More than 4.5 million people visit Yosemite National Park each year, traveling from every corner of the globe. Some come for the world-renowned rock climbing, while others come to simply take in the awe-inspiring scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Covering more than 1,200 square miles, you’ll need more than just a day trip to truly experience Yosemite. It’s not enough to just see the highlights of the park including Half Dome, El Capitan (one of the largest granite rock formations on Earth), and Yosemite Falls; you’ll want to give yourself time to hike, climb, and explore. That’s exactly why many visitors opt to stay in one of the coolest Airbnbs in Yosemite.
There’s plenty to do just beyond the borders of the park as well, which really makes it the perfect basecamp. Bass Lake is just 20 minutes from Yosemite’s entrance gates, there are endless opportunities for wine tasting and golf, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are an easy two-hour drive away.
Because Yosemite is so large and there’s so much to see and do, trying to decide where to stay can be quite the challenge. Plus, there are unique Yosemite Airbnbs both outside and inside the park boundaries. We’ve put together our list of the 15 best Airbnbs in Yosemite to help you plan an incredible getaway!
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15 Best Airbnbs in Yosemite National Park
Best Yosemite Airbnbs for Couples and Solo Travelers
1. Clouds Rest Cabin: Stunning Views Inside the Park!
There are numerous beautiful cabins inside the gates of Yosemite National Park, but only a few have incredible views. Clouds Rest Cabin is one of the best cabins in Yosemite because it sits high on a ridge and offers sweeping views of Half Dome and El Capitan. The fact that it’s inside the park also means you won’t have to wait in line to enter each day!
You’ll enjoy stunning views from every window of this one-bedroom cabin that also features an open kitchen and upscale furnishings. Unwind in the soaking tub after a day of hiking and exploring, or sit outside at the covered seating area while you grill dinner. When you’re ready to head back out, help yourself to the gear that’s available for guest use including adjustable trekking poles, daypacks, and an ice chest.
Another unique aspect of this Yosemite vacation rental is that the owners built it entirely by hand using all sustainable building materials. And Clouds Rest is furnished with several restored pieces that originally came from historic Yosemite-area homes.
2. BeetleBark Bungalow: Mini-Cabin Inside the Park
With just 420 square feet of living space, BeetleBark Bungalow is truly a “mini-cabin”. But the smart, functional layout makes it feel much larger. It has several awesome features that make it one of the coolest Yosemite Airbnbs for solo travelers, couples, and small families.
BeetleBark has a full kitchen and a BBQ grill on the large deck. There are dining tables inside and out, a washer and dryer, and strong wi-fi for streaming services (a rarity in Yosemite).
Notice the unusual wood on the cabin’s ceiling that came from a tree damaged by bark beetles – it’s what gave this Airbnb its name. When it’s time to turn in for the night, both living room sofas convert to queen-sized beds with thick memory foam mattresses. Out back, relax in the hot tub or enjoy stargazing by the fire pit.
Another thing that makes this one of the best Yosemite vacation rentals is its location. BeetleBark is in Yosemite’s south end, a short drive from attractions like Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point. There’s also a country store just up the street and a private hiking trail to Chilnualna Falls.
3. Water Fall House: Creekside Home Perched above Waterfall
Are you looking for a bit of serenity while still having close proximity to the park? Then the Water Fall House is definitely the best Yosemite Airbnb for you! This spacious one-bedroom vacation home sits directly on Lewis Creek and has a private ¾-mile road. But it’s still just 12 miles from Yosemite’s South Gate entrance.
Nearly everything in the home is new, from the all-electric kitchen appliances and BBQ grill on the deck to the bathroom and shower. The bedroom features an enormous California king-sized sleigh bed and there’s an additional queen-sized Murphy bed in the great room. Regardless of where you choose to sleep, the river gently rushing by will certainly lull you to sleep every night.
