Glacier Point Road with a view of Half Dome in Yosemite Photo: Getty Images
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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 at Yosemite 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.
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.
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.
Mikaela is the editor in chief of National Park Trips. She lives and breathes the outdoors and you can usually find her hiking, skiing or mountain biking in nature. She's been to national parks on three continents, including 23 U.S. national parks.
