There are plenty of small towns near Yosemite National Park, which means you won’t be limited to tent or RV camping during your stay. You’ll find hotels with accommodation ranging from kid-friendly bunk beds to luxurious suites with panoramic balcony views.
Besides accommodation, these census-designated places have plenty of interesting landmarks that are worth visiting. Some have miles of scenic hiking trails, while others have lakes offering kayaking and fishing opportunities. You can even find several idyllic towns dating back to California’s Gold Rush era. Check out our list of excellent gateway towns to Yosemite National Park
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Yosemite Village
A self-sufficient village in Yosemite National Park
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Yosemite Village is in the center of the national park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley. You can find the park headquarters, along with restaurants, shops, a mail office, campgrounds, RV parking, and several hotels in the village.
Well-served by park shuttle buses, the village is also the site of several trailheads, and you can also go bathing and rafting here. Hotels in Yosemite Village are built in rustic style, many of which offer high-end dining and spa facilities. You can also opt for a platform tent or a wooden cabin. Nearby, the North Pines and Upper Pines Campgrounds have shared bathing facilities.
Location: Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
2. El Portal
One of the closest towns to Yosemite National Park
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El Portal is around 14 miles west of Yosemite Valley, along State Route 140. As one of several towns bordering Yosemite National park, it was once a terminus of the Yosemite Valley Railroad before becoming a gateway with the growing number of park visitors.
You can go fishing, bathing, or rafting along the Merced River. Campgrounds, picnic tables and restrooms are also available in the area. Hite Cove is great for hiking in spring and summer, with wildflowers in full bloom from April to May. There are several hotels in and around El Portal, in various price categories, as well as several B&B options.
3. Groveland
Learn about local history at the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum
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Groveland is a sleepy village along Highway 120, about 24 miles west of Yosemite National Park’s North Gateway. Staying here puts you close to several attractions, including Hetch Hetchy and Buck Meadows. In the village itself, you can learn about local Native Americans at the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum.
Accommodations options are mainly aimed at outdoors enthusiasts. You’ll be able to choose from motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and RV parks. Groveland is a great base for exploring the Stanislaus National Forest, a recreation area popular for hiking, whitewater rafting, and kayaking.
4. Oakhurst
Enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range
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Oakhurst lies in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, about 16 miles south of Yosemite National Park’s South Entrance. One of its most prominent landmarks is the Fresno Flats Historical Village & Park. The museum showcases the life of settlers who came to Madera County for gold and farming during the 19th century. Kids can enjoy interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Sierra.
The charming Oakhurst neighbourhood has plenty of excellent places to eat and drink. Notable spots include Idle Hour Winery, Oakhurst Spirits, and Southgate Brewing Company.
5. Bass Lake
A community that’s centered around a reservoir
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Bass Lake is a small community along Highway 41 in Madera County, on the eastern side of the Sierra National Forest. Staying here puts you within a 30-minute drive of the Yosemite National Park, but the town itself has plenty of outdoor activities.
The Bass Lake Recreation Neighborhood is excellent for boating, bathing, fishing, and even water skiing. You’ll also have the chance to go hiking on a variety of trails. The Willow Creek Trail is a moderate route that passes by Angel Falls and Devils Slide in Sierra National Forest.
6. Mariposa
Enjoy a walking tour of this Old West-era town
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Mariposa is about 32 miles west of Yosemite National Park’s Rock Entrance, along Highway 140. Enjoy a walk along the historic main street to visit notable landmarks, such as the 19th-century Mariposa County Courthouse and the Mariposa Museum and History Center.
The town’s compact nature means that many restaurants, bars, and shops will be within walking distance of your hotel. Most of Mariposa’s accommodations choices are country-style inns or motel-style hotels – some even have outdoor pools if you arrive in high summer and want to cool off.
7. Wawona
Enjoy a free shuttle to the Mariposa Grove
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Wawona is located within the Yosemite National Park, making it the nearest town to the famous Mariposa Grove and Chilnualna Falls. You can explore historic buildings and ride horse-drawn wagons at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. The Chilnualna Falls consists of 5 large sections, cascading over granite formations above Wawona. Visit in May when the waterfall is at its peak flow.
A free shuttle departs from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, taking about 5 minutes to the giant sequoia grove. You can also hike the 2-mile route to reach the Mariposa Grove.
8.Jamestown
Check out steam locomotives at the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
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Jamestown in Tuolumne County is one of California’s most prominent Gold Rush towns. This designated historical landmark is about an hour’s drive from Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest – great for those who want to explore both natural neighborhoods. Dine and stay in the 1859 Historic National Hotel, which has been operating since the Gold Rush era.
A must-see in Jamestown, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park offers steam or diesel train rides from spring to autumn. You can also find a still-functioning 19th-century steam locomotive repair facility and enjoy daily movie prop tours.
9.Sonora
A town known as the “Queen of the Southern Mines”
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Sonora is located in the foothills of Sierra Nevada, making an excellent base for those exploring Yosemite National Park, Red Hills Recreational Management Neighborhood, and Stanislaus National Forest.
It has a walkable and historic downtown area, where you can visit notable landmarks such as the Tuolumne County Museum and Tuolumne County Veterans Hall & Museum. Hikers can tackle the Dragoon Gulch Trail, which spans 3 miles through seasonal creeks and the Mother Lode oak woodlands. Along the way, you get to enjoy views of Sonora and the surrounding mountain ranges of Sierra Nevada.
10. Mammoth Lakes
Go skiing on Mammoth Mountain in winter
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Mammoth Lakes makes a great base for wintertime activities, as you’ll have easy access to the Mammoth Mountain ski area. You can also explore the snowy wilderness on miles of cross-country and snowshoe terrain. Need to relax after a day of skiing or sledging? Whitmore Hot Springs is just a 15-minute drive from the town.
Summer is an excellent time for hiking in the Devils Postpile National Monument, which has towering basalt columns and the 100-ft-high Rainbow Falls. The Yosemite National Park is around 40 miles northwest of Mammoth Lakes.
