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Eat and Play by the Bay : Local Flavors and Fun
When my friend came for a visit from DC, she wanted to avoid all the touristy places…
Curry Village Campground at Yosemite National Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
26 reviews for Curry Village Campground at Yosemite National Park
26 reviews in English
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Review from Carol L.
7/23/2011
This place is good for a nice night before the Half Dome hike. It can be pricey for what it is (vinyl tent with rickety beds), but its a stone's throw from the hike. Bathrooms are relatively clean, as were the showers.
Its definitely not "roughing it" in the woods, but that wasn't really the point for us at least. There seems to be camp grounds nearby as well, so for those wanting to be more rustic, you can opt for that. :) -
Review from David M.
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not having to pitch my own tent is a huge plus, though it's pricey for what amounts to a canvas tarp overhead and one of the hardest beds I've ever slept on. Next time I'll bring my sleeping pad. The bathrooms and lodge were awesome, but seriously people need to learn how to STFU at 10pm. There are loads of us who are there to hike, and need to get some sleep, and we can't do that if you're gabbing two tents down till 1am. Free wifi at the lodge, amazing pizza (at least it seemed so after hiking 19 miles in a day), and friendly staff. Now if I could just get some sleep...
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Review from Kelley W.
Morgan Hill, CA
6/29/2011
I stayed in Curry Village for the second time this last weekend. Both times I have to say that I was satisfied. You can't go to Curry Village and expect that you are going to be staying in a hotel room type atmosphere. This is basically a step up from tent camping. It is also one of the closest places to the Happy Isles trailhead to the Mist Trail and Half Dome. If you want to stay in a hotel, pay $300+ per night to stay at the Awahnee or stay outside the park for $200.
The tent cabins can accomodate up to five people although it can be kind of tight. Last July was the first time we had stayed here and things seemed kind of old, but functional. It had a heater in it, which we didn't use since it was July, a dresser and a chair. This time we got a smaller cabin and things were much newer. There was no dresser, but there was a nice new metal rack that even included a digital safe just like they have in good hotel rooms. They give you some sheets and blankets, but we bring our sleeping bags.
Yes, it is kind of grungy with spider webs and some bugs and this weekend, we even had a boarder mouse. He didn't seem afraid of us, just stopped, looked at us and seemed to be saying "what's up"? just make sure there is no reason for him to stay (snacks in the tent, etc.). Remember, this is a step up from tent camping without having to sleep on the ground or put up or take down a tent. The bathrooms and showers are kept clean although I still feel better wearing sandals in the shower.
For those complaining about the bear lockers, hello... isn't the reason you are coming here for the wilderness??? I can't believe the complaints here. FYI, the rangers come by to check things out and look in the cars in the parking lot to make sure that there is no food or smelly items in your car like old soda cans or sunscreen. If they do find it in your car, they will track you down (by your parking permit) and WILL fine you! They have become quite strict and this has helped curb bear break ins in a big way.
They have several restaurants here including pizza, tacos, a buffet and a bar. The food is soso, but the margarita I had this weekend was tasty and strong! Remember that you can't cook in or around the tent cabins. We usually keep stuff for breakfast and lunch and eat dinner out. The shuttle service takes you to many places around the park for free. The buses can get crowded, but be patient it is all worth it. The staff is friendly and so are most of the guests. How can you not be, when Yosemite is Heaven on Earth? -
Review from Mike H.
6/16/2011
Had what was said to be superior tent for 4 people. Very basis, 1 bare bulb for lighting beds adequate. Felt very expensive for very basic facilities. Washrooms OK, long queues at women's restrooms in the morning, understand it was because of not enough sockets for hair straighteners!
On arrival met by Mother Curry! Don't know why as very little conversation could be had.
If you like camping take your own tent if you don't do what I'll do next time stay in a hotel, worth the extra cost.
Food available at food centre basic burgers or pizzas. -
Review from Vivian H.
11/5/2010
I feel terrible giving anything in Yosemite less than 5 stars, but Curry Village deserves 3.5 stars.
