The Yosemite experience feels heightened when you sleep under the stars—but roughing it is increasingly unnecessary thanks to an expanding selection of glamping options near the national park.
Consider Yosemite Pines RV Park, located about 22 miles from the park entrance in Groveland, which offers an array of trailers for rent, as well as the 19th century forefather of the trailer: the covered wagon. The resort’s new Conestoga wagons sleep from 4 to 6 and include a few creature comforts that the pioneers would have appreciated, like a king-sized bed, bunk beds (one or two sets), a fridge, microwave, coffee pot, and both heating and A/C. There’s no running water in the wagon, but it’s just a short walk to a restroom and shower house, as well as the on-site swimming pool and volleyball courts.
For a slightly more contemporary take on a covered wagon, start planning for a stay in the new Airstream-equipped AutoCamp opening near Yosemite in summer 2019. There are already two AutoCamps in California—in Santa Barbara and Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley—and the in-the-works Yosemite location (near the town of Mariposa) will also offer cabins and tent cabins along with retro-cool Airstream trailers. Guests will also receive access to a pool, clubhouse, community firepits, and a pond for canoeing.
Here’s added incentive to plan ahead for next summer: Book your AutoCamp spot before November 1 and AutoCamp will donate $25 to the Yosemite/Sequoia Resource Conservation and Development Council, which supports fire prevention and ecological conservation in the area affected by this year’s Ferguson fire.
Check out these other great glamping options around California, as well as 8 cool things to do in Yosemite National Park.
