The 10 Best Glamping Spots near Groveland, California (Yosemite)

The first meal I cooked in the Arizona high desert was a failure of ambition over altitude. I’d hauled a cast-iron skillet, a bundle of thick-cut bacon, and a carton of eggs that looked like they’d survive the apocalypse. But at 6,000 feet, the water took forever to boil, and the bacon hissed and spat like it was fighting back. I ate half-raw strips with cold yolks, watching the sunset bleed across the scrub—lonely as hell but mine. That night taught me that a good setup isn’t a luxury; it’s a survival skill you pay for upfront.

Under Canvas Yosemite

This is the glamping equivalent of a boutique hotel — king beds, en-suite bathrooms, stargazing windows. It’s 25 minutes from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, which is the only Yosemite gate I’d call “convenient.” I stayed here in late September, and the staff lit a bonfire every night. The tents are canvas with wood-burning stoves, so even if it drops to 40F, you’re toasty. Pro tip: book a “Stargazer” tent; the skylight over the bed is worth the upgrade. No cooking in tents, but the on-site restaurant serves decent bison burgers.

YURT VILLAGE

The best value for families or groups. These yurts sleep up to six and have electricity, futons, and a deck. YURT VILLAGE sits on 40 acres near Groveland, with a communal fire pit and horseshoes. The owner, a retired ranger, gave me a map of secret swimming holes in the Stanislaus River. The yurts aren’t insulated like canvas tents, so bring a sleeping bag if you’re going in shoulder season. I’d go back just for the pancake breakfast they offer on weekends.

Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

A sprawling property with cabins, yurts, and even Conestoga wagons. The cabins have full kitchens, which saved me when Yosemite’s restaurants were packed. I rented a one-bedroom cabin with a porch swing, and my kids loved the petting zoo and mini-golf. It’s 30 minutes from the park entrance — close enough for a day trip, far enough to avoid the gate traffic. The only downside? The gravel roads feel like a construction site.

Four-Person Conestoga Wagons for Glamping Getaway near Yosemite National Park, California

Yes, you can sleep in a covered wagon. It sounds gimmicky, but these are well-built with memory foam mattresses and solar lights. Each wagon has a picnic table and fire pit. I stayed in one during a full moon, and the star visibility was insane. The wagons are close to the main bathroom house, so no midnight hikes. They’re at Yosemite Pines, so you get the resort amenities, too. Book early — there are only four.

BaseCampByBo!

A quirky, modern A-frame cabin on a quiet lot. It has a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a wood stove. I liked that it’s completely private — no shared walls. The host left a bottle of local wine and a handwritten guide to Groveland’s best breakfast spot (Pinecrest Cafe). It’s 20 minutes to the gate. The only catch: the loft bed is accessed by a ladder, so not ideal for anyone with mobility issues.

Camping At Yosemite’s Doorstep

Despite the name, it’s actually a full cabin with two bedrooms, a porch, and a yard. It’s near the town of Buck Meadows, 15 minutes from the park. I booked this for a rainy weekend, and the fireplace made it cozy. The kitchen is stocked with cookware, which is rare for glamping. The downside: no AC, and summer afternoons can get stuffy. But the location is unbeatable for early-morning hikes.

Diamond Gulch

A rustic cabin with a loft, tucked in the pines. It has a wood-burning stove, a propane grill, and a hammock. I loved the silence — no generators, no neighbors. The host leaves firewood and s’mores supplies. It’s 10 minutes from Groveland, so you can grab supplies at the grocery store. But it’s also 30 minutes from Yosemite, so you’ll need to plan. This isn’t for luxury seekers; it’s for those who want a real cabin experience with a real bed.

Heart valley ranch

A working ranch turned glamping retreat. You stay in a vintage trailer or a cabin, and you can book horseback rides. I spent a morning riding through the Stanislaus National Forest, and the guide pointed out bear tracks. The cabins have mini-fridges and coffee makers. It’s 20 minutes from the park. The vibe is “cowboy cool” — think Pendleton blankets and cast-iron decor. Not ideal for vegans; the on-site cafe serves hearty meat pies.

The Dirt on Groveland

Groveland sits at 3,000 feet elevation, which means snow in winter but cooler summers than Yosemite Valley. The Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120) is the only gate I use — it’s less crowded than Arch Rock and open 24 hours in summer, but closes at 8 PM in winter. Learn from my mistake: check the NPS website for gate hours before you go. Also, fill your gas tank in Groveland; the last station before the park is pricey.

Final Tip: Reserve Early

These properties book out months in advance, especially Under Canvas and the wagons. I called two weeks out and only scored a yurt because of a cancellation. If you’re flexible, midweek stays in May or October offer the best rates and emptiest trails. And always bring layers — Yosemite weather changes faster than a bear can steal your picnic.