Camping In Yosemite National Park
Camping in Yosemite National Park takes some planning and some times a bit of luck, especially if your heart is set on securing a campsite in the valley close to the park’s iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
Although the park has over a dozen campgrounds, well over 500,000 people camp in Yosemite Valley annually. Making reservations is highly recommended.
Reservations can be made up to five months in advanced and become available on the 15th of each month at 7am Pacific time. In many cases, reservations during the months of May through September are full on the first day within minutes after they become available.
| Arrival Date | First day to make reservations |
| December 15 through January 14 | August 15 |
| January 15 through February 14 | September 15 |
| February 15 through March 14 | October 15 |
| March 15 through April 14 | November 15 |
| April 15 through May 14 | December 15 |
| May 15 through June 14 | January 15 |
| June 15 through July 14 | February 15 |
| July 15 through August 14 | March 15 |
| August 15 through September 14 | April 15 |
| September 15 through October 14 | May 15 |
| October 15 through November 14 | June 15 |
| November 15 through December 14 | July 15 |
Try logging onto the National Park Service reservation site at 7am on the date that the campsite becomes available, but call them at the same time as well. In most cases, you will secure a reservation this way.
If you are willing to camp outside the valley, it becomes a bit easier, but reservations are still advisable.
Camping In Yosemite National Park, Make an Online Reservation Now
To Reserve by phone, call (877)444-6777 or (518)885-3639 if outside the United States/Canada.
What if you fail to secure a reservation?
Camping in Yosemite National Park without a reservation is still possible. There are seven campgrounds designated as first-come-first-served, but only one is located in Yosemite Valley- Camp 4. Five are located in Northern Yosemite and the last is located in Southern Yosemite.
Arrive early to secure one as all Yosemite National Park Campgrounds, even first-come-first-served sites fill up quickly. If all else fails, there are campgrounds along the access roads outside the park.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK CAMPGROUNDS |
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| Campground | Status | Distance From Valley | RV |
Yosemite Valley Campgrounds |
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| Upper Pines | Reservations Required | - | Yes |
| Lower Pines | Reservations Required | - | Yes |
| North Pines | Reservations Required | - | Yes |
| Camp 4 | Walk-In | - | No |
Northern Yosemite Campgrounds |
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| Porcupine Flat | Walk-In | 1.25 hours | Yes |
| Tamarack Flat | Walk-In | .75 hours | No |
| Tuolumne Meadows | Walk-In | 1.5 hours | Yes |
| White Wolf | Walk-In | 1.0 hours | Yes |
| Yosemite Creek | Reservation Required | 1.0 hours | No |
| Hodgdon Meadow | Reservation Required | .75 hours | Yes |
| Crane Flat | Both | .5 hours | Yes |
Southern Yosemite Campgrounds |
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| Wawona | Reservations Required | .75 hours | Yes |
| Bridalveil Creek | Walk-In | .75 hours | Yes |
Yosemite National Park Camping and RV Guests
Guests are restricted a bit due to size regulations. Check with a reservation specialist for specifications.
There are no hook-ups located within the park and generator use is permitted, but also regulated. Dump Stations are located at Upper Pines Campground (all year), Tuolumne Meadows (Summer only), and Wawona (Summer only).
Showers
Showers are located in Yosemite Valley only (Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp).
Camping in Yosemite National Park is a great activity and a tremendous way to get a closer, more intimate feel for one of the most beautiful places on earth.