The BF and I headed to Yosemite for the fourth time in four months on Columbus Day weekend. I knew it would be the last chance for me to go before winter, so we planned a last minute camping trip. However, at the last minute, we decided to book a heated tent at Curry Village. It was really cheap at $49 a night.
After a 7.5 mike hike to Cathedral Lakes, we were able to check in at Curry Village at about 4:00pm.
The tents were extremely musty, but I was able to adjust. It was only noticeable when you first enter. The corners were dusty and there was a huge spider web with dead bugs and one spider at the top of the tent. Thanks to those Snapple facts, I was convinced that I was gonna eat a spider that night in my sleep.
At that point I wish that we had just gone camping in a real tent -- at least I know there wouldn't be any spiders in it. I have two really annoying fears - BUGS (even butterflies) and heights, both of which prevent me from enjoying Yosemite to the fullest.
The knob for the heater was broken but we were able to use the heater anyway. Even at mid 40s, it wasn't that cold and we ended up turning it off.
The showers and bathrooms were unexpectedly very clean and the campground is close to the buffet and even a bar.
It was a quiet October weekend so the noise at night was not an issue. Head lamps and flashlights are useful for going to the bathroom at night.
I ended up really enjoying my stay at Curry Village, but I woke up several times that night to make sure my mouth was closed and the sheets were covering it and tied my hood tightly to ensure that no spiders entered my mouth.
The BF sleeps with his mouth open -- he probably ate it. It was gone in the morning.
I'm not sure if I would stay here again (as opposed to actually camping in a real tent); I would have to think about that one. -
Review from Rosaline C.
Walnut Creek, CA
10/7/2010
Don't let the looks decieve you. This place is great for the price and it is close to everything that you will need in Yosemite. Came here during labor day weekend with a big group to hike the half dome. We stayed for 2 nights and didn't have a bad experience. Tips prior to renting these "internment camps":-
-Request for cabins that are close to the bathroom (trust me it will help especially for those middle of the night runs to the bathroom ;)
-Bring your own lock for the bear proof boxes to store your food
-Pack a sleeping bag because they barely provide a mattress for you to sleep on.
-Bring your own towels- they offer you paper thin towels that has been washed and used a million times. Looks dirty and gross I used mine as a floor mat.
Overall it served it's purpose but next time I would try to book a tent at housekeeping camp because you get more privacy and don't hear other people talking. You also get your own campfire ring so its great for those who still want to sleep on a bed but get the camping feeling. -
Review from Phil W.
San Clemente Island, CA
3/20/2011
All the grunge of camping, and none of the charm ... all at a really high price.
I agree with Ken Burns that the National Parks are America's greatest idea. But handing over public-owned park facilities to money-grubbing concessionaires was one of America's worst ideas. -
Review from Andrew H.
Los Angeles, CA
3/10/2011
My girlfriend and I stayed in a heated tent cabin here for two nights in late February. Upon checking in, we were given a tent with a broken heater, and it took over an hour for them to get around to deciding to switch us to a different cabin instead of trying to fix the one we were already in, so it was a frustrating start.
Once we were settled and warm though, we loved everything about our stay at Camp Curry. The cabin stayed warm enough for us to be comfortable in a few layers of clothes, or under a few blankets. We enjoyed breakfast in the cafe and hung out by the fireplace in the lounge late at night (no posted hours, but it was closed around 10:40 both nights). They keep the bathrooms quite clean, but beware, this is accomplished by frequent closures for cleanings which may require you walk a few extra minutes to the next nearest option.
All-in-all a highly recommended place to base your Yosemite visit. We hope to be back soon. -
Review from Jeanette L.
New York, NY
7/21/2010
Stayed here last weekend in the Signature Tent Cabins and for "camping" -- not bad! The rooms are decently sized and priced, the signature tent cabins even have an outlet, SWEET! The provided sheets/towels were clean and overall, we were all really happy with the accommodations.
The shared bathrooms are what you should expect...a big big step up from the "fancy porta potties" (you know, a flushing toilet) and the showers are decent (bring sandals to wear!).
