Under Canvas Yosemite becomes first DarkSky Approved Lodging in California
El Portal, California
DarkSky International is pleased to announce 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.
About DarkSky International
DarkSky’s mission is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our dark sky heritage through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org.
About the DarkSky International Lodging Program
Founded in 2023, the DarkSky International Lodging Program recognizes accommodations that meet high standards in responsible outdoor lighting while offering guests an inspiring experience under naturally dark skies. Learn more.
About Under Canvas
The leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, Under Canvas is the ultimate outdoor destination experience. Its safari-style accommodations perfectly embrace their natural surroundings while featuring indoor luxuries, allowing guests to discover their outdoor self in comfort and style. Under Canvas operates 14 camp locations: North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley, West Yellowstone and Glacier in MT.; Moab, Zion, Lake Powell – Grand Staircase and Bryce Canyon in UT; Mount Rushmore in SD; Great Smoky Mountains in TN; Grand Canyon in AZ; Acadia in ME; Columbia River Gorge in WA; and new in 2026, White Mountains NH and Yosemite, CA. To grant further access to the nation’s most coveted national parks, Under Canvas expanded its footprint in the luxury outdoor hospitality space with the launch of ULUM, a MICHELIN Key resort that debuted its first location in Moab, Utah in spring of 2023. In 2025, Under Canvas introduced its Outdoor Collection- distinctive properties that offer nature-based stays and experiences, curated with place and purpose in mind. The Fields of Michigan in South Haven, MI, and Bar N Ranch in West Yellowstone, MT, are the first properties in the brand’s new collection. For more information, please visit www.undercanvas.com and www.ulumresorts.com.
Media Contacts
J Public Relations, Under Canvas
[email protected]
+1 619-255-7069
Website
James Brigagliano
DarkSky International
Lighting Program Manager
[email protected]
