EL PORTAL, Calif. — DarkSky International has announced the official certification of Under Canvas Yosemite as a DarkSky Approved Lodging location, recognizing the property’s commitment to protecting the nighttime environment through responsible outdoor lighting. As the first Under Canvas location in California to receive this designation and the company’s sixth DarkSky-certified camp, the site sets a high standard for quality dark-sky-focused hospitality in one of the nation’s most iconic natural landscapes.
Located on 80 acres of forested mountainside in California’s Sierra Nevada, just 10 minutes from Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat entrance, Under Canvas Yosemite offers an immersive outdoor experience that emphasizes both environmental stewardship and guest comfort. The camp’s certification means exterior lighting has been carefully designed and installed to meet DarkSky’s rigorous standards, minimizing impacts on the surrounding nocturnal ecosystem while allowing guests to experience a naturally dark, star-filled night sky.
“During my site visit, I evaluated every outdoor lighting fixture to ensure full compliance with our program’s technical requirements,” said James Brigagliano, Lighting Program Manager at DarkSky International. “Under Canvas Yosemite has demonstrated a clear dedication to protecting the night environment. Their thoughtful approach to lighting design minimizes light pollution, safeguards nocturnal wildlife, and enhances the nighttime experience for guests seeking a meaningful connection with the stars.”
A commitment to protecting dark skies
The DarkSky Approved Lodging certification process requires properties to follow the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, prioritizing light that is only used when needed, carefully targeted, properly shielded, and energy-efficient. The result is a lighting environment that supports healthy ecosystems, preserves natural nightscapes, and enhances the guest experience.
At Under Canvas Yosemite, these practices help maintain the region’s naturally dark conditions, allowing visitors to experience clear views of the night sky while protecting the surrounding nocturnal environment.
Outdoor experiences and programming
Under Canvas Yosemite brings the comforts of a boutique hotel into nature with safari-inspired canvas tents featuring king-size beds with luxe linens, private ensuite bathrooms with hot showers, and private decks overlooking the surrounding forest landscape. Guests can gather in the spacious central lobby tent for lounge seating and café-style dining.
The camp also offers daily programming designed to connect guests with the outdoors and night sky, including nightly campfires and s’mores, live acoustic music, yoga sessions, and family-friendly activities. Through the on-site Adventure Concierge, visitors can book guided experiences such as hiking tours, rock climbing, rafting, fly fishing, and photography excursions in and around Yosemite National Park.
Gateway to Yosemite National Park
Under Canvas Yosemite also serves as a convenient gateway to Yosemite National Park, with access to world-renowned landmarks including granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias.
A Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) stop located directly across from the camp allows guests to travel easily and sustainably into Yosemite Valley without the need for a personal vehicle.
With its combination of elevated comfort, access to breathtaking landscapes, and a strong commitment to responsible lighting, Under Canvas Yosemite demonstrates how hospitality experiences can support the protection of natural darkness. The certification affirms the property’s role in helping guests reconnect with the night and experience one of nature’s most inspiring resources.
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