It Depends on which way you go...
Steve,
What route are you considering for the Las Vegas to Yosemite leg? There are, at least, three or four valid ways to go -- each with plenty of accomodations and "favorite" places to stop and explore. (That nine hours travel time -- is throwing me...)
If you are planning on using Tioga Pass -- either Bishop or Mammoth Lakes makes sense for an over-night.
On the western slope of the Sierras (after you leave Yosemite) there are some very cool gold mining era towns along <a href = "http://www.roadtripamerica.com/drives/ca49.htm">CA-Hwy 49<a/> with plenty of cool inns and historical places.
Lake Tahoe is hard to beat -- anytime of the year. Personally, I prefer to stay along the north shore -- near the Incline Village area. But if you are camping -- Emerald Bay State park is pretty darn nice. Certainly drive around the lake.
