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Reviews of Housekeeping Camp

Housekeeping Camp
9004 Southside Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA

Reviews

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 105 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 37 out of 105 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 27 out of 105 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 13 out of 105 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 105 reviews" "

5.8/10

Cleanliness

7.0/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Jemima, London, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A really fun place to stay in Yosemite
I was dubious about this place when I booked it as I don't like camping and I do like my creature comforts, but actually I really loved it and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for somewhere to stay in Yosemite. Firstly, it's a really affordable option in Yosemite where the hotels and lodges are pretty pricey. It's also a great place to be based if you are planning to hike. There are lots of hikes that can easily be reached on foot from the camp so you don't need to drive to a trail head to start your walk. (We recommend Four Mile Trail up to Glacier Point and the Panorama Trail back down.) The beds are actually really comfortable and, considering the conditions, the camps are very clean. The bedding is clean and comfortable and we slept really well. There are lots of toilet blocks which meant you didn't have to go far to use the restrooms, brush your teeth, etc. The showers are totally fine - again better than I expected. Nice and hot. This is all the practical stuff, but I would also recommend staying there as it was really fun! There's a great atmosphere and lots of people around, especially if you go during the holidays or at the weekend. We built a fire (they have all the supplies you need in their on-site store) and did a BBQ. It's really fun to sit under the stars by the fire drinking G&Ts from camping mugs! Tips: go prepared if you can (camping gear, food, etc). Bring lots of sanitising wipes for the picnic table. It gets really dirty from all the fires.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice camping experience while travelling
The park was excellent and was simple but effective. However for the price I would assume that the toilet facilities would be kept clean throughout the stay. The staff were very busy however this does not excuse them being rude and unhelpful. As an international traveler, they could have been more understanding and more helpful.

4/10 Poor

David, UK

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The location is good but tent dirty.
Well located in Yosemite valley. It is however a basic tent which was dirty. There were strict rules about bear boxes and fires which were demanded of you-treated like a child. It was pretty much as described but dirtier than expected. We reserved a cot as did the person behind us and yet did not show up on their system. Not their problem! We could prove it however this didn't make a difference. Their solution was to share a single bed. In the end a mattress on the dirty, dusty floor was best we could get. Bunk beds unsafe with no rails-our 14y old fell out! Not helpful and brusk. Confrontational. Ran out of linen and cots. Towels rough and had to fetch-not at shower block. Fire wood etc expensive.

8/10 Good

Penny, Santa Rosa, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My kind of "camping"
This is camping, not a hotel. Camping with beds is such an upgrade from the hard ground or even air mattresses. Hot showers, plenty of toilet facilities, electricity, very friendly staff, and then being surrounded by the magnificence of Yosemite -- what more could anyone ask for?!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Housekeeping Camp is a great spot for enjoying Yosemite at a reasonable rate without having to bring your own camping equipment. The shop has everything you need at good prices and the showers are warm. Pleasantly surprised and we enjoyed ourselves.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Beter than expected
We had never stayed in housekeeping camp. It was a great place, and central to many great things in the valley. My family and I can't wait to.return.

10/10 Excellent

Peter, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
In the heart of Yosemite fantastic place

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a great experience.
We had a great experience. My kids love it. They call it tent house.

8/10 Good

Sam, DC

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Well equipped tent
This is a 'tent' in the woods so unlikely to be really clean or luxurious, but for campers it is well equipped and very easy. Parking almost beside your tent (3 concrete walls and 1 of canvas, also canvas roof) so moving your gear in is easy. Also one electric light inside sleeping area and one in outdoor eating area, where prep table and picnic table also provided. Additional sockets too so some neighbors had extra lights, coffee machines, mini fridges - goodness knows what else?! Bed packs available at check in to rent were clean and perfectly acceptable for the cooler nights. Bear locker immediately beside tent made for easy access to food and toiletries when needed. Each unit had a firepit too. Squirrels a bit annoying (but easily dissuaded) and more of a problem than bears. Water and toilets/sinks available for every few units, showers block at entrance to camp required a little queuing, but were fine. Lovely setting in the trees and near to safe swimming / playing section of the river with 'beach' area too. At times neighbours were a little noisy, but that can happen anywhere. For true campers it may feel a little like a holiday park, but due to fellow 'residents' and all their kit, not the facilities or location. Great base for access to valley floor shuttle buses and exploring further afield within Yosemite.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome camping time!
Breathtaking view and awesome camping! We were able yo make a fire and cook. There is a lot of privacy too.

