Over two years ago I read in Sunset Magazine about custom camping at Evergreen Lodge right outside Yosemite. You arrive with the tent all set up with sleeping bags and all the supplies you need right on site with a restaurant, general store, showers and lots of on-site activities. Since Sunset Magazine usually inspires me to do things, eat things and drink things, I called them up and booked a weekend. Unfortunately we ran into some pretty bad financial problems that summer and could not afford to go. I rescheduled for the following year. June 2012 came along and I was 8 1/2 months pregnant, no way was I going camping, so we rescheduled again and this time we made it!
Evergreen Lodge is one of our new favorite spots. It is right outside of Yosemite and has tons of hiking right near the lodge. The property itself is beautiful and has a huge swimming pool, 2 relaxing rec centers and a pretty fantastic restaurant and tavern. The cost can get a little high, but there are ways to be frugal. I advise packing dry food goods. We didn’t really and that stuff adds up. You cannot cook there, but you can bring food and are supplied a bear locker to keep your supplies in. If camping in a tent is not your thing they also have really cute cabins that are fully decked out with full baths, a fridge, etc.
It was great getting my city girls out into the country. It took nearly 2 days till they were willing to even hike a little. They loved the pool and the area around the lodge so much they didn’t want to leave!
If you are interested in the Evergreen Lodge click here. The pictures they have on their site do not even do it justice. It is really nice and the staff are very friendly, welcoming and warm.
On our way!
We arrived just as S’mores was about to wrap up. We were sent out to get our fill before check-in.
Saturday Morning Bocce Ball
I lost.
Waiting for the pool to open.
We celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary on this trip! Ella learned to fully swim independent of any floaties or help. She was doing cannon balls!
The girls refused to leave the grounds so they played games and hung out in the rec center while Steve and I went to a nearby hike. You actually hike right into Yosemite along a river to a series of waterfalls and swimming pools. We only made it to the first pool. I wanted to get back to the girls.
How we found them upon our return.
Tie Dye!
Jamming with the little folk duo. They had a movie outside when it got dark.
Packing up our tent Sunday
On our way back home we went to a local spot called Rainbow Pools.
I hope you get a chance to head out to Evergreen Lodge. It was really worth the two year wait for us!
One of our old favorites! Been there a few times. The pool must be new, don’t remember it.
Yes, they put the pool in last year! We should see if they want to give a free night or two away for the school raffle this year.
Looks awesome. I have to go there one of these days. Looks like the perfect camping mix for kids!
It is really great for the kids or any group that has a mixed bag of outdoorsy to resort types.
So great! I want to go — that looks like so much fun.
We had a really nice time. I want to go back.
Cool, Jen. Similar but also totally different from Berkeley Family Camp, which is probably just down the road.
I saw that post about the Berkeley Family Camp. Im gonna have to check that place out!