Can I Have A Camper And Tent At Yosemite?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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There’s no RV or trailer camping here

, so the 75 sites are all for tents, adding to the solitude of the area. Pets, however, are allowed. Yosemite Creek runs through the campground, making a great place to take a dip.

Can you sleep in a campervan in Yosemite?

Now, if you’re asking if you can sleep in your car in Yosemite, the short answer is

you can’t

. Yosemite National Park doesn’t allow tourists to sleep in various locations. These include along roadsides, at the Trailhead Parking, Visitor’s Parking, and the Backpacker’s Campground.

Are pop up campers allowed in Yosemite?


YES! You absolutely can camp in Yellowstone in a pop up camper

. This is our number one most frequently asked question about camping in bear country. There seem to be nasty rumors floating around that pop up campers aren’t allowed in Yellowstone… or Glacier… or Yosemite.

Can you pitch a tent anywhere in Yosemite?

Since there are only a few designated campgrounds,

you can camp anywhere you like, provided you follow all wilderness regulations

. The exceptions are near the five High Sierra Camps and in the Little Yosemite Valley area, where you must you camp at the designated campgrounds.

What size RV is allowed in Yosemite?

Maximum RV/trailer lengths: In Yosemite Valley, the

maximum RV length is 40 feet and maximum trailer length is 35 feet

, however, only a total of 8 sites of this size are available (six sites in Lower Pines and two in North Pines, which are open spring through fall).

Can you drive an RV through Yosemite National Park?


Class C RVs can park in the day use parking area at Yosemite Village, or in the parking area west of Yosemite Valley Lodge

. Once you’ve snagged a coveted parking space, the free, in-park shuttle will take you all around the valley.

Do bears bother pop up campers?

Despite what you may hear,

it is widely accepted that popup campers are considered a safe way of camping within bear-heavy areas

. Campers should always be on the alert in these areas, but people have been doing it for years and the far majority will tell you that they felt very safe when doing so.

Can you camp on pop up camper in national parks?


There is no outright ban on pop up campers being allowed inside national parks

. There is sometimes a negative association with these types of campers because they’re often associated with lower-income people.

Which national parks do not allow pop up campers?

  • Several campgrounds in Yosemite national park;
  • Joshua tree national park;
  • Zion national park;
  • Sequoia national park;
  • Glacier National park.

Can you camp for free in Yosemite?

Yosemite National Park is completely surrounded by national forests.

You can always boondock for free in these forests

. However, there are also free campgrounds set up by the U.S. Forest Service…

Can I park overnight in Yosemite?


Sleeping in your car or RV overnight in a parking lot or along the side of the road is not allowed

. You may store food inside your car (out of sight, with windows completely closed) only during daylight hours. Empty your car of all food, drinks, coolers, toiletries, and trash after dark.

Can I sleep in a car in Yosemite?

Within Yosemite National Park,

you may not sleep in your car or RV except in a campsite that you’re registered to stay in

(except at Camp 4, where sleeping in cars is not allowed because it’s a walk-in campground). Sleeping in your car along the side of the road is not allowed.

Is backcountry camping allowed in Yosemite?


Wilderness permits are required year-round for backcountry camping in the Yosemite Wilderness

. Permits are issued to a limited number of people based on the trailhead that you wish to start your trip.

What does Boondock mean in RV?

In essence, RV boondocking is

off-the-grid RV travel

. Sometimes referred to as “dry camping,” boondocking is any time you camp in your RV without water, sewer, or electrical connections.

How can I camp in Yosemite without reservations?

No first-come, first-served campgrounds are currently open.

Do not arrive at Yosemite intending to stay overnight if you don’t have an overnight reservation

. Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During winter, these may fill on weekends and holidays.

How do I book an RV at Yosemite?

You can reserve Yosemite camping

by telephone at 800-44-6777 or 518-885-3639 from outside the United States and Canada

. You can also make Yosemite camping reservations online.

What is the longest RV allowed in national parks?

Almost 98% of National Park campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to

19 feet

long. You will still have a large number of options if your RV is up to 25 feet since more than 90% of parks permit that length. On average, national parks will allow RVs with a maximum length of 27 feet.

What is the longest RV allowed in Yellowstone National Park?

RV Size Really Matters

Sites accommodating a maximum combined length of

40 feet

or more are limited. Most campsites in Yellowstone will not accommodate oversize units. If you arrive at the campground/RV Park with equipment that differs from your reservation specs, campground staff will not be able to accommodate you.

How much does it cost to camp in Yosemite National Park?

Type of Fee Effective 3/1/2015 Effective 1/1/2016 Yosemite National Park

Annual Pass


$60


$60

What length RV will fit in a parking space?

The length of Class A RVs range from

26 feet to 40 feet

. In a regular parking lot, this means your small Class A will take up a parking space and a half (lengthwise) to more than two parking spaces (lengthwise). Once it’s more than 2 parking spaces lengthwise you would actually park it across parking spaces instead.

How do you get a camping spot in Yosemite?

  1. Visit www.recreation.gov (recommended)
  2. 877/444-6777. (or 877/833-6777 for TDD) (or 518/885-3639 from outside the US & Canada)

Can bears smell food in a camper refrigerator?


Yes, a bear’s fantastic sense of smell allows them to smell your food through your fridge

. This doesn’t mean they will, just that they can. While many people successfully keep food in their RV fridge while camping in bear country, bears can smell it. This is something you should keep in mind while camping.

Are tent trailers safe from bears?

Remember that

hard-top/tent trailers are not bear-proof

! Never cook in, or near, your tent or tent-trailer. Dispose of wastewater from cooking or doing dishes in washrooms or at a dumping station. Clean up promptly after meals.

What to do if a bear is in your campsite?

If you encounter a bear on the trail, or in your campsite,

stop what you are doing and evaluate the situation

. Identify yourself by speaking in a calm, appeasing tone. Back away slowly, preferably in the direction you came. Walk, don’t run, and keep your eye on the bear so you can see how it will react.

How do you camp in a pop up camper?

Are hybrid campers allowed in Yellowstone?


Yes, you can definitely take a hybrid camper to Yellowstone National Park

.

What size RV is allowed in Yellowstone?

Yellowstone National Park Camp Site Information Fishing Bridge RV Closed 2021 – Will accommodate an

18 foot truck and a 35 foot trailer side by side

.
Grant Vehicle and trailer length – 40 feet Indian Creek Vehicle limit is 30 feet at 35 sites and 35 feet at 10 sites Lewis Lake All sites have a vehicle limit of 25 feet.
Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.