If you’re planning a trip to visit beautiful Yosemite National Park but want lodging with more amenities than typical park campgrounds or hotels, look no further than the Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite. Located just a 20 minute drive from the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park in Groveland, California, Rush Creek Lodge offers visitors spacious lodge rooms, a pool, hot tubs, restaurant and more for a true resort experience close to Yosemite.
Key Takeaways:
- Rush Creek Lodge is located just 20 minutes from Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance
- Choose from standard, suite and villa room types comfortably sleeping families and groups
- Enjoy amenities like an outdoor pool, hot tubs, restaurant and nightly s’mores
- Rates vary by season but often still provide value compared to those inside Yosemite Park
- The lodge is highly rated on sites like TripAdvisor for customer service and resort experiences
- Check packages and promos to potentially save on room and activities for a full Yosemite trip
What Can You Expect from the Lodging and Amenities at Rush Creek Lodge?
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite has 143 well-appointed lodge rooms spread across the main lodge and nearby hillside villas. Rooms are spacious and offer amenities like mini fridges, coffee makers and some have views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For added comfort, many rooms have been recently renovated. The on-site amenities really set Rush Creek Lodge apart from other lodging options in and around Yosemite. Guests have access to a heated outdoor pool and two hot tubs, perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking in the park. Other amenities include a game room, lounge area and s’mores offered nightly around one of the property’s multiple fire pits.
How Much Will a Stay at Rush Creek Lodge Cost in 2023?
Rates at Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite range depending on dates and room type. For example, standard queen or king rooms start at around $235 per night during non-peak dates and may be over $300 per night around holidays in 2023. Suites and multi-room options are more expensive, often $50-100 more than standard rooms. Be sure to view prices on the Rush Creek Lodge website for your specific travel dates prior to arrival to find current rates. Special requests like room upgrades are subject to availability and may incur additional charges. It’s best to contact the property directly with any special requests.
What Amenities and Activities Can You Enjoy On-site?
In addition to the spacious lodge rooms themselves, Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite offers an outdoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs as well as two hot tubs for soaking. The pool area is a great place to relax after a day of hiking through 120 in Yosemite National Park. For meals, the main lodge offers a full-service restaurant and tavern serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with items like fried cauliflower, burgers and beers on tap. Other amenities include a game room with pool tables and shuffleboard, evening s’mores around one of the many fire pits on the property, and Wi-Fi throughout. The friendly staff is also on hand to help plan activities like hiking trips or suggest scenic drives in the area.
Does Rush Creek Lodge Offer Any Packages or Deals?
Rush Creek Lodge occasionally offers packages that can help enhance your Yosemite experience and save you money compared to booking room and activities separately. For example, their “Day in the Park” package includes overnight lodging, breakfast for two and park entrance passes – an easy way to start your day without having to purchase passes upon check-in. Be sure to check their website or contact the lodge directly to inquire about any special packages valid during your planned visit dates. Combining lodging, meals and park access can be a great value for families visiting Yosemite.
What Questions are on People’s Minds When Considering Rush Creek Lodge?
Some common questions folks have when considering Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite include:
How close is it really to Yosemite National Park? The lodge is located just 20 minutes from the Big Oak Flat entrance inside Yosemite National Park.
What is the pool like? The lodge features a large heated outdoor pool as well as two hot tubs for soaking muscles after hiking.
What room types are available? Choose from standard hotel rooms, cottage-style rooms, suites and multi-room villas – all with comfy beds and basic kitchenettes.
Are meals included? While the lodge does not offer all-inclusive plans, their full-service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with typical American fare as well as beer and wine.
What activities are there for kids? Along with the pool, activities like the game room, s’mores and playground keep kids entertained when not exploring nature.
Do you earn points/rewards? Currently there is no formal loyalty program, but contact them about any promos or deals for past guests or those booking multiple nights.
How is the location outside of Yosemite? Situated in Groveland, the lodge provides a nice home base from which to explore Hetch Hetchy,Yosemite Valley and more.
What Do Reviews Say About Staying at Rush Creek Lodge?
Guest reviews on sites like TripAdvisor consistently rate Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite very highly, with many commenting on the excellent customer service and range of on-site amenities compared to other Yosemite area lodging options. Common themes include praise for the spacious and recently renovated rooms, large pool and heated hot tubs, friendly staff always on hand and the overall resort-like experience provided so close to one of America’s most beautiful national parks. The nightly bonfires with s’mores also seemed to be a crowd-pleaser, especially for families. Many guests noted they added an extra night to their stay based on how much they enjoyed the lodge’s facilities and welcoming atmosphere.
Final Thoughts on Staying at Rush Creek Lodge
In summary, for visitors looking to truly enjoy the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park with lodging comforts and activities beyond a standard hotel room, Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite deserves strong consideration. The spacious rooms, variety of on-site amenities including a pool, hot tubs and restaurant, close proximity to Yosemite and family-friendly atmosphere offer a true resort experience right outside park boundaries. Be sure to book early for peak dates like summer and holidays, but discount packages may be available for other travel periods like fall. With its friendly staff and review praise, Rush Creek Lodge has clearly enhanced many guests’ stays and visits to this incredible national park.