake as a good location to explore Yosemite from? We are planning on flying into San Francisco and spending 3 nights there and then heading to Yosemite for 2-3 nights and then on to Monterey and down the coast to LA

Answer

The Pines Resort at Bass Lake is a popular lodging option south of Yosemite National Park, and it has both pros and cons depending on what you want to do during your visit.

Location & Accessibility

Bass Lake is about 30–40 minutes south of the southern entrance to Yosemite (Highway 41 / South Entrance). If you plan to focus on the southern and central parts of Yosemite, like Wawona, Mariposa Grove, and Glacier Point, it is a reasonably convenient base. However, for the Yosemite Valley itself, you are looking at about a 1–1.5 hour drive each way.

Pros of Staying at The Pines Resort

Beautiful lakeside setting — great for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Full-service resort with amenities including restaurants, pool, and activities for kids.
Good option if you want a quieter, scenic location compared to staying inside Yosemite Valley or nearby towns like Mariposa.
Less crowded than accommodations inside Yosemite, which often book up very quickly.

Cons / Considerations

Distance to Yosemite Valley — expect at least 1–1.5 hours of driving each day if you want to explore the valley highlights.
Traffic during summer (August) can make the drive longer, especially in peak mornings and evenings.
Limited early access — you won’t be able to be in the park before crowds as easily as staying inside or just outside the park.
Less convenient if your main goal is hiking iconic Yosemite trails like Half Dome or Mist Trail, as you’ll need to plan around the longer commute.

Alternative Options Closer to Yosemite

Wawona — About 30 minutes closer to the southern parts of the park, with the historic Wawona Hotel.
Mariposa — A small town west of the park, about 45 minutes to Yosemite Valley; offers more dining and grocery options.
Yosemite Valley Lodges — If you can secure reservations, staying inside the park offers unmatched convenience for early hikes and photography.

Recommendation

If your goal is a relaxing lakeside retreat combined with day trips to Yosemite, The Pines Resort is a solid choice. If maximizing time in the park is your priority, consider staying closer to the park entrances to reduce daily driving.

The Pines Resort Bass Lake

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