Oakhurst California Lodging Guide

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Oakhurst California Lodging Guide

Yosemite is my absolute favorite National Park! I love it so much here that I call the Yosemite/Oakhurst area my second home.

I have personally stayred in 8 of the hotels listed below (some several times) in the Oakhurst area and have also stayed in all of the Lodges in Yosemite too.

My articles come from my personal experience and helpful advice. I wanted to pass down the most valuable information so that you, too, can plan an epic adventure to Yosemite National Park and the surrounding area.

Oakhurst is the southern gateway to Yosemite National Park, sitting just 14 miles from the park's South Entrance on Highway 41. It is a small mountain community with a big personality, surrounded by the Sierra National Forest and just minutes from Bass Lake.

Whether you are looking for a five-star European estate, a lakefront resort, a boutique ranch hotel, or a comfortable room to rest your head before a big day in the park, Oakhurst has an option for you.

Park Ranger John Pro Tip: Oakhurst sits at around 2,300 feet elevation, which is considerably lower than Yosemite Valley. The drive up into the park is beautiful, but pack layers as temperatures drop significantly once you are inside, especially at Glacier Point and Tuolumne Meadows.

Best For: Quick Reference Guide

Best for Luxury

• Chateau du Sureau is in a class of its own in the Yosemite area. A Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond estate with just 10 rooms, fine dining at the Elderberry House Restaurant, a full spa, and a European breakfast included each morning.

Best for Families

• The Pines Resort at Bass Lake gives families a lakefront resort with cabins, a marina, a private beach, a pool, and water activities all in one place. Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp is another top family pick with two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a rock climbing wall, archery, and nightly s'mores.

Best for Lake Views

• The Pines Resort is the only lakeside resort in the Yosemite area, sitting directly on the shores of Bass Lake with lakefront suites featuring private balconies and water views right outside your door.

Best for Couples

• Queens Inn by the River is the top romantic pick, with individually decorated rooms, fireplaces, jetted tubs with river views, and complimentary wine tasting at the attached Idle Hour Winery.

Best Value

• Yosemite Southgate Hotel and Suites consistently earns the top TripAdvisor rating in Oakhurst for good reason. Large suites, free hot breakfast, a pool, sauna, and steam room at a fair price point.

Best Boutique

• The Inelle Hotel brings Marriott Tribute Portfolio style to Oakhurst with a Yosemite-inspired design, the Hemlock Restaurant and Bar, and Marriott Bonvoy points earning.

Best for History and Character

• Sierra Sky Ranch, built on the first cattle ranch in Madera County in 1875, has the most personality of any hotel in the area, with a grand knotty pine great room, a wide veranda, and free breakfast included.

Most Anticipated Opening

• Outbound Yosemite opens June 1, 2026, with 104 cabins, an all-season pool, and Juniper Pizza + Bar on a 17-acre property 15 miles from Yosemite's South Gate.

Oakhurst Hotels and Lodges

Chateau du Sureau

Chateau du Sureau is the finest hotel in the Yosemite area and one of the most celebrated boutique properties in California. This Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond, Relais and Chateaux member sits on nine acres in the Sierra Nevada foothills just 16 miles from Yosemite's South Entrance. The property was the vision of Viennese-born Erna Kubin-Clanin, who created the Estate by the Elderberries, a collection of 10 individually decorated guest rooms and suites, the acclaimed Elderberry House Restaurant, Villa du Sureau, and Spa du Sureau, all wrapped in gardens, towering pines, and bubbling fountains. Every room is appointed with fine European antiques, fireplaces, and pillowtop beds, and a full breakfast is included each morning.

Chateau du Sureau Address: 48688 Victoria Lane, Oakhurst, CA 93644

Check out our Chateau du Sureau Review for detailed information, including amenities, the Elderberry House Restaurant, room types, and photos!

Check Chateau du Sureau for Availability

Yosemite Southgate Hotel and Suites

Consistently ranked the number one hotel in Oakhurst on TripAdvisor, the Yosemite Southgate Hotel and Suites is the top-rated and most well-rounded hotel in town for visitors heading to Yosemite. The 81-room property is the only hotel in Oakhurst with interior corridor entry and an elevator, and its suites at nearly 520 square feet are among the largest rooms in the Yosemite area. Amenities include complimentary hot continental breakfast, a 24-hour coffee bar, seasonal heated pool and spa, sauna and steam room, fitness center, free WiFi, and ample parking for buses and RVs.

