Yosemite National Park’s Curry Village, also known as Camp Curry, is a historic resort located in the heart of the Yosemite Valley. Established in 1899, this charming village offers a unique blend of rustic accommodations, dining options, and outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking a true Yosemite experience.
Accommodations at Yosemite National Park Curry Village
Curry Village provides a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets:
- Yosemite Cabins: Wooden cabins with electric wall heaters, electrical outlets, and lighting, but no TVs or phones. They feature outdoor decks or patios, daily housekeeping, linens, and towels.
- Canvas Tent Cabins – Unheated: Wooden frames covered with canvas, wooden floors, and doors. These cabins have electric lighting but no electrical outlets, phones, TVs, or plumbing. Guests are provided with sheets, wool blankets, pillows, and towels.
- Canvas Tent Cabins – Heated: Available only during the winter months, these cabins offer heaters to keep the entire tent cabin warm, while retaining the same features as the unheated tent cabins.
Accessible rooms are available in all lodging facilities, and designated accessible parking spaces are located near the front office and overnight parking areas.
Dining and Amenities at Yosemite National Park Curry Village
Curry Village offers a variety of dining options, including a bar, a mountaineering school, and an outdoor swimming pool. Visitors can also find a gift shop for souvenirs and supplies. The village maintains a close-to-nature campground vibe, with most units requiring a short walk to shared bathrooms or shower houses. Guests are advised to pack a flashlight for nighttime use.
Rules and Regulations at Yosemite National Park Curry Village
To protect the wildlife, cooking is not permitted inside the tent cabins or anywhere in Curry Village. Guests can find picnic areas with grills in Yosemite Valley for outdoor cooking. Smoking is strictly prohibited at all accommodations and buildings in Yosemite, and pets are not allowed on the property.
Hazards and Warnings at Yosemite National Park Curry Village
Bears have been known to break into cars, so guests are advised to remove all scented items, food-related or otherwise, and store them in bear-proof storage lockers when staying overnight. Failure to comply with food storage policies may result in fines up to $5,000, removal from the park, and impoundment of vehicles used for food storage.
Getting to Yosemite National Park Curry Village
Curry Village is located in eastern Yosemite Valley and can be reached via Highways 41, 140, and 120. Follow signs for Curry Village, which is also serviced by the Valleywide and East Valley Shuttles at stops #14 and #19.
Historical Background of Yosemite National Park Curry Village
Curry Village, originally known as Camp Curry, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1979 due to its significant role in the development of tourism in Yosemite National Park. The complex includes visitor cabins, a store, dining facilities, a lodge, and a post office, all constructed in a rustic wood-framed style with hipped roofs and set on stone foundations.
In 1917, David Curry unexpectedly died, leaving management of Camp Curry to his wife and son. The Camp Curry post office opened in 1909 and changed its name to Curry Village in 1970.
21st-Century Events at Yosemite National Park Curry Village
In 2008, a rockfall occurred near Curry Village, damaging structures and leading to the closure of about one-third of visitor units due to risk. In 2012, eight visitors to Yosemite National Park developed hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and three of them died. The name was temporarily changed to Half Dome Village in 2016 due to a trademark dispute but was restored to Curry Village in 2019.
Yosemite National Park’s Curry Village offers a unique and authentic experience for visitors seeking a rustic retreat in the heart of the Yosemite Valley. With its range of accommodations, dining options, and outdoor activities, Curry Village is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the wonders of Yosemite National Park.
References
- Curry Village (U.S. National Park Service). Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/places/000/curry-village.htm
- Book Curry Village Reservations – Yosemite National Park. Retrieved from https://www.yosemite.com/places-to-stay/cabins/curry-village/
- Curry Village. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_Village
- Curry Village – Yosemite National Park Hotels – Tripadvisor. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g61000-d286612-Reviews-Curry_Village-Yosemite_National_Park_California.html
- Curry Village in Yosemite National Park CA | TravelYosemite.com. Retrieved from https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/curry-village/.