Curry Village
Curry Village, also known as Camp Curry, is located in the Yosemite Valley of Yosemite National Park. Curry Village may be considered the hub of Yosemite Valley.
History
In 1899 David and Jenny Curry opened a tented camp so that visitors could enjoy the beauty of Yosemite for a modest price. They advertised "a good bed and clean napkin with every meal" for just $2 a day. Camp Curry celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1999 and is still offers park visitors comfortable, inexpensive lodging in the shadow of the spectacular Glacier Point and Half Dome.
Location
Curry Village sits in an ideal wooded area in Yosemite Valley directly beneath Glacier Point and next to the Merced River with stunning views of Half Dome. Mirror Lake is a short walk from the camp as is Yosemite Falls.
Accommodations
Curry Village has 628 guest accommodations, 18 standard motel rooms, 100 cabins with private baths, 3 Specialty Cabins with baths, 80 cabins with a central bath, and 427 canvas tent cabins. (Please note, cooking facilities are not available in Curry Village.) A few heated tents are available beginning the first Friday in October through the last week in April. Rollaway beds and cribs are not available.
- Standard Motel Rooms - Located in the Stoneman House, motel rooms have one, two or three double beds, private bath, daily maid service and heating but no telephones or televisions.
- Cabins with Bath - Cabins are wood structures that are furnished with beds - one double, one double and one single or two double beds - desk or dresser, electric wall heaters, electric lights and outlets but no telephones or television. All cabins have outdoor decks or patios for relaxing in the beauty of Yosemite. Daily maid service, linens and blankets are provided.
- Specialty Cabins - Specialty cabins are similiar to our cabins. However they have one and two bedrooms, a sitting area, television (but no phone), some have fireplaces. Each of these cabins is unique with a rich history.
- Cabins without Bath - These wooden structures have propane heating, dresser and two double beds. They do not have plumbing, telephones or televisions. Restrooms and showers are within short walking distance. Daily maid service, linens and blankets are provided.
- Canvas Tent Cabins - These canvas-covered tents are wood-framed on a raised wooden platform and will accommodate up to five people. They are equipped with beds with linens and electrical lights, but no electrical outlets, telephones, televisions or plumbing. Two central shower and restroom facilities are within a short distance. Daily maid service not provided.
Bear lockers for food and toiletries are located near rest rooms and parking lot. Use this locker to store all items that have a 'scent' to them. This includes all food items, sunscreen, toothpaste, shampoo, gum and candy. Bears have a strong sense of smell and are attracted to anything they think will lead them to human's food. The dimensions of these lockers are 15" wide x 16" high x 22 ½" deep. Keep these dimensions in mind when packing as bears will actually break into your automobile for these items if you try to store them there overnight. Even your ice chest needs to go into the locker.
Food and Beverage Service
From spring to fall, the Curry Village Pavilion serves all -you-can-eat buffet style breakfast and dinner service daily. Cocktail Service is available from noon. to 11:00 p.m. during the peak season. In the spring and fall, the hours are from 4:30p.m. to 11:00p.m. Seasonal fast food options include The Taqueria Stand, Pizza Patio, Curry Ice Cream Stand and Curry Coffee Corner. (Open Spring, Summer & Early Fall.)
Other Amenities
- Gift Shop -- Sundries, newspapers, gift items, magazines, books, posters, snacks and ATM machine.
- Swimming Pool - Outdoor swimming pool with showers and changing rooms, open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, weather permitting. The pool is available for the use of guests of Curry Village at no charge and to guests of Yosemite National Park for $2.00.
- Amphitheater - Ranger/naturalist programs, slide presentations and scenic movies each evening during the summer
- Mountain Shop - Extensive inventory of camping, hiking, and climbing goods, dehydrated food and snacks, open year-round.
- Tour/Activities Desk - Obtain information or arrange for tours, transportation, Yosemite Mountaineering School classes, horseback or mule rides and other activities.
- Bicycle and Raft Rentals - Standard bicycle in all sizes may be rented for the day or by the hour from mid-April through October and during the rest of the year as weather permits. Rafts may be rented from mid-May to mid-July, weather and conditions permitting.
- Yosemite Mountaineering School - Cross-country skiing instruction and rental equipment are available November to April. Rock climbing instruction and rental equipment are available from Spring to Fall, weather permitting.
- Ice Skating Rink - Open daily for November to March, the outdoor ice rink also offers skate rentals and instruction.
- Nearby Activities - Guided tours, horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, photography and ranger/naturalist programs, Snowshoeing, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing are all located nearby.
- Transportation - Free shuttle bus service to various locations in the park is accessible, including winter service to the Badger Pass Ski Area. Public transportation provided by VIA Bus Lines connects Curry Village with the city of Merced.
Parking
Free parking is provided on the premises.
Tips
The negatives to Curry Village include noise, crowds, no campfire, food must be stored in lockers away from cabins, cars must be parked in a parking lot away from cabins, high prices, reservations required, and lack of privacy (especially with tent cabins).
References
Curry Village - Official Website