4 Best Hotels in Yosemite National Park, California

Occupying 20 acres on a wooded hillside, this sleek, nature-inspired complex has a saltwater pool and hot tubs, a restaurant and tavern with indoor and outdoor seating, a guided recreation program, a spa and wellness program, a general store, nature trails, and outdoor play areas that include a zipline and a giant slide. The sister property of the Evergreen Lodge a few miles down the road, Rush Creek Lodge is just a half mile from Yosemite's Highway 120 entrance at the park's northwestern entrance. Choose among rooms and suites in the main lodge or in hillside villas; many rooms have gas fireplaces, and all have private balconies or patios.

Opened in 1899 as a place for budget-conscious travelers, Curry Village has plain accommodations that include standard motel rooms, simple cabins with private or shared baths, and tent cabins with shared baths. The tent cabins are a step up from camping, with linens and blankets provided; some even have heat. Happy Isles and the popular Mist Trail are a few minutes' walk away.

This collection of more than 125 homes in the Wawona area is a great alternative to the overcrowded valley. Fully equipped options range from cozy one-bedroom cabins to spacious six-bedroom houses with plenty of room for groups. Most have fireplaces, many have Wi-Fi, and all have decks with barbecues. The property rarely fills up, even in summer, so it's a good choice for last-minute lodging; there's a two-night minimum in the off-season and a three-night minimum in summer and on holidays.

Set in a subalpine meadow, the White Wolf Lodge has rustic accommodations and makes an excellent base camp for hiking the backcountry. Traditional cabins have private baths, heaters, and two double beds; canvas tent cabins with shared baths sleep up to four persons. Breakfast and dinner are served home-style in the snug main building.