Pinedale Vacations from $545

A 10/10 experience from start to finish. Was one of those places that somehow exceeds the photos, and we left already talking about when we could come back. The highlight for us was swimming in the freshwater canyons nearby, genuinely one of the most fun afternoons we’ve had on any trip. Cool, clear water, gorgeous scenery, and the kind of thing you just don’t get at a typical hotel. We also saw a ton of wildlife around the property, which made every walk feel like a small adventure. Then at night the stars come out and it’s a whole other reason to be here. Very little light pollution, so you get that full sky you forget exists until you’re standing under it. The staff deserve a special mention. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely happy to help with anything — recommendations, directions, logistics. They made the whole stay feel effortless.

We had a great stay at AutoCamp Sequoia. Our Airstream was clean and comfortable, and having a mini fridge and microwave was very convenient. The AC worked well and kept the Airstream comfortable, although it would occasionally shake the whole Airstream when it kicked on. The pool was a lot of fun, and the clubhouse was one of our favorite areas. There was plenty to do, making it a great place to relax and hang out. The complimentary hot chocolate and coffee were also a nice touch. The wagons available around the property were especially helpful for bringing our things back and forth. The location was ideal for visiting Sequoia National Park, being only about 10 miles from the park entrance. It made getting to the park very easy while still giving us a fun place to come back to afterward. One unfortunate thing during our stay was that the general store across the way was closed due to an incident involving the sale of alcohol to minors. Hopefully it will be able to reopen in the future, as having a nearby store would be very convenient. We also really enjoyed Reimer’s Candies and Ice Cream, which was a great spot to stop by for a treat. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and would definitely consider staying at AutoCamp Sequoia again.

Conveniently located near Yosemite’s south entrance in Fish Camp, this rustic yet cozy hotel offers easy access to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and peaceful forest- or mountain-view rooms. My forest-view room made it easy to reconnect with nature as I listened to the nighttime sounds from its patio. The room and bathroom were spacious, although the shower stall was quite small and seemed to meet only the minimum size requirements. Compared with the crowded, pricey hotels inside the park in Yosemite Valley, this felt like a true hidden gem. After a tiring hike, a great meal at the on-site restaurant was especially welcome, and both the front desk and restaurant staff were very hospitable.