Rush Creek Lodge and Spa at Yosemite
34001 CA-120, Groveland, CA 95321, Groveland, United States
4-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.6 / 5
Rush Creek Lodge and Spa at Yosemite is a 4-star wilderness resort on a wooded hillside near Groveland, California, bordering Yosemite National Park at 34001 CA-120. Set on about 20 acres, it functions as a convenient base just 1.4 km from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, with easy access toward trailheads and nearby points of interest such as Carlon Falls Trail (about 1.8 km) and Tuolumne Grove (about 8.0 km). Accommodations range from bright rooms with sitting areas, decks, free Wi-Fi, minifridges, and Keurig coffeemakers to suites with separate living rooms, pull-out sofas, and fireplaces; villas add extra bedrooms and can sleep up to six. On-site dining includes a casual restaurant and a tavern, both with terrace seating, plus a convenience store for snacks and a seasonal bar; breakfast is available for an additional charge. The property’s leisure facilities include a spa, an outdoor pool, two hot tubs, and a kids’ playground, positioning it as a resort-style stay rather than a simple park-adjacent lodge. Minimum-stay rules may apply, making it best suited to guests planning a multi-night Yosemite visit.
Best for
Families and multigenerational groups planning a Yosemite trip will get the most value from the villa-style options (sleeping up to six) and the resort amenities that keep everyone occupied after park hours, including the outdoor pool and hot tubs. It also suits travelers who want close proximity to the park’s Big Oak Flat Entrance and nearby hikes such as Carlon Falls and Tuolumne Grove while returning to an on-site spa and multiple dining/drink venues.
Travel tips
Because the lodge sits close to the Big Oak Flat Entrance (about 1.4 km), it’s well positioned for early starts into Yosemite; plan your days around park driving times to reach farther sights such as Wapama Falls and O’Shaughnessy Dam in the Hetch Hetchy area (roughly 17–20 km away). Reviews indicate on-site dining can require reservations and may feel limited at peak times, so consider booking meal times in advance and using the convenience store as a backup. Minimum-stay rules may apply, so confirm stay requirements before finalizing a short itinerary.
What guests say
Guests frequently describe the lodge as an ideal Yosemite “home base,” praising its wooded setting, thoughtful design, and overall atmosphere for unwinding after park days. Service and hospitality stand out in reviews, with staff often characterized as welcoming and friendly, and the property’s family-oriented amenities repeatedly noted as a major strength. Food and drinks receive mixed feedback: cocktails and the bar program are commonly appreciated, while some guests find meals expensive for the quality and mention operational strain or the need for reservations. Overall satisfaction trends high, especially among families who value having abundant on-site activities alongside proximity to Yosemite.
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