Reader Participation Day: Which National Park Lodge Offers The Best Value, And Why?

Published Date

June 6, 2012

Where on the "best value" scale would you rate the Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument? Photo by David and Kay Scott.

Which lodge in the National Park System do you head to for the best value, and what makes it the best value?

That's a two-headed question, as some might see low price as offering the best value, while others might see a higher price offset by a superior location as offering the best lodging value.

With those ground rules, tell us, travelers, where do you find the best lodging value in the park system, and what makes it such a great value?

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Submitted by admin on June 16, 2012 - 7:26pm.

The Old Faithful Lodge Cabins are an incredible value for the money, IMHO. I just got back from there -- sparkling clean cabin with plenty of amenities that you can drive right up to, where you can walk right from your door into the geyser basin, all for $70 a night (shared bath). Granted, five years ago it was $50 a night [sigh].

Worst alltime park lodging value -- the tent cabins at Camp Curry in Yosemite. Filthy, cramped, torn tents crowded very close together that you have to walk several hundred yards from your car to get to, with absolutely grungy and seriously overcrowded bathroom and shower facilities, for over $100 a night. And that's the cheapest non-camping lodging in the Valley. It's criminal.

Submitted by y_p_w on June 16, 2012 - 9:58pm.

Meg:
Worst alltime park lodging value -- the tent cabins at Camp Curry in Yosemite. Filthy, cramped, torn tents crowded very close together that you have to walk several hundred yards from your car to get to, with absolutely grungy and seriously overcrowded bathroom and shower facilities, for over $100 a night. And that's the cheapest non-camping lodging in the Valley. It's criminal.

I think Housekeeping Camp is cheaper. You're also allowed to cook meals there, which isn't allowed at Curry.

http://www.yosemitepark.com/housekeeping-camp-lodging.aspx

Submitted by admin on July 18, 2012 - 5:20pm.

Yes, but you have to bring your own gear -- sleeping bags, etc. We weren't in a position to do that.

The Housekeeping Camp is one step above camping, not a true lodging option. And from what I saw of it, it's not any cleaner/better taken care of than the tent cabins at Camp Curry.

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