Camping / Yosemite Camping Information

YOSEMITE CAMPING

CAMPING IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL FOREST

YOSEMITE VALLEY CAMPGROUNDS

  • Check-in & check-out times for Yosemite Valley campground are the same: 10am.
  • Maximum length for recreation vehicles in valley campgrounds is 40 feet. Outside Yosemite Valley it’s 35 feet.
  • There is a 30 day camping limit within Yosemite National Park in any calendar year; however, the camping limit in Yosemite Valley is seven days from May 1 through September 15.

 

GROUP CAMPGROUNDS

  • There are 5 group campgrounds in Yosemite.
  • A maximum of 30 people are allowed in each group campsite.
  • Check-in / check-out time is 12 noon.

OUTSIDE YOSEMITE VALLEY

  • Check-in / check-out time is 12 noon.
  • Maximum length for recreational vehicles is 35 feet.
  • There is a 30 day camping limit within Yosemite National Park in any calendar year; however, from May 1 to September 15 inclusive, the camping limit outside the valley is limited to a total of not more than 14 days, except for Wawona which is limited to 7 days.
  • Wawona and Hodgedon Meadow are open year round. Other campgrounds outside the valley are open only during summer months.

RULES & REGULATIONS

  • Maximum of 6 people per campsite including children.
  • Quiet hours are from 10pm to 6am.
  • Generators may be used sparingly between 7am & 7pm.
  • Dishwater and sewage must be disposed of in designated areas.
  • Electrical extension cords may not be connected to campground restroom outlets.
  • There are dump stations in Yosemite Valley (year round) & Wawona & Tuolumne Meadows (summer only). There are no hookups in Yosemite campgrounds.
  • Pets are permitted only in specific campgrounds and must be on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on any hiking trails and may not be left unattended while tied in a campsite.
  • Please be advised of the presence of bears. When camping overnight, make sure that all foods (even toothpaste) is kept in the bear lockers.

CAMPFIRES

  • Firewood collection is prohibited in Yosemite Valley. This includes “dead and down” wood.
  • Please start campfires with newspaper. Do not use pine needles or cones (they create unnecessary smoke).
  • To improve air quality in Yosemite Valley, campfires are permitted only between 5pm and 10pm from May 1 through October 15.
  • There are no restrictions on firewood gathering outside the valley except wood may not be gathered at elevations above 9600 feet or in sequoia groves.
  • Campfires are permitted only in designated campsites.
  • Restrictions / regulations are subject to change. Upon entrance to Yosemite, check with a park ranger regarding changes because of extraordinary weather or other conditions.

CAMPING COSTS

  • Sites in Wawona, Hodgdon Meadows, Crane Flat, Tuolumne Meadows & at the Pines
  • Campgrounds in Yosemite Valley are $18.
  • Bridalveil Creek & White Wolf are $12. Tamarack Flat, Yosemite Creek & Porcupine Flat are $8.
  • Backpacker Camps in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy & Camp 4 (Sunnyside) are $5.
    Group Camps are $40. Stock Camps are $25.

 

HOW TO MAKE A CAMPING RESERVATION:

Reservations are taken up to 5 months in advance. Beginning the 15th of each month, you’re able to make campground reservations up to 5 months in advance. As an example, reservations from April 1 through August 14 will be accepted beginning March 15.

CONTACT METHODS

  • Reservations may now be made on the Internet
  • Toll free reservation number: 800.436.7275 (PARK)
  • International reservation number: 301.722.1257
  • TTY toll free number: 888.530.9796
  • Phone numbers are answered between 7am & 7pm (Pacific time), 7 days a week
  • Reservations may be made via mail. The address:

N.P.R.S.
P. O. Box 1600
Cumberland, MD 21502
You may reserve up to 2 campsites at a time.
Mastercard, Visa & Discover cards are accepted for phone & on-line reservations.
Personal checks or money orders are accepted are accepted for mail reservations.

AN IMPORTANT FINAL THOUGHT

Special circumstances (forest fires, extreme weather conditions) may alter the above information. Additionally, rules and regulations may also be changed. If you have any questions, please ask a park ranger upon entrance to the park.

Current status of each Yosemite Campground

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