
Tenaya at Yosemite
Best for families and travelers who want a full-service resort (spa, multiple pools, and on-site activities) within a short drive of Yosemite’s South Entrance.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Tenaya at Yosemite is an upscale, family-friendly resort in Fish Camp with multiple pools, on-site dining and a full-service spa; read this if you want resort amenities and easy access to Yosemite’s South Entrance. Cedar Lodge is a long-running budget-to-midscale gateway lodge in El Portal; read this if you want a riverfront, value-oriented base near the park’s west side.
Updated · about 43 miles apart

Best for families and travelers who want a full-service resort (spa, multiple pools, and on-site activities) within a short drive of Yosemite’s South Entrance.

Best for budget-minded travelers who want a simple, riverfront gateway with conference space and basic amenities near Yosemite’s Arch Rock/El Portal side.
When Tenaya at Yosemite wins: choose Tenaya if you want resort-style amenities — a full-service spa (Ascent Spa), one indoor and three outdoor pools (including a kids’ splash area), multiple dining venues, and more recreational options for families and groups.
When Cedar Lodge wins: choose Cedar Lodge if you need a lower-star, lower-rate gateway with river views, straightforward meeting space and lots of room-size options (many kitchenette and multi-bedroom suites) close to Yosemite’s Arch Rock/El Portal entrance.
Bottom line: Tenaya is the pick for amenity-rich, family stays and wellness; Cedar Lodge is the practical option for travelers prioritizing price, river access, and simple lodging near El Portal.
| Category | Tenaya at Yosemite | Cedar Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Upscale, family-friendly resort with full-service amenities | Budget-to-midscale roadside lodge and conference property |
| Location (relative to Yosemite) | About 2 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance (Fish Camp) | About 8.3 mi (13.3 km) from Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance; gateway to the El Portal side |
| Size | 302 rooms (multiple room types, cottages & cabins) | 210 guestrooms (listing) |
| Audience / ages | All-ages, family-friendly (kids' splash pool, family cabins) | All-ages; not adults-only |
| Pools & hot tubs | One indoor pool and three outdoor pools, zero-entry kids' splash pool, private cabanas | Indoor pool and outdoor seasonal pool(s); 3 hot tubs listed |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues (Jackalope's Bar & Grill, Embers, Timberloft Pizzeria, Gold Rush Barbecue, Bearfoot Bar, Parkside Deli) | Cedar House Restaurant plus snack bar/deli and a bar/lounge (one restaurant listed) |
| Spa & wellness | Ascent Spa with 12 treatment rooms, saunas/steam rooms and fitness center | Not published |
| Known for | Resort amenities and family activities; on-site spa and event spaces | Riverfront setting in El Portal and conference/banquet facilities |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive meeting facilities including a 10,000 sq ft ballroom and up to 18,000 sq ft total | Conference space ~904 sq ft (84 m²) and banquet hall |
| Parking & transport | Complimentary self-parking; optional valet; on-site shuttles between lodge & cottages | Free self parking; area shuttle (surcharge) |
Tenaya sits on Highway 41 in Fish Camp about two miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance.
Choose Tenaya for the shortest drive to Yosemite’s South Entrance and immediate forest access.
Cedar Lodge sits in El Portal on the Merced River and is a common gateway for West-side Yosemite access.
Choose Cedar Lodge if you want a riverfront location near Yosemite’s western approaches and El Portal services.
Tenaya offers 302 rooms including Lodge rooms, cottages, cabins and family suites.
Tenaya has more room types and family-friendly options; good when you want specific configurations or cottages.
Cedar Lodge lists about 210 guestrooms across many room and suite variants, including kitchenette and multi-bedroom suites.
Cedar Lodge has many room-size and kitchenette options, making it flexible for families or groups on a smaller budget.
Tenaya has multiple on-site dining venues covering casual to upscale service.
Tenaya suits guests who want varied on-site dining choices without leaving the property.
Cedar Lodge’s food offerings center on Cedar House Restaurant with a snack bar/deli and a bar/lounge.
Cedar Lodge is fine for basic on-site meals and value dining, but with fewer venue choices than Tenaya.
Pools are a major Tenaya feature: one indoor and three outdoor pools plus a kids’ splash area.
Tenaya is the stronger choice if pools and family water amenities matter.
Cedar Lodge offers indoor and outdoor seasonal pool access and multiple hot tubs.
Cedar Lodge provides basic pool and hot tub options for a lower price point, useful for budget stays.
Tenaya supports an on-site full-service spa (Ascent Spa) and multiple family activities.
Tenaya is better for spa treatments and organized on-site activities for families and adults alike.
Cedar Lodge lists fewer wellness features; nightlife is limited to its bar/lounge and nearby El Portal options.
Cedar Lodge is a practical base for outdoor activities and small events but not a spa or activity hub.

Tenaya — pools, kids' splash area, family cabins and on-site activities make it the family pick.

Cedar Lodge — lower-star, riverfront lodging with many room layouts and kitchenette suites for budget-conscious travelers.

Tenaya — Ascent Spa with treatment rooms, saunas/steam and a fitness center.

Cedar Lodge — includes conference space and banquet facilities suited to smaller group events.
Tenaya at Yosemite is closer to the South Entrance (about 2 miles). Cedar Lodge is nearer the Arch Rock/El Portal side of the park (about 8.3 miles to the Arch Rock Gate Entrance).
Tenaya has multiple on-site restaurants and bars; Cedar Lodge offers one main restaurant plus a snack bar/deli and a bar/lounge.
Tenaya has one indoor pool (available year-round) and three outdoor pools (seasonal). Cedar Lodge’s outdoor pool is seasonal; the listing shows an indoor pool and outdoor seasonal pool with outdoor pool season May–October.
No. Cedar Lodge is not adults-only.
Explore how Tenaya at Yosemite stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·