Where to stay?

Question

Hi all,

Planning a last-minute trip to Yosemite in the first week of October. We are coming from So Cal for 3 days. I don't see any available accommodation inside the park. Please recommend the closest cities to stay. Thanks.

Answer

If you’re visiting Yosemite in early October and accommodations inside the park are fully booked, staying in nearby towns and gateway communities is the best alternative. These towns are within driving distance of the park entrances and provide a range of lodging options from motels to vacation rentals.

Closest options to Yosemite Valley (via Big Oak Flat or Arch Rock Entrance):

El Portal: About 5–10 minutes from the Big Oak Flat entrance. Small, quiet town with a few lodges, inns, and vacation rentals. Very convenient if your main focus is Yosemite Valley.
Groveland: Around 30 minutes from the Big Oak Flat entrance. Offers charming historic hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. Groveland has restaurants and shops for basic needs.
Mariposa: Approximately 45–50 minutes from the Arch Rock entrance. Larger town with more amenities, restaurants, and a variety of lodging choices. Good for families or those seeking more options.

Options near the South Entrance (Wawona / Glacier Point / Mariposa Grove areas):

Oakhurst: About 15–20 minutes from the South Entrance. Offers numerous hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, and fuel stations. Convenient for exploring Wawona and Mariposa Grove.
Fish Camp: Around 10 minutes from the South Entrance. Small town with a few lodges and cabins. Great if you want to stay as close as possible to the park and avoid long drives.

Additional tips:

Book as soon as possible, even last-minute, as October is still popular for fall foliage. Some cabins or vacation rentals may have last-minute cancellations.
Consider lodging near different entrances depending on your planned activities to minimize driving time within the park.
Be aware of limited daylight and cooler temperatures in October; plan your daily itinerary accordingly.

Overall, El Portal and Oakhurst are the closest convenient options for a short 3-day trip. Groveland, Mariposa, and Fish Camp offer additional lodging variety while still providing reasonable access to Yosemite’s main attractions.

Where to stay?

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