The Best Airbnb Rentals Near Yosemite National Park
Whether a trip to California's Yosemite National Park is just a few hours' drive away from home or a far-flung vacation you've long dreamed of taking, there is plenty of lodging to be found both inside the park's gates and in the surrounding towns, from nearby Mariposa to Twain Harte, a small mountain town whose slogan is “more trees than people.” Deciding where to stay near Yosemite can be overwhelming with so many options. Below, you'll find a selection of craftsman-style cottages and cozy A-frame cabins to rent near the park, all with an abundance of windows looking out over Yosemite's lush trees and vistas.
To note, Yosemite is requiring day-use reservations between May 20 and September 30 during peak hours (6 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to keep congestion to a minimum. The reservation system opens on March 23, when most of the reservations—which cover entry to the park for three consecutive days—will be available to book. A small set of reservations will be set aside to be available seven days out from your arrival date, and will pop up online at 8 a.m. PT. As the park's site says, “reservations are taken almost immediately” so be prepared on Recreation.gov a few minutes before for the best chance at snagging a reservation. One way to avoid the rigamarole? Book an Airbnb within the park's boundaries—you don't need a reservation with a vacation rental booking within Yosemite. Not every Airbnb below is within the park, but we'll note when you don't have to worry about jostling for a reservation.
Regardless of whether these vacation rentals are within the park or simply nearby, they're all run by Superhosts, who each have a rating of 4.8 or above, a record of zero cancellations, and at least a 90 percent response rate, meaning they'll get back to you ASAP. Heading to another national park? Check out more Airbnb options here.
While we have not stayed in every Airbnb featured, unless otherwise stated, these listings are vetted based on Superhost status, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Another Yosemite West find, this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home is about 30 minutes from the closest store and gas station, so the host recommends visitors stock up on groceries and fill their tank on the way in. You'll have everything you need for home-cooked meals: a Miele dishwasher, KitchenAid six-burner stove, full-size SubZero refrigerator, stainless steel oven and microwave, and ample counter space. Plus, plenty of communal space to lounge, from the game room to the open-plan kitchen and living area, as well as a spacious deck with an outdoor dining table and grill. (Note, you won't have to get a park reservation since this spot is inside the park's boundaries.)
Now, we know you're likely coming to this area for the national park and state forests, but this four-bedroom home makes the case for staying put for a while. The house has a private dock and lakeside covered deck, along with kayaks, life vests, and paddleboards available for guests—plus, the gated community it's in has an equestrian center and golf course you'll have access to. Inside, the home has smart features like an Alexa and Nest thermostat, a well-equipped kitchen, and an open floor plan filled with natural light, thanks to the enormous windows and ultra-high ceilings. When you do want to leave, though, Yosemite is just 30 minutes away.
You'll want to spend nearly all your time outdoors at this lodge—cooling off near the river, swaying in the outdoor hammocks, dipping into the outdoor bathtubs and showers (don't worry, it's set on 20 private acres), napping on the patio couches, and playing ping-pong under the market lights at night. It's in an ideal location, an hour away from both Yosemite's Middle Arch Rock entrance and the south gate; for those looking to stay longer and venture further, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are a few hours away, too. The home sleeps four adults comfortably, with an additional queen-size sofa bed for kids or extra guests.
Inside and out, a stay at this three-bedroom is all about the views. Sliding glass doors mean you can wake up to views from bed; look out over the surrounding mountains during evenings relaxing in the hot tub or sitting next to the fire pit. In between, drive the hour to Yosemite to experience the best of the park—or just chill in the home's bright white interiors or game room (with pool and ping pong tables).
If you're planning a summer or early fall trip to Yosemite, consider a stay on the park's east side, closest to the Tioga Pass entrance. Access to the entrance is restricted from around October to May each year due to snow, but once the roads are plowed, this two-bedroom condo in Mammoth Lakes makes for a great Yosemite basecamp. You'll have access to hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and fishing outside of the park, which is just 45 minutes away, plus the shared pool and rec room within the condo's complex.