The common area has some dining areas (pizza, general store, ice cream, mex food, etc.) and picnic tables to eat at! We brought our own food and bought some food/drinks too. Very convenient!
Now, be VERY VERY careful about where you store food! They are VERY good about warning you and making sure food (and fragrant products like toothpaste etc.) are locked away in your bear locker but make sure you follow their rules! I talked to one of the employees and they confirmed that bears 100% do break into cars etc. to steal food! I read a sign on the tent cabin door that said black bears (not always black!) have an AMAZING sense of smell...7x better than a bloodhound!!!
Oh, and, bring bug repellent! Those mossies will get you! -
Review from Lisa H.
San Francisco, CA
5/4/2008
My dad calls this "glamping." Real beds, a mirrored vanity, heater, and a light bulb. Even the showers really leave nothing to be desired. I like my showers hot, real hot, which I attribute to my astrological makeup. Curry Village showers are scalding enough to mediate the intensity of my scorpio rising.
If you're a lady, I suggest hanging out by the Curry Village bar on Fridays. It's payday for the Yosemite employees and since the local man to woman ration is 5:1, the young men are apt to buy you a drink or two. They will offer you beers and, if you're lucky, something called "shequila." This is awesome, especially if you have a thing for bearded mountain men who read anarchist feminist literature much like myself. -
Review from Heather F.
Foster City, CA
9/24/2008
I recently stayed in a tent cabin at Curry Village. I only needed space for 2, but we stayed in a tent that had a double cot and three single cots, because it was the only one available. In many ways, I think that we lucked out, because our tent was close to the showers and bathroom, as well as the dining area. The tent itself wasn't anything spectacular, but I didn't expect it to be. It was exactly as advertised: Tents with wood floors, a door that locks, a bear box outside, cots, a small dresser, towels, sheets, and blankets. I didn't pay for luxury accommodations, so I went into this knowing I was getting what I paid for. For $39/night, it was a good deal to have a place to sleep and warm (free) showers that were about as clean as could be expected in a campground.
I didn't have the same experience as others with the community showers. The shower I used was clean (though I still wore shower shoes) and it was nice to have shampoo and body wash dispensers in there. There was a shower attendant who made sure that I knew how to use the shower before I went into the shower stall (it wasn't hard but I think she was trying to make sure I knew how to turn it on before I got naked) and also made sure I had enough towels. The women's bathroom was clean, and well-lit outside, so I didn't have any issues finding it at night.
The Village policy is that all food items or scented items must be taken from the car and put in the bear boxes and that no food items can be kept in the tent or cabin. Annoying, yes, but fully understandable. If you have ever had a bear near/in your campsite (as I have experienced because of my own mistake of leaving food out) it's definitely something you want to avoid again.
Overall, if you are looking for a cheap place to stay and you don't have high expectations, it seems like a good choice. -
Review from Yasmin K.
7/12/2010
We booked the least expensive tent-like lodging we could get on short notice. When we checked in, we found we were given a hard-sided tent, which was super convenient because it meant we didn't have to use the bear-locker.
Pros of Curry Village are:the location and facilities (though not super clean, they were adequate, think step-up from camping)
Cons were: PRICE! ($150/night) -
Review from Ayelet I.
Los Angeles, CA
4/3/2008
When I booked our hard-sided cabin I wasn't expecting much. Curry Village doesn't fool people into believing they are getting luxury in the middle of the wilderness, but when we got to our little cabin oasis I was pleasantly surprised. It was charming, replete with bench outside the door to take in the surroundings, wrought iron bed frame and log bedside tables.
Despite having just a space heater to keep it warm, the cabin got quite toasty, and towels that initially looked thin and flimsy held a lot of water and dried quickly. It was clean, the bed a large King, pillows and extra blankets readily stocked, and the staff helpful and plentiful. Curry Village helped our vacation in a Winter (almost, given the amount of snow) wonderland go off without a hitch and for that I can have no complaints with their accommodations. -
Review from Brandon S.
