How to Visit Yosemite on a Budget

Located just a mile from Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy entrance, Evergreen Lodge is an ideal place to stay when you visit Yosemite on a budget. With rustic and comfortable Vintage Cabins, a range of on-property amenities and activities, and fast access to Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy entrance, Evergreen Lodge is one of the best places in Yosemite to stay on a budget.

Need a little more convincing? See how you can plan an affordable trip to Yosemite with Evergreen Lodge. This article includes the following sections to help you prepare:

Evergreen Vintage Cabin Exterior (Kim Carroll)

Choose Budget-Friendly Yosemite Cabins

The Vintage Cabins at Evergreen Lodge are ideal for travelers experiencing Yosemite on a budget. These cabins blend that classic “cabin in the woods” feel with contemporary comforts to make your stay even better. Each cabin features queen beds, a small reading area and a covered big timber front porch. 

Evergreen Lodge’s Vintage Cabins are equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a shower and Ecossential bath products, a mini fridge, coffee machine and even an electric kettle with an assortment of teas. Wi-Fi is available in the cabins and throughout Evergreen Lodge for guest use, free of charge. 

Guests in the Vintage Cabins at Evergreen Lodge are welcome to all of the property’s amenities, including the well-stocked General Store , delicious meals (and satellite TV) in the restaurant and Tavern, and various outdoor adventure activities. 

Ready to plan your budget-friendly Yosemite visit? Check availability and book your budget-friendly Yosemite cabin today!

Zipline Fun (Sherrie G. 12-26-23)

Take Advantage of Activities & Amenities Included With Your Yosemite Stay

Evergreen Lodge offers a wide range of activities for its guests, making it an ideal spot for those seeing Yosemite on a budget. The lodge’s daily activities include games, guest lectures and live music. Guests gather nightly around the outdoor fire for s’mores and stargazing, and can fill their days with family hikes, nature crafts and more. 

Here’s a list of outdoor fun you can enjoy during a stay at Evergreen Lodge:

  • Outdoor, solar-heated swimming pool (open year-round)
  • Hot tub
  • Kids’ playground
  • On-site nature trail
  • Disc golf course
  • Horseshoes and bocce
  • Kids’ zipline

Evergreen Lodge offers guided Yosemite hikes in Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy Valley, as well as white-water rafting, horseback riding and even flight tours. A guided excursion with one of Evergreen Lodge’s expert guides is a great way to see Yosemite on a budget — whether you see it from horseback or on foot! 

Ready to start putting your Yosemite to-do list together? Explore one-of-a-kind experiences and plan your Yosemite adventure!

KC Evergreen June 2015-47

Seek Out Budget-Friendly Perks for Yosemite Travelers

Evergreen Lodge offers packages and special offers that can help you get the most out of your trip when visiting Yosemite on a budget. Book a Bed & Breakfast Package any time of year, or take advantage of Evergreen Lodge’s seasonal packages such as a Yosemite Spring Deal, the Yosemite Summer Road Trip package, a Yosemite Fall Deal, or the Yosemite Holiday Breakaway.

Looking to summit Half Dome during your trip, or wondering about public transportation within Yosemite Valley? Check out the National Park Service’s Yosemite Valley website, which is the best source for the most up-to-date information about weather conditions, road closures, and other important Yosemite details. 

Evergreen Lodge is the answer for those visiting Yosemite on a budget. The Vintage Cabins provide comfortable, cost-effective accommodations just minutes from Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy entrance, with plenty of free things to do on-site and expert guidance for off-site activities.

Looking for a great rate on your Yosemite stay? Check out Evergreen Lodge’s packages and offers!

Evergreen Lodge Nature Trail (Kim Carroll)

Packing for Yosemite on a Budget 

Packing wisely can help you avoid the need to make additional purchases during your Yosemite visit, plus keep you comfortable and well-outfitted during your adventures in and around the park. Some of the items and supplies you may want to consider packing for Yosemite include: 

Clothing and Footwear

Yosemite’s temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, so be prepared with layered clothing. Pack moisture-wicking base layers to keep dry, insulating mid layers for warmth, and a waterproof outer layer in case you encounter rain or snow. You’ll also want comfortable, sturdy hiking boots and seasonally appropriate socks if you plan to take to the trails, and a good pair of water shoes if you’ve planned any activities near  the park’s many rivers and streams. 

