Located in Coulterville, this lodge is in a rural area and on a river. Rainbow Pool and Merced River reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include El Portal Market and Windows on the World Books and Art. Discover the area's water adventures with rafting and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and ecotours.
Northern Mariposa County History Center - 46 min drive - 36.5 km
Merced River - 51 min drive - 24.0 km
Pine Mountain Lake - 55 min drive - 44.7 km
Merced River Recreation Area - 57 min drive - 26.8 km
Pine Mountain Lake Marina - 57 min drive - 44.7 km
Getting around
Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite) - 64 min drive
About this property
300-Acre Wilderness Retreat Near Yosemite
Welcome to **Kowana Valley Lodge**, a private 300-acre wilderness retreat in the Sierra foothills near Yosemite National Park.
Surrounded by the Stanislaus National Forest, Kowana Valley offers something increasingly difficult to find: hundreds of acres of private wilderness where your group can hike, explore, swim and reconnect with nature without ever leaving the property.
The approximately 2,700 sq ft lodge sleeps up to 10 guests and was custom designed to operate completely off-grid while providing the comfort and familiarity of a modern mountain home.
## 300 ACRES TO CALL YOUR OWN
At Kowana Valley, the property isn't just where you sleep. It's the experience.
Step outside the lodge and explore **300 private acres of Sierra wilderness**, with miles of maintained hiking trails winding through the property.
Follow the trails through the forest. Walk along the creek. Find a swimming hole on a warm afternoon. Explore the property's limestone cave. Or simply find a quiet place where the only thing around you is wilderness.
You can spend an entire day exploring without getting into your car.
## YOUR OWN CREEK, SWIMMING HOLES & TRAILS
A **year-round creek** runs through Kowana Valley, with multiple swimming holes and places to explore throughout the property.
The landscape changes with the seasons, making every visit a little different.
Spend warm days hiking and swimming. Slow down beside the creek. Explore the trails with the family. At night, enjoy the darkness, quiet and star-filled skies that come with being far away from city lights.
This isn't a landscaped resort. It's a genuine wilderness property where grasses, wildflowers, trees, rocks, wildlife and forest debris are all part of the experience.
## A COMFORTABLE OFF-GRID LODGE
Kowana Valley Lodge was purpose-built to operate in the middle of the Stanislaus National Forest without conventional utility service.
The property operates on a **100% off-grid system**, giving guests the rare opportunity to experience remote wilderness without giving up the basic comforts of home.
Inside you'll find a fully stocked kitchen, comfortable gathering spaces and a recreation room with ping pong for evenings and downtime between adventures.
Outside, the lodge becomes your starting point for exploring hundreds of acres of private land.
Off-grid living does mean being thoughtful about resource and energy use. Guests looking for a conventional suburban home or full-service resort experience may be happier elsewhere. Guests who value privacy, nature and adventure tend to understand exactly what makes Kowana special.
## SLEEPS UP TO 10 GUESTS
The lodge offers **3 bedrooms plus bunk sleeping arrangements**, making it particularly well suited to families and groups travelling together.
The combination of private bedrooms and bunk accommodation gives adults and children different sleeping options while allowing the entire group to stay under one roof.
It's a natural fit for extended families, two families travelling together, groups of friends and anyone looking to escape somewhere genuinely private.
## MADE FOR ADVENTURE
Kowana Valley is particularly well suited to guests who would rather explore than sit beside a hotel pool.
Your stay can include:
• Miles of private hiking trails • A year-round creek • Natural swimming holes • A limestone cave to explore • 300 acres of private wilderness • Forest and wildlife exploration • Ping pong and indoor recreation • Outdoor gathering areas • Incredible night skies • Easy access to the surrounding Sierra Nevada
There is no need to schedule every hour of your trip. Walk outside and choose a trail.
## A DIFFERENT KIND OF YOSEMITE GETAWAY
Kowana Valley works equally well as a destination in its own right or as a wilderness home base for exploring Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra.
Spend one day experiencing Yosemite's iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls and trails.
Spend the next without going anywhere.
Explore your own 300-acre valley, hike through the forest, follow the creek and cool off in a swimming hole before heading back to the lodge for dinner.
That combination makes Kowana very different from a typical cabin or holiday rental near Yosemite.
## PERFECT FOR
Kowana Valley Lodge is especially well suited to:
• Families looking for an outdoor adventure • Groups visiting Yosemite National Park • Multi-family getaways • Hiking and nature trips • Wilderness retreats • Friends travelling together • Guests looking for privacy and solitude • Travellers wanting an unusual Yosemite experience • Anyone who wants to disconnect from city life and reconnect with nature
## PLEASE KNOW BEFORE BOOKING
Kowana Valley is a **remote wilderness property**, and that is fundamental to the experience.
The lodge is completely off-grid and surrounded by forest rather than conventional residential development. Guests should expect the realities of staying in a natural environment, including wildlife, uneven terrain, grasses, wildflowers and seasonal changes throughout the property.
The nearest medical facility is at least approximately 45 minutes away, so guests with medical needs should take the remote location into consideration when booking.
Open fires may also be prohibited during Mariposa County fire season. Guests must observe all applicable fire restrictions during their stay.
If you're looking for shops, restaurants and resort amenities immediately outside your door, Kowana probably isn't the right choice.
If you're looking for **privacy, wilderness, adventure and hundreds of acres to explore**, you've found something special.
## YOUR PRIVATE SIERRA WILDERNESS
There are plenty of places where you can book a cabin near Yosemite.
There aren't many where you can wake up with **300 private acres outside your door**.
Hike your own trails. Follow the creek. Find a swimming hole. Explore the cave. Spend the day in Yosemite or spend it without seeing another person beyond your own group.
