
Yosemite View Lodge
Best for families and guests who want direct Merced River access, multiple pools and on-site dining near the Arch Rock/Highway 140 entrance.
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Yosemite View Lodge is a family-friendly, riverfront property in El Portal with multiple pools and rooms that mostly include kitchenettes; read this if you want easy western-entrance access and on-site amenities for kids. Yosemite Westgate Lodge is a smaller, 3-star gateway lodge in Groveland near Highway 120; read this if you’re comparing west-side approaches to Yosemite and want a more budget-conscious option outside the park.
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Best for families and guests who want direct Merced River access, multiple pools and on-site dining near the Arch Rock/Highway 140 entrance.

Best for travelers approaching Yosemite via Highway 120 who want a straightforward, budget-minded base in Groveland with a simple on-site restaurant and pool.
When Yosemite View Lodge wins: choose Yosemite View Lodge if you want riverfront rooms, year-round indoor swimming, multiple pools and hot tubs, kitchenettes in most rooms, and family-focused amenities (arcade, playground, on-site restaurants).
When Yosemite Westgate Lodge wins: choose Yosemite Westgate Lodge if you’re approaching Yosemite from the Groveland/Highway 120 side, want a smaller 3-star property with basic on-site dining and one pool, and prefer a lower-key, often lower-cost option outside the park.
Bottom line: Yosemite View Lodge is the fuller-service, family-oriented pick closest to the Arch Rock/Highway 140 entrance with more on-site recreation; Yosemite Westgate Lodge is a simpler gateway option on Highway 120 for travelers prioritizing location on that approach and value.
| Category | Yosemite View Lodge | Yosemite Westgate Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Family-oriented riverfront resort with many on-site activities | Smaller, straightforward gateway motel-style lodge |
| Location (park access) | Along the Merced River near El Portal, about 2 miles from Arch Rock/Highway 140 entrance | Gateway lodge near Yosemite’s Highway 120 entrance (Groveland) |
| Size / rooms | Multiple room types (10 named room categories) — many with kitchenettes; larger property | 48 air-conditioned rooms (Standard, Deluxe, Single) with refrigerators and flat-screens |
| Star rating & guest score | Not published | 3 stars · guest rating 8.6 |
| Pools & hot tubs | Four pools (3 outdoor + 1 indoor, year-round indoor access) and seven hot tubs/spas | One outdoor pool and one hot tub |
| Restaurants & bars | The River Restaurant & Lounge (breakfast & dinner) and Parkside Pizza (seasonal); snack/grocery options on site | Lucky Buck Cafe (on-site) and a bar/lounge |
| Spa / wellness | No full-service treatment spa; in-room jetted tubs and multiple hot tubs; fitness center available | No named treatment spa; outdoor pool and a hot tub listed |
| Known for | River access, many pools/hot tubs, family amenities and event spaces | Convenient Highway 120 access for west-side approaches, simple on-site dining and concierge |
| Parking & transport | Free self-parking (RV/bus friendly) and on-site YARTS bus stop to Yosemite Valley | Free self-parking and area shuttle (surcharge); concierge/tours assistance |
| Pet & age policy | Pet-friendly (fee) and family-friendly; children welcome | Not adults-only; accepts families (adultsOnly: false) |
Yosemite View Lodge sits on the Merced River in El Portal, just a short drive from Yosemite’s Arch Rock/Highway 140 entrance.
Choose this property for direct river access and the shortest drive to the Arch Rock/Highway 140 entrance.
Yosemite Westgate Lodge sits in Groveland on State Highway 120, serving guests using the Highway 120 approach to Yosemite.
Choose Westgate if your travel route into Yosemite follows Highway 120 or you’re staying in Groveland.
Yosemite View Lodge offers a broad mix of room types and suites, many with kitchenettes and family layouts.
Better for families and longer stays that benefit from kitchenettes and larger units.
Yosemite Westgate Lodge has simpler guest rooms with standard amenities for short-stay travelers.
A straightforward option for travelers who need a clean, no-frills room near the Highway 120 approach.
Yosemite View Lodge provides two on-site dining choices plus a convenience store for snacks.
Better if you want dinner and breakfast options on property and heavier family dining choices.
Yosemite Westgate Lodge has one main on-site dining outlet and a bar lounge for guests.
Good for simple on-site meals; expect to drive into Groveland for more dining variety.
Pools and hot tubs are a major on-site feature at Yosemite View Lodge.
Pick Yosemite View Lodge if pools and hot tubs are a key part of your stay.
Yosemite Westgate Lodge provides basic pool and hot tub facilities for guests.
Adequate for cooling off after park days but far fewer options than Yosemite View Lodge.
Yosemite View Lodge combines a fitness center with family entertainment options on site.
Better if you want fitness and family entertainment on property rather than nightlife.
Yosemite Westgate Lodge focuses on basic guest services and quiet evenings.
Choose Westgate for a quieter, lower-key evening; don’t expect a lively nightlife scene on site.

Yosemite View Lodge — multiple pools, seven hot tubs, playground, arcade and family-sized rooms with kitchenettes.

Yosemite Westgate Lodge — positioned for travelers using the Groveland/Highway 120 route into Yosemite.

Yosemite View Lodge — sits on the Merced River and is only a short drive from the Arch Rock Entrance.

Yosemite Westgate Lodge — basic rooms, one pool and a single on-site café make it a straightforward value choice.
Yosemite View Lodge is near the Arch Rock/Highway 140 entrance and provides quicker access to the western side of the park; Westgate serves the Highway 120 approach. Exact driving times depend on your park destination and current road conditions.
Yosemite View Lodge — it has multiple pools (including an indoor pool), seven hot tubs, a playground and an arcade, plus larger family room options and kitchenettes.
No — neither property lists a full-service treatment spa. Yosemite View Lodge offers in-room jetted tubs and multiple hot tubs, while Yosemite Westgate Lodge lists a hot tub on site.
Yosemite View Lodge is pet-friendly for a fee (details published). Yosemite Westgate Lodge's supplier listing does not publish a pet policy in the provided facts.
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