8/10 Good

Leila

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Basic accommodations but spectacular view and perfect location.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful spot in the Valley, but...
Gorgeous spot right on the river. I realize it is camping but the tarp over our tent was black with mold and there was a lot of black mold in the caulking in the barhroom. For $125 night I expected a little cleaner facilities.

8/10 Good

Tyson, Utah

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great "camping" experience in Yosemite with kids!
I mean...it is camping, so expect to get dirty. We brought our three kids, and had a blast. This is definitely the way to stay when coming to Yosemite. We plan to stay here again for sure. Only complaint was that due to recent rain, the firewood we bought from the little on site store was wet and didn't burn very well (and yes, I know how to start a fire!)

4/10 Poor

Katherine, Bathurst NSW Australia

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Too chilly and we weren't prepared.
We just weren't as prepared as we should have been. It was freezing. Would have been OK otherwise.

10/10 Excellent

Anna, Hannover

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect camping when you don't want to camp!
My mom was super afraid when I told her that we would camp for one night but when we arrived she wasn't worried anymore. The tents are big and the beds were comfortable. Every tent has it's own fireplace and you can buy everything you need in the little store. We were even able to do our laundry from the long road trip there. The staff there was super friendly and the bathrooms were very clean for being in a Forrest. Of course you are in nature but you can sleep in a great tent so it's perfect for people who want to be in nature with a little more comfort!

6/10 Okay

Ed, Camarilo, CA

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Housekeeping at Yosemite
This was not a hotel, but a campsite. We have stayed there for over 20 years, so we're not surprised by anything. It was exactly what we expected. Unfortunately the nightly rate has skyrocketed over the past few years, way beyond any normal measure of inflation.

8/10 Good

Dani, San jose

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay in Yosemite
This is pseudo-camping, not a hotel. Amazing views, fantastic location, easy access to most of the park. Rangers were very nice. The power was out day 1 of our stay and we never had warm water. Regardless I would stay here again for the camping ease.

10/10 Excellent

Manuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

donna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

4/10 Poor

Terry, Cambridge

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
terrible canvas hut
great to be in the forest and class to the cliff faces and wildlife

4/10 Poor

Kevin

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stay in the Valley
If your there you have to stay in the valley to get the real feel. Everything is at the campground for a great stay....... just have fun with the outdoor experience which is perfect for the area.....

6/10 Okay

Laurel

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
It's very rustic, but that's what you'd expect. The bear box leaked, so our food got wet, but this isn't a problem if it isn't raining.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

6/10 Okay

Robi, Hungary

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Camping
If you want to stay in a camping, it's OK, but we were prepeared for a little bit more comfortable stay. It was our mistake, but we dealed with it with humor. Wonderful nature, wonderful surruondings, and friedly, safe.

8/10 Good

Nicole, New York

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Just what I expected!
We checked in late, then checked out early, but our short time there was enjoyable. They seem to provide a great camping experience, especially for families. I would definitely recommend this place if you're going to Yosemite.

10/10 Excellent

Lcc, Uk

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic outdoors experience!

8/10 Good

Robert, California

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Better than average camp site.
They had hot showers and clean restrooms.On site store with reasonable prices. We did have bears come at night time ,but they where scared away and rangers did patrol at night as well,which was nice. Stayed on may 12 - 15,2014

10/10 Excellent

enjoy nature, Van Nuys, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice camp and pretty nice area faced to river
1st time in here, we really enjoyed with the room, also with pretty nice area. Convenient with everything. Again, very nice place for vacation. We might come back this area at the same time next year, the week after Easter Day. Thank you very much for reserving nice area for us. See you next year

8/10 Good

Adam R, UK

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Alot of people probably expect too much from this place. In essence it's a glorified tent made of concrete. Perfectly fine if you're comfortable with camping. We picked up some leaves off the floor on the blankets during the night but not much you can do about it when there's not a fixed door. All in a good stay, with Yosemite it's all about where you are not where you're staying.

10/10 Excellent

Liz and Chris, Sacramento, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fun way to "camp"
Our kids had so much fun. It was a great location in the park. Plus I really appreciated how convenient everything was set up. Four star camping for sure. I could enjoy the kids and vacationing more, because I didn't have to set up the tent, table, fire pit, etc. Just role out the sleeping bags, light the campfire, get the food ready.

