Yosemite Camping How To Best Campsites?

1. Upper Pines. Upper Pines Campground is the largest and most popular of Yosemite Valley Campsites. ...
2. Lower Pines. Lower Pines Campground is a slightly smaller, more intimate campground located in Yosemite Valley, just moments from El Capitan and Half Dome. ...
3. North Pines. ...
4. Camp 4.

How hard is it to get a campsite in Yosemite?

According to Gloria Sandoval, deputy director of the California Department of Recreation, more than 67 million people visit the state’s parks each year, with more than 6.5 million coming to camp. But with approximately 13,000 campsites available, it’s impossible for most to get a spot .

Can I camp 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.

Is Yosemite good for camping?

Camping in Yosemite is one of the best ways to experience the park . There are 13 campgrounds in Yosemite National Park with 1,445 total campsites. Roughly 1,000 campsites can be reserved in advance. The rest are first-come, first-served.

Why are Yosemite campgrounds closed?

The National Park Service announced the closure of campgrounds in Yosemite National Park due to rehabilitation projects . Tuolumne Meadows Campground is undergoing a major rehabilitation project and will remain closed in 2022 and 2023, and possibly 2024/2025, depending on weather/length of construction season.

How many cars can you camp in Yosemite?

Vehicles per Campsite

A maximum of two motor vehicles are allowed per campsite . All vehicles must be parked on a parking pad. Trailers don’t count against the vehicle limit as long as they fit on the parking pad. Additional parking is available near each campground for no additional charge.

How do I reserve a campsite 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)

How far in advance do you have to book Yosemite?

Reservations have to be made at least five months before the date that you plan to go camping . This rule applies to seven of the 13 popular camping sites in Yosemite National Park.

What do you need to camp in Yosemite?

1. Map & compass.
2. Trash bag.
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen.
4. Food and water.
5. Storm gear.
6. Headlamp/flashlight (with extra batteries)
7. First-aid kit.
8. Fire starter.

Can I sleep in my 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 there BLM land near Yosemite?

There are three developed BLM campgrounds along the Merced River between Briceburg and Bagby . The campgrounds are accessed by crossing the suspension bridge just past the Briceburg Visitor Center and heading down river along the unpaved Briceburg River Road (old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade).

Is it safe to backpack in Yosemite?

Here are some quick tips to help you be safe while hiking in Yosemite: Carry a headlamp on every hike, even short day hikes. Carry and drink plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart every 2 hours) Sturdy footwear with good traction might save an ankle .

What is the most popular campground in Yosemite?

Upper Pines Campground is the largest and most popular of Yosemite Valley Campsites. It is open year-round, and sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Upper Pines Campground is known for its incredible views of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Are there showers at Yosemite campgrounds?

In normal circumstances, showers are available in Yosemite Valley at Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp. Showers are not available elsewhere in the park . Dump stations are available at Upper Pines Campground (all year), near Wawona Campground (summer only), and near Tuolumne Meadows Campground (summer only).

Can you free camp 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 ...

Is Yosemite closing again?

Yosemite is open with some services limited due to COVID-19 .

What is the best month to visit Yosemite?

The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September , when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. It’s important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow.

Can I drive through Yosemite right now?

You can drive your car into and around Yosemite, although some roads are closed from around November through May/June and tire chains may be required on open roads from around October through April (depending on conditions). You can use public transportation to get to and around Yosemite all year.

Is alcohol allowed in Yosemite?

Re: Is beer and wine OK at picnic areas within Yosemite? Beer or wine is ok .

What is the best campsite at Upper Pines Yosemite?

In Upper Pines Campground, there are 238 campsites available for campers to choose from. The best sites to camp are sites number 6-10, 21, 26- 39, 42, and 62 . If you want places that offer a bit more space than the rest, check the fourth to sixth loops.

How long can I camp in Yosemite?

There is a 30-night camping limit within Yosemite National Park in a calendar year; however, from May 1 to September 15, the camping limit in Yosemite is 14 nights (this includes wilderness camping).

Can you enter Yosemite without a reservation?

Lodging and Camping

Other than the entrance fee, you don’t need a reservation or permit to visit Yosemite . However, you should get a lodging or campground reservation if you plan to spend the night.

What is the largest RV 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 I drive through Yosemite without a reservation?

People can drive through Yosemite without a reservation

“You must drive the most direct route to exit the park; stopping is prohibited. Violating park regulations can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail.” However, the park entrance fee does provide access to visit Hetchy Hetchy during open hours.

How many days do you need in Yosemite National Park?

How many days to spend in Yosemite National Park? One day is enough to see all of the Yosemite Valley, but 2-3 days is ideal if you wish to take some of the longer hikes or explore Glacier Point and the Tioga Pass .

What can you do in Yosemite without a pass?

1. 1 – Participate in one of our professionally guided trips. ...
2. 2 – Explore the Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite. ...
3. 3 – Ride the YARTS bus in/out of the Park. ...
4. YARTS is a Great Deal! ...
5. General Store. ...
6. Play. ...
7. Hiking & Nature Trails.

What is the entrance fee to Yosemite National Park?