We (2 adults and 2 kids) would like to visit Yosemite Aug 12, 13. This is a last mine decision and of course I cant find any good lodging. If nothing is available in the park itself, what are my alternatives? Thanks

I stayed at Yosemite View Lodge outside the park - liked it very much- grat for kids because there is a swimming pool
Very short drive into the park and you can even take the bus in if you dont want to drive.

I stayed at a place called Evergreen Lodge on the north edge of the park last year. They have nice cabins and are a quick drive into the park. They also organize hikes and activities in and around the park. www.evergreenlodge.com

There are lots of cancellations throughout the summer as people change their plans. With the price of gas continuing to escalate there may be more cancellations than usual.

I would monitor the DNC reservation site to frequently check for in-park availability. Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is a good choice.

www.yosemitepark.com

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately nothing available in Yosemite View Lodge. I have submitted a booking inquiry in Evergreen Lodge. Nothing available in DNC - I will keep checking.

Any other ideas?

Near Yosemite View in El Portal is Cedar Lodge.

We stayed at the charming, small family motel, The Mariposa Lodge, about 40 min. from the Park, and rode the shuttle in and out. Immaculate, beautifully landscaped, such nice people ...

http://www.mariposalodge.com/

A couple more websites to try:

http://www.yosemitewest.com/

(Condos that are quite near the Valley, in a little private enclave). Or try

http://www.staynearyosemite.com/

But also call DNC; don't rely on cancellations to swho up on the website.

And still another URL:

www.yosemite.com/tripplan/lodging.html

Consider going to Seqouia or Kings Canyon. It is similar. Consider buying a tent and just camping in Yosemite or renting an RV or popup.

Unfortunately, "just camping" in Yosemite isn't all that easy. Every spot in the Valley (apart from Camp 4) was reserved some time ago---spots for Aug. 12 and 13 were gone in the first 15 minutes on March 15 (I was on the reservation website watching them disappear as I tried to reserve a spot in Tuolumne).

There are some "first-come" campgrounds outside the Valley, but I wouldn't want to bet my vacation plans on getting one.

Thanks all - I made a reservation at Mariposa Lodge

I am glad you were able to find something jandee Enjoy your visit. We were just in Yosemite a couple months ago. Beautiful place.

For others in this same situation - the recommendation for Sequoia and Kings Canyon as an alternate is a good one. A few years back, my husband and I had May reservations at Yosemite that we had to cancel. We had to wait a couple months before we could go, which put us in July - peak season at Yosemite. We decided to go to Sequoia instead and had a really great time.

jandee, great! I'm glad you followed my suggestion ... I don't think you'll be disappointed. Nice family, and such a cute little place ...

Try staying at the South Entrance of Yosemite. The Redwoods Cabins in Wawona are great. You can rent cabins of different sizes to accomdate large or small groups. Saves money to cook your own meals.

If you want to camp, Bridalveil Campground on the road up to Glacier Point is non-reservation and is available on a first-come-first-served basis. You'll be about an hour's drive from Yosemite Valley and the masses of tourists there. But it's a beautiful area with lots of scenery and maybe even a few bears. Get there early in the day to ensure a camping spot.

As already posted, there are always cancellations. Keep calling their number, you'll get what you want.