Located in the Sierra Nevada, spanning four counties, and covering more than 3,000 square kilometres, Yosemite National Park is one of the biggest national parks in the region. A World Heritage Site, it is famous for its gigantic granite cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls and lakes, glaciers, and towering sequoia trees. Yosemite has a diverse animal and plant life with scenic views around almost every turn.
You may be getting yourself in a twist over where to stay as Yosemite is a substantial distance from many major cities (for example, 322 km / 200 miles from San Francisco, 450 km / 280 miles from Los Angeles, and 644 km / 400 miles from San Diego).
Worry not! Our travel writers have done the research for you, and conveniently categorised into the best hostels for all the different types of travellers.
Check out these best hostels near Yosemite and have a fantastic time exploring one of the USA’s great wildernesses.
Quick Answer: Best Hostels Near Yosemite
#1 Overall Best hostel Near Yosemite – Jackass Hostel
#2 Best Hostel Near Yosemite to Catch an Early Flight – Edge Water Inn
#3 Best Hostel Near Yosemite to Catch an Early Train – Motel 6 Livingston-Merced County
#4 Best Hostel Near Yosemite for Solo Travelers – HI Sacramento
#5 Best Party Hostel Near Yosemite – Yosemite International Hostel
#6 Best Hostel for Business Travelers Near Yosemite – Miners Inn
#7 Best Hostel for Couples Near Yosemite – Sierra Meadows
#8 Best Hostel Near Yosemite for Families – Yosemite Sierra View Bed & Breakfast
#9 Best Budget Hostel Near Yosemite – Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort
#10 Best Luxury Hostel Near Yosemite – Cedar Lodge
#11 Best Hostel with a Private Room Near Yosemite – June Lake Villager
Best Hostels Near Yosemite
#1 – Jackass Hostel
• Overall Best hostel Near Yosemite •
With great reviews and some of the cheapest rates near Yosemite, it’s easy to see why the Jackass Hostel made the list
With great reviews and some of the cheapest rates near Yosemite, it’s easy to see why the Jackass Hostel made the list
With great reviews and some of the cheapest rates near Yosemite, it’s easy to see why the Jackass Hostel made the list- Cost – $
- Distance to Yosemite 45 km / 28 miles
- Time to Yosemite by taxi/ car: 40 minutes
Don’t be put off by the name! Our winner for the overall best hostel near Yosemite is the welcoming and well-equipped Jackass Hostel. It’s the perfect base for a Yosemite Day Trip before you come back for supper. There are mixed and female-only dorms (with shared bathrooms) and each dorm has its own convenient tea and coffee making facilities for a little energy boost first thing in the morning. All rooms have a patio too.
The homey vibes are strong here and you can have a great time with other guests at events like pub crawls, themed dinners, movie nights, and organised outings. Alternatively, enjoy some light competition with board games and a PS3.
The light and airy common spaces include a cosy lounge, a dining area, and a kitchen. Outside, you’ll find BBQ facilities. Want to de-stress and enjoy some quiet time? Grab a good read from the book exchange, surf the free Wi-Fi, or arrange a massage.
#2 – Edge Water Inn
• Best Hostel Near Yosemite to Catch an Early Flight •
Edge Water Inn is the best hostel near Yosemite to catch an early flight.
Edge Water Inn is the best hostel near Yosemite to catch an early flight.
Edge Water Inn is the best hostel near Yosemite to catch an early flight.- Cost – $$
- Distance to Yosemite 135 km / 84 miles
- Time to Yosemite by taxi / car: 1 hour 40 minutes
Edge Water Inn is the best hostel near Yosemite to catch an early flight. It’s located in Reedley, which is a short distance from Fresno and one of the closest airports to Yosemite National Park (Fresno Yosemite International Airport / FAT).
There are king and double queen rooms, which can accommodate up to two and four guests respectively, making it a terrific choice for families, friends, and couples. Rooms are en suite.
An in-room fridge and microwave are ideal for evenings when you want to prepare basic meals yourself, and breakfast is included in the price. Other room amenities include free Wi-Fi and a TV, and the hostel has a swimming pool where you can relax after a busy day of exploring nature. There’s free onsite car parking too.
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#3 – Motel 6 Livingston-Merced County
• Best Hostel Near Yosemite to Catch an Early Train •
Motel 6 Livingston-Merced County is conveniently close to the train station with great reviews too!
Motel 6 Livingston-Merced County is conveniently close to the train station with great reviews too!
Motel 6 Livingston-Merced County is conveniently close to the train station with great reviews too!- Cost – $$
- Distance to Yosemite 137 km / 85 miles
- Time to Yosemite by taxi / car: 1 hour 50 minutes
Motel 6 Livingston-Merced County is the best hostel near Yosemite to catch an early train. The hostel is in Merced, where you’ll find the closest railway station to Yosemite National Park.
