If you do not already use TripAdvisor. Definitely go on there and post that question. There is a user that will answer your question and give you very very good advice
I stayed at miners inn.... it was about 20 minutes away but very quite and not expensive at all.... $80 (booking. com)..... every hotel inside the park usually books very fast! The way I look at it ... I was there to enjoy and felt no need to rush at all....otherwise what's the point..... My suggestion.... go stay in nearby towns... walk about .... relax... mingle with the locals....
Tin Lizzie Inn, Tenaya Lodge, any accommodations in Fish Camp or Oakhurst
You can stay in the park lodge, camp or outside the park perhaps Tenaya lodge depends on your budget and if you want to see yosemite in the evening gets dark by 8 and driving one kane winding roads a little scary
Fish camp
I stayed at cedar Creek lodge and it was 6 miles from the entrance. Nice place and close.
We stayed in Merced
We rented a property in mariposa some 40 minutes drive.
We stayed in Merced, at Rodeway Inn, which was I think $75. A night but that was in may before the summer driving season.
Indian flats is pretty close. There is an rv park, campground and lodge. Its about a 45 minute drive up to the point.
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