Then come home to the lodge, make dinner together, play ping pong and step outside beneath the Sierra night sky.
**Kowana Valley Lodge isn't simply somewhere to stay near Yosemite. It's an adventure of its own.**
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
Pets allowed
Clean up after your dog! although we are in the wi
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Guest must sign Renter's Agreement.
Security deposit required up to $750.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2217537vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Cashless transactions are available
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Frequently asked questions
Is 300-Acre Wilderness Retreat Near Yosemite pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at 300-Acre Wilderness Retreat Near Yosemite?
As of 23 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 300-Acre Wilderness Retreat Near Yosemite on 18 Oct 2026 start from AU$1,530, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at 300-Acre Wilderness Retreat Near Yosemite?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 300-Acre Wilderness Retreat Near Yosemite?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 300-Acre Wilderness Retreat Near Yosemite?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is 300-Acre Wilderness Retreat Near Yosemite located?
Located on a river, this family-friendly lodge is within 20 mi (32 km) of Merced River Recreation Area, Rainbow Pool and Merced River. Sierra National Forest and Northern Mariposa County History Center are also within 20 miles (32 km).
300-Acre Wilderness Retreat Near Yosemite Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a terrific quiet vacation in this beautiful vast property. Great trails to go for a hike with my dogs. I would love to go back. Beautiful views.
My Family enjoyed our stay in this beautiful and scenic lodge. I would totally recommend visiting Yosemite while you stay. Besides that the cabin is very cleaned and spacious for a family. The Owner was super friendly and super fast to reply to my questions or concerns.
Just had an amazing off-grid experience at this property! The secluded location offered a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. The sustainable features and eco-friendly design added a unique touch. The serene surroundings and lack of modern distractions allowed me to truly connect with nature. A perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful getaway off the grid.
Wow! I've tried to think of better words to describe this vacation property but I'm nearly speechless at it's utter perfection. My Husband and our 2 labradors had the time of our lives during our stay and are already planning our next trip. From staring at the beautiful views during morning coffee, enjoying ourselves on multiple daily hikes through the meadows, to our labradors favorite part, the daily swims in the river, our stay was nothing less than serene, secluded perfection. The house had everything needed and we found ourselves barely dipping into the solar battery reserves. Edmund was a much gracious host, answering all of our texts regarding where to hike. Thank you so much for allowing us to experience your beautiful rental and hopefully will see you again soon.
We fell in love with this rental.
If you’re comfortable with a 20 minute “dirt” road drive and are looking for a secluded getaway, this place is for you!
(On the highways in and out of the area, chains will likely be needed if expecting snow)
The house had plenty of rooms and bathrooms for our party of 7. It’s dog friendly, our pup had ultimate zoomies space. There is rich history, native plant life, and easy water access for lots of wonderful play.
We had some issues with the solar/generator but the Host was there every step of the way to help. Ultimately we had to leave a day early due to an unexpected April snowstorm that came early and the power issues - we were so sad to leave, we could’ve spent a week+ up there.
The hospitality/accommodations were well thought out. Each bed had lots of linens and towels, the pillows were comfy, the kitchen was extremely well stocked, the local info/history was so cool to read, instructions were clearly written, and the host was very attentive and available for help.
Things we were glad we brought - water shoes for the creek, slippers/fuzzy socks for inside the house, headlamps/lanterns, and a hatchet to make kindling.
Our favorites: many easy access points for the creek, listening to the creek from the lodge, lots of native plants to identify, very secluded/private area, having a stove and fridge, having warm water for a quick shower after a swim, big rooms, lots of restrooms, screened porch, family style dining.
A little hidden gem, literally it's hidden. Dont recommend a small vehicle for that terrain. The Proud Pyro was amazing and very easy to use. The sky is amazing at night. If you really want to get away from the city, this place is the spot to be.
This place is great, very clean and just our family was looking for. A bit off grid the house is solar powered with batteries but they work perfect. Amazing views and definitely a good way to reset and close enough to Yosemite
We loved staying at Kowana Valley. The creek was beautiful and the kids and dogs loved hiking and seeing tiny trout, California quail, blackbirds, a jackrabbit, and beautiful native flowers and trees. The house was great. Comfortable living space, nicely stocked kitchen, and awesome outdoor space for birdwatching and just relaxing. We can’t wait to go back.
Perfect place to unplug and hang out with family. The kids loved the ping pong table and the adults loved sitting on the deck and listening to the creek.
Beautiful property. Ideally located near Yosemite. We stayed here right after Christmas and got a bunch of snow. The kids loved it. We plan on making this an annual trip.
Edmund was a great host! Very communicative with helpful information for planning purposes. The space was great and we thoroughly enjoyed bbqing on the back deck and stargazing at night was phenomenal! Only thing is we wish we would have known about the dusty, windy road leading into the property before booking since a couple of family members are sensitive to movement and got car sick. Other than that, my family and I enjoyed our stay!
The Kowana Valley lodge is an amazing experience!! Our family of 4 adults, 3 teenagers and 1 child and 2 dogs had the most amazing time.
Edmund, the host, was fabulous!! He was there welcoming us to the property and giving us a detailed tour of the cabin, the amenities and showing us the amazing 300 acres, and surrounding things to do. Edmund showed several refreshing water areas where we were able to endure the 106 degree heat.
The home was super clean, and had space to spare. All amenities necessary were there to enjoy 4 days of nature at its best,
The property is in a history location and a town not so far. We really enjoyed staying at the Kowana Valley. Thank you Edmund.
Edmund is super helpful. The house is spacious and comfortably fit our group of four adults and five teenagers. The house was clean, stocked and well organized. We left wishing we had more time to explore the grounds.