Olympia, WA
7/17/2008
I didn't come to Curry Village with high expectations, that's for sure. But we thought it would be a fun place to do a kind of half camping, half hoteling thing with our baby during our short visit to Yosemite. It's hard to do the full on camping thing with a baby but we were not quite ready to resign ourselves and book a big resort room somewhere, so Curry Village fit the profile fine. In that sense, Curry Village worked fine. But that doesn't mean I'll ever stay there again.
I found Curry Village to be about as inconvenient as any place I've ever stayed. From the having to empty your car out completely to guard against bears, to the dirt and gravel everywhere, to the one shower building all the way across the village, to not being able to have food in or around your cabin or the ability to cook at your cabin (again, damn bears), to the unbelievable lines to get pizza, Curry Village is a big logistical pain in the ass. Especially if you have a baby and a car full of crap that you are moving from California to Washington. Then it's just a full blown nightmare.
I expected Curry Village to have more of a vibe, to be a lot more friendly. But because you can't cook at your cabin or anything like that, nobody hangs out around them and the atmosphere in the campground itself is almost non-existent.
And predictably, in July, the tent cabin was ridiculously stuffy during the day and almost completely unbearable to be in. Not that we wanted to stick around much, but even a quick stop in for a minute or two wasn't something we were able to do without instantly breaking into a sweat.
A tip on parking, rather than drive around for an hour through the big, overcrowded parking lot, go to the far end of the lot toward Boys Town, the employee housing, and down the road. We found parking there each time we came back that was far closer than anything in the lot and it made it hundreds times easier to bring our stuff back and forth between the cabin and the car.
Also, the bear locker may be bear proof, but it isn't human proof. if you are at all worried about your stuff getting stolen, bring your own lock to put on it because the store sells out of their supply of locks as soon as the restock them. -
Review from Grace C.
10/13/2009
This review is for the Curry village showers. One of the few places in Yosemite valley with showers open to the public.
After a ridiculously long one hour wait, I eagerly stepped into the shower. I immediately smelled an unwholesome stench which made me wonder whether people not only wash themselves in the shower, but also relieve themselves too.
Despite the smell, I was sooo grateful to be able to shower after a days worth of hiking to half dome. $5 entry fee gets you unlimited amount of soap, shampoo, and a towel. Free entry if you bring your own! -
Review from Nancy M.
San Jose, CA
6/10/2008
The few times I have stayed here it was always during winter. We are so pleasantly surprised by how comfortable our stays are. We have stayed in the heated tent cabin and a hard sided cabin as well. Both were almost way too toasty (which is nice when the snows a blowin) and they supplied us with very comfortable pillows and an excess of wool blankets.
Bathrooms were never to far away and the staff was always super friendly about early check in and things to do.
Not luxurious like the awahnee but its a great place to stay for a very reasonable rate. -
Review from Carliza M.
San Mateo, CA
10/26/2009
My hubby and son love to camp and be with nature, so for the last four years, we've gone to Yosemite in October when my son is on his school break. (His school is year-around, so he gets a shorter summer vacation but a longer break in the Fall and Spring). I think October is the best time to go to Yosemite.! Although it is very cold at night, the weather is still nice in the daytime as it's at the tail end of Indian summer. Plus, the campgrounds are not too crowded.
We had tent camped at Lower Pines campgrounds a couple times; ended up at the Housekeeping tent cabins last year because of unexpected rain; and this year, we stayed at Curry Village.
Curry Village was by far my favorite! Oh, did I mention that I hate camping and only go to appease my boys? Curry Village is the closest to "glamping"--wall surrounded "tents" that you can lock up, convenient community bathrooms and showers with hot water, buffet breakfast and dinner hall...what else can a city gal ask for?! Well I guess, I can ask for heat. And yup, there is the option of heated cabin tents too. But I did not push my luck this year. I was just happy to not be sleeping on the dirt ground! Maybe next year? ... -
Review from Pete N.
