Gateway Town
Fish Camp
Mountain village south of Yosemite. YARTS access late May–Sept. Limited services; lodging available.
Quick facts
- Town Type
- Supply Depot
- Population
- 49
- Best Known For
- Lodging en route to Yosemite via Highway 41; YARTS shuttle gateway (late May–Sept).
- About This Town
- Fish Camp is a quiet mountain village of 49 residents, 41.8 km south of Yosemite on Highway 41. It serves as a southern lodging gateway to the park, offering cabins and small inns. YARTS shuttle connects Fresno, Fish Camp, Wawona, and Yosemite Valley (late May–late September), with ticket prices including park entry.
Town overview
- Town Type
- Supply Depot
- Population
- 49
- Best Known For
- Lodging en route to Yosemite via Highway 41; YARTS shuttle gateway (late May–Sept).
- About This Town
- Fish Camp is a quiet mountain village of 49 residents, 41.8 km south of Yosemite on Highway 41. It serves as a southern lodging gateway to the park, offering cabins and small inns. YARTS shuttle connects Fresno, Fish Camp, Wawona, and Yosemite Valley (late May–late September), with ticket prices including park entry.
- What Makes It Special
- Tiny mountain village with authentic Sierra Nevada character at 5,062 ft elevation. Gateway to Yosemite's south entrance with minimal development.
Park access
- Distance From Park
- 41.8 km (26 miles) south
- Shuttle To Park
- YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transit System) operates late May–late September, stopping at Fish Camp (near Tenaya Lodge). Route connects Fresno, Fish Camp, Wawona, and Yosemite Valley. Ticket prices include park entry; purchase from driver.
Where to stay & eat
- Hotel Count
- 2
- Bnb Count
- 0
- Lodging Variety
- Cabins, inns, and lodges. Options include Big Creek Inn, Narrow Gauge Inn, Owls Nest Lodging, Sugar Pine Cabins ($150–$350), Tenaya Lodge, and White Chief Mountain Lodge.
- Restaurant Count
- 5
Visitor services
- Grocery Stores
- No supermarket in Fish Camp. Limited retail options. Stock up in Fresno before arriving.
Things to do
- Main Attractions
- Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad: 4-mile vintage logging railroad excursion on steam locomotives and rail cars ($17.50 adults, $8.75 children 3–12).
- Summer Activities
- Vintage railroad excursions, nearby hiking and park access via Highway 41 or YARTS shuttle.
Planning advice
- Peak Season
- Late May–September (Yosemite high season, YARTS shuttle operations).
- Shoulder Season
- April–May and September–October. Quieter, cooler; YARTS winding down or not yet running.
- Booking Advance
- Book lodging in advance May–September. Off-season (October–April) more flexible but YARTS unavailable.
- The Vibe
- Quiet mountain village, not a resort town. Practical and minimal. Car required October–April (Highway 41 only); YARTS available May–September. Stay here to save money; book in advance during peak season.
- Best Time To Visit
- Late May–late September (YARTS shuttle season). June–August sees peak Yosemite tourism; shoulder season (May, September) quieter.
- Tips Advice
- Access via Highway 41 only (no public transit October–April).
- YARTS shuttle (late May–late September) includes park entry.
- Limited gas and dining hours; call ahead.
- Stock up in Fresno for supplies.
More details
- Family Friendly Notes
- Quiet village suitable for families. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad welcomes children ($8.75, ages 3–12). Highway 41 has regular traffic; supervise accordingly.
- Nearby Facilities
- Lodging (cabins, inns, lodges), 5 restaurants/cafes, vintage railroad excursions, limited retail, YARTS shuttle access.
Location
Frequently asked questions
When does YARTS shuttle operate?
Late May–late September. Check schedules; service varies by year.
Can I reach Fish Camp without a car?
Yes, via YARTS shuttle (late May–Sept). October–April requires private vehicle via Highway 41.
What lodging is available?
Cabins, inns, and lodges from $150–$350. Tenaya Lodge is the largest. Book early in peak season.
Are there supermarkets or gas stations?
Limited retail in Fish Camp. Stock up in Fresno. Gas station hours not confirmed; ask locally.
What's there to do?
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad vintage excursions, nearby hiking, quick access to park via Highway 41.
More at Yosemite National Park
El Portal
Motel row meets Merced River. Outside the park, cheaper than inside; YARTS shuttle to Yosemite.
Lee Vining
Lee Vining: tiny gateway to Yosemite via YARTS shuttle. Mono Lake views, but pack a dinner—winter shuts it down hard.
Yosemite West
Ridge community with zero services—fuel elsewhere. Private lodging minutes from Yosemite's south side.
Recommended gear for Yosemite National Park
Sources
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.