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Where to Stay in Yosemite in the Summer

When you’re deciding where to stay in Yosemite this summer, consider that the top Yosemite hotels offer excellent accommodations with easy access to the national park and many warm-weather activities.

Whether you spend your days exploring the nearby trails with waterfalls, granite monoliths, and ancient sequoias or playing on the property, splashing in the pools, and visiting the spa, Rush Creek and Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite provide everything you could want to do and more.

The most challenging part for you is deciding which lodge to choose—Evergreen’s cozy cabins in the woods, or Rush Creek’s more modern hillside setting. Let us help you find the right place to stay in Yosemite for your summer vacation.

Evergreen Lodge Summer Cabins & Camping

John Muir House at Evergreen Lodge Yosemite.

For a classic Yosemite experience this summer, stay at Evergreen Lodge. The property’s cabins are in wooded surroundings that feel private and cozy, and the extra shade is a nice retreat from the summer heat. 

With a selection of seven lodging styles—all including air conditioning (unless otherwise noted below)—throughout Evergreen’s 20 acres, everyone can find a comfortable place to stay in Yosemite this summer. See which cabin or camping setup is ideal for your vacation:

  • The Deluxe Cabins offer a simple, open floor plan with a private deck and enough space for one to four people.
  • The quaint One-Bedroom Cottages afford extra privacy and more space for families of two to four.
  • Yosemite Family Cabins include spacious, new two-bedroom cabins and historic one-room cabins for families of up to six people.
  • A budget-friendly Vintage Cabin is a charming and modest place to stay, and the covered front porch is the perfect place to relax.
  • ADA Accessible Cabins make sure guests of all abilities can enjoy a summer retreat; choose a Vintage Cabin, Family Cabin, or an ADA-compliant tent site.
  • Custom Camping experiences provide guests a fully furnished, set-up tent site with bathhouse access. Air conditioning not included.
  • The John Muir House and Kay’s Nest are home-away-from-home options and the only sites at Evergreen that provide modern conveniences, such as satellite television and full kitchens.

Rush Creek Summer Resort

A view of the hillside villas at Rush Creek Lodge.

For anyone looking for a more modern stay within the natural surroundings of Yosemite, Rush Creek is the perfect  choice. This lodge is a sister resort to Evergreen and offers a variety of rooms, suites, and villas.

The hillside setting provides excellent views from each private balcony, and the resort offerings are some of the best in the area. Choose from these Rush Creek room types when deciding where to stay in Yosemite this summer: 

  • The Lodge Rooms offer space to accommodate up to four guests and they’re located in the Main Lodge near many resort activities, on-site restaurants, and the Tavern.
  • For a larger room with a layout that affords more privacy, Lodge Suites are spacious and can comfortably accommodate up to 4 guests. 
  • Families love the 2-bedroom Hillside Villas for their extra space, more remote locations, and separate bedrooms.

Warm-Weather Amenities at Yosemite Hotels

Rush Creek Lodge saltwater pool area.

Take advantage of the hot summer weather in Yosemite by enjoying the resort amenities offered during your stay.

Cool off at Evergreen Lodge’s saltwater pool after an adventurous day of hiking. There is a shallow area for kids to play and a deeper section for adults to enjoy, and the pool bar features a nice selection of signature drinks and mocktails.

The Rush Creek swimming pool area offers plenty of space to lounge in the sun, and the large saltwater pool is a treat for everyone. Hop over to the pool bar for chilled beverages to beat the summer heat.

Summer Entertainment at Yosemite Lodges

Make your summer vacation a breeze with the built-in entertainment at our Yosemite Lodges. When you stay at Rush Creek or Evergreen Lodge you’ll have instant access to skilled recreation teams that organize plenty of daily entertainment, and you’ll also find games and activities throughout the grounds on both properties. Check out some of the summer fun available to guests of these Yosemite hotels.

Daily Summer Activities

The daily summer schedule at both resorts is packed with entertainment. Rush Creek activities for summer include wilderness talks, BOGAFit fitness classes, and nature crafts, and the weather is just right for playing horseshoes, bocce ball, life-size checkers, and ping pong outdoors.

Evergreen Lodge’s daily activities include stargazing, family bingo, and featured speakers, plus this resort offers tons of outdoor fun to take advantage of the warm weather and sunny days. There’s nothing better than spending a summer evening around a campfire, and both resorts host evening marshmallow roasts and sing-alongs.

Summer Tours From Yosemite Resorts

Valley View Range of Light Tour.

Embark on a summer tour right from where you’re staying in Yosemite. Exploring the area’s nature trails is one of the most fun things to do, and guests of Evergreen Lodge and Rush Creek will find many Yosemite tours at Evergreen Lodge and Yosemite National Park tours at Rush Creek are designed for all skill levels and ages. Whether it’s a sunset tour, a journey to Half Dome, or an epic hike with a naturalist, you’ll find year-round and seasonal experiences to enjoy.

Bikes, Paddle Boards & Summer Equipment Rentals

Bike path and child riding a back.

Head to the recreation desk at either resort to rent bikes, paddle boards, or fishing gear for even more summer entertainment or book your rental equipment at Rush Creek in advance to beat the tourist rush. One summer-only offering from Evergreen Lodge’s Rentals is a daylong use of Camp Mather. This 350-acre family camp is available for a modest fee and allows you a getaway-within-a-getaway. Spend the day enjoying this private property’s beach, swimming pool, tennis and sand volleyball courts, and miles of trails. 

Whether you select Evergreen Lodge or Rush Creek Resort for your summer stay, you’ll find everything you need to make your vacation one of the best yet. The lodge selection, on-site dining options, amenities, and proximity to Yosemite National Park  make these a top choice for travelers. Find special offers at Evergreen to save on a couples retreat or a summer cabin getaway, and browse Rush Creek’s special offers to upgrade your stay with a spa package, save on a villa or suite, or book an unforgettable summer getaway. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Yosemite in the Summer

Is Yosemite worth visiting in summer?

Yes, visiting Yosemite in the summer is a worthwhile, enjoyable vacation, especially when you stay at a resort with multiple ways to take advantage of the great weather. Morning and sunset hikes let you beat the heat and still see all the beauty of the area, plus lodges like Rush Creek and Evergreen have mastered outdoor entertainment so you’ll find the swimming pools, outdoor games, and daily activities perfectly suited for summertime.

Is Yosemite too hot in the summer?

Even though temperatures in Yosemite can reach the 90s, it isn’t too hot in the summer because of the low humidity. Yosemite hotels also offer many ways for guests to cool off after a day in the sun. Jump into the spacious saltwater pool, head inside to indoor recreation areas, grab a drink at the on-site tavern, or relax in your air-conditioned cabin or out on the covered porch.