Staying at the Pines Resort: A Perfect California Weekend Getaway

One of the most difficult parts about visiting Yosemite National Park is finding an affordable lodging option near the park. Upon doing a bit of research I discovered The Pines Resort. Located on Bass Lake, this resort is 30 minutes away from the South entrance of Yosemite. It is the perfect place to stay if you want to spend a day in the park. It is also a great choice if you want to hang out at the lake or go on some hikes. Staying at the Pines Resort is the perfect weekend getaway for couples, families, or a group of friends. 

Disclaimer: Special thanks to the Pines Resort for hosting me for my stay! As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.

History of the Pines Resort

The original Pines Resort dates back to the 1930s. Since that time, it has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies such as The Great Outdoors, Carnival Boat, and Mouse Hunt. In 1977, after changing owners a few times, the lodge officially became the Pines Resort it is today. Sadly in 1988, part of the resort burned down in a kitchen fire but was quickly rebuilt into the current gorgeous Pines Resort. Present-day staying at The Pines Resort is the perfect place for a peaceful weekend. 

How to Get to the Pines Resort

The closest major airports to the Pines Resort are Sacramento and Los Angeles International Airport. There is also the smaller Fresno Yosemite Airport, but it does not get very many flights per day. From the airports, you will want to rent a car to get you to the resort. I recommend using Autoslash to find the best deal. 

The Pines Resort is located off of Highway 222. 

From Los Angeles, take the 5-N to Bakersfield. From there take the 99-N to Oakhurst and turn onto the 222. 

From Sacramento, take the 99-S to Merced. Then, take Highway 140 to Mariposa and get on the 49-S to Oakhurst. From there you can access the 222 to the resort. 

Guestrooms

There are several different types of guestrooms you can opt to choose from when staying at The Pines Resort. The least expensive option is a lakeside suite. These rooms have a king bed and a pullout sofa bed. They include a seating area, a kitchenette, and a fireplace. These rooms contain a patio or a balcony, many of them overlooking the lake. It is a perfect option for a couple or a small family. 

The other room option is to stay in one of the 84 Chalet. The Chalets have the option of a lake view or are nestled within the pine forest. Each Chalet ranges from 620-700 square feet and contains two stories with a balcony. Visitors can opt to get a king bed or two queen beds. Within each chalet is a pull-out sofa, a sitting area, two TVs, a full kitchen, and a barbeque. There is also a loft that is a great place for kids to hand out. Note that there are pots, pans, dishes, etc in the kitchen, but you will need to bring things like baking sheets, foil, paper towels, and cooking spices. These Chalets can sleep a lot of people so it is perfect for a couple or a larger group traveling together. Also, if you would like to bring a pet, they have dog-friendly rooms!

If you have a huge group the Pines Resort also offers a few larger cabins that accommodate up to 14 guests. 

Amenities

There is much fun to be had when staying at The Pines Resort and many options for activities to keep you busy. There is a gorgeous outdoor pool area that is perfect for relaxing in the sun. It overlooks the lake and has plenty of chairs to lounge around on. As well as the pool, the Pines Resort has a private beach for the lake. Although not a huge beach, it is the perfect size for the resort. Make sure to bring your own blankets and chairs if you want to hang out at the beach. 

Next to the beach is the marina. At the marina, you can opt to rent various boats or water recreation crafts from Bass Lake Boat Rentals. This is the perfect option if you have a larger group and want to spend the day on the lake. 

Also located on the property is also a nice playground which is great if you have children. There is also a place to do laundry and a set of tennis courts.

Another option for entertainment is wandering around the Pines Village The village has several little shops that offer things like clothes and souvenirs as well as a market if you forgot any food-related items. 

Food and Beverage

The Pines Resort has two food options that are part of the resort: Ducey’s on the Lake and Ducey’s Bar and Grill. Ducey’s on the Lake is the more upscale restaurant that is known for its steak options. The ingredients are locally sourced and the restaurant serves all three meals. We opted to eat here for dinner during our stay and our meal was excellent! Ducey’s Bar and Grill is a more laid back option. They serve lighter bites to eat such as burgers, salads, and sandwiches. The Ducey’s Bar and Grill is open for lunch and dinner. Aside from the two resort food places, there are several places to grab food in the village and near the marina.

When heading out on a California road trip, I highly recommend staying at the Pines Resort. It is a great place to stop near Yosemite National Park or for a great weekend getaway. You can also stay here as part of a California National Park Road Trip. Interested in booking a stay at The Pines Resort? Use this link or use the code HRT10 when booking for 10% off your stay at The Pines Resort! I loved my stay at The Pines Resort and I know you will too!

TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best California hotels here!

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