6 Best Hostels in Yosemite

Yosemite is more than just a national park. It’s also a hiker’s paradise and a nature lover’s dream. As dedicated travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, we always have a lot of fun in Yosemite. However, we do realize that Yosemite’s majesty may come at a price, and accommodations are often pricey. Fear not, though, as you can still find many budget options. Though technically, there are no hostels in Yosemite, there’s plenty near the park. To help you choose the best budget accommodation, we’ve stayed in the following hostels. They offered us the perfect blend of affordability, camaraderie, and convenience. Bunking up with other travelers was so fun for us, and if you need some privacy, some hostels also offer private rooms. So, grab your boots, pack your sense of adventure, check out these hostels, and get ready to discover the magic of Yosemite!

Speaking of which, make sure to also check out these best camping sites in Yosemite!

Moderne Hostel, Mammoth Lakes

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Best for Hiking. Perfect for adventure seekers and budget-conscious travelers, we first want to recommend Moderne Hostel. It’s only around 45 minutes away from Yosemite National Park, one of the best camping grounds in California. However, that’s not all. From the hostel, all it took for us was a few minutes to reach Mammoth Mountain. Better yet, the charming town center was only a short walk away. We weren’t even done sharing stories when we arrived and were surrounded by shops and restaurants. Also, hiking enthusiasts should rejoice. Mammoth Lakes is an outdoor paradise, and this hostel puts you right in the thick of it.

We had a two-night stay at this hostel, and it was a total social sanctuary. The shared lounge and communal kitchen were perfect for meeting other travelers. In addition to that, the hostel also boasts BBQ facilities for a feast after hitting the trails, as well as a TV lounge for some downtime entertainment. The rooms and dorms here are simple but cozy. Our bed was clean, and there was a coffee maker to help kickstart our mornings. Of course, the shared bathrooms were spotless and well-maintained, too. Also, bonus points for the high-speed Wi-Fi that kept us connected throughout our stay.

• Distance to Yosemite: 40.80 mi / 65.66 km (via US-395 N)
• Time to Yosemite by car: 45 minutes

Sierra Meadows, Ahwahnee

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Best for Couples. With Sierra Meadows, you don’t have to worry about cramped dorm rooms anymore. Instead of a traditional hostel, it’s more like a romantic haven for lovebirds. On top of that, the Yosemite National Park is only a short drive away. By staying here, we were able to wake up in Yosemite’s embrace. We stayed in the queen-sized studio, and though small, we have to admit our experience was nothing but nice. The queen-sized bed was plush, and though we had to use a shared bathroom, it was nothing unpleasant. But who cares about that if you can stay together with your lover?

One of the biggest selling points of this place is its location, with nature just outside the doorstep. However, when we needed a dose of civilization, there were numerous shops and restaurants within easy reach. And when we were too tired, we would satisfy our quick cravings with the drinks from the on-site vending machine. After exploring Yosemite, we would dive into the sparkling pool to cool down. Then, we would unwind in the lush garden before calling it a day.

• Distance to Yosemite: 20.9 mi / 33.63 km (via CA-41 N)
• Time to Yosemite by car: 36 minutes

HI Sacramento Hostel, Sacramento

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Most Fun. Sure, the HI Sacramento Hostel may not be the nearest choice to the national park. However, we do think its perks outweigh the extra miles. First of all, this hostel is all about socializing. While we were there, we would always spend our free time in the games room – it was our jam! From foosball to darts and pool, you name it. It’s a nice place to break ice with fellow adventurers and keep you busy. When hunger strikes, you can head to the communal kitchen. Once we were done playing games, we would whip up feasts (or at least attempt to) with our new friends. Or, you can also have BBQ evenings under the stars.

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Furthermore, at HI Sacramento, there are so many rooms for any mood. For mixing and mingling, you can choose the dorm. But if you’re feeling introspective, there are private rooms, too. We chose the dorm as it was the cheapest, and there were lockers to keep our stuff safe, too. But the real gem? The staff! Throughout our stay, they were like walking Wikipedias. They would spill the beans on quirky cafes and the best spots for us to catch the sunset. For more options in the region, take a look at these best hostels in Northern California!

• Distance to Yosemite: 144 mi / 231.74 km (via CA-99 S and CA-120 E)
• Time to Yosemite by car: 2 hours 50 minutes

Yosemite International Hostel, Groveland

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Best for Eating Out. The Yosemite International Hostel is another great addition to this list. The perfect crash pad for explorations and meeting other wanderlusters from all corners of the globe, this hostel is only about 30 minutes away from the Yosemite Valley. As expected from a hostel, there are many common areas on-site. Staying at this hostel felt like we were having a sleepover. With a shared kitchen, everyone is invited to have a hearty breakfast together. But there was only a fridge and microwave while we were there, so we decided to head out for food with some new friends. Lucky for us, many cafes and restaurants were within easy walking distance. We even stopped by a grocery store, which took us around only five minutes from the hostel.

“We think this hostel needs more recoginition. Though not perfect, it allowed us to have a comfortable stay without spending so much.”