Rooms at Motel 6 are basic and fairly compact, but you’ll find them comfortable enough for a short stay. Besides, you’ll likely be out and about exploring during the daytimes and not spending too much time in the room when you’re not asleep!
There are queen-sized rooms for two and rooms for four with two double beds. All rooms are en suite and each comes with a TV, telephone, and free Wi-Fi. Reception is staffed around the clock and there are vending machines if you get peckish or thirsty during the night.
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#4 – HI Sacramento
• Best Hostel Near Yosemite for Solo Travellers •
While a bit further from the national park, the amenities at HI Sacramento are amazing
While a bit further from the national park, the amenities at HI Sacramento are amazing
While a bit further from the national park, the amenities at HI Sacramento are amazing- Cost – $
- Distance to Yosemite: 233 km / 145 miles
- Time to Yosemite by taxi / car: 3 hours
HI Sacramento may not be right on top of the national park, but there are several reasons why we think this is the best hostel near Yosemite for solo travellers. Firstly, there’s a wide choice of dorms and private rooms.
There are mixed and ladies-only ten-bed dorms or, if you prefer complete privacy at bedtime, you can book a single room with a shared bathroom.
Dorms have lockers. The games room, complete with foosball, darts, a pool table, and more, is a fantastic place to hang out with new pals. The outdoor patio is nice on a warm day too. Cook shared meals in the communal kitchen to impress your new mates with your culinary skills or throw some meats on the BBQ.
Keep in touch with folks back home with the free Wi-Fi, keep on top of your laundry, easily swap your books when you’ve finished reading them, and pick the brains of the knowledgeable and friendly staff for heaps of inside local tips and tricks. Housed within a stunning old mansion, the elegant décor is pretty sweet too!
When visiting Yosemite, don’t miss out on hiking Half Dome! It’s easily one of the best things to do in the park.
#5 – Yosemite International Hostel
• Best Party Hostel Near Yosemite •
Be prepared to party or soak up the atmosphere at the Yosemite International Hostel
Be prepared to party or soak up the atmosphere at the Yosemite International Hostel
Be prepared to party or soak up the atmosphere at the Yosemite International Hostel- Cost – $
- Distance to Yosemite6 km / 24 miles
- Time to Yosemite by taxi / car: 30 minutes
The popular and fun Yosemite International Hostel is a great place for sociable travellers to mingle. The hostel has a great onsite bistro and bar with terrific happy hour promotions on drinks. It’s our recommendation for the best party hostel near Yosemite.
There are also indoor and outdoor common areas at the Yosemite International House where you can relax and take it easy, and you can whip up a treat (or a hangover cure!) in the shared kitchen.
With mixed dorms for eight and ten and private rooms for two, three, and four (all with shared bathrooms), there are sleeping spaces to suit most types of party-loving traveller. Freebies include Wi-Fi and parking and you may find things like the laundry facilities and left luggage storage useful.
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#6 – Miners Inn
Best Hostel for Business Travellers Near Yosemite
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Yosemite7 km / 31.5 miles
- Time to Yosemite by taxi / car: 45 minutes
Miners Inn is a great place for work, rest, and play, and we think it’s the best hostel for business travellers near Yosemite.
The Miners’ Rooms are clean and spacious with lots of pleasant little touches and good amenities. Choose between the king-sized room for two or the queen room that can accommodate up to four people. There is also the option of a luxury king room too, which has a fabulous spa bath and balcony. All rooms come with a private bathroom, complete with a hairdryer, a TV, and a telephone.
The in-room tea and coffee making facilities are perfect for your morning pick me up before enjoying the free breakfast, and the free Wi-Fi lets you keep up to date with communications and important tasks.
Business guests are likely to appreciate extra services like faxing and photocopying, an onsite ATM, ticketing services, free parking, and 24-hour reception. It can’t be all work and no time for relaxation—the swimming pool, bar and karaoke are just a few ways o unwind after a day exploring Yosemite, of meetings or work.
PS – have a look at our guide to the top hostels in Seattle, USA – for all budgets!
#7 – Sierra Meadows
• Best Hostel for Couples Near Yosemite •
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Yosemite 33 km / 20.5 miles
- Time to Yosemite by taxi / car: 35 minutes
We think that the charming and rustic Sierra Meadows is the best hostel for couples near Yosemite. More of a cabin park than a true hostel, we just love the cute wooden chalets (with private bathrooms) and lovely queen-sized studios (with shared bathrooms) and think it’s an ideal spot for a romantic getaway.
Surrounded by nature, there are shops and eateries close to hand. There are vending machines for drinks and snacks too.
The swimming pool is sure to tempt you on a warm, sunny day and you can also unwind in the garden and on the patio. You can access free Wi-Fi throughout the park.
#8 – Yosemite Sierra View Bed & Breakfast
• Best Hostel Near Yosemite for Families •
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Yosemite 29 km / 18 miles
- Time to Yosemite by taxi / car: 30 minutes
Yosemite Sierra View Bed & Breakfast is our choice for the best hostel near Yosemite for families. There are lovely one-bedroom suites with a double bed in the bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room, ideal for families of four.
