Curry Village

Curry Village is the most affordable way to stay in Yosemite Valley, and a beloved tradition for families and hikers. It began in 1899 as Camp Curry, a tent camp opened by David and Jennie Curry at the foot of Glacier Point, and it still has the feel of a summer camp: rows of canvas tent cabins under the pines, wooden cabins with and without private baths, and a handful of motel-style rooms in the historic Stoneman House. The tent cabins are simple — beds, linens and a light, with shared bathhouses — and some are heated in winter, making them a cozy, budget-friendly winter base. Food lockers are provided for every unit, and guests must store all food and scented items in them because black bears are active in the valley. The location is excellent for active visitors. The Happy Isles trailhead for the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail is a short walk or shuttle ride away, Mirror Lake is within reach, and the open-air Curry Village Ice Rink operates right in the village in the cold months, with a fire pit and s'mores. Casual dining options in the village serve pizza, burgers and quick meals, and the free valley shuttle stops here. In the warmer months, Curry Village offers seasonal rafting and bike rentals, and the amphitheater hosts evening programs. Rates are the lowest in the valley, but the experience is basic — thin canvas walls, shared bathrooms and noise from neighbors are part of the package. Book early, as tent cabins sell out in spring and summer, and remember that the concessioner manages inventory, so some units close in winter. Curry Village also had its name temporarily changed in 2016 during a trademark dispute; the historic name was restored in 2019.

The experience. Staying at Curry Village feels like camping without the gear. Evenings are sociable, with families gathering on porches and kids exploring, and the view of Glacier Point's cliffs at sunset is spectacular. In winter, the village is quieter, and heated tent cabins or wood cabins make a snug base for skating, short hikes and Badger Pass days. Stoneman House rooms offer more privacy and private bathrooms, while wood cabins with baths are a good compromise for families who want a little more comfort.

Tips for a good stay. Bring earplugs and a flashlight for night trips to the bathhouse, and store all food and toiletries in the bear lockers. Choose a cabin with a private bath if you prefer, or a tent cabin for the classic experience. Use the free shuttle to reach Yosemite Village and the falls, and plan early starts for the Mist Trail from Happy Isles. In winter, pack warm layers, a hat and gloves for skating, and check whether your unit is heated.

Who should stay. Budget travelers, families, hikers and anyone who wants to sleep in the valley without paying lodge prices. It is less suitable for travelers who value quiet and privacy or who dislike shared bathrooms. If you want more comfort, upgrade to Yosemite Valley Lodge; for the full historic experience, the Ahwahnee is a short shuttle ride away for dinner.