This budget-friendly A-frame has cozy cabin vibes on lock. It's located a little farther than most of the Airbnbs on this list, at about 1.5 hours from the closest park entrance. But you'll have plenty to do at the property itself, which has two bedrooms, a spacious deck, and tons of kid-friendly amenities (including outlet covers and an impressive library of kids books)—plus there's a nearby lake, should you want to plan a fishing trip, rent kayaks, or chill on the beach without committing to a 1.5-hour drive.
Remodeled in 2019, this Yosemite West home mixes mountain living with a gorgeous, modern design (think white quartz countertops, lofted ceilings, and oak floors). While the large, wrap-around porch is ideal for taking in the views, the cozy L-shaped living room couch and “conversation nook” are where we'd spend our evenings. To note, both bedrooms (one king, one with two double beds) and bathrooms are downstairs, and there are steps up to the front door, so it's not the best pick for guests with mobility concerns. Bonus: This is one of those spots where you don't need to get a park reservation.
This light-filled three-bedroom home is located in Soulsbyville, just over an hour from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance, and features floor-to-ceiling windows, homey wood-paneled ceilings, and modern bathrooms. After long days exploring the park and closer-to-home hiking trails, veg out on the couch in front of the projector screen with surround sound giving you a movie theater–level experience. Previous guests note the family friendly amenities, like a high chair, Pack 'n Play, and protective netting on the staircase for added peace of mind.
For those who prefer to stay closer to town, this hilltop home is located two miles from downtown Mariposa, and 40 minutes from Yosemite's Arch Rock entrance. Set on 22 acres of land, the outside is arguably the best part: splash in the pool, relax in the hot tub, or sit by the fireplace and enjoy the surrounding views of the Sierra mountains. The inside stacks up, too, though, with another fireplace, three bedrooms (two of which lead out to the pool), a game room, and a washer/dryer to clean dirty hiking clothes before heading back home.
This farmhouse cottage sports a robin's-egg-blue kitchen that opens to a living and dining room, three bedrooms (two with a queen bed, the third with a twin trundle), an outdoor fire pit for s'mores, and more than 40 acres to explore. The secluded home offers stellar views of the stars on cloudless nights and sits just outside Mariposa, within driving distance of Yosemite's Arch Rock and South entrances.
This isn't your traditional national park cabin—it's a three-bedroom historic Spanish Colonial home smack in the middle of downtown Mariposa. What it lacks in woodsy charm, it makes up for in space and amenities, from its spacious patio with outdoor dining and a hot tub, cozy living room with vaulted ceilings, and even a sports court for basketball and tennis games. Bonus: You're less than an hour from the park, so day trips are a breeze.
Also inside the park (meaning, no park reservations required), this Wawona chalet is a place you'll want to stay awhile. Nearly every room boasts views of the surrounding mountains, though the open-plan living space is where everyone will gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in plenty of natural sunlight. There's a game room, too, with a card table, arcade games, a pool table, and board games (plus a flat-screen TV). The home sleeps eight comfortably, plus a few more if they're willing to snooze on the king-sized pull-out sofa or game-room futon.
Despite having two queen beds, we'd say this studio in a renovated barn loft is best for a couple, since it's quite petite. But despite its size, you'll find all of the expected amenities, and then some. The kitchen is stocked with cooking basics and a Smeg fridge, the bathroom features eco-friendly Public Goods bath products, and the studio has a smart TV and washer/dryer. Yosemite is just an hour away and you'll have plenty of privacy and quiet on the host's six-acre homestead when you get back from a long day in the park.
We love a good A-frame cabin, and this forest green three-bedroom home is no exception. Located in Twain Harte, it's one of the two homes furthest from Yosemite National Park on this list, at about an hour and a half's drive away. You won't be short on nature, though: It's 30 minutes away from Pinecrest Lake & Dodge Ridge Ski Resort and is set in the woods, with two private lakes nearby. There is Wi-Fi, but service can be spotty, so a land line is among the house's amenities, along with a Pack ’n Play, high chair, and stair gates for families traveling with young kids, an outdoor BBQ, and cooking basics from pots and pans to spices.