Pico Rivera, CA
3/15/2011 5 photos
I've stayed here numerous times. I've stayed here in the summer with family and during the winter with the wife. We've stayed in regular tent cabins, signature tent cabins with insulation and heaters and cabins with private baths. Personally I've been going here from probably 25+ years so I consider myself a Curry Village Pro. First off check in is to the far right of the main complex. To the right is some of there cabins and Stoneman House (motel style rooms).There's a buffet, coffee bar and ice cream shop, taco stand, pizza deck with bar, mountaineering store, and mini-mart style shop for supplies and souvenirs. Some of that stuff is closed in the off season like the pizza deck and taco stand. There's alot of parking to the left of the stores along with some overflow parking in the apple orchard and also a few spots near the actual wood cabins but you need to stay in one to park there. Parking can get crazy as alot of day trippers park here and ride the free shuttles there. Chances are this is where you'll stay since this is the largest spot to stay in the valley and the campsites get booked within minutes and you cant afford the Awahnee or find a spot at the lodge.
The tent cabins are cool during the summer as a cheap way to stay in the valley. They do get kind of hot though. If you don't know what they are it's elevated canvas tents covering a wooden frame with a wooden floor, two single beds and 1 full bed, electrical outlets, a small vanity with mirror, light, and linens and chair. It's great not having to worry about arriving late and setting up a tent or bringing blankets although you might want to bring a softer blanket. The signature tent cabins are similar but with wood walls with insulation but look the same from the outside. During the winter they have heaters with thermostats. Although they are hit and miss as some work too good and it feels like a sauna while some don't work enough. Note even with the signature tents you need to store your food and other scented products in the bear locker outside your tent.
I've stayed in the Hard sided Cabins only once recently. They are to the right of the check in area and parking is right in front away from the day use parking. The one we stayed in was actually 2 private cabins out of one larger cabin. You could tell because there was a door that connected the two rooms. The bathroom smelled funky and after wards I noticed a yellow liquid behind the toilet. I'm not sure if it was due to a faulty toilet or related to a mouse that managed to sneak it's way inside our cabin. The walls were a bit thin so be aware of that before you leave at the same time in the AM as your neighbors and exchange giggles. ;) Overall I guess we just got a bad one but I would rather stay there than have to leave the valley early or drive in the dark for an hour and a half and you are sleeping in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Quick tips:
-try to keep your food and smelly items like lotions deodorants etc separated so it's easier to pack in your bear locker.
-clean out your car completely of empty sodas, sealed water bottles, cheerios hidden in crevices so a bear doe sent break into your car. the cabins are so far away from your car you wont be able to protect your car or the bear.
-leave your car parked before you lose your spot and just use the free shuttles.
-keep a headlight or flashlight with you to see at night. a headlamp is better so both hand's are free for bags or in case you slip on ice.
-study your map, curry is huge and has tons of tents and various ways to get to them.
-you can use the showers for free if you stay there and the pool.
enjoy! -
Review from Catherine T.
College Park, MD
9/25/2009
I got a cabin near the amphitheatre and the toilets so it was very convenient. 3 single and 1 double in the tent with a bear proof locker outside. Bring your own padlock.
The dining hall offers buffet breakfast and dinner. The prices are very affordable. Dinner buffet goes for around $14. cheaper for seniors and kids. Good variety and quality's not bad too.
The gift shop also offers quite a full range of grocery items. Good thing is they are normal priced, not overpriced.
Love this place. Will come back. -
Review from surai j.
6/18/2010
See my long review of enjoying Yosemite with toddlers on tripadvisor. Just wanted to mention that this is a great place to stay with kids. The canvas tents are such a deal for what you get, which isn't much but if you are can handle sharing a community shower, you'll love this place for its location, price and oh yeah, did I mention location. You won't believe it 'til you see it, it's beyond words. I hesitated for a long time because I haven't been camping since the 4th grade and I can't stand cold floors or sleeping outdoors. This place is so fun and well run that it makes almost want to go out and get a tent and sleeping bag..... almost :-)
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Review from Patch C.
