Yosemite Camping

There are nearly 1500 campsites in Yosemite. Because of this, you should prepare to arrive very early, especially for those sights that operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The campgrounds in Yosemite Valley, however, are filled by reservation. There are also alternative campsites in the surrounding regions. Since Yosemite is surrounded by national forests, there is no shortage of beautiful places to lay your head at night. These are most often on a first-come, first-served basis also.

To make reservations for campsites, you must contact The National Park Campground Reservations. (www.reservations.nps.gov) On the 15th of each month you can make reservations for the campground of your choice up to five months in advance. You are not allowed to camp for more than 30 days in the park per year, and depending on the campground and the season you are in, that limit may drop to as little as 7 days. You must have a campsite or lodge to stay in overnight in the park. You are not allowed to park on the road and sleep or rough it in an undesignated area. You will be awakened by a ranger and asked to leave, probably not without a fine. This is for your own safety. Please follow all rules while camping in Yosemite. The goal is to enjoy your stay while striving to make zero impact on the land itself.

There are 13 campgrounds which contain the 1500 campsites. Some of them are: Bridalveil Creek Campground, Backpacker Walk-In Campground, Crane Flat Campground, High Sierra Camps, Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground, Hodgdon Meadow Campground, Housekeeping Camp, Lower Pines Campground, North Pines Campground, Porcupine Flat Campground, Sunnyside Camp, Tolumne Meadows Campground, Wawona Campground, and Yosemite Creek Campground!
You can log on the website above to see more info about each site, including maps of the grounds and their location within other sites in the park.

Here are some quick notes for your camping stay in Yosemite. Keep your pets on a leash. They are only allowed in some campgrounds so it is important to mention your pets when reserving a site. Choose campsites more than 200 feet from a clean water source to avoid pollution and erosion. Choose your fuel wisely. A butane or propane stove will help prevent air pollution. If you must build a fire, make sure to use the areas specifically provided for you by the park. And most importantly...Have Fun!