Camping in Yosemite is a popular activity, as the park is home to many beautiful campgrounds and offers a variety of camping experiences for visitors.
Camping in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is a popular destination for camping, offering a variety of campgrounds for visitors. Spend a few nights in the great outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Campgrounds in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park has 13 campgrounds with over 1,400 campsites that offer a range of camping experiences for visitors. Here is a list of the campgrounds in Yosemite:
- Upper Pines Campground
- Lower Pines Campground
- North Pines Campground
- Camp 4
- Wawona Campground
- Hodgdon Meadow Campground
- Bridalveil Creek Campground
- Tuolumne Meadows Campground
- Tamarack Flat Campground
- White Wolf Campground
- Yosemite Creek Campground
- Porcupine Flat Campground
- Crane Flat Campground
Each campground has its own unique features, amenities, and location within the park. It’s important to reserve your campsite in advance, as campsites can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Be sure to also review the park rules and regulations for camping, and practice Leave No Trace principles during your stay.
Also Read: Â 12 Best Things to do in Yosemite
Yosemite Camping Information
Here are some tips and information to help you plan your camping trip to Yosemite:
Campground Reservations
Yosemite campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season (May through September), so it’s important to reserve your site in advance. You can make reservations online at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Campground Options
Yosemite has 13 campgrounds offering over 1,400 campsites. Campgrounds are located throughout the park, with some offering a more secluded and peaceful experience, while others are closer to popular attractions and activities.
Camping Season
Most campgrounds in Yosemite are open from spring through fall, with a few campgrounds open year-round. The park’s high-elevation campgrounds generally open later in the season and close earlier due to snow.
Also Read: Yosemite Weather Forecast TodayÂ
Campground Amenities
Yosemite’s campgrounds offer a range of amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, and food storage lockers. Some campgrounds also have RV hookups, showers, and laundry facilities.
Campground Regulation
Yosemite has strict rules and regulations for camping, so make sure you read and follow them. This includes rules about campfires, food storage, and wildlife interactions.
Wildlife Awareness
Yosemite is home to many wild animals, including bears, so it’s important to properly store food and trash in bear-proof containers to prevent wildlife interactions. Visitors should also be aware of other wildlife such as deer and rodents.
Leave no Trace
When camping in Yosemite, it’s important to leave no trace and pack out all your trash. This means leaving your campsite cleaner than you found it and respecting the natural environment.
Overall, camping in Yosemite is a wonderful experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. With careful planning and preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable camping trip in this stunning national park.
Also Read: 19 Places to Visit in Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Lodging
Yosemite National Park offers a range of lodging options for visitors, including hotels, lodges, cabins, and camping. Here’s a list of Yosemite lodging options:
- The Ahwahnee – a historic luxury hotel in Yosemite Valley
- Yosemite Valley Lodge – a modern hotel in Yosemite Valley
- Curry Village – cabins and canvas tent cabins in Yosemite Valley
- Wawona Hotel – a historic hotel near the south entrance of the park
- Half Dome Village – cabins and canvas tent cabins in Yosemite Valley
- White Wolf Lodge – a rustic lodge in the high country of Yosemite
- Tuolumne Meadows Lodge – a rustic lodge in the high country of Yosemite
- High Sierra Camps – a series of backcountry lodges accessible by hiking or horseback
- Housekeeping Camp – affordable cabins with electricity and outdoor space in Yosemite Valley
- Yosemite West Condos – privately-owned condominiums located outside of the park but near the west entrance
FAQ – Yosemite Camping
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Camping in Yosemite National Park.
What to bring camping in Yosemite?
Here’s a short list of what to bring for camping in Yosemite National Park:
- Tent or another shelter
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Cooking equipment (stove, utensils, pots, etc.)
- Food and water (there are no grocery stores within the park)
- Bear-resistant food storage container
- Clothing appropriate for the season and weather conditions (including rain gear and warm layers)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Maps and navigation tools
- First aid kit and any necessary medications
- Trash bags and campsite cleanup supplies
- Optional items: camp chairs, portable charger, camera, binoculars, etc.
It’s important to pack carefully and efficiently, as storage space in a car or backpack may be limited.
How far in advance can you book Yosemite camping?
You can book Yosemite camping reservations up to five months in advance. The reservation window opens on the 15th of each month at 7:00 am Pacific Time for reservations for the following five months. For example, reservations for the month of June become available on January 15th at 7:00 am Pacific Time. It’s important to book your camping reservation as early as possible, especially for popular campsites, as they can fill up quickly.
How to get a camping spot in Yosemite?
You can get a camping spot in Yosemite National Park by making a reservation online through the Recreation.gov website. Reservations can be made up to five months in advance, and it’s recommended to book as early as possible, especially during the park’s peak season. It’s also possible to try for a first-come, first-served camping spot by arriving at the park early in the morning and checking with the campground kiosk for availability. However, it’s important to note that first-come, first-served camping spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, and may not be available at all campgrounds.
How to go camping in Yosemite?
To go camping in Yosemite National Park, you should plan ahead by making a reservation online through Recreation.gov, choose a campground, prepare for your trip by packing appropriate gear and food, arrive at the campground, and follow park regulations and Leave No Trace principles while enjoying the park’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Also Read: Â 8 Best Hikes in Yosemite Valley
How much is camping in Yosemite?
Camping fees in Yosemite National Park vary depending on the campground and type of campsite. The fees for 2023 are as follows:
- Tent and RV sites at most campgrounds: $36-$60 per night
- Group campsites: $50-$300 per night
- Backpacking campsites: $6 per person per night
In addition to camping fees, there may be reservation fees and entrance fees to the park. It’s important to check the park’s website for current fees and to make a reservation in advance, as campsites can fill up quickly during peak season.
How to book camping in Yosemite?
To book camping in Yosemite National Park, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the Recreation.gov website and create an account.
- Select the dates and campgrounds you want to reserve.
- Choose the type of campsite (tent, RV, group, etc.) and any additional amenities.
- Review the reservation details and confirm the booking.
- Pay for the reservation online using a credit or debit card.
- Receive a confirmation email with your reservation details.
It’s important to book your camping reservation as early as possible, especially for popular campsites, as they can fill up quickly.
What to wear to go camping in Yosemite?
When going camping in Yosemite National Park, it’s important to dress in layers and wear clothing appropriate for the weather and outdoor activities you plan to do. Here are some tips on what to wear:
- Layers: Yosemite’s weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers that can easily be added or removed as needed.
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement, such as hiking pants, shorts, or a moisture-wicking t-shirt.
- Sturdy Shoes: Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for hiking, such as hiking boots or trail running shoes.
- Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses.
- Rain Gear: Bring rain gear, such as a waterproof jacket and pants, in case of rain.
- Warm Clothing: Yosemite can get chilly, especially at night, so be sure to pack warm clothing like a fleece or down jacket.
Remember, it’s important to pack appropriate clothing and gear for your camping trip to help ensure your comfort and safety while enjoying Yosemite’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
