Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping Resort couldn’t be more accurately named. A sister site to the popular Wildhaven Sonoma, this place near Maripasa, California takes glamping and comfort to the next level—my stay at Wildhaven Yosemite was relaxing, restorative, and invigorating all at once. Wildhaven Yosemite is great for experienced campers, first-timers, and lodgers alike.
What you need to know about Wildhaven Yosemite
Accommodation
Nestled on a beautiful hillside near Maripasa, California, Wildhaven offers spectacular views (especially from the pergola and cabins overlooking the valley, while the other cabins are nestled in their own wooded area).
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Wildhaven also offers easy access to the small town of Maripas, as well as access to Yosemite National Park through the scenic valley that runs alongside the Merced River (which offers plenty of great swimming spots on hot days), although it’s important to note that it’s about a 45-minute drive from Wildhaven to the nearest park entrance and about an hour to the valley floor. So, while a perfect place for a day trip to the valley on a relaxing vacation, if you’re looking to maximize your time in Yosemite Valley, then I might consider staying somewhere closer.
Residence
Wildhaven offers a variety of luxury tents and cabins for every budget. The tents are cheaper than the cabins, and in my opinion, much more charming, although the cabins do have bathrooms, better views, and air conditioning, which was a lifesaver when I visited during the heat.
Tents
Wildhaven tents are custom-designed and safari-style, with high ceilings and large windows, making them comfortable in all weathers. Although the tents do not have bathrooms, they are centered around a modern and clean communal bath, as well as a cooking area and communal fire pit.
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The tents are divided into standard and premium, the difference being that the premium tents have better views, heated mattresses, bigger decks (double the size) and year-round gas stoves (for heating, not cooking). Both tent types are equipped with a deck, heater, clothes storage, bedside tables and lamps, carpet, electricity, fan, mirror and parking space, although only some tent types (premium single queen tents) have locking doors. The tents can accommodate up to two adults and four children and come in a variety of configurations, including one queen bed, two queen beds, one queen bed, and four bunk beds.
Cabins
Cabins are the more equipped options at Wildhaven, as they all come with a bathroom with shower, a kitchenette, a large window with a view and air conditioning. There are two types of cabins: Classic and Valley View. The valley views are south facing and look out over 2000 acres of rolling hills. The classic still has views, but of a closer set of foothills and a view of the driveway. Cabins sleep up to five people (two adults and three children) and have a private patio with a picnic table, patio set, and fireplace with grill.
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Benefits
Amenities at Wildhaven are intentionally kept to a minimum, as the focus here is on connecting with nature without too many distractions. That being said, Wildhaven does offer Wi-Fi. There are no restaurants or food on site at Wildhaven, but communal grilling areas (and a dishwashing area) are available for free use by those staying in tents, and those staying in cabins have their own decks on which to cook.
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Plus, the cute little town of Mariposa is a five-minute drive away, offering tons of restaurants as well as grocery stores and farmers markets, so you’ll never be short of delicious food, even if you don’t feel like cooking. Wildhaven also takes full advantage of the natural beauty it sits on, including a hilltop gazebo with sweeping valley views (perfect for watching the sunset by the fireplace) and on-site trails.
Reviews
Wildhaven Yosemite is still super new, so there aren’t many guest reviews yet, but it gets an 8.8 out of 10 on Expedia and a 4.7 out of 5 on Yelp. Reviewers loved the friendly staff, the accessibility of Yosemite and Maripasa, and the cute tents and beautiful views.
What makes Wildhaven Yosemite special
Community focus
Designed as an escape from the modern, urban, individualistic world that many of us find ourselves in, this luxury glamping truly emphasizes the importance of community – with shared spaces including a stunning hilltop pergola, communal fireplace, communal bath (cabins have private toilets , while tents don’t) and a communal cooking area, you’re sure to meet lots of like-minded people and families, and really that connection with people and nature is what Wildhaven is all about. Continuing its commitment to the community, Wildhaven Yosemite offers local businesses summer events, including free live music from local bands, yoga classes from Yogasemite, and Sierra Cider tastings.
Friendly, helpful staff and recommendations
It’s clear that Wildhaven has thoughtfully prepared every aspect of the guest experience because there was not a single thing I wanted, including the incredible service. Everyone at Wildhaven was extremely nice and helpful, and even seemed upbeat 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 man on the night shift who showed us to our tent and made us feel very welcome. Likewise, Wildhaven’s suggestions for things to do in Yosemite and Maripas were comprehensive and thoughtful, and really didn’t require any additional research to experience the best of both places. This level of excellent recommendations, packed into an easily accessible format, is a clear testament to the sophistication and thoughtful care of the minds behind Wildhaven.
My visit to Wildhaven Yosemite made it clear why the original Sonoma property was such a success. Attention to detail and customer feedback is evident throughout the stay. There are so many things about this site, including an emphasis on the comfort of nature, as well as an emphasis on community and togetherness through the use of communal cooking areas and local events. Not to mention a beautiful place with magical tents and a fantastic view of the sunset. The fact that this place is close to Yosemite is almost a bonus, as you could happily stay here for days without even visiting one of the most incredible places on earth! But you know, you don’t have to.