Why Jackass Hostel Is Loved by Hikers & International Travelers
If you're planning a trip to Yosemite National Park and searching for affordable lodging, quiet mountain vibes, and a place that feels more like staying with friends than staying in a hotel, Jackass Hostel is the perfect basecamp.
Located in the peaceful, small mountain town of North Fork, California, the exact center of the state, our hostel offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that travelers often describe as “visiting family” or “coming home after a long trip.”
Unlike many large Yosemite accommodations, Jackass Hostel is quiet, cozy, and truly personal. Most of our guests are hikers, explorers, and international travelers who want easy access to Yosemite without the crowds, chaos, or high prices.
Here’s why people searching for budget lodging near Yosemite, hostels near Yosemite National Park, and peaceful Yosemite accommodations end up choosing Jackass Hostel.
1. A Relaxed, Homey Atmosphere (Like Staying With Family)
Jackass Hostel isn’t lively or party oriented. It is intentionally the opposite.
Guests love us because:
It’s quiet, cozy, and comfortable
The shared spaces feel like a real home
Everyone treats each other like old friends
There’s room to decompress after long hikes
The vibe is welcoming, genuine, and warm
Visitors often say it feels like a family home in the mountains, a comfort many international travelers really appreciate after long flights and busy itineraries.
2. Small Town Mountain Vibes in North Fork
North Fork is a sleepy Sierra Nevada town surrounded by forest, wildlife, and peaceful mountain scenery.
Why travelers love it:
Far away from crowds
Quiet, star filled nights
Safe, slow paced, grounding environment
Real small town charm
It’s a perfect home base for people who want to escape noise and stress while still being close to Yosemite.
From our picture windows, you can enjoy:
Pine covered hills
Sunrise light across the mountains
Misty winter mornings
Deer are often spotted in the yard
It’s one of the most peaceful places to start and end your Yosemite days.
3. Convenient Access to Yosemite Without the Crowds
Jackass Hostel is in a sweet spot. It is close enough to Yosemite for easy day trips but far enough away to enjoy affordable rates and a calmer environment.
We’re a great base for:
Yosemite Valley
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center
Bass Lake trails and shoreline walks
Base camp between Yosemite and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
This makes us perfect for hikers, backpackers, nature lovers, road trippers, and long term travelers exploring California.
4. Budget Friendly Yosemite Lodging for Travelers and Backpackers
Young travelers, international guests, and hikers often search for:
“cheap places to stay near Yosemite”
“Yosemite hostels”
“affordable Yosemite lodging”
“budget Yosemite accommodation”
Jackass Hostel fits every one of those searches, offering:
Lower prices than Yosemite hotels
Comfortable dorms and private rooms
Access to a full kitchen which is a huge money saver
Free parking
A calm, restful environment
You get a real home, not a tourist priced hotel.
5. A Real Home Base With Everything You Need
Guests love that staying here makes travel simpler, more grounded, and more comfortable.
Amenities include:
Fully stocked shared kitchen
Cozy living spaces
Big picture windows with mountain views
Outdoor fire pit for marshmallows and stargazing
Clean, comfortable rooms
Helpful hosts who know the area well
After a full day of hiking, nothing beats coming back to a warm, lived in space where you can relax, make a hot meal, chat with fellow travelers, or just take a quiet moment for yourself.
6. Friendly for International Travelers
Jackass Hostel feels like a soft landing for guests from:
The UK
Germany
India
France
Australia
New Zealand
South America
In fact, we host travelers from all over the world! Jackass Hostel is a great place to meet people from just about everywhere.
People often extend their stay because it feels like home.
Why Jackass Hostel Is Perfect for Hikers, Explorers and Nature Lovers
If you want:
A cozy, quiet place to relax
A friendly, home like environment
Beautiful mountain scenery
Affordable rates
Easy access to Yosemite
Fellow travelers to chat with
A real slice of small town Sierra life
Jackass Hostel is the ideal basecamp.
Plan Your Yosemite Adventure With Us
Whether you are traveling solo, exploring California on a budget, backpacking through the United States, or planning your first visit to Yosemite, Jackass Hostel is here to welcome you like family.
Book your stay, settle into the mountains, and make yourself at home.