Sierra Nevada
Where to Stay Near Yosemite: El Portal, Mariposa or Oakhurst
El Portal, Mariposa or Oakhurst? Compare drive times to Yosemite Valley, the best hotels in each gateway town, and in-park options to pick your base.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
This guide compares Yosemite’s gateway towns, El Portal, Mariposa and Oakhurst, plus in-park lodging and the Highway 120 side. For an itinerary, see my 3 days in Yosemite.
In This Guide
Yosemite Gateway Towns Compared
El Portal is closest but has almost no services. Oakhurst has the most hotels and groceries.
- El Portal: 20 to 30 minutes to Yosemite Valley on Highway 140
- Mariposa: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes to the Valley on Highway 140
- Oakhurst: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes to the Valley on Highway 41, about 20 minutes to the South Entrance
Where to Stay in El Portal
On the Merced River outside the Arch Rock Entrance, with one small store. Best for sunrise at Tunnel View or an early Mist Trail start, and Highway 140 is the most reliable winter route.
- Yosemite View Lodge: Riverside rooms, pools and a restaurant.
- Cedar Lodge: Simpler, a few miles west, with a pool.
Where to Stay in Mariposa
A historic downtown with restaurants, a brewery and the California State Mining and Mineral Museum. Usually cheaper than El Portal and Oakhurst.
- AutoCamp Yosemite: Airstreams and cabins in Midpines, up Highway 140.
- Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station: Walkable to restaurants.
- Mariposa Lodge: Motel on the main street.
- River Rock Inn: Colorful motel near downtown.
Where to Stay in Oakhurst and Fish Camp
Oakhurst is the best base for Wawona, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and Glacier Point Road. Fish Camp is 15 minutes up Highway 41, 2 miles from the South Entrance.
Both are on the way to Sequoia; see my national parks road trip.
- Tenaya Lodge (now branded Tenaya at Yosemite): Fish Camp resort with pools, a spa and several restaurants.
- Château du Sureau: Luxury inn in Oakhurst.
- Hounds Tooth Inn: Midrange Victorian-style inn.
- Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn: Pool, near groceries.
Staying Inside Yosemite National Park
Options are The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge and Curry Village tent cabins. My guide to booking Yosemite camping and Curry Village covers release dates and cancellations.
Staying on the Highway 120 Side: Groveland
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite and Rush Creek Lodge are family resorts about an hour from the Valley.
Firefall Ranch, which I partnered with on a sponsored post, has cottages and villas about 30 minutes from the Big Oak Flat Entrance. Dogs allowed for a nightly fee.
Tioga Pass typically closes from November to late May or June.
How to Choose a Yosemite Base
Trade drive time against services.
- Hikers and photographers: El Portal or Curry Village
- Couples and budget travelers: Mariposa
- Families and sequoia lovers: Oakhurst or Fish Camp
- Bay Area road trippers: Groveland on Highway 120
When to Book Hotels Near Yosemite
Book summer gateway hotels 4 to 6 months ahead. April to June is nearly as busy.
Winter is cheapest; carry chains. See my Yosemite packing list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which town is closest to Yosemite Valley?
El Portal, 20 to 30 minutes away. Mariposa is about an hour and Oakhurst 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Is Mariposa or Oakhurst better for Yosemite?
Mariposa is closer to Yosemite Valley. Oakhurst has more hotels and groceries and is closer to the Mariposa Grove and Wawona.
Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite?
Peak-hours vehicle reservations have been required in some recent years, and the system changes. Check NPS.gov.
How far in advance should I book a hotel near Yosemite?
Gateway hotels 4 to 6 months ahead. In-park lodging the day reservations open.
What is the cheapest place to stay near Yosemite?
Curry Village tent cabins inside the Valley. Outside the park, Mariposa motels are usually cheapest.
Destination guide
My Yosemite hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
