One of the most stunningly scenic national parks, naturalist John Muir once wrote when describing the beauty of Yosemite National Park that it “cleans and warms like a fire, and you will be willing to stay forever in one place like a tree.”
While you may not be able to live in Yosemite forever, there are some outstanding cabin rentals nearby that provide an ideal base for a visit. You’ll be just a short drive, or a walk, from its magnificent waterfalls, dramatic mountains with steep granite cliffs, lush valleys, abundant wildlife and outdoor adventures.
Rustic Retreat Inside Yosemite National Park
This three-bedroom home is located in The Redwoods, a community of vacation rentals inside the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park. It accommodates up to 10 guests and includes a stone fireplace in the living room, heated tile floors in the kitchen and bathrooms, and large picture framed windows. The kitchen includes top of the line appliances, with two ovens and a dishwasher, while the living room and each of the bedrooms have their own flat-screen satellite SmartTVs. The upstairs bedroom comes with a beautiful view of Wawona Dome. Other highlights include a washer/dryer, jetted spa tub and Wi-Fi.
Valerian Retreat, Mariposa
Valerian Retreat is a private cedar cabin hideaway on five acres in the woods located halfway between both Yosemite entrances, just a short drive from town. It sleeps six in two bedrooms and has a full kitchen with newer appliances along with three flat-screen TVs with Roku and/or a Blu-Ray player and free Wi-Fi. In the living room, you can enjoy complimentary Netflix movies too. Dining can be enjoyed indoors or out on the patios, complete with a beautiful sunset view on most evenings.
Cozy Cottage with Hot Tub, Mariposa
This charming one-bedroom cottage with a full loft boasts beautiful mountain views from two-story windows in a private setting near gold rush towns. Yosemite can be reached via the “Wild and Scenic” Merced River Canyon in just over an hour. It includes a fully stocked kitchen with everything you need to make your own meals and a wood-burning stove with firewood included year-round. In the winter, you’ll be just a short drive from Badger Pass winter sports area, ice skating in the park and Tenaya Lodge. The cottage even comes with sleds and his and hers snowshoes.
Wawona Cabin
The Stargazers cabin is located near Yosemite’s southern entrance and includes four bedrooms sleeping up to 12 guests. It has a fully equipped updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a living room with a rock fireplace and satellite TV. One of the bedrooms downstairs has a game table, TV and fireplace. Wi-Fi is included too. Outside, enjoy a secluded private deck, a picnic table, gas BBQ and lounge chairs. If you have an electric car, you’ll be able to take advantage of the electric car charging station.
Yosemite Custom Cottage
Located in the small community of Yosemite West within the gates of the park’s southern area, the Yosemite Mountain Hideaway is a one-bedroom Craftsman-style house offering spectacular views and lots of privacy. It has one bedroom and includes a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a dining room surrounded by 180 degree views of the mountains, and a private deck where you can grill out in the fresh air on the barbecue. The living room includes an HDTV with satellite channels and a remote control fireplace. There’s also a luxurious bathroom with a whirlpool tub for two and radiant floor heating.
Luxury Log Cabin, Mariposa
This luxury log cabin sits on 40 private acres with scenic hiking trails near Mariposa, 10 miles from Yosemite’s southern entrance. The original log Great Room has a century-old history, but you’ll find plenty of modern conveniences throughout. There are three flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, complimentary Netflix movies in the living room, a stone fireplace and a kitchen with an old-style farmhouse feel. Outside there’s a BBQ, picnic table and firepit, with plenty of room for the kids to ride bikes.
Sparrow's Nest, Yosemite National Park Cabin
The Sparrow’s Nest is a studio cabin that provides an ideal romantic retreat for couples right inside the park. It includes a large deck overlooking the scenic south fork of the Mercer River which you can enjoy while relaxing or grilling on the gas BBQ. It has a queen-size bed and a sitting/dining/kitchen area with all you need to cook up your meals as well as a satellite television and DVD player.
Sugar Pine Cabin, Oakhurst
The Sugar Pine Cabin is just seven miles from the southern entrance of Yosemite, just below Fish Camp. A two-story chalet-style cabin, it’s tucked among soaring cedars and pines in a tranquil historic community. It sleeps up to seven in two bedrooms, with a master bedroom and a loft that offers picturesque tree views. The child’s room has a skylight for gazing up at the stars right from a twin bed. Outside there’s a comfortable seating area with forest views and a gas fire pit, ideal for alfresco dining.
Treehouse Inside Yosemite National Park
The pet-friendly Treehouse is located in the park and accommodates up to four guests with one bedroom, although it may be best for a romantic couple’s getaway. It has a large, private deck that sits at the base of Chilnualna Falls overlooking the south fork of the Merced River, and on the back deck, there’s a wooden porch swing. You’ll be able to grill on the gas BBQ and dine outside on the picnic table with chairs. Inside is a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a dishwasher. It also includes a washer/dryer, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen satellite TV.
Sage Cabin, Yosemite Hilltop Cabins
Sage Cabin is one of the Yosemite Hilltop Cabins which lie within the gates of Yosemite National Park in the little community of Foresta, just a 15-minute drive from Yosemite Valley. It sleeps up to four in one bedroom and offers plenty of privacy. There’s a reading loft, a full kitchen, and a DVD player with a TV monitor for watching DVDs. Guests can also enjoy grilling on the patio with a Weber gas barbecue.