Yosemite Southgate Hotel Address: 40644 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644

Check out our Yosemite Southgate Hotel and Suites Review for detailed information, including amenities, room types, and photos!

Check Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites Availability

The Pines Resort (Bass Lake)

The Pines Resort is the only lakeside resort in the Yosemite area, sitting 17 miles from the park's south gate on the shores of Bass Lake. The resort offers mountain chalets, lakefront suites with private balconies and stunning lake views, large family cabins, and private rental homes, making it one of the most flexible lodging options in the area for families, groups, and couples alike. On-site amenities include Ducey's on the Lake restaurant, a marina, private beach, outdoor pool, fitness center, bar and live music, and a full calendar of water activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing.

The Pines Resort Address: 54432 Road 432, Bass Lake, CA 93604

Check out our The Pines Resort Review for detailed information, including amenities, cabin types, restaurants, and photos!

Check The Pines Resort Availability

Four Daughters Inn

The Four Daughters Inn is a family-owned boutique inn that opened in 2022, and it feels nothing like a standard hotel. Owner Matt named each of the six individually designed suites after his daughters, and that personal touch carries through every detail of the property. Each suite features a plush pillowtop king bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and down bedding, a fully equipped kitchenette with full-sized refrigerator, microwave, and cookware, a 65-inch Smart TV, free WiFi, and a private entrance with seamless self check-in. Select suites also include a private hot tub, which is a serious reward after a long day in Yosemite. Located in the heart of Oakhurst, the inn is just 14 miles from Yosemite's South Entrance.

Four Daughters Inn Address: Oakhurst, CA 93644

Check out our Four Daughters Inn Review for detailed information, including amenities, suite types, and photos!

Check Four Daughters Inn Availability

The Inelle Hotel

The Inelle is Oakhurst's most stylish boutique hotel and part of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio collection. From the moment you walk into the lobby, you know this place is something different, with framed photos of John Muir, Yosemite travel guides on the nightstand, comfortable lounging couches, and the Hemlock Restaurant and Bar right at the entrance. The 70 rooms are clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed with Yosemite-inspired details, walk-in showers, mini-fridges, free WiFi, and an outdoor seating area that is one of the best spots in Oakhurst to unwind after a day on the trails. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points here.

The Inelle Hotel Address: 48800 Royal Oaks Drive, Oakhurst, CA 93644

Check out our The Inelle Hotel Review for detailed information, including amenities, the Hemlock Restaurant, room types, and photos!

Check the Inelle Hotel for Availability

Sierra Sky Ranch

Sierra Sky Ranch is one of the most charming and character-filled hotels in the Yosemite area. Built on the first working cattle ranch in Madera County, established in 1875, the property was converted to a guest ranch in 1946 and has been welcoming visitors ever since. The 28-room boutique hotel sits 10 miles from Yosemite's South Entrance and four miles from Bass Lake, with most rooms opening directly onto a wide veranda made for soaking in the surrounding Sierra Nevada beauty. The great room with its massive fireplaces, knotty pine walls, beamed ceilings, and grand piano is one of the most inviting spaces in the entire area. Amenities include free breakfast, free WiFi, and a seasonal outdoor pool.

Sierra Sky Ranch Address: 50552 Road 632, Oakhurst, CA 93644

Check out our Sierra Sky Ranch Review for detailed information, including amenities, room types, and photos!

Check the Sierra Sky Ranch for Availability

Queens Inn by the River

Queens Inn by the River is one of Oakhurst's most charming and romantic lodging options, sitting on five landscaped acres along the river just off Highway 41, 13 miles from Yosemite's South Entrance. The 12 individually decorated rooms each have a private deck or patio, most include a fireplace, and several offer jetted tubs with river views, making this one of the top picks in the area for couples. The attached Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen is a genuine bonus, with guests receiving complimentary wine tasting and a wine and beer garden open Wednesday through Saturday evenings. A light continental breakfast is included each morning.