The Water Fall House is dog-friendly, but the owners do ask that you get prior approval. They’re also extremely knowledgeable about the Yosemite area and happy to give recommendations. So feel free to run your itinerary by them to make sure you hit all the highlights!
4. Meadow Yurt: Glamping Just Outside the Park
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more unique Airbnb in Yosemite than this yurt! The Meadow Yurt is situated just steps from the South Fork of the Tuolumne River in Groveland, about 20-30 minutes from the park entrance.
The interior of the Meadow Yurt is incredibly spacious. It has a twin-over-full bunk bed and a convertible queen futon, plus a private full bathroom with a shower. The kitchen area is more robust than you might expect in a yurt, with a two-burner stovetop (note there’s no oven), refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and coffeemaker. There’s also a full-sized dining table and a cleverly-designed small closet area for hanging clothes.
And while yurts are rustic by nature, this one has a number of modern luxuries including a gas heater, a swamp cooler, and even satellite TV!
You’ll love grilling or having your morning coffee on the large outdoor deck, or spending nights warming up beside the fire ring. If you want to truly connect with nature and get away from the crowds, the Meadow Yurt should be at the top of your list of places to say in Yosemite!
Best Yosemite Airbnbs for Small Groups and Families
5. Copper Bear Lodge: Luxury Home Inside the Park
One of the best Airbnbs in Yosemite, Copper Bear Lodge, is completely surrounded by forestland but still only minutes away from the valley floor. Wildlife sightings are common from the house, so bring a pair of binoculars!
This large, four-bedroom Yosemite vacation home was designed the style of an upscale mountain lodge and comfortably accommodates groups of 8-10. The mix of queen-sized and twin-sized beds throughout makes it especially ideal for families with children.
The open kitchen features high-end appliances so it’s easy to cook for a crowd. And the whole group can enjoy a homemade meal at the large dining room table. There’s also a spacious outdoor deck with a BBQ grill – perfect for gathering after a long day of exploring. After meals, relax by the huge stone fireplace or head up to the loft to play pool or board games, or grab a book and cozy up in the reading nook.
6. Stoneoaks: Renovated 3-Story A-Frame Cabin
Stoneoaks Cabin is one of the coolest Airbnbs in Yosemite because it was actually built by hand in the 1970s! It has been impeccably maintained and beautifully renovated, offering a combination of modern comforts and spectacular natural surroundings.
This cabin is located within the park gates but on a secluded lot, so you truly feel like you have your own slice of Yosemite to yourself. In fact, you can’t even see the neighboring homes! But the Valley floor and the most popular Yosemite attractions are just a short drive away.
This spacious 2,100 square-foot cabin boasts three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and offers plenty of room for families or groups to spread out. Two of the bedrooms have queen-sized beds, the third bedroom has two twin-sized beds, and there’s a pull-out sofa sleeper in the living room.
Cozy up by the wood-burning stove or head out to the deck to watch the sunset in the evenings. This cabin has westward-facing views and the Sierra sunsets here are truly memorable!
7. Sweetwater Lodge: Luxury Home with Game Room
If location is your priority, Sweetwater Lodge should be high on your list of where to stay in Yosemite. This spacious three-bedroom cabin is just a 12-minute drive from the renowned “Tunnel View,” 15 minutes from both Badger Pass Ski Area and Glacier Point, and 20 minutes from the base of El Capitan.
What really makes Sweetwater Lodge one of the coolest Airbnbs in Yosemite is the attention to detail throughout the home itself. Luxuries like a self-opening dishwasher and Crate & Barrel furnishings will make you feel like you’re truly indulging. While thoughtful touches like extra blankets and a pack-n-play for little ones will help you feel right at home.
The crown jewel of this home is the state-of-the-art game room in the garage. Play games on the Wii, throw a few rounds of darts, have a friendly ping-pong or shuffleboard competition, or snuggle up and watch a movie. Guests also have access to one garage parking space and an electric vehicle charging station.
