Yosemite's Best Budget Items

Description:

Yosemite Valley has more than 12 miles of bicycling trails on the flat valley floor that have a variety of prepared surfaces. These trails are also suitable for strollers, bikes with trailers and even wheelchairs, and they are one of the best ways to see the sights. You can rent bikes by the hour or by the day. Rentals are available at the Yosemite Lodge and at Curry Village, but not in the winter; spring and fall rentals depend on conditions. Helmets are mandatory and are provided free.  Riding on hiking trails in the park is not permitted.

Our Local Expert Says:

You'll always find locals here; a good sign.

Description:

The Bug is loved by locals, by international visitors and by anyone open to a different kind of casual dining.  People are friendly, most are there to see Yosemite, and it's easy to find a conversation with someone from Ireland or a group of rangers gathering off duty.  Good coffee, wine, beer and always a different menu of tasty entrees and baked goods.  Order off the menu board at the kitchen counter then relax by the fireplace, or in an easy chair with a Yosemite guidebook.  The staff will find you with your food when it's ready.  Open all year, with easy access to the park.

Description:

Degnan's is a social hub for Yosemite Village and it's overflowing at lunchtime.  There's a lot to chose from, but their sandwich selection (all named for park landmarks) is great and the soups are just the thing on a chilly mountain day.  Lots of beverage fridges, ice cream novelties, chips and candy can round out a meal for a picnic table outside or will fill your daypack for a hike to Mirror Lake or up Yosemite Falls.  Open year-round. 

Description:

Called Camp Curry in the old days, this rustic summer facility in Yosemite Valley pre-dates the establishment of Yosemite National Park.  Scores of tent cabins, cabins without bath, and cabins with bath comprise lodgings for hundreds of people.  There's a swimming pool, large cafeteria, a coffee corner, a pizza deck, a taco stand, and a small camper's grocery/gift store.  The climbing school is based here, within the Mountain Shop.  A large outdoor amphitheater features nightly programs in the summer.  Raft and bike rentals are nearby.  A few cabins are open in winter, as is an ice rink. 

Our Local Expert Says:

Simple and close to nature.

Description:

Not for everyone, yet popular with thousands of people who come back to the same spots year after year, Housekeeping Camp is an unusual summertime accommodation for those who like the outdoors.  A step above tent camping, these units are three-sided concrete structures with a tent roof.  Each has a firepit, table, food storage and cooking area.  They have a double bed and bunkbed setup for yor sleeping bags.  Simple, but adequate, and close to nature.  The crystal Merced River wraps around the Camp, with good beachfront for wading/swimming, and grand views of the cliffs above. LeConte Lodge is across the street for weekend evening programs.  There's a shuttle stop, showers, a laundromat and a small camp store here.  There's a bike trail across Southside Drive and a footbridge over the river towards the Ahwahnee and Yosemite Village. 

Our Local Expert Says:

A favorite with international travelers and dining here is a treat for the locals.

Description:

Part of Hostelling International, this lovely wooded compound is located about 25 miles from Yosemite Park. There are co-ed, single-gender and group cabins. The beds are of good quality, and fresh linens are provided. The compound includes a bistro, lounge, restaurant and bookstore.

Our Local Expert Says:

A hidden gem, tucked into a maze of granite outcrops, along the historic Old Big Oak Flat Road of 1874

Description:

The Tamarack Flat Campground can be accessed from the western end of Tioga Road. There is a three mile access road that leads south from Tioga Road to the campground. This access road is not passable by large RVs and trailers, therefore there are mostly tent sites available at this facility. Tamarack Flat Campground consists of 52 sites with picnic tables and fire pits. There is no drinking water available at this site, so campers should bring their own supply. Campground amenities include pit toilets. Extra parking for hikers is available. Pets are not allowed.
Summer only.