Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Yosemite and Beyond

Mikaela Ruland
·3 min read
1

This article originally appeared on My Yosemite Park

Good news, electric car owners! California leads the U.S. in electric vehicle charging stations, so get ready for maximum fun with a minimal carbon footprint as you explore some of California's favorite national parks. EV charging stations are also available in gateway towns to the park such as Groveland, Mariposa, Oakhurst and Mammoth Lakes.

EV Charging at Yosemite National Park

While it might not be Los Angeles or San Francisco, you'll still find plenty of places to charge up in and around Yosemite National Park.

In Yosemite Valley

Location: Ahwahnee Hotel, back row of parking lot, Yosemite Valley Lodge, northeast and southwest parking lots and Yosemite Village Store, northwest corner of small shed in parking lot

Charger Types: J-1772

What to do while you wait: There's no better place to wait for a charge around Yosemite than the valley. Hop on the free park shuttle to explore everything the valley has to offer from hiking trails to watching climbers scale El Capitan to tubing along the Merced River.

Rafting on the Merced River in Yosemite with views of Yosemite Falls
Rafting on the Merced River in Yosemite with views of Yosemite Falls Photo: Grant Ordelheide

Near Hetch Hetchy Entrance

Location: Evergreen Lodge, 33160 Evergreen Rd, Groveland

Charger Types: J-1772 and Tesla

What to do while you wait: Book a room at the Evergreen Lodge to take advantage of all this property has to offer, or simply stay for a few hours. Get a massage at the spa, grab a drink and relax on the patio or join a guided tour to one of Yosemite's least visited areas, Hetch Hetchy.

Hiking on the shoreline of Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Hiking on the shoreline of Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Reservoir Photo: Depositphotos

Near Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120 West Entrance)

Location: Rush Creek Lodge, 34001 CA-120, Groveland

Charger Types: J-1772, CHAdeMO and CCS/SAE

What to do while you wait: Rush Creek Lodge is an amazing place to basecamp your Yosemite vacation out of. If you don't book a room, at least stay for a few hours to take advantage of the spa or delicious restaurant. Rush Creek Lodge has a YARTS bus stop, so you can leave your car charging and take the bus to Yosemite Valley where you can explore via the valley's free shuttle bus system. You'll never have to worry about finding a parking space.

Rush Creek spa with waterfall coves
Rush Creek spa with waterfall coves Photo: Courtesy Rush Creek Lodge

Near the South Entrance

Location: Tenaya Lodge, 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp

Charger Types: Tesla SuperCharger and J-1772

What to do while you wait: Another great spot to check in for the night, Tenaya Lodge will keep you busy while your car charges. Horseback ride or hike in the summer, ice skate in the winter or grab dinner at one of the lodge's five restaurants.

Jackalopes Bar & Grill at Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite
Jackalopes Bar & Grill at Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite Photo: Courtesy Tenaya Lodge

Near the Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120 East Entrance)

Location: Gus Hess Community Park, 129 Mattly Ave, Lee Vining

Charger Types: J-1772

What to do while you wait: Have a picnic in the park along Mono Lake's shores, or walk a mile and a half to the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve to see the lake's fascinating limestones spires, called tufas. This is also a great spot for bird watching.

Learn more about Yosemite’s five entrances.

EV Charging nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

In Three Rivers, near the Ash Mountain Entrance, head to Sequoia RV Ranch, Three Rivers Hideaway RV Park and Kaweah Park Resort to find NEMA-1450 outlets and the Gateway Restaurant & Lodge to find a Tesla charger. In Badger, near the Big Stump Entrance, a NEMA 14-50 outlet can be found at Sequoia Resort & RV Park, 50616 CA-245.

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