Under Canvas Yosemite: Luxury Glamping on the Edge of a National Treasure
Under Canvas brings luxury glamping to Yosemite with plush safari tents, immersive nature experiences, and sustainable comfort just minutes from the park.
Under Canvas Yosemite: Luxury Glamping Comes to the Sierra Nevada
Barely more than a stone’s throw from the iconic wonders of Yosemite National Park, Under Canvas—the hospitality brand celebrated for reimagining camping as a comfortable, design-driven, and eco-friendly experience—announces its long-awaited California debut. Set amidst 80 acres of pine-dotted forest just minutes from Yosemite’s west entrance at Big Oak Flat, this new outpost promises travelers a new way to immerse themselves in the park’s grandeur starting in Spring 2026.*
For nature lovers, adventure seekers, and comfort aficionados alike, Under Canvas combines the best of both worlds: proximity to Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes with accommodations that offer genuine comfort, style, and sustainable principles. Reservations are now open for the inaugural season, running April 16 through October 26, 2026.*
Why Choose Under Canvas Yosemite?
- Unmatched Park Access: Only 10 minutes from Yosemite’s west entrance, with a YARTS bus stop across the street for car-free convenience.*
- Luxury in Nature: Seventy safari-inspired tents feature plush beds, private bathrooms, and eco-friendly touches.
- Sustainable Glamping: Low-impact infrastructure and thoughtful water and energy use preserve the surroundings.
- Curated Experiences: Onsite Adventure Concierge helps coordinate local tours, outdoor sports, and park explorations.
- Community Spirit: Communal spaces, daily programs—from yoga to live music—and a welcoming café foster camaraderie.
About Under Canvas: Blending Luxury and Wilderness Across America’s Landscapes
Since its inception in 2012, Under Canvas has pioneered the concept of upscale outdoor hospitality, transforming how travelers experience America’s great wild spaces. Its signature safari-style camps now dot the landscapes around national parks such as Zion, Moab, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, and now, for the first time in California, Yosemite.
Each Under Canvas property is unique, blending harmoniously with its environment and designed to maximize guests’ connection to nature while ensuring a restful, authentic stay. The brand’s focus on minimal disturbance to the land, reduction of unnecessary luxuries, and commitment to eco-friendly technologies makes it appealing to discerning travelers who value both comfort and sustainability.
Brand Ethos
- Sustainably Designed Camps: Infrastructure with minimal permanent impact; use of low-flow fixtures and limited Wi-Fi to prioritize real-world immersion.*
- Local Engagement: Experiences and staff recommendations tailored to the region’s culture and ecology.
- Community and Connection: Thoughtfully designed communal areas encourage guest camaraderie and authentic interaction.
The Location: Gateway to Yosemite’s Wonders
Under Canvas Yosemite sits in an idyllic, wooded setting just 10 minutes beyond the west entrance to Yosemite National Park and the Big Oak Flat Information Station. Guests are enveloped by a serene mountainside forest of mature native trees, including California Black Oak and Ponderosa Pine.*
This proximity to the park entrance means:
- Quick access to main Yosemite Valley attractions including El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Mariposa Grove’s giant sequoias.
- Nearby family-friendly swimming holes and trailheads ideal for hiking, swimming, or picnicking.
- The advantage of a YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) bus stop located just across from the camp driveway, providing direct, car-free transport into the heart of the national park multiple times daily.*
Experiencing Yosemite with Ease
Whether you’re a dedicated hiker ready to tackle Yosemite’s epic trails, a family eager to explore waterfalls, or a couple seeking a romantic wilderness retreat, the strategic setting means more time spent in nature and less time commuting or searching for elusive park parking.
Accommodations: Redefining Luxury Camping
The Yosemite camp features 70 plush, safari-style tents artfully arranged around a central amenities and gathering area. Every detail is designed to seamlessly blend comfort, sustainability, and a sense of place.
- King-Sized Beds: Sleep soundly on plush beds equipped with heated mattress pads for those crisp Sierra nights.*
- En Suite Bathrooms: Private facilities in every tent include a hot shower, flush toilet, and eco-friendly features like pull-chain showers and low-flow toilets.
- Private Decks: Outdoor seating to enjoy the tranquil forest surroundings or gaze up at the night sky.
- Stargazing Windows: Select tents feature windows positioned for celestial viewing, inspired by sister properties with DarkSky certifications.*
- Modern Essentials: USB battery packs for device charging, bedside lanterns for a cozy ambiance.
No Wi-Fi is offered at the camp, allowing guests to disconnect and immerse fully in the natural world.
Room Options and Features Table
| Tent Type | Features | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Safari Tent | King bed, en suite bath, private deck | 2–4 |
| Stargazer Tent | Above-bed stargazing window, king bed, heated pad | 2 |
| Family Tent | Multiple beds, en suite bathroom, spacious layout | 4–6 |
Amenities and Dining: A Blend of Adventure and Comfort
Central to the Under Canvas experience is the main lobby tent—a design-forward space with communal lounges, a lively game area, and indoor-outdoor café-style dining. Guests will find:
- West Elm Furnishings: Tasteful, contemporary décor enhancing indoor comfort.