2/10 Terrible

Mary, Ireland

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Housekeeping camp cabins - dreadful
Housekeeping Camp Housekeeping Camp Stayed 2 nights in Housekeeping Camp in Oct 2012 as we didn't want to stay in Curry village after the scare of the Hauntavirus. The cabin was dirty and the bed was held up by bricks, a bare dirty mattress,. Luckily, I had my sleeping bag and didn't have to touch the bed. Also the curtain into the hut/cabin was horribly dirty. It was more than double the price the nights we stayed. We stayed in a lovely hostel outside Yosemite National Park for about less than half the price at Housekeeping camp. Should have sliding door and keep out the wildlife as we had visitors early one morning. The only good thing was the location of these cabins. Revise your review Revise your review

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Close to all must see sights
It was fairly good and loved the fact you could have a fire. Very cold at night and could have done with extra blankets but last weekend. We werent warned about racoons trying to come into tent at night, or squirrels in the day. The bus stop outside of camp needs to be lit up at night as it is pitch black and very scary and dangerous! The campsite by the river was very picturesque though. For camping, I think it was really good.

6/10 Okay

sandsmom, Chula Vista, CA, USA

Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort
it's rough camping
rough camping includes lots of dirt, dirty beds, open tents with only 2 strings to close it but animals still get into your tent (like racoons!!!!) I guess it depends what you're into and how much you have to rough it. The raccoons getting into our tent throughout the night made it hard to enjoy. The rest of the camp is nice. Again, depends on how much you want to rough it.. as a mom, it's hard to overlook the super dirty beds that we had to scrub off before putting our sleeping bags and the tables, etc. Fearing the hantavirus was another thing to worry about as well..

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Housekeeping Cabings
If you want to have the outdoor experience while in the Yosemite Valley with just a little added comfort, then housekeeping cabins are the way to go. You can still have a night time campfire and make a few smores but still be up off the ground while sleeping. Always enjoy our stay at housekeeping!

6/10 Okay

Tony

in a pinch for lodging this is your place!
good place to crash, just hope next time a family with crying kids don't stay behind me. Nice showers though and friendly staff.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A dry and dusty experience
We stayed at Housekeeping Camp in early October. Everything was very dry and dusty. Camp lodging consists of a "house" with 3 concrete walls and a canvas curtain. The canvas curtain was broken, old, lacked straps for closing and was very dirty. If you book through Expedia you can't get a cabin by the river even if they are vacant. There are campfires by every house and grilling facilities. But don't turn your back to your plate, because the raccons who live in the area take liberties and jumb up on the table.

8/10 Good

Mark and Angela

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
3 night stay
Amazing place to stay. Could do with some renovation on rooms but hey it is a camping experience! We loved it cooking on an open fire under the stars by the river :0)

10/10 Excellent

jw

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved the moonrise over half dome
Very basic accomodations much like camping but with more privacy and less hassle.

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
excellent location
Got what I wanted. Camping with bed, with fireplace and near the river in the middle of Yosemite!

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Staff did not connect one reservation with the other so they assigned us just on cabin until we pointed out that we had two cabins. Duh

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Not as nice as real camping
This is beds on a dirty concrete patio with a partial curtain in front of them. You are given a dirty locker where you must store anything with a scent to it. I didn't even feel comfortable changing clothes because of the lack of a proper curtain. The community ladies bathrooms were not cleaned on a regular basis and the sanitary trash was overflowing for days. Almost impossible to get to the top bunk. The provided "ladder" was not very usable. Pesky squirrels are everywhere including in your dwelling.

8/10 Good

MtnResident, Breckenridge, CO 80424, USA

Liked: Staff & service
A unique experience right in the park.
The tents are very basic, but a step up from camping with mattresses plus electricity and lights. Great location in Yosemite Valley and beautiful views of the park.

