Housekeeping Camp, located in the Yosemite Valley, is one of the more inexpensive lodging options for visitors to Yosemite National Park.[1] The camp is open from April through October[2] and is one of the most popular places to stay in the valley.[3] Reservations typically fill up on the first day they become available. The original design of the camp was intended to provide a camping-like experience for visitors who did not want to have to provide their own equipment.[3]
History
Around 1920, the Housekeeping Camp was established in the form of an automobile camp.[3] Later on, the camp provided the rental of camping equipment for visitors in addition to the housing of park housekeeping facilities. In the early 1960s, lodging units were added.[3]
Amenities
The lodging is somewhere between camping and staying in a hotel where there are three concrete walls enclosing beds covered by canvas rooftops and one curtain wall.[1][2] Outside there is a table and lounge area all covered by the rooftop along with a fire pit nearby.[4][2] There are 266 total units that can sleep up to six people.[1] Each unit is equipped with electricity.[2] Housekeeping Camp contains its own beach along the Merced River,[5] laundry facility, shower facility,[2] bathrooms, and a grocery store. Guest must rent or otherwise provide their own sheets, pillows, and other bedding.[6] Much like Curry Village, guests get a great view of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. The environment is also shaded by the many trees in the area[3] and cars are allowed to be parked next to the campsite.
Some of the downsides include noise and close proximity to neighbors.[2][7] Campfires are only permitted from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the months of May to October. 37°44.485′N 119°34.805′W / 37.741417°N 119.580083°W.