The glamping resort Wildhaven Yosemite could not be more aptly named. A sister site to the popular Wildhaven Sonoma, this location near Mariposa, California, brings glamping and comfort to a new level—my stay at Wildhaven Yosemite was relaxing, restorative and invigorating at the same time. Wildhaven Yosemite is a great fit for seasoned campers, first-time glampers, and hotel-goers alike.
Things to know about Wildhaven Yosemite
Location
Set on a lovely hillside just outside Mariposa, California, Wildhaven offers beautiful views (especially from the pergola and the Valley View cabins, while other cabins are nestled in their own area of woods).
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Wildhaven also offers easy accessibility to the small town of Mariposa as well as accessibility to Yosemite National Park through a scenic valley driving alongside the Merced River (which offers many lovely swimming spots for hot days), though it is important to note that it is a roughly 45-minute drive from Wildhaven to the closest entrance to the Park, and around an hour to the Valley floor. Thus while a perfect location for a day trip into the Valley during a relaxing getaway, if maximizing your time in Yosemite Valley is what you’re after, then I would possibly consider staying somewhere closer.
Accommodations
Wildhaven offers a variety of luxury glamping tents and cabins to suit any budget. Tents are cheaper than cabins, and in my opinion, far more charming, though the cabins do have ensuite bathrooms, better views, and air conditioning, which was a life-saver when I visited during a heatwave.
Tents
Wildhaven’s tents are custom designed and safari-style, with tall ceilings & large windows, making them comfortable in any weather. Though not en-suite, the tents are centered around a modern and clean communal bathhouse, as well as the cooking area and communal firepit.
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Tents are divided into Standard and Premium tents, the difference being the Premium tents have a better view, heated mattress pads, larger decks (double the size), and year-round gas fire-pits (designed for heating, not cooking). Both tent types are equipped with a deck, a space heater, clothing storage space, nightstands & lamps, a rug, electricity, fan, a mirror, and a parking space, though only some tent types (Premium one-Queen tents) have a locking door. Tents can accommodate up to two adults and four children, and come in many different arrangements, including a single queen bed, two queen beds, and one queen bed and four bunk beds.
Cabins
The Cabins are the more fitted-out options at Wildhaven, as they are all equipped with a bathroom with a shower, a kitchenette, a large window with a view, and air conditioning. There are two types of cabins: Classic and Valley View. Valley Views face south and look across 2,000 acres of uninterrupted rolling hills. Classics still have views, but of a closer set of foothills and look out over the entrance road. The cabins can fit up to five people (two adults and three kids) and come with a private patio with a picnic table, patio set, and firepit with cooking grill.
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Amenities
Amenities at Wildhaven are purposely kept to a minimum, as the focus here is on connection to nature without too many distractions. That being said, Wildhaven does offer Wi-Fi. Wildhaven does not have any restaurants or food on site, however communal grilling spaces (and a place to wash your dishes) are available for free use for those in tents, and those in cabins have their own terraces on which to cook.
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In addition, the cute town of Mariposa is a five-minute drive away, which offers many dining options as well as grocery stores and farmers markets, so you will never be short of delicious food, even if you don’t feel like cooking. Wildhaven also makes full use of the natural beauty on which it finds itself—including a hilltop pergola with sweeping valley views (perfect for a fireside sunset viewing), and trails on site.
Reviews
Wildhaven Yosemite is still super new, so it doesn’t have very many guest reviews yet, but garners 8.8 out of 10 on Expedia and 4.7 out of 5 on Yelp. Reviewers loved the friendly staff, the accessibility to Yosemite and Mariposa, and the cute tents and beautiful views.
What makes Wildhaven Yosemite special
Community focus
Designed as an escape from the modern, urban, individualistic world so many of us find ourselves in, this luxury glamping site really hones in on the importance of community—with communal spaces including a jaw-dropping hilltop pergola, a communal firepit, a communal bathhouse (the cabins have their own restrooms while the tents do not), and a communal cooking area, you will be sure to meet a host of like-minded individuals and families, and truly this connection to people and nature is what Wildhaven is all about. Continuing its commitment to community, Wildhaven Yosemite features local businesses in activities in the summer, including complimentary live music from local bands, yoga classes from Yogasemite, and Sierra Cider tastings.
Friendly, helpful staff and recommendations
It is clear that Wildhaven has thoughtfully curated each aspect of the guest experience, as there was not one thing I was left wanting for, including incredible service. Everyone at Wildhaven was extremely lovely and helpful, and even seemed high energy and happy (maybe that’s what happens when you work in such a beautiful place?). We arrived incredibly late due to traffic, and were met by a friendly person on the night shift who showed us to our tent and made us feel very welcome. Likewise, Wildhaven’s suggestions for what to do in Yosemite and Mariposa were comprehensive and thoughtful, and really no additional research was needed to experience the best of both places. This level of great recommendations put into an easily accessible format clearly speaks to the sophistication and attentive care of the minds behind Wildhaven.
From my visit to Wildhaven Yosemite, it is clear to see why the original property in Sonoma has been such a success. The attention to detail—and customer feedback—is evident throughout the stay. There are so many things this site has going for it, including the focus on comfort in nature as well as its emphasis on community and togetherness through the use of communal cooking areas and local activities. Not to mention the beautiful location with charming tents, and fantastic sunset view. The fact that this site is close to Yosemite is almost just a bonus, as you could happily stay here for several days without even visiting one of the most incredible places on earth! But you know, don’t.