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

WADE & TERRI, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
EASY DOES IT BASIC.....BABY!!!
FOR SOMEONE NOT FARMILIAR WITH CAMPING AND WANTS TO GIVE IT A GO THIS IS A GOOD FIT. I AM FAMILIAR WITH CAMPING AND HAVING THE BONUS OF AN ACTUAL BED TO SLEEP IN, A STORE, LAUNDRY FACILITIES, BEDDING, BATHROOMS, SHOWERS, LIGHTING AND POWER SOCKETS MADE IT SO EASY. I DIDN'T WANT IT TOO EASY SO I DID MAKE TIN FOIL DINNERS WITH THE PIT PROVIDED. IF I HAD TO DO IT OVER AGAIN I WOULD NOT HAVE BOTHERED WITH BUYING ALL THE FOOD BEFORE HAND AND STAYED A WEEK OR TWO. THE STORE HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED AND IS MODERATLY PRICED AND THEY HAVE SEVERAL SIMPLE TO ELEGANT PLACES TO EAT IN THE VALLEY. IT IS VERY BASIC AND AS YOU DRIVE BY IT LOOKS SOMEWHAT OF A (CLEAN)SHANTY TOWN, BUT GIVEN THE MAGNIFICENT AND BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS THAT WE SPENT MOST ALL OF OUR TIME IN, THE FRIENDLY, HELPFUL STAFF AND CONVENIENT SHUTTLE BUSES TO EVERYWHERE, IT WAS A SIDE TRIP THAT ENDED UP THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY WIFE AND I'S 1ST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ON A ROAD TRIP TO SAN FRANSISCO(75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE) AND THE NORTHERN COAST(TREES OF MYSTERY W/ PAUL BUNYON). SIDENOTE: MY WIFE HAS A DISABILITY AND IT WAS A BREEZE FOR HERE IN THE VALLEY.

8/10 Good

Jenn, Sacramento, CA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Surprisingly wonderful
Housekeeping camp was a surprisingly pleasant place to stay. Advantages: camp fire ring, food prep area, large bear boxes, electricity (light and outlets) and picnic area in each campsite (fire ring, food prep and picnic area not offered at curry village campsites). Site amenities include showers, bathrooms, ample water spickets throughout the sites, and dish washing basins at each bathroom location as well as a amenities to rent linens, camping equipment, etc. There is also a small store on location if you forget anything. Disadvantages: the tents are not secure (only a canvas curtain to keep unwanted people or critters out of your tent) and you are not allowed to burn a campfire in the morning (this may be park-wide). I did not give it a 5- star for cleanliness, comfort and condition because it was, after all, a campground. It does appear that portions of the camp were in the process of being updated with replacement canvas and new wood privacy fences. Overall, It was a great experience and we enjoyed our stay very much. The staff were friendly, also.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Need good weather!
Great stay overall! Not a hotel, but more of a 4* camping. Nice, especially when the weather is fine!

8/10 Good

Lynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Not fancy, but the perfect location at Yosemite!
Housekeeping camp is great for people who aren't traveling with a tent but who want to camp in Yosemite. My husband and our three kids (9, 11, and 13) stayed there for 2 nights and enjoyed our stay. Each housekeeping camp unit has three solid walls and a canvas roof and patio awning. Inside the structure is a two-bed bunk, a full-sized bed, and a metal mesh shelf. On the patio is a fixed picnic table with attached chairs and a food preparation shelf (covered with stainless steel). Each unit has its own bear box (where you must store your food at all times when you are not eating or preparing it). You can rent bedding very inexpensively ($2.50 per day for a bedpack that has 2 sheets, 2 blankets, 2 pillows, and 2 pillowcases). We rented a cot for our 11 year old daughter -- it was the biggest cot I have ever seen -- and quite sturdy (it looked brand new -- as did the mattresses -- which were fine). The restrooms, showers, and camp store are close by. You can bike or hike all around Yosemite Village from Housekeeping Camp. We stayed there at the end of April, so it was in the 40's/50's at night -- so we brought our space heater and one electric blanket (in addition to our sleeping bags). Because of the canvas roof, the heat didn't really stay in the "tent" -- but it was a bit warmer inside than it was outside. The rates are not cheap (about twice what we paid at Motel 6 the week before) -- but the location makes it worth it. The staff were friendly and helpful.

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Terrific camp site for any Yosemite visitor!
I was very impressed with the customer service and even more impressed when the clerk moved my friend and I next to the river so we could have a nicer view. The actual camp site for each group was clean, featured a convenient food locker so animals would stay clear of your food and each room has two lights; one outside by the table and one inside the room. There are three beds to allow for space and there is a nice metal shelf for all and everything you might have packed with you. If you forget blankets or pillows? No worries! They have reasonably priced rentals right by the check in booth. The bonfire pit was simple to use and placed far enough away from the room so the smoke wouldn't interfere with your items. It's close enough to camping since the front door of your room is only a tarp. Checking in and out couldn't be easier and the store located right next to the check in booth proved to be perfectly useful for my friend and I. They have fair pricing with their products and the staff has an all-around great sense of humor, so every encounter avoids being dull or drab. The site itself is right next to a bridge that leads to another part of the park and makes it convenient for picnics or reading by the river if you want to calm down from site-seeing.