Under Canvas Yosemite glamps

Under Canvas Yosemite has opened near Yosemite as California’s first DarkSky-approved lodging, turning stargazing into the main event as much as the tents. (latimes.com) The camp opened April 16 on 85 forested acres in El Portal and is Under Canvas’ 13th location and its first in California. Its inaugural season runs through October 26, 2026, and the company says reservations for 2026 and 2027 are already on sale. (undercanvas.com) DarkSky approval is a certification from DarkSky International for places that limit light pollution with shielded, low-impact lighting so guests can actually see the night sky. DarkSky International said Under Canvas Yosemite is the first approved lodging location in California. (darksky.org) That pitch lands in a Yosemite market where access is tightly managed and overnight stays inside the park are scarce in peak season. Yosemite National Park brought back a reservation system for some 2026 dates, including most days from June 15 through August 15 and Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. (nps.gov) Under Canvas is selling something adjacent to that system, not a workaround for it. The camp sits outside the park near the Big Oak Flat entrance, and the National Park Service says a lodging booking outside Yosemite does not replace the separate reservation required on controlled-entry days. (latimes.com) (nps.gov) The property has 71 safari-style tents, including Stargazer tents with viewing panels above the bed, plus nightly campfires, yoga, live music and guided outings. Under Canvas says rates start at $314 a night before taxes and fees. (travel.yahoo.com) (undercanvas.com) The location also leans on transit as part of the sell. Under Canvas said a Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System stop sits directly across from the camp, offering car-free access into the park. (undercanvas.com) For travelers, the practical takeaway is simple: book the camp if you want the tents and the dark sky, and book Yosemite entry separately if your dates fall under the park’s 2026 reservation rules. The stars are included; the park gate still isn’t. (nps.gov) (latimes.com)