Queens Inn by the River Address: 41139 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644

Check The Queens Inn by the River for Availability

Tenaya Lodge (Fish Camp)

Tenaya Lodge is the premier full-service resort in the Yosemite area and one of the best family resorts in California. Located in Fish Camp, just 2 miles from Yosemite's South Entrance, the resort offers lodge rooms, private cottages, and two-bedroom Explorer Cabins, all with access to an extraordinary list of included amenities. Guests enjoy two outdoor pools, one indoor pool, five hot tubs, the full-service Ascent Spa with 12 treatment rooms, a fitness center, rock climbing wall, archery range, mountain bike rentals, gold panning, a game room, nightly s'mores stations, and guided nature hikes. Four dining options are on site, including the upscale Embers restaurant. Tenaya is the definition of a destination resort where you could spend the entire trip without ever leaving the property.

Tenaya Lodge Address: 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623

Check The Tenaya Lodge for Availability

Narrow Gauge Inn (Fish Camp)

The Narrow Gauge Inn is a charming 26-room historic property in Fish Camp, just 4 miles from Yosemite's South Entrance, and it sits right next door to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad - making it one of the most convenient and character-filled lodging options in the area. Every room has a private balcony or patio with mountain or forest views, hot breakfast is included, and the on-site restaurant is one of the better dining options at the south gate of the park. The seasonal pool, hot tub, and garden give you a genuinely relaxing place to unwind after a day in Yosemite.

Narrow Gauge Inn Address: 48571 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623

Check The Narrow Gauge Inn for Availability

Chain Hotels in Oakhurst

If the properties above are sold out or you prefer earning hotel points, Oakhurst has three well-known chain hotels conveniently located on Highway 41 near the center of town. These are standard properties you will recognize from your travels, and all three are solid options for a comfortable, no-surprises stay close to the park.

⭐ Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Oakhurst: Click Here for Rates and Availability

⭐ Hampton Inn Oakhurst-Yosemite: Click Here for Rates and Availability

⭐ Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Click Here for Rates and Availability

⭐ Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn: Click Here for Rates and Availability

Coming Soon to Oakhurst

Outbound Yosemite

One of the most anticipated hotel openings in the Yosemite area in years, Outbound Yosemite is a brand-new 17-acre alpine resort on Highway 41 in Oakhurst, just 15 miles from Yosemite's South Entrance, with an expected opening date of June 1, 2026.

The resort features 104 cabins and 14 lodge rooms designed with a modern mountain aesthetic inspired by Yosemite's granite formations, with private terraces, outdoor showers in select units, free WiFi, and a "gear garage" stocked with YETI coolers and Hyperice recovery kits for guests heading into the park.

On-site amenities include an all-season resort-style pool, hot tub, cold plunge, stone fire pits throughout the grounds, and Juniper Crafted Pizza + Bar, a restaurant serving handmade pizzas, sandwiches, and craft cocktails.

The property is car-less, with guests transported to their cabins by golf cart after parking, and a 5,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor event space makes it one of the top new options in the area for weddings and corporate retreats.

Outbound Yosemite is already taking reservations directly through their website and on Expedia. Rooms are booking up, so if the June 2026 opening aligns with your trip, it is worth getting on the calendar early.

Outbound Yosemite Address: 42081 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644

Check Outbound Yosemite for Availability

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee

New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yosemite National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

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)

$40.00-$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

$20.00 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 free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

Additional Oakhurst and Yosemite Resources

• Guide to Oakhurst, California - Your complete guide to the southern gateway to Yosemite National Park
• Best Restaurants in Oakhurst, California - The top places to eat in Oakhurst before or after your time in the park
• Yosemite Lodging Guide - Complete list of lodging options inside Yosemite National Park
• Yosemite National Park Guide - Your complete guide to exploring one of America's greatest National Parks
• Bass Lake California Guide - Everything you need to know about spending time at Bass Lake
• Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad - A must-do activity just 10 minutes from Yosemite's South Entrance

National Parks and Monuments Near Oakhurst

• Yosemite National Park
• Devils Postpile National Monument
• Sequoia National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Pinnacles National Park

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

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