8. Modern Luxury — The Yosemite Cabin
The Yosemite Cabin is unlike even the most unique Airbnbs in Yosemite! Built in the 1970s, it was fully renovated in 2019 and was transformed into a stunning cabin that’s both rustic and uber-sleek. Conde Nast Traveler even named it one of “The Best Airbnb Rentals Near Yosemite National Park” in 2020.
You’ll find that the owners thought of every detail. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, stocked with everything you could possibly think of (and more!). A huge, incredibly comfortable couch in the living room invites you to relax. And the wraparound deck provides a stunningly beautiful spot for morning coffee or taking in sunsets.
This cabin caters to families as it boasts a large board game selection and a washer and dryer. There’s also a dreamy walk-in shower in the master bathroom for unwinding after an action-packed day of exploring the park.
The cabin is located inside the park gates in Yosemite West, about 30 minutes to both the Valley floor and Glacier Point. The drive is so scenic, it feels much shorter!
9. Winter Wonderland: Spacious Yosemite Cabin with Game Room
Traveling with other couples or have a large family? The Winter Wonderland cabin is definitely one of the best vacation rentals in Yosemite.
This home is 3,200 square feet and features three bedrooms and four bathrooms. Each of the cabin’s three bedrooms feature comfortable king-sized beds, and there are also three additional pull-out queen-sized sofa beds between the living and game rooms.
Winter Wonderland’s common areas include a dining room with seating for 10, multiple wraparound decks, a pool table, a game room, and several stone fireplaces. The owners provide firewood, which you’ll appreciate on chilly evenings. There’s even wifi and satellite TV, rare amenities among even the very best Airbnbs in Yosemite.
This cabin is ideally located in Yosemite West, about as close to the major hiking trails and Yosemite Village as you can get in an Airbnb. Glacier Point, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls are all an easy and picturesque 30-minute drive.
10. Copper Lodge: A Cozy River Retreat
Copper Lodge is easily one of the best Airbnbs in Yosemite and we’re not the only ones who think so – Conde Nast Traveler named it one of the 2020 best Airbnbs in Yosemite!
This vacation home sits on 20 acres and the Chowchilla River runs directly through the property. There are several unique buildings nearby, including an outdoor living room with a fireplace, games, and a gorgeous custom mural of Half Dome, made from recycled and salvaged materials. There’s also an outdoor shower and two vintage claw-foot tubs sitting on one of the decks!
Enjoy several hammocks and tree swings scattered throughout the property, plus an indoor/outdoor living room with a covered patio and a grill. If you have to work during your stay, retreat to the detached, dedicated office.
This vacation home is in Mariposa, located between Yosemite’s Arch Rock and the south entrances. Yosemite Valley and the giant sequoia grove are about an hour away and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are a 2.5-hour drive away. Bass Lake and downtown Mariposa are right nearby so Copper Lodge is truly the perfect basecamp.
Best Yosemite Airbnbs for Large Groups and Events
11. Cedar Star: Modern Tri-Level Home with Elevator
This tri-level Yosemite West home easily accommodates up to 10 adults and gives everyone plenty of space to spread out. Cedar Star features a bedroom with a king-sized bed, full bathroom, and spacious living area on each floor. Two bathrooms have steam showers and one has a jetted whirlpool tub.
There are multiple decks on every level and two full kitchens so this house is ideal for entertaining. If this home sounds enormous, that’s because it is! But the elevator means you won’t need to climb three levels worth of stairs.
The thoughtfulness throughout this Yosemite Airbnb is abundant. There are two sets of washers and dryers, satellite wifi, and even a whole-house generator. Yosemite experiences frequent high winds and storms that knock electricity out, so this ensures you won’t have to worry about being without power. This vacation home is so spectacular, you may never want to leave!
12. River Rock Retreat: Luxury Home in Yosemite West
Not only is River Rock Retreat a brand new luxury home in an unbeatable location, but it also sets the bar high for what the best Airbnbs in Yosemite should be. This home is inside park gates in Yosemite West, 15 minutes from Badger Pass Ski Area and 20 minutes from the Valley.
