Housekeeping Camp

Being in the Valley is a pleasure, and I’ve tried all the accommodation options here. Housekeeping is basically a sheltered campsite, with an outlet if the weather changes. The mattresses are thin, though a little better than the ground. Prices follow demand, which gets huge in the warmer months. You can cook on a camp stove, and there’s a small market nearby with limited choices. Curry Village has a better store, about an eight-minute walk away. The site is by the Merced River, so bring beach chairs and shoes for the Valley loop.

Getting a spot reserved online is really difficult, but the price is hard to beat. We loved the privacy and gorgeous natural setting, and the bike-friendly grounds kept the kids busy. Such a lovely campground for families.

The waterfalls were running hard and the dogwoods were in bloom, Yosemite at its best. We had a wonderful stay at Housekeeping Camp with four families, including parents, a grandparent, and 17 kids. It’s the best setup for us to cook and enjoy a campfire together, and the kids and teens look forward to making s’mores every night. The beds were comfortable, and we had good weather.

The falls roared like a freight train at night, and I love Yosemite. The first three days were pleasant, then the rain and snow gave the Valley a whole different look. I was glad I had an umbrella so we could walk around without getting soaked. We did the usual tourist things, including the visitor center movie about how Yosemite formed. It looked great in HD, with terrific shots of the Valley and high country. Good times and views, though the campsite was dirty, so bring a broom. We had a good visit and will be back.