Housekeeping Camp - Yosemite National Park

If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park and not bring your own tent you will love Housekeeping Camp.

You don't have to worry about packing an air mattress or tent just your sleeping bag and travel gear.

Housekeeping Camp is located near Curry Village with easy access to the free Yosemite Shuttles to explore the park. You can wake up and hit the park early to see as much as possible.

 

Housekeeping Camp

This is sort of glamping but in a very basic form. The Housekeeping Camp features three-sided concrete structures and a canvas flap at the front. There are roofs and privacy curtains.

Within the tent structures are a double bed and a bunk bed along with an electrical outlet and a small shelf.

These are VERY BASIC but you do not have to pack a tent with you and you are in the heart of Yosemite.

If you are looking for privacy or a quiet space you may want to look at booking a room in one of the Yosemite Lodges (Ahawanee, Yosemite Valley Lodge or Wawona Hotel).

If you are looking to enjoy more of nature, being outside, and close to everything than you will love Housekeeping Camp.

I feel like I need to repeat mentioning that this is not fancy and you will want to be prepared to be outside.

We have heard from people that they were surprised by how cold it was at night and were glad they brought a good sleeping bag. You can rent sheets and a blanket from Housekeeping Camp but remember you are at 4,000 feet and it can get cold at night.

There are Standard Units and River Units that are nearby sandy beaches perfect for relaxing and soaking in views of Yosemite Falls

You honestly get to enjoy unmatched views of Yosemite from the moment you wake up in the morning. The Merced River is your backyard and easy to get to especially if you book a river unit.

No stress setting up a tent, you just pull up and unload into your covered patio. If you love camping outdoors you will love the sights and sounds of Housekeeping Camp.

Truly a Yosemite favorite for many visitors to Yosemite National Park!

Plus if the weather turns you have a canvas roof to listen to the rain all night long.

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee

Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

$0.00 for Education/Academic Group

$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

$45.00-$125.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

Season: April - October

Number of Sites:  266 units in the Housekeeping Camp

Location in the park: Near Curry Village in the heart of Yosemite Valley

Campsite cost: $108.00 a night

Reservations: Yes (see how and when to make a reservation below)

Latitude/Longitude: 37.7409° N, 119.5795° W

Elevation: 4,000 feet (1,200 m)

Pets Allowed: There are no pets allowed on the property.

Housekeeping Camp Reservations 

Click here to book your stay at Housekeeping Camp.

How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Reservations are available 366 days in advance and are strongly recommended, especially from spring through fall and during holidays.

Housekeeping Camp Amenities

Flush Toilets: Yes

Payphone: Yes

Is wifi available? No (Complimentary WiFi is available at Degnan's Kitchen near the visitor center (bandwidth is limited)

Is cellular Phone Service Available? Maybe, It will depend on your carrier. Some trips we have service with T-mobile in this area of the park.

Is firewood available for purchase? Yes, You can buy charcoal and firewood at the Housekeeping Camp Store.

Amenities at each Housekeeping Camp Tent

Each Housekeeping Camp unit features two electrical outlets, one inside the sleeping area and one outside. Each outlet has one plug.

You may want to pack a charging bar if you have camera batteries and multiple phones to charge.

There is one light in the sleeping area and one light in the patio area.

You can rent Bed Packs for $10.00 at Housekeeping Camp when you arrive. The pack includes two blankets, two sheets, and two pillows.

Firepit in the site? Yes, there are fire rings at each campsite.

Wood fires are only allowed from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Picnic Table in the site? Yes

Bear Box in site/area? Yes, All units have a campfire ring with a grill grate and a bear-proof food storage locker.

You are required to store food properly in order to protect Yosemite’s bears. 

Food storage lockers are provided in all campsites 35″(D)x43″(W)x28″(H)

Potable Water? Yes, there is drinking water available in the campground

Laundry: Open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, the laundry room features coin-operated washers and dryers.

Showers: Shower house is open from 7:00 am - 10:00 pm.

Camp Store: Open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

 

Don't forget to pack with you

Padlock for your food storage locker.

Shower shoes for the public community showers and walks to the restroom at night.

Earplugs for additional sleeping support.

String lights to help you find your tent at night

A water bottle that you can refill.

Flashlight or LED headlamp and extra batteries.

Closeable plastic food containers to store in the locker.

Inflatable Hammock for lounging and checking the epic Yosemite scenery.

Marshmallow Roasting Sticks to make epic smores over the campfire.

Bleach wipes to wipe down cooking areas and remove all food and scents.

The best thing to remember to bring is your sense of adventure! Yosemite will be your backyard while staying in Housekeeping Camp and there is so much to see and do!