River Rock Retreat has three bedrooms and a 350-square-foot sleeping loft designed specifically for families traveling with children. The loft’s side walls feature four drop-down Murphy beds that tuck discreetly away when not in use. Plus there’s a futon and two large bean bags, as well as a 65” 4K television for movie nights. The bedrooms feature a variety of bed sizes so this vacation home comfortably sleeps 10.
Other amenities that make this one of the best Yosemite vacation rentals include a tremendous stone fireplace, a washer and dryer, satellite wifi, a fully stocked kitchen, and a large deck with a grill and expansive mountain views.
13. Adventure Lodge: Contemporary Yosemite Home
Just looking at the exterior of the Adventure Lodge, it’s obvious that this home is one of the most unique Airbnbs in Yosemite. This tri-level house was built in 2019 and features sleek contemporary architecture, but still manages to retain an authentic “cabin in the woods” feel.
This vacation home has three bedrooms, each with two queen-sized beds. There are also multiple decks, one on each level, plus a large open seating area off of the lower level. The open-concept kitchen, dining, and living room areas make it easy to entertain and connect with your group over meals or simply hanging out. You’ll love the stunning forest views throughout this spectacular Airbnb.
Adventure Lodge is in Wawona, just inside of Yosemite’s south entrance and 20 minutes from some of the most popular hiking trails in the valley. There’s parking for three cars right outside the front door so you won’t have to climb stairs to enter the home (a rarity in Yosemite) and there’s an electric vehicle charging station.
14. Rustic Retreat: Stunning Log Cabin in Wawona (South Yosemite)
Continuing with the Wawona theme, the “Rustic Retreat” is another amazing Airbnb in Yosemite. This spectacular three-bedroom, three-bathroom home sits right on the banks of a stream and is less than five minutes from Swinging Bridge, Chilnualna Falls, and the Merced River.
The Rustic Retreat was designed with families and large groups in mind. Clever sleeping arrangements allow you to maximize the space, with two of the three bedrooms set up with a king-sized bed and two “cubby beds.” The chef’s kitchen features double ovens and a six-burner Wolf gas range, and there are multiple places to sit and eat as a group.
Both the kitchen and bathrooms have heated tile floors, and the home has central A/C and heat. Upstairs there’s a loft with a foosball table and a spacious upper deck. Have a seat and look up – the skylights allow you to stargaze from your chair! There’s also a hot tub downstairs, but if you’d prefer a bit more privacy as you unwind, head to the soaking tub in the master bathroom.
15. The Moonstone: Luxury Riverfront Retreat
Located just 10 miles from the park’s west entrance, The Moonstone is certainly one of the most unique Airbnbs in Yosemite. The Merced River flows directly in front of this four-bedroom, three-bathroom luxury home and it’s situated in a spectacular canyon.
The Moonstone was thoughtfully designed as a luxurious “sanctuary for well-being” and every component of the home is intentional. The owner selected natural materials to enhance the senses, such as reclaimed teak flooring and yak cashmere and down blankets. Three of the four bedrooms are masters, with en suite marble bathrooms and private decks. Bedroom four, dubbed the “Bohemian Room,” has two twin beds so it’s perfect for children.
A full outdoor kitchen, complete with a state-of-the-art pizza oven and large hearth, allows you to cook while being inspired by nature. Also outside is a custom Japanese fresh water soaking tub.
In keeping with its purpose as a sanctuary, The Moonstone also has an 800-square-foot yoga studio with a living roof that’s available for guests by request. You may also arrange several health and wellness-oriented concierge services, including in-home massages, yoga instruction, and hearth-side dinners guided by a Fire Gaucho.
That’s it — 15 of the best Airbnbs in Yosemite National Park! Do you have a favorite vacation rental in Yosemite? Let us know in the comments below.
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