Spacious and clean, the suites have a private bathroom and a patio with awesome mountain views.
The satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, and board games will are good for keeping kids entertained in the evenings, and there’s also a shared lounge and picnic area where you can all chill out. Start you day with a hearty home-cooked breakfast (included in the price) before heading out to explore.
Other plus points include free parking, baggage storage, a tour desk, and packed lunches if required.
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#9 – Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort
• Best Budget Hostel Near Yosemite •
- Cost – $
- Distance to Yosemite 37 km / 23 miles
- Time to Yosemite by taxi / car: 35 minutes
Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort is a rustic accommodation close to the main entrance to Yosemite National Park. If you want to stay near to Yosemite, then this is a good bet. Prices are reasonable and it’s our pick for the best budget hostel near Yosemite. There are mixed and single-gender dorms for 12 as well as private rooms that can sleep up to five guests. All rooms are en suite.
You’ll find heaps to keep you busy at the Bug Rustic, from the one-hour nature trail and swimming pool to the foosball table and ping pong. If you’re in need of some TLC, check out the spa, where you can enjoy massages, yoga, sauna, and hot tub.
The onsite restaurant serves a wide selection of tempting dishes, or you can cut costs and prepare your own meals in the communal kitchen. Other convenient features include free Wi-Fi, laundry and ironing facilities, luggage storage, and a tour desk.
#10 – Cedar Lodge
• Best Luxury Hostel Near Yosemite •
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Yosemite4 km / 8.3 miles
- Time to Yosemite by taxi / car: 15 minutes
The lovely Cedar Lodge is an attractive accommodation with terrific facilities just a short drive from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Our favourite when it comes to the best luxury hostel near Yosemite, the property boasts both an indoor and an outdoor pool. If you want even more pampering, take a dip in the hot tub or treat yourself to a session in the spa.
Enjoy being outdoors at the private beach area or enjoy an al fresco lunch at the picnic areas. There’s an onsite restaurant-cum-bar that serves a range of tasty meals and drinks and you’ll also find BBQ facilities throughout the grounds.
The banqueting facilities and bridal suite are perfect for anyone celebrating their big day. Daily housekeeping services keep everywhere looking spotless and reception is staffed 24 hours of the day. The boutique-style rooms can sleep between two and four. All are en suite; some have a spa bath for even more luxury.
#11 – June Lake Villager
• Best Hostel with a Private Room Near Yosemite •
- Cost – $
- Distance to Yosemite 42 km / 26 miles
- Time to Yosemite by taxi / car: 1 hour 10 minutes
June Lake Villager has a wide variety of private rooms to suit couples, groups of nature-loving friends, and families.
There are queen rooms with a double bed, some of which come with a small kitchenette, double rooms with a double bed and a single bed, king rooms with a double bed and two single beds, one- and two-bedroom suites (with one single and one double bed and one double and two single beds respectively), and three-bedroom cottages that can accommodate up to six people. All rooms have a private bathroom and a separate seating area.
Room amenities include a TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. The cosy homey furnishings are inviting. Year-round activities are available in the surrounding area, including hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing.
Keen anglers will find a fish cleaning station at the property and BBQs where they can grill up the day’s catch. It’s our top pick for the best hostel with a private room near Yosemite.
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Overall Best hostel Near Yosemite
Jackass Hostel
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Best Hostel Near Yosemite to Catch an Early
Flight Edge Water Inn
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Best Hostel Near Yosemite to Catch an Early
Train Motel 6 Livingston-Merced County
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Best Hostel Near Yosemite for Solo Travellers
HI Sacramento
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Best Party Hostel Near Yosemite
Yosemite International Hostel
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Best Hostel for Business Travellers Near
Yosemite Miners Inn
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Best Hostel for Couples Near Yosemite
Sierra Meadows
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Best Hostel Near Yosemite for Families
Yosemite Sierra View Bed & Breakfast
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Best Budget Hostel Near Yosemite
Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort
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Best Luxury Hostel Near Yosemite
Cedar Lodge
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Best Hostel with a Private Room Near Yosemite
June Lake Villager
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Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels near Yosemite National Park
So, there you go … the best hostels near Yosemite. Which is your favourite? Don’t forget to book your rooms without delay to avoid disappointment.
With something for different types of travellers, we’re sure you’ll love staying in one of our recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a sociable hostel or a peaceful place to stay, a pocket-friendly base or a luxurious accommodation, we’ve included the lot.
We’re sure we’ve included all of the best hostels near Yosemite, but if you think we’ve missed any do let us know in the comments box at the bottom of the page. We love hearing about hidden gems!
P.S If you’re travelling to L.A why not check out the 15 coolest hostels in Los Angeles and if you want to explore LA, find the best option to suit your style with the help of our awesome guide to the 16 best day trips from Los Angeles!
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