WOW Travel

Now, what about the rooms? Despite being affordable accommodation, each room is cleaned daily and designed with comfort in mind. We chose the 10-bed dorm, and it was flawless. We could still access the Wi-Fi without any problems, and the bed was super comfy. Also, we never had to worry about bathroom wars. All of the shared bathrooms were squeaky clean! If you don’t mind spending a bit more, you can check out the suite, which comes with a cozy seating area, perfect for curling up with a good book.

• Distance to Yosemite: 26.50 mi / 42.64 km (via CA-120 E)
• Time to Yosemite by car: 38 minutes

Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort, Midpines

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Best Amenities. Up next is the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort, which may be your kind of place. From this resort, we were able to reach the national park in less than 40 minutes, which was pretty fast. However, we highly recommend spending a day just fully to enjoy everything the resort has to offer. It offered us everything we needed for an unforgettable stay, something we didn’t expect at all. For one, the health spa was practically begging for us to melt in after a day of exploration. In addition to that, you can also join other travelers in a calming yoga session or rejuvenate by ordering a massage. Our favorite activity, however, was to spend a good minute in the hot rock sauna and sweat everything out.

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Like most hostels in Yosemite, this place also offers a shared kitchen, which is a great place to whip up a meal with fellow adventurers. When we were feeling lazy, we would go to the bar and restaurant, which served us fresh, mouth-watering dishes. Some of us also tried the vegan options, and they were surprisingly good. For budget-conscious travelers, choose the dorm room. We always had a good night’s sleep as it was clean and the bed was cozy. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider one of the tent rooms you can share with your friend.

• Distance to Yosemite: 22.80 mi / 36.69 km (via CA-140 E)
• Time to Yosemite by car: 36 minutes

Jackass Hostel, North Fork

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Best Overall. Are you ready for a fun and convenient stay near Yosemite? Look no further than Jackass Hostel, a beautiful and affordable option in North Fork. When we first arrived at the hostel, we were taken aback by the beautiful garden. We didn’t expect the hostel to be that pretty at all! The lilacs were blooming and simply captivating. Just look at the picture below! We would always head outside to soak in the mountain views and get some fresh air during our time there. Or, if you need a quiet moment with your book, it’s a good spot, too.

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This hostel truly radiates good vibes. It has a little something for everyone, from free high-speed Wi-Fi to a shared kitchen and board games. Speaking of which, it also boasts bunk beds for travelers. We stayed in the mixed dorm, and it was bigger than we thought. We loved how our room (and the rest) had its own tea and coffee station, which was perfect for us as we needed that pre-dawn caffeine jolt. Though shared, the bathroom was exceptionally clean. Just make sure to bring your own toiletries. And when you’re in the mood to socialize, just head to the light-filled common areas, be it the comfy lounge or sunny dining area.

• Distance to Yosemite: 27.30 mi / 43.93 km (via Rd327/Malum Ridge Rd and CA-41 N)
• Time to Yosemite by car: 41 minutes

Our Verdict!

Based on its location, comfort, and price, we think Jackass Hostel, North Fork, deserves to be at the top of this list. Of course, though it’s the best for us, it may not be the best for everyone. So, to make things easier for you, we’ve categorized each option above based on the following criteria!

• Best Amenities: Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort, Midpines
• Best for Eating Out: Yosemite International Hostel, Groveland
• Most Fun: HI Sacramento Hostel, Sacramento
• Best for Couples: Sierra Meadows, Ahwahnee
• Best for Hiking: Moderne Hostel, Mammoth Lakes

Where to Stay in Yosemite

Based on our picks above, there are several places that you may want to consider. First is North Fork, home to Yosemite’s breathtaking scenery. Here, you’ll find towering granite cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, and lush forests. A less crowded place than other parts of Yosemite, it’s nice for outdoor activities like camping and hiking. Speaking of which, Mammoth Lakes is also a nice place for hiking and other outdoor activities. This resort town is in the Sierra Nevada mountains, offering stunning scenery. Also in the Sierra Nevada is Ahwahnee. It has a rural feel and is home to plenty of parks. The overall vibe here is more laid-back, making it a nice place for couples.

Additionally, there’s Midpines. This is a charming gateway town to Yosemite National Park. You’ll find numerous restaurants, shops, and affordable lodging options here. It’s also near Bass Lake, a popular spot for swimming and fishing. However, if you want to be somewhere rich in history, Groveland may suit you better. Home to the Big Trees State Park, it’s where you can see some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world.

Lastly, you can choose to stay in Sacramento, the capital of California. It’s the perfect place for those who want a more vibrant place to call home with a variety of attractions. It’s popular for its thriving art scene, museums, and theaters. For accommodations, you can check out these best boutique hotels and pet-friendly hotels in Sacramento.

Should I stay in Yosemite National Park?

It depends. Staying in the park has its own perks. You’ll be able to enjoy the stunning scenery 24/7, but the price of the accommodations may be pricey. If you want something more budget-friendly, you should note that Yosemite has no hostels. However, the hostels can be great alternatives.

How many days in Yosemite is enough?

Since there are so many things to do and see, most travelers stay in Yosemite for around three to four days.

Can I sleep in my car in Yosemite?

Unfortunately, no. Instead of doing that, you should book a room in one of the hostels above. They’re only a short drive away from Yosemite.