Burbank, CA
5/2/2011 15 photos
another experience for us.....April is a little bit cold for us to spending time in Yosemite but we were really had a good time and good experience while we were staying at curry village.good breakfast and pizza!
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Review from Teresa C.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2010
How did I end up camping at this semi-real-camping facility? Came with a couple friends who weren't into the whole outdoors experience but wanted the hiking experience at Yosemite. This was one of the few spots free at the last minute. Wasn't bad at all. If you don't want to go all out camping (setting up tent, cooking, etc), this might be a good introduction. There were tent-like structures with beds, shelving, lights, and A/C inside! Restrooms were pretty clean and there were many shower stalls for each gender restroom. There are also a lot of eateries to choose from, nothing special but anything tastes good when you're out in the wilderness and tired! We actually got a free breakfast buffet as someone was posing as a ranger in the middle of the night - downside of a large overnight facility. Good location for exploring Yosemite Valley.
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Review from A S.
San Mateo, CA
2/22/2009
Go to Yosemite, it's beautiful; but do not stay at Curry Village. We wanted a heated tent cabin, since we went in January, and paid $62.00/night for it online. (I told my boyfriend I would not go to Yosemite in the middle of winter unless we stayed in a heated cabin or a hotel.) We didn't bother bringing our sleeping bags because we wouldn't need them with heat.
When we got there, they tried to tell us that we had rented a non-heated cabin and proceeded to show us a completely different (and higher) price list for non-heated and heated cabins. They said we didn't pay enough for a heated cabin. Then they said we paid for a bed and breakfast package (the breakfast is microwaved and costs $20 per person - and on that note, I would highly recommend bringing your own food). Then they refunded us for the bed and breakfast but let us keep the breakfast tickets. Then they messed a bit and said that they in fact have over booked the heated tent cabins and had non left to give us. It was crap.
It got down into the teens that night and neither of us slept at all. This was my second time staying in Curry Village, and my second bad experience with them. That will be my last time staying there, and honestly would like to encourage you not to stay there so maybe they will change their way of business and get their act together to create a more enjoyable time in one of the most beautiful places in the world. -
Review from Mark M.
Palo Alto, CA
7/31/2008
Overpriced and undercleaned. Community showers needed some serious scrubbing and mildew killing treatment. Lots of dead bugs and dustballs in the so called "cabin". Stayed there in 2005, maybe things have improved. Hope so.
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Review from Ann T.
San Diego, CA
6/19/2009
Tent cabin with a single cot and a double cot...NOT COMFORTABLE! But can't complain to much if you REALLY need a place to stay and didn't make a reservation. Luckily we even got one out of the 3 that were available we definitely were not going to drive back out of Yosemite if we didn't find a place to stay. BRING YOUR SLEEPING BAGS with you if you plan to sleep here the cots are HARD and the blankets they provide are Felt or Feltlike material so you WILL freeze your bumbum off. The restrooms were somewhat close to where we were but beware THERE ARE BEARS roaming right through camp. I saw my first bear 2 tents down early in the morning. Heard the rukus of the ranger scaring him away. AMAZING I tell ya. The rangers DON'T get paid enough because they really keep everyone safe out there, frequently cruising around looking for bears. We unfortunately didn't completely clean out our car like we were told to, it was TOOO late and we were TOOO tired when we got back, but luckily no bears broke in :) Lastly, if you are really looking forward to being able to cook all that yummy food you brought in your coolers with you it is NOT allowed in, near, nor around this place and the eatery and stuff is pretty far from your camp so make sure you eat first before you turn in for the night cause you CAN'T have ANY food in your tent cabin. Oh and absolutely lastly, SHOWERS ARE SUPER FAR way across the village so plan accordingly if you plan to take a shower.
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Review from anna lynn d.
South San Francisco, CA
5/26/2010
In the event of snow and temperatures in the 20s at night, Curry Village will still shut the heat off to the heated tents the friday before Memorial Day. That 'appoximately the Friday before Memorial Day' disclaimer has nothing to do with the weather.