You will want to bring camping chairs with you or rent them at the Housekeeping Camp rental store. If you plan on renting them make sure to get there early so they do not sell out.

How to get to Housekeeping Camp

Location: Yosemite Valley

Housekeeping Camp Address:
Southside Dr,
Yosemite Valley, CA 95389

Housekeeping Camp Phone:
(888) 413-8869

 

 

Housekeeping Camp Regulations

The maximum number of people in a campsite: A maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite.

The number of cars per campsite: Two motorized vehicles per campsite. A valid campground car pass must be displayed.

Check-in Time: 4 pm

Checkout time: 11 am

Quiet Hours: Quiet Hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, seven days a week.

Cancellation Policy: $10.00 cancellation fee for cancellations made 7 or more days prior to arrival. Reservations canceled within 7 days of arrival will forfeit the deposit paid.

Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited at all accommodations and buildings in Yosemite.

 

Yosemite National Park Lodging

If you are wondering where to stay in Yosemite National Park there are multiple options available ranging from tent cabins to national park lodges.

Ahwahnee Hotel

The Ahwahnee Hotel is located in Yosemite Valley and is known throughout the world as one of the most luxurious National Park Lodges.

Wawona Hotel - Currently Closed

Built in 1856 the Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center in Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Valley Lodge

If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite National Park than you will love Yosemite Valley Lodge.

The lodge is located close to Yosemite Falls which makes it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.

Curry Village Cabins

Part of the Curry Village complex that was previously known as Half Dome Village.

Curry Village Tent Cabins

The Curry Village Tent Cabins are a great option for staying in Yosemite Valley. Available for booking on Expedia

Housekeeping Camp

If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite Valley and not bring your own tent you will love Housekeeping Camp.

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge

Located off the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge includes 69 canvas-tent cabins without electricity.

Where to stay near Yosemite

There are great options for lodging near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance.

A few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst include:

Chateau du Sureau

The Pines Resort at Bass Lake

Sierra Sky Ranch

Hounds Tooth Inn

Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn - At Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn, you can look forward to a terrace, a playground, and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs. The onsite restaurant, Yosemite Gateway, features American cuisine. Free Wi-Fi in public areas is available to all guests, along with a bar and a gym.

Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites - At Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour business center. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or the steam room. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite - 4-star eco-friendly resort near Yosemite. You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and shopping on site at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at this resort. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment, and aromatherapy at Ascent Spa, the onsite spa. Enjoy pizza and more at the two onsite restaurants. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like mountain biking and archery. In addition to a coffee shop/café and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Rush Creek Lodge - 3.5-star family-friendly hotel near Yosemite. Take advantage of a poolside bar, a grocery/convenience store, and a terrace at Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the mountain biking and ecotours at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs. The onsite restaurant, Rush Creek Restaurant, features local cuisine. In addition to a coffee shop/café and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Yosemite Sierra Inn - Yosemite Sierra Inn provides a business center and more. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas.

 Queen's Inn By the River - Enjoy visiting the attached winery, a terrace, and a garden at Queen's Inn By the River. The onsite restaurant, Idle Hour Winery &Kitchen, features garden views and brunch. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as 2 bars.

For additional lodging options click on the map below for current rates and availability for lodging and vacation rentals near Yosemite NP.

Additional Yosemite National Park Resources

Complete Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park - Complete guide to exploring Yosemite National Park.

Make sure also to check out my articles on  Things to do in Yosemite, 1-Day in Yosemite guide, Curry Village, Yosemite Winter Guide, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Valley Guide, Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Midnight Yosemite Valley Floor Tour, and Bracebridge Dinner - which I have selected as one of my top 100 Experiences in the U.S. National Park!

Yosemite National Park Campgrounds

Yosemite National Park Camping Guide - Guide to all of Yosemite National Park's campgrounds including a map showing their location within the park. Campgrounds include the North Pines Campground, Upper Pines Campground, Lower Pines Campground, Camp 4, Wawona Campground, Housekeeping Camp, Hodgdon Meadow Campground, Porcupine Flat Campground, Bridalveil Creek Campground, Crane Flat Campground, Tamarack Flat Campground, Tuolumne Meadows Campground, and Yosemite Creek Campground.

For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando

Additional Information on Oakhurst/Bass Lake, California

Guide to exploring Oakhurst, California, the southern entrance to Yosemite

Bass Lake Travel Guide

Bass Lake Camping Guide, including the Lupine Campground and the Cedar Bluff Campground.

Check out all of the National Parks in California and neighboring National Parks in Oregon, National Parks in Nevada, and National Parks in Arizona.

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