We recently took the kids to Yosemite and stayed just outside the park at the Evergreen Lodge, which turned out to be the perfect basecamp for exploring. Between the lodge’s thoughtful setup for families and the jaw-dropping views inside the park, this trip was one for the books. Located just outside Yosemite’s western gate, Evergreen Lodge feels elevated and rustic all at once—thoughtful without being overly bougie. We booked a two-bedroom cabin that comfortably fit our family of six, and the property was equipped with everything you could possibly need.
For kids, there were zip lines, a screen-free game room, and even daily crafts. Evenings meant s’mores around the firepits and family-style BBQ picnics. For adults, there were cozy board games, guided tours, and a tavern where you could catch a bit of football. It truly works for all ages—families with little ones, couples, or even a group of friends. Since Evergreen is outside the park perimeter, you’ll need to secure an advance reservation for park entry on certain weekends (we went on Labor Day Weekend so it was a must).
The general store on the property was a gem, offering grab-and-go sandwiches, bug spray, snacks, and even a flat white when we needed coffee. We also loved the sit-down restaurant and tavern bar—it made it easy to mix casual meals with more relaxed evenings.
Once inside Yosemite, we spent most of our time on the valley floor, which is where you’ll find the park’s most iconic views. Seeing El Capitan and Half Dome in person was as breathtaking as you’d imagine. Swinging Bridge was my personal favorite, with waterfalls in the backdrop and postcard-worthy views all around. Because it was hot when we visited, we skipped the longer hikes, but there are plenty of family-friendly trails if the weather cooperates. We picnicked by packing our own food, but the Valley Lodge inside the park is a good option if you need a quick stop.
One of our days in Yosemite we made the trek to Tenaya Lake, about an hour and a half from Evergreen Lodge. Formed by glaciers, this is the largest lake in Yosemite—115 feet deep and absolutely stunning in the morning light. We rented paddle boards from Evergreen, but if you’d rather bring your own, this inflatable paddle board is easy to pack for family road trips. We also packed a picnic lunch, and I wished I had brought a travel tent for shade along the shore. The kids had a blast, and I enjoyed a little R&R with the little guy!
After long days of exploring, coming back to Evergreen felt like a treat. The kids swam, we stargazed under crystal-clear skies, and we ended the night wandering the property with headlamps and flashlights—a simple but magical memory.
A few quick tips if you’re planning a visit: book park entry reservations early if you’re visiting on a peak weekend, pack picnic lunches to maximize your time in the park, bring headlamps and flashlights for evening walks around the lodge, and if you’re headed to Tenaya Lake, pack extra sun protection like an umbrella or hats. Paddle boards are available to rent directly from Evergreen, but bringing your own can give you more flexibility.
Yosemite was every bit as awe-inspiring as we’d hoped, but what made the trip work for our family was Evergreen Lodge. It let us dip into the adventure of the park while giving us a cozy, fun, and kid-friendly place to land at the end of the day.
