Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the US, drawing 4 million visitors each year. But with only about a dozen lodges and camps inside, most people opt to stay in the gateway towns which offer better infrastructure and a wider variety of accommodation.
Credit: Jeff Hopper via Unsplash
Madera County is the gateway to Yosemite's South Entrance, attracting 1.6 million visitors annually. Set in the heart of California's Central Valley, it's a little more under the radar than its popular neighbours, Mariposa and Tuolumne, but it's a fantastic destination in its own right.
The county’s landscape encompasses the fertile San Joaquin Valley, the forest-covered Sierra Nevada foothills and the five-mile-long Bass Lake, called “a mini Tahoe south of Yosemite.”
Bass Lake and Oakhurst are less than a 30-minute drive from the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. They’re also within easy reach of the Madera County Wine Trail, Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and the South Gate Brewing Co.
Madera County has a range of hotels to suit all kinds of travellers. So, without further ado, here’s our round-up of top places to stay close to Yosemite’s South Entrance.
The Pines Resort
Known as “the only lakeside resort in the Yosemite area,” The Pines Resort is located on Bass Lake’s north shore in the Sierra National Forest. It’s just 31 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance, so it’s an ideal base for outdoor adventures both inside and outside the national park.
Credit: The Pines Resort
The resort’s 105 chalets, cabins, suites and rental homes are scattered among pine trees and offer serene lakefront views. All accommodation options are designed with rustic, log-cabin charm, featuring log burners, kitchens, and private outdoor decking areas. The spa suites also have jetted bathtubs for an added touch of luxury.
The year-round activity programme will keep outdoor enthusiasts busy, with activities ranging from hiking and cycling to off-roading and mountain climbing. Watersports such as kayaking, jet skiing, and fishing are also available. There are dedicated swimming areas on the lake, and the resort has an unheated swimming pool that kids will love in summer.
As for dining, Ducey's on the Lake is an upscale American steakhouse overlooking the lake. Helmed by Executive Chef Dwayne McFann, the menu celebrates local farm-to-table and organic produce. Ducey's Bar & Grill is also a popular spot for fresh seafood and Pines Bar is a community hub serving up local beers and live music.
Perfect for: Couples, families and groups looking for home-style lodgings with endless outdoor activities, all just 30 minutes from Yosemite’s South Entrance.
The Inelle
The Inelle, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott, is a stylish boutique stay that opened in 2024. It’s located on the outskirts of Oakhurst, just a 27-minute drive from the South Entrance.
Credit: Marriott Bonvoy
There are just 70 rooms. Each one is spacious and offers peaceful views of the trees that surround the lodge. They have either king or queen beds with plush bedding, an ergonomic workstation and a mini fridge. The contemporary interiors include a nature-inspired colour palette and light wood furnishings.
Ideal for discerning guests, the hotel has a 24-hour fitness centre and a cosy lobby with a fireplace. Outside, they can unwind in the furnished garden or relax on sofas by the firepits.
Hemlock Restaurant & Bar is a smart-casual venue open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It serves gourmet American classics, along with local beers and craft cocktails, perfect for toasting a day well spent in Yosemite.
Perfect for: Discerning couples and families on a road trip to Yosemite National Park. Dogs are welcome for an additional fee.
Château du Sureau
Travellers seeking a wow factor will adore Château du Sureau. As if conjured from the Tuscan countryside, this romantic five-star resort evokes a European château, with gleaming white walls and terracotta rooftops rising above Italian cypress trees.
Credit: Château du Sureau
Set within nine acres of Sierra Nevada foothills, the resort offers guests a chance to step inside their own secluded kingdom, just 27 minutes from Yosemite. It has 10 exclusive rooms and one private villa. Each option is individually decorated with antique furnishings. Some larger rooms feature four-poster beds, wood-burning fireplaces and private balconies.
Villa du Sureau is the most luxurious option. The self-contained villa has a private garden, a living room with a piano, two king bedrooms and an outdoor Roman spa. It sleeps up to six guests and is suitable for children aged eight and up. A personal butler service is available at an extra cost.
The resort has an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, providing a peaceful spot to unwind. More relaxation awaits at Spa du Sureau which offers contemporary European treatments using ultra-premium skincare. After a busy day hiking in Yosemite, guests will love the Hikers Repose massage that’s designed to soothe those achy muscles.
A premier fine dining experience is served at The Elderberry House where three- to five-course dinners showcase the region’s seasonal produce. The Cellar is a more relaxed setting with a menu of tasty burgers and an extensive wine list.
Perfect for: Couples, honeymooners, groups and families looking for a unique luxury resort with the ‘wow factor’ close to Yosemite National Park.
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn is a resort-style inn in Oakhurst, 24 minutes from the South Entrance. Built into the hillside above the main road, the property spans seven acres, dotted with oak trees and native plants. It’s easily accessible for road trippers yet invites guests to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Credit: Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
There are 133 rooms with options suitable for up to six guests, perfect for families wanting to be together. Each one has a private patio or balcony to soak up the beautiful Sierra Nevada views. It’s pet-friendly but there is an entire pet-free building for those with allergies.
The inn has an outdoor pool and a whirlpool open during the summer months as well as an indoor pool with a whirlpool year-round. Guests can explore the grounds and make use of the barbecue pits. The kids will adore blowing off steam in the playground while adults have a fitness centre to get their workouts in.
A complimentary breakfast buffet with both hot and cold options is available daily. Oakhurst Grill & Whiskey 41 Lounge is the onsite restaurant here, serving hearty dishes like American pancakes and homemade pasta. It has a fully stocked bar and a busy calendar of events from comedy gigs to live bands.
Those in town on business can swing by the business centre which has three desktop computers and a printer. Event spaces, including a banquet hall for up to 100 guests, are also available for hire.
Perfect for: Families and groups wanting a homely base to explore Yosemite. It’s surrounded by nature yet it’s still within easy reach of the centre of Oakhurst.
Sierra Sky Ranch
Sierra Sky Ranch is set in a quiet spot in the Sierra National Forest, 19 minutes from the South Entrance. Once a cattle ranch house, its storied, 150-year-old character is preserved in the knotted pine walls and enormous stone fireplaces.
Credit: Sierra Sky Ranch
The boutique hotel has just 28 rooms and suites. All but three have French doors that open onto the wraparound veranda. Each room is bright and airy with warm wood furnishings, ensuite bathrooms, plus modern comforts like individually controlled heating and air conditioning.
A freshly prepared complimentary breakfast is served in the Dining Room and guests can expect the likes of hot signature breakfast sandwiches, muffins, cereals and fruit on offer.
The hotel’s main lounge area is the Great Room, with beamed ceilings, pine walls and a grand piano. Two stone fireplaces provide the perfect spot to curl up with a good book, or guests can head down the hall for a game of cards in the library. Outside, there is a seasonal pool to cool off and well-kept lawns for picnics and stargazing.
Perfect for: Couples and groups wanting to stay in a unique heritage hotel less than 20 minutes’ drive from Yosemite’s South Entrance.
With proximity to Yosemite National Park’s South Entrance, Madera County is an ideal base for visitors wanting to be close to top attractions and still have access to town infrastructure.
Just 15 miles away from Yosemite, Oakhurst offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels and cosy inns to family-friendly lodges. Bass Lake is located higher in the Sierra Nevada foothills than Oakhurst but is the same distance from the park. It’s perfect for nature lovers eager to immerse themselves in the outdoors at every opportunity.
If you’re interested in adding Madera County to your California program and would like to discuss any product, content or training requirements you might have, then contact us at info@rocketlondon.co.uk.