Yosemite is arguably the most popular national park in the United States, and outdoor enthusiasts will want to tick it off their bucket list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with waterfalls, enormous trees, and granite mountains like El Capitan and the Half Dome. And the best part? They’re all connected by an extensive network of trails from which you can view wildlife.
When it comes to finding somewhere to stay in Yosemite, it’s not easy. There’s very little accommodation inside the national park itself, so you’ll have to look nearby. Hotels and hostels can book up pretty quick, so it’s a good idea to look at vacation rentals in Yosemite. Usually, they offer better value for money and much more personality!
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best Airbnbs in Yosemite. Not only that, we’ll show you the coolest ways to explore the national park with Airbnb Experiences. Let’s go!
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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Yosemite
Shanks’ Cabin in the Woods
- > $$
- > 6 Guests
- > Self check-in
- > Pets welcome
Wisteria Rose Camp
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Queen bed
- > Cute outdoor space
Starfall
- > $$$$$$$$$$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Electric vehicle charging station
- > Deck overlooking the woods
Jimmy’s Hide Away Farm Stay
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Knowledgeable host and guide
- > Animals on the property!
Bedroom in Private Mariposa Cottage
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Dedicated workspace
- > Breakfast included
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Yosemite
While accommodation in the national park itself is severely limited, you don’t have to head too far out to get a dream vacation rental. However, travelling in and around Yosemite can be quite expensive, so it’s important to scope out your accommodation long before your trip, if possible.
If your budget is at the lower end of the scale, look at bed and breakfasts, private rooms in homes, and campsites. If you’re lucky, you may get a basic cabin. If you have flexibility in your budget, you could get a smartly designed tiny house or a cosy and comfortable cabin or chalet; with enough space for the whole family!
Many properties here will see you dealing with local residents. However, for some of the larger and pricier properties, you may be dealing with a business. So choose where to stay in Yosemite carefully so you have the experience you want whilst here.
Cabins come in a range of shapes and sizes and are can be suitable for all types of traveller. If you’re on a budget, you can get a small cabin where peace and tranquility are the main draws. Travelling with your other half? A romantic cabin with features like jacuzzis and queen/king beds could really make your trip.
A type of unique accommodation that’s ever-growing in popularity, tiny houses are a cool way to experience Yosemite. These small homes are packed with character, and amenities too. Much more than you’d think possible in such a tiny space!
A lot of people will be wondering what the different between a cabin and a chalet is. Well, chalets originated in Europe (mostly Alpine countries, such as Switzerland and France) as a place to crash after a day on the slopes.
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Yosemite
Now that you know what to expect and why you should book a vacation rental, let’s get to the party you’ve been waiting for. You’re about to see the 15 best Airbnbs in Yosemite – as well as some awesome Airbnb Experiences!
Shanks’ Cabin in the Woods | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Yosemite
First on our list is the cabin in Mariposa County. Usually, the best value Airbnb in a destination would likely be a private room or a studio flat. But in Yosemite, you get an entire cabin for up to 6 guests. That makes it ideal for families or groups of friends travelling together. You can even bring your furry friends, as pets are welcome too! Be sure to cook something delicious up on the BBQ on the porch.
Wisteria Rose Camp | Best Budget Airbnb in Yosemite
Yosemite is a lot of things, but cheap isn’t one of them. That’s not to say that there are no budget properties out there though. In nearby Coarsegold, you’ll find this charming campervan at Wisteria Rose Camp, which has a queen bed and a small kitchenette. Save your costs further by preparing meals here before enjoying them out on the deck.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIStarfall | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Yosemite
One of the most beautiful Airbnbs in Yosemite, this superb blue house is just 9 miles from the national park itself. It has an enormous open plan kitchen and living area. However, the main attraction is the back deck.
With views out over the surrounding forest and a huge L-shaped sofa, it’d be very easy to spend most of your stay out here! Electric vehicle driver? This is one of the few properties in the area that has a charger on site.
Jimmy’s Hide Away Farm Stay | Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers
Okay, so this one is a little out of the box. However, if you can’t make an out the box decision when travelling solo, when can you!
This Farm Stay in Indian Lakes is 40 minutes from Yosemite National Park, but your knowledgeable host used to be a guide there, so can give you the inside info on all you need to know. If you do get lonely from travelling solo, you’ll have animals on the farm to keep you company.
Bedroom in Private Mariposa Cottage | Perfect Airbnb for Digital Nomads
Yosemite probably isn’t the most popular destination for digital nomads. However, they shouldn’t miss out on the superb vistas and outdoor activities for work! Thankfully, this bed and breakfast in Mariposa offers a dedicated workspace and fast Wi-Fi, so you can get on top of work before attempting El Capitan! As the name suggests, breakfast is included in the price.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Yosemite
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Yosemite!