On-the-Go Essentials

A lightweight backpack is great for carrying items like water, snacks, and extra layers when out exploring the park. Don’t forget to pack these other essentials:

  • A reusable, refillable water bottle or hydration pack
  • A small, portable cooler to keep snacks and meals fresh throughout the day and cut down on the money you spend on food
  • A headlamp or flashlight for early morning or late-day hikes
  •  A well-stocked first aid kit

During the spring and summer months, you’ll also want to bring these items for protection and comfort on long days spent outdoors: 

  • Bug spray (packing it will save you from having to purchase it on the trip)
  • Sunglasses
  • A hat
  • Sunscreen

Experience-Improving Extras

Rather than purchasing maps at visitor centers, download or print free park maps and guidebooks before your trip. A pair of binoculars can come in handy for spotting wildlife and watching rock climbers in the park from afar. And a portable power bank can keep your phone and other devices charged when you’re out and about.

Prefer to travel light? Check out the equipment rentals available at Evergreen Lodge. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Yosemite on a Budget

Planning a Yosemite trip on a budget? Find answers to the most common questions about visiting Yosemite without breaking the bank, plus helpful insights and pre-planned itineraries from Yosemite experts, below. 

How expensive is it to visit Yosemite?

How much you spend in Yosemite depends on your chosen activities, your accommodations, and more. One of the best ways to experience Yosemite on a budget is by choosing accommodations that provide more than just a place to stay. A Yosemite hotel like Evergreen Lodge offers daily activities, plenty of on-site amenities, guided excursions, expert planning advice, and more to make your stay even more worthwhile. 

Is Yosemite really worth it?

Yosemite National Park has drawn countless visitors since it was established in 1890, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Yosemite is a bucket-list destination for travelers across the globe, and it is absolutely worth spending the time to budget for and plan a spectacular trip here.  

How much time do you need to spend at Yosemite?

Typically, visitors spend between two and four days in Yosemite. This affords you time to see iconic sights like Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, Half Dome, and El Capitan. Of course, the longer you spend, the more you have time to see! Build your perfect trip to Yosemite with these two-, three-, and four-day Yosemite itineraries. 

What is a good month to visit Yosemite?

Any time is a good time in Yosemite! Winter is the best time to avoid crowds, see the park blanketed in snow, and enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing. In spring, that same gorgeous snow melts and contributes to rivers and streams, making the park’s waterfalls rush at their majestic peak capacity. Summer brings warm days and cool nights ideal for camping. Fall is the best time of year to hike in Yosemite, with smaller crowds and cooler temperatures.  

How can I visit Yosemite for cheap?

Some of the best tactics for visiting Yosemite on a budget include planning ahead, finding affordable lodging, and taking advantage of free and low-cost activities. By planning your trip for the November to April offseason, you’ll typically find more lodging availability and, as a result, lower rates. And by searching for deals such as those found in Evergreen Lodge’s packages and offers, you can reduce the cost of your accommodations. 

Once you’ve paid for park admission, you can enjoy an array of in-park activities such as hiking, biking, and sightseeing at no charge. (The Yosemite Bike Share program even offers free bicycle usage, typically from June through October.) And when you choose to stay at Evergreen Lodge, you can choose from a long list of daily activities, many included at no extra charge for guests.

How can I get into Yosemite National Park for free?

Visitors can enter Yosemite National Park for free on designated fee-free days throughout the year, which include:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day (the third Monday of January each year)
  • The first day of National Park Week
  • Juneteenth (June 19)
  • The anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (August 4)
  • National Public Lands Day (the fourth Saturday in September)
  • Veterans Day (November 11)

The standard admission price for Yosemite National Park is $35 per vehicle (with up to 15 passenger seats), $30 for motorcycles, and $20 for those entering on foot or on a bicycle. Another way to save is by purchasing or visiting with someone who has a valid America the Beautiful Pass, which covers entrance fees for all U.S. national parks and federal recreation lands.

Ready to get your Yosemite adventure on the books? Find the best time to visit and schedule your perfect vacation stay now!