The most affordable in-park accommodation in Yosemite, Curry Village offers canvas tent cabins in a wooded setting at the base of the valley. Shared bathhouses and a cafeteria-style dining option makes this an accessible way to sleep inside the park.
Half Dome Village—historically known as Curry Village and officially listed as Curry Village (Housekeeping Camp)—is Yosemite Valley's largest and most affordable in-park lodging complex, situated in a wooded flat at the base of the valley's southern wall in Yosemite National Park, California. The site was originally established as Camp Curry in 1899 by David and Jennie Curry to provide accessible accommodation inside the park and has grown into a sprawling collection of canvas tent cabins, wood-frame tent cabins, and standard motel-style rooms serving thousands of visitors each season. The Housekeeping Camp component is a distinct section of the property offering semi-permanent canvas structures with concrete floors, beds, a small dresser, and access to shared bathhouse facilities. Guests supply their own bedding or rent linens on-site for an additional fee. The standard tent-cabin units are more developed, featuring wood frames, electric lights, and real beds with supplied linens. Both offer the experience of sleeping within earshot of the Merced River at the foot of Glacier Point and the Half Dome formation—an experience unavailable at any price point outside the national park. Food and beverage facilities include a large cafeteria-style dining pavilion, the Pizza Patio (open seasonally), a hamburger stand, and a well-stocked camp store. Ice cream service has been a summer tradition at the camp's food stands for generations. The Adventure Sport Center on the property rents kayaks, bicycles, and rock-climbing shoes and provides guided rock-climbing instruction. The free Yosemite Valley Shuttle stops directly at Half Dome Village, connecting all major trailheads including the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, Mirror Lake Trail, and Happy Isles. Black bear activity is common in this area; all food must be stored in provided bear boxes at all times.
Amenities
- Shared bathhouses
- Pizza deck
- Camp store
- Gear rental
- Shuttle access
Location
Curry Village, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Highlights
- Lowest-cost in-park accommodation in Yosemite Valley at approximately $85–$160 per night for tent cabins and Housekeeping Camp units
- Semi-permanent Housekeeping Camp canvas structures beside the Merced River at the base of Half Dome and Glacier Point
- Adventure Sport Center with kayak, bicycle, and rock-climbing gear rentals plus guided climbing instruction
- Pizza Patio, camp store, and cafeteria dining providing full self-sufficiency inside Yosemite National Park
- Free valley shuttle stops directly at Half Dome Village, connecting all major trailheads without a car
Tips for visiting
- Book immediately when reservations open 366 days in advance—tent cabins here are among Yosemite's fastest-selling accommodations
- Bear activity is common in this area; all food and scented items must be stored in the provided bear boxes at all times—rangers enforce this strictly and violations carry fines
- Housekeeping Camp units do not include bedding by default; rent linens on-site or bring sleeping bags to save money
- The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls begins at Happy Isles, a 10-minute walk or one shuttle stop east—one of Yosemite's finest accessible hikes
- Evenings can be cold at 4,000 feet elevation even in July and August; bring warm layers regardless of daytime temperatures
Accessibility
Curry Village / Half Dome Village offers a limited number of ADA-accessible tent cabin units with wider doorways and accessible shared bathhouses; contact Travel Yosemite directly to confirm availability. The free Yosemite Valley Shuttle provides accessible low-floor boarding. Most tent-cabin and Housekeeping Camp surfaces involve natural terrain that is challenging for wheelchair users.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Housekeeping Camp and tent cabins?
Housekeeping Camp units are semi-permanent canvas structures on concrete floors with shared bathhouses—bedding is not included. Tent cabins have wood frames, electricity, and beds with linens. Both are significantly less expensive than The Ahwahnee.
Is a car needed to stay at Half Dome Village?
No. The free Yosemite Valley Shuttle stops at Half Dome Village and connects all major valley attractions and trailheads. The park entrance fee or annual pass is required to reach the property.
Are bears a real concern?
Yes. Black bears are active throughout Yosemite Valley, and Half Dome Village has historically experienced bear incidents. All food and scented items must be locked in the provided bear boxes—failure to do so risks a citation and potentially dangerous wildlife encounters.
How do reservations work?
Reservations are made through travelyosemite.com, operated by Aramark. Bookings open 366 days in advance and summer dates sell within hours of the release window opening.
What activities are available at or near the camp?
The Adventure Sport Center rents kayaks, bikes, and climbing gear and provides guided rock-climbing instruction. Trailhead access to the Mist Trail, Mirror Lake, and Valley Loop is within walking distance or one shuttle stop.