Housekeeping Camp

Pros & cons

PROS

Riverfront Valley location with views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls
Only lodging here where outdoor cooking is allowed
On-site showers, laundry, and camp store make resupply easy

CONS

No linens by default; bring your own or rent bed packs
Shared showers/restrooms can get crowded and noise varies by loop
Wood fires only 5–10 pm; no morning campfires

Overview

Housekeeping Camp is Yosemite Valley’s classic "camping‑lite" stay: three‑walled concrete-and-canvas units with covered patios set along the Merced River. You get the outdoorsy vibe without pitching a tent, plus central-Valley convenience and those postcard views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. It’s open seasonally (2025 dates: April 11–October 12) and the front desk is staffed 24/7.

The Units

Each unit has one double bed and a twin bunk (sleeps up to six with two optional cots), electric lights/outlets, a table and chairs, and a covered patio. Outside you’ll have a picnic table, a campfire ring with a grill, and bear-proof food lockers. There’s no TV or phone, and space heaters and refrigerators aren’t allowed. Linens aren’t included—bring sleeping bags and pillows or rent nightly “bed packs.”

Facilities & Services

A central shower house (soap and towels provided) is open 7:00 am–10:00 pm, with restrooms spread around camp. Expect lighter crowds in the morning. Laundry runs 8:00 am–10:00 pm and is open to all park visitors. The camp store (8:00 am–8:00 pm) stocks convenience items, groceries, firewood, and basic camping supplies. Free parking is near your unit, and the free Valley shuttle stops at Housekeeping, so you can skip driving. No sleeping in vehicles.

Cooking, Fires, and the River

This is the only Yosemite lodging where outdoor cooking is permitted. Wood fires are allowed 5:00 pm–10:00 pm and must be fully out by 10:00 pm; use a camp stove for breakfast. When flows are low, sandy river beaches by camp are perfect for relaxing and play—an easy win if you’ve got kids or just want a mellow afternoon.

Rules, Bears, and Reality Check

Quiet hours run 10:00 pm–6:00 am. Bears are a big deal here, so all scented items—food, drinks, coolers, toiletries, trash—belong in the provided lockers (two sizes: about 33"×45"×18" and 17"×49"×17"). Violations can mean fines up to $5,000 and removal. Pets aren’t permitted (service animals excepted). Smoking is prohibited. You may encounter dust/soot in units and cheeky chipmunks—normal for this rustic setup.

What to Bring

Pack like you’re camping: sleeping bags/pillows (or rent bed packs), warm layers even in summer, shower shoes, a headlamp, a padlock and sealable containers for your bear locker, earplugs, and a refillable water bottle. Wi‑Fi is not available at camp; very limited, basic Wi‑Fi exists over in Yosemite Village for light email/web use only.

Best Time to Visit

Midweek stays see fewer crowds. Early mornings mean quieter showers and easier parking spots to shuffle gear. Late summer/early fall often brings lower river levels and more usable beaches. For exploring the Valley’s highlights, Housekeeping’s central location and shuttle access make any day workable.

Bottom Line

If you want a social, river-adjacent base with real campfire cooking and easy access to the Valley, this place is a gem. If you need hotel comforts, private baths, and strong Wi‑Fi, look elsewhere.