- Café Dining: Freshly made, seasonal dishes highlight local California ingredients, plus a curated selection of area wines and craft beers.
- Grab-and-Go Snacks: Quick, healthy options for day-trippers heading into the park.
- Expansive Yoga Deck: Overlooking the forest, perfect for morning stretches or sunset classes.
- Outdoor Fire Pits: Ideal for gathering in the evening and sharing stories beneath the stars.
Programming & Activities
To complement the natural adventure of Yosemite, Under Canvas provides free daily programming and a dedicated onsite concierge:
- Live acoustic music on select nights
- Yoga sessions for all levels
- Children’s activities designed to connect kids with nature
- S’mores nights around the fire pit for a classic camping treat
- Adventure Concierge on hand to book:
- Rafting and kayaking trips
- Guided rock climbing
- Fly fishing excursions
- Nature walks and photography outings
- Customized hiking tours and family adventures
Sustainability & Responsible Tourism at the Forefront
Under Canvas’s Yosemite camp, like all its properties, is founded on a commitment to environmental stewardship. Each decision—architectural, operational, and experiential—is guided by the brand’s ethos of minimizing impact and fostering genuine immersion.
- Low-Impact Construction: Removable structures and furnishings, with recycled and upcycled materials wherever possible.
- Resource-Efficient Utilities: Pull-chain showers, low-flow toilets, and heating pads instead of broad tent heating for reduced water and energy use.*
- No Wi-Fi, Minimal Lighting: Encouraging a return to natural rhythms and dark skies for stargazing opportunities.
- Location Adjacent to Public Transportation: Incentivizing use of the YARTS bus for cleaner, less congested park access.
This ongoing dedication aligns with broader sustainability trends in national park tourism, inviting visitors to tread lightly and appreciate Yosemite’s fragile alpine ecosystems.
The Under Canvas Experience: Immersion, Comfort, and Adventure
What elevates Under Canvas above typical campground or cabin stays? The answer lies in its blend of thoughtful hospitality, curated adventure, and opportunities for community.
- Immersive Outdoors: All tent sites are arranged to maximize privacy and forest views, making each stay feel secluded yet secure.
- Adventure Without Compromise: Enjoy direct access to world-class hiking, climbing, and water sports by day, then return to civilization-level comforts as the sun sets.
- Community Moments: Share stories, music, and s’mores in the evenings—no previous camping experience required.
- Expert-Led Discovery: Let local concierges and experienced guides help you find hidden gems both in and beyond Yosemite Valley.
Planning Your Stay: Dates, Rates, and Reservations
- Opening Season: April 16 – October 26, 2026*
- Nightly Rates: Start at $319/night (subject to change and availability, peak dates may vary).
- Reservations: Now open through Under Canvas’s website and affiliated booking platforms.
Due to high demand around Yosemite National Park, travelers are encouraged to book well in advance, especially during peak spring and summer visitation periods.*
Quick Facts Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 10 min from Yosemite’s west entrance, Groveland, CA |
| Property Size | 80 forested acres |
| Number of Tents | 70 luxury tents |
| Operating Season | April 16–October 26, 2026 |
| Nightly Rates | From $319 |
| Onsite Dining | Café, grab-and-go, local wines & beers |
| Key Amenities | Private baths, yoga deck, concierge, fire pits |
| Sustainability | Low-impact build, low-flow fixtures, no Wi-Fi |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When does Under Canvas Yosemite open?
A: The inaugural season is set for April 16 through October 26, 2026. Reservations are currently open.*
Q: How close is the camp to the national park?
A: Under Canvas Yosemite is just a 10-minute drive from the park’s west entrance at Big Oak Flat Information Station.*
Q: Are accommodations suitable for families?
A: Yes, there are spacious family tents and kid-friendly amenities, along with organized children’s programming and activities.*
Q: Is Wi-Fi available?
A: No, the camp intentionally does not offer Wi-Fi to encourage guests to unplug and engage with their surroundings.*
Q: What dining options are offered?
A: Under Canvas Yosemite has a café serving seasonal meals, plus grab-and-go options and beverages featuring local wines and craft beers.
Q: What activities are available onsite?
A: Look forward to live music, yoga classes, kids’ activities, nightly s’mores, and an Adventure Concierge to help book guided park and local experiences.
Q: How is Under Canvas sustainable?
A: The site uses removable structures, low-flow plumbing, no Wi-Fi, minimal lighting, and encourages car-free park access via the adjacent YARTS shuttle stop.*
Final Thoughts: A New Era of Yosemite Stays
Under Canvas Yosemite signals a bold evolution in national park lodging—one that respects the environment, celebrates local beauty, and welcomes travelers of every age and background into the adventure of glamping. Whether you’re seeking solace among the pines, the thrill of outdoor adventure, or simply a new twist on the classic family vacation, this camp provides a refreshing, responsible, and unforgettable way to experience the one-of-a-kind majesty of Yosemite.
Ready to elevate your next journey to Yosemite National Park? Under Canvas’s plush tents, thoughtful amenities, and eco-forward approach await, blending the wild spirit of the West with contemporary comfort and style.
