Yosemite National Park is a place like no other, and with the rise of social media, everyone now knows it. It’s a place of significance to the indigenous peoples of California, as well as to the history of the United States of America. With unique geological features and a rich history of outdoor recreation, it’s no wonder that when the time comes, it’s a mad dash to the finish when it comes to finding campsites in Yosemite.
Campgrounds in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park offers several campgrounds, each with unique features and amenities. Here’s a brief description of each:
Upper Pines Campground:
Located in Yosemite Valley, Upper Pines is the largest campground in the valley and is open year-round, with reduced capacity in the winter. It offers proximity to popular attractions like Yosemite Falls, the Mist Trail, and Half Dome. Reservations are available 5 months in advance on the 15th at 7:00 AM Pacific.
Lower Pines Campground:
Also situated in Yosemite Valley, Lower Pines is smaller than Upper Pines but still provides convenient access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. Reservations are available 5 months in advance on the 15th at 7:00 AM Pacific.
North Pines Campground:
Adjacent to the Merced River in Yosemite Valley, North Pines offers picturesque views and close proximity to hiking trails and rock climbing areas. For the summer months, reservations are available 5 months in advance on the 15th at 7:00 AM Pacific.
Camp 4 (Climber’s Campground):
While traditionally a walk-in campground in Yosemite Valley, Camp 4 has become so popular that a lottery system was implemented to avoid the overnight lines that would form through the entire parking lot for individuals trying to snag a site. Famous for its historical significance in the rock climbing community, it offers a rustic camping experience and is popular among climbers. Reservations are available 1 week in advance at 7:00 AM Pacific.
Tuolumne Meadows Campground:
Located at 8,600 feet in Tuolumne Meadows, this campground offers stunning alpine views and access to high-country hiking trails. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. Traditionally, only half of the sites have been available for advanced reservations, and the other half are first come, first served. Reservations are available 5 months in advance on the 15th at 7:00 AM Pacific.
Wawona Campground:
Situated near the South Entrance of the park, Wawona Campground provides a peaceful setting surrounded by pine trees. It’s close to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and offers a quieter alternative to Yosemite Valley campgrounds. For the summer months, reservations are available 5 months in advance on the 15th at 7:00 AM Pacific.
Hodgdon Meadow Campground:
Located near the Big Oak Flat Entrance of the park, Hodgdon Meadow Campground offers a serene forested setting with spacious campsites. It’s an ideal base camp for exploring the northern regions of Yosemite. For the summer months, reservations are available 5 months in advance on the 15th at 7:00 AM Pacific.
Crane Flat Campground:
Situated along Tioga Road, Crane Flat Campground provides easy access to both Yosemite Valley and the high country. It offers a mix of shaded and sunny sites and is usually less crowded than campgrounds in Yosemite Valley. Reservations are available 2 weeks in advance at 7:00 AM Pacific.
Bridalveil Creek Campground:
Located off Glacier Point Road, this campground offers a peaceful setting amidst a pine forest, far from the hustle and bustle of the valley. It’s a great option for those seeking a quieter camping experience away from the crowds of Yosemite Valley. The secret here is that you can exchange the headache of competing for sites in the valley with a little more of a drive and enjoy your stay in a less crowded location. Reservations are available 2 weeks in advance at 7:00 AM Pacific.
Getting a Campground Reservation:
Obtaining a campground reservation in Yosemite National Park typically involves the following process:
Plan Ahead: Yosemite campgrounds are highly popular and often fill up months in advance, especially during peak seasons, between Earth Day and Labor Day. Therefore, it’s essential to plan your trip well in advance. You can always find the most recent information regarding availability on Recreation.gov.
Check Availability: Visit the official Yosemite National Park website for closure and general information or Recreation.gov to check campground availability for your desired dates. Availability can vary depending on the time of year and campground popularity. Campsites for the most popular campgrounds are available to reserve up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST. Some campgrounds are walk-in only for part of the year, which means they are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Still, others are only available a week or two in advance of your visit.
Make a Reservation: Once you’ve determined availability for your preferred campground and dates, you can make a reservation online through Recreation.gov. Follow the instructions on the website to secure your campsite. You must be logged in and ready to select your chosen campground, campsite, and dates on time. They sell out very quickly. If you require the use of an accessible campsite, you will want to know which one to select ahead of time, as they are limited in number.
Provide Required Information: When making a reservation, you must provide information such as the number of people in your party, the type and size of your camping equipment (e.g., tent, RV), and any special requirements or accommodations you may need. You should try to have as clear an idea as possible of what type of space requirements you want and choose your site number ahead of time, as they go fast, and there will be no time to hesitate.
Pay Fees: Campground reservation fees vary depending on the campground and amenities offered. Be prepared to pay applicable fees when making your reservation. Payment can usually be made using a credit card. If you are attempting to secure a first-come, first-served site, look for an instruction board and an “iron ranger” (a metal post with a slot for payment envelopes).
Receive Confirmation: Once your reservation is confirmed and payment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email or notification with your reservation details, including the dates of your stay, campground location, and any other relevant information. You may also receive a notification of receipt of payment.
Check-In: On the day of your arrival, check in at the campground entrance or visitor center to confirm your reservation and receive additional information or instructions from park staff. Be polite to the campground host or park rangers stationed in the campground. They work directly with people from all over the world all day and are crucial to the smooth operation of the campground.
Enjoy Your Stay: Once checked in, you can enjoy your camping experience in Yosemite National Park! Make the most of your time exploring the park’s breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and iconic landmarks. If you would like someone to help you hit the highlights and dive into the history of the land and its peoples, consider booking a day hike with Lasting Adventures.
It’s important to note that campground reservations in Yosemite can be highly competitive, especially during peak seasons. Therefore, booking your campsite as early as possible is advisable to secure your preferred dates and accommodations. Although cancellations happen, they are unpredictable, and it is rarely good practice to depend on that avenue of securing a site.
Book Classic Camping with Lasting Adventures
If you don’t have an RV and want to experience the park during both the day and the peaceful nights, the best option is to hire someone to curate the experience for you. This is where our Classic Camping program comes in. We jump through the hoops of finding campsites in Yosemite and make available all the equipment and food necessary to have that classic National Park experience you see in the movies. Summit a peak in the morning, swim in the afternoon, and sit by a fire eating s’mores and listening to stories of the park’s history or the adventures of your guide.
You can’t beat a summer evening around a fire pit in Yosemite Valley. Book now, and let us create the ultimate camping experience for you and your family. And remember, all of our adventures come with an entry reservation to the park, so you won’t need to worry about securing your own for your stay.
Blog Post By: Operations Director William Heaps