Where to stay in May

Is it better to stay inside the national park or outside the park? What are the pros and cons of each option? If outside park than which town is better to stay ?

Deciding whether to stay inside or outside Yosemite National Park in May depends on your priorities, budget, and desired convenience. Both options have advantages and drawbacks.

Staying inside the park:

• Pros:
  • Immediate access to popular trailheads and scenic spots, minimizing driving time.
  • Early access to sunrise views and avoiding some of the crowds that arrive later in the day.
  • Immersive experience in the natural environment of Yosemite.
• Cons:
  • Accommodation options are limited and can book up months in advance, even in May.
  • Generally more expensive than lodging outside the park.
  • Fewer dining and shopping options compared to nearby towns.

Staying outside the park:

• Pros:
  • Often more affordable lodging options.
  • More restaurants, shops, and amenities available.
  • More flexibility with cancellations and last-minute bookings.
• Cons:
  • Requires daily driving into the park (30–60+ minutes depending on the town and park entrance).
  • Can miss early morning light or evening views due to travel time.

Recommended towns outside the park:

• Mariposa: About 45 minutes from the park’s Arch Rock entrance; historic town with restaurants, shops, and lodging options.
• Oakhurst: Convenient for the South Entrance; plenty of motels, dining, and grocery options.
• Groveland: Near the Big Oak Flat Entrance; charming small town with some boutique inns and easy access to the park’s northwest areas.
• El Portal: Very close to the Arch Rock Entrance; limited lodging but excellent for minimizing drive time.

In May, staying inside the park is ideal if you want to maximize early hiking and photography opportunities, but if budget and dining variety are important, Mariposa or Oakhurst are excellent choices. Combining one night inside the park with the remainder outside can also give a balanced experience.

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