YoBee! Heart of Yosemite | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
After a day of exploring Yosemite, it’s likely that you and your other half will be absolutely shattered. So, what could be better to come back to than a squishy king bed with a crackling fireplace?
After a dreamy night’s sleep, enjoy your complimentary breakfast out on the porch the morning after. The studio is in Yosemite West, so this is one of the closest Airbnbs to Yosemite National Park!
Shady Bear Cabin at Bass Lake | Best Airbnb in Yosemite for Families
With space for up to six guests, the Shady Bear Cabin is suitable for groups of family and friends. The cabin is right by Bass Lake, which has lots of options when it comes to hiking, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits.
Once back at the cabin, you can make the most of indoor and outdoor living spaces, depending on the weather. There’s a fully equipped kitchen should you want to rustle up a family favourite or picnic for the day!
Treetop Cabin by Yosemite National Park | Best Cabin in Yosemite
Cabins are probably the most popular type of accommodation in Yosemite, so it’s pretty tricky to choose a favourite. An awesome location in the heart of Yosemite West is a good place to start though – making it easy to access the park’s attractions and trails.
Come home to the living room which lets in lots of light, while keeping you warm and cosy as you play a board game or watch a movie post exploring!
La Casita Near Yosemite | Best Tiny House in Yosemite
One of the cheapest places to stay in and around Yosemite, this tiny house is ideal for budget travellers. There are limited cooking facilities, including a coffee maker and microwave which is enough to rustle up a simple meal.
There’s also free parking on-site, which you’re sure to be using as you drive back and forward to Yosemite’s entrance!
The Yosemite Trestlewood Chalet | Best Chalet in Yosemite
Yosemite isn’t all about hiking and climbing. Travellers who prefer a more sedate and relaxing day out can enjoy the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Which just happens to be conveniently located right opposite this gorgeous chalet!
With space for up to 14 guests, it’s ideal for a group get together, whether that’s friends or family. Even though there are a few places to eat nearby, you may prefer to cook in the fully-equipped kitchen.
Yosemite Dome | Most Unique Airbnb in Yosemite
There’s just one dome house in Yosemite, so it’s safe to say this is a unique property. Located in Midpines, there’s space for up to six people across five bedrooms here.
The house is centred around a spacious living room, which is a great spot for board games or catching a movie after a day out hiking. The roof windows mean you get lots of light in there too.
Stunning Views of Sierras | Best Airbnb with a View in Yosemite
There are lots of spectacular views in Yosemite. But this one offers a bit of everything. Marvel at the surrounding mountains from the chairs or hammocks on the front porch during the day, before looking up for pristine stargazing after sunset. Which is also pretty spectacular to watch!
Even in poor weather, the floor to ceiling windows mean that you don’t have to miss at thing in this beautiful home.
Clean & Kid Friendly Forest House | Best Airbnb Plus in Yosemite
Airbnb Plus properties are among the best that the platform has to offer. Hand-picked due to excellent reviews, attentive hosts, and clean and crisp design, you’re assured of a good stay before you even hit the road.
This large property can sleep up to 12 guests, so it’s ideal for a group celebration. Kids will love roasting marshmallows on the fire pit outside – under adult supervision, of course!
Yosemite Mountaintop Retreat | Best Airbnb with a Pool in Yosemite
Set across 100 acres, this beautiful mountaintop retreat comes with everything you could wish for from a vacation rental, including a swimming pool and hot tub!
From both of those, you can enjoy spectacular views out over the mountains and Mariposa County. If it gets cold, head inside and cosy up by the fireplace!
Timber & Creek Log Cabin | Best Airbnb in Yosemite for a Group of Friends
The most important thing about having somewhere to stay with your friends is that there are opportunities to spend quality time together. And not only when you’re out exploring!
Thankfully, this cabin boasts an outdoor seating area with a fire pit, and a spacious living room with wood burning stove for when the fire outside goes out. The layout of the beds also means no uncomfortable topping and tailing is necessary!
What To Pack For Yosemite
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Yosemite Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Yosemite Airbnbs
Well, there you have it. Not only have you seen the 15 best Airbnbs in Yosemite, but also five cool Airbnb Experiences too. Whether you want to make furry friends on a farmstay, kick back in a cabin, or cosy up in a tiny house, there’s an Airbnb in Yosemite for you.
Still not sure which is the right Airbnb in Yosemite for you? We don’t blame you. There’s a lot to choose from! We’d suggest taking one more look at our overall best value Airbnb in Yosemite. That’s the Shanks’ Cabin in the Woods. It’s suitable for groups of friends and/or family, and you can bring your pet!
We hope that no matter where you stay, you have an awesome vacation in Yosemite. To make sure that you have safe travels, be sure to check out World Nomads for travel insurance policies.
Need somewhere even cheaper, check out the hostels in Yosemite instead!
- Check out our Backpacking USA guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in the USA too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of the USA.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around USA.
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