Yosemite's New Glamping Spot Earns California's First DarkSky Lodging Certification

Under Canvas Yosemite is the first property in the state to receive the prestigious DarkSky Approved designation.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:50pm

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A sweeping, geometric landscape illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring towering mountains and a starry night sky, conceptually representing the dark sky preservation and glamping experience at the new Under Canvas Yosemite property.Under Canvas Yosemite's DarkSky Approved status elevates the glamping experience with unparalleled stargazing opportunities in the Sierra Nevada foothills.Groveland Today

A new glamping retreat near Yosemite National Park's Big Oak Flat entrance in Groveland, California has received the official DarkSky Approved lodging status - the first property in the state to earn this distinction. The Under Canvas Yosemite location offers safari-style canvas tent cabins with amenities like king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves, providing a step above traditional camping while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.

Why it matters

The DarkSky certification is awarded to lodging properties that meet strict lighting standards designed to minimize light pollution and preserve natural darkness for guests and surrounding wildlife. This distinction is particularly meaningful for stargazers, as the Under Canvas Yosemite location sits in a part of the Sierra Nevada foothills with relatively low light pollution, allowing guests to experience genuinely dark skies after sundown - a rarity for a commercial lodging property in California.

The details

Under Canvas operates similar glamping properties at national parks across the country, but the Yosemite location marks the brand's first California debut. The 85-acre property is located just minutes from Yosemite's western Big Oak Flat entrance, making it a practical base for day trips into the park. In addition to the DarkSky certification, the safari-style canvas tent cabins feature king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves, providing a comfortable and immersive outdoor experience.

  • Under Canvas Yosemite opened earlier this year in 2026.
  • The property received the DarkSky Approved lodging certification in April 2026.

The players

Under Canvas

A company that operates glamping properties at national parks across the country, with the Yosemite location marking their first California debut.

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The takeaway

The DarkSky certification of Under Canvas Yosemite not only provides a unique stargazing experience for guests, but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and preserving the natural environment surrounding one of California's most iconic national parks.