Yosemite Camping - Campground Guide and Yosemite Camping Reservations

Yosemite Camping Fundamentals

Joe Walker was the first white man known to have gone Yosemite camping. His tombstone in Martinez, CA, reads: "Camped at Yosemite Nov. 13, 1833." Things have changed a lot since Walker camped here. Back then he didn't need Yosemite camping reservations. There are a lot more amenities, but there are a lot more people, too.

Yosemite Camping Reservations

Many people erroneously believe that Yosemite camping reservations are needed for all spots and far in advance. In summer, about 400 Yosemite camping sites are available on a "first come, first served" basis with no reservations needed, and in winter, only half of the 500 open Yosemite camping sites require reservations. However, if you want to stay in a campground that operates on a "first come, first served" basis, arrive early. Yosemite camping sites can fill up as early as 9:00 AM, although there are sometimes sites available until about noon.

There is a maximum of six people (including children) and two vehicles per Yosemite camping site. The maximum total days for Yosemite camping is 30 per year. Between May 1 and September 15, the limit for one stay is 7 days in Yosemite Valley and 14 days elsewhere. You can request a specific campsite when you make reservations, if it is available.

Yosemite camping reservations are released one month at a time, five months in advance, on the 15th of each month (reservations for July 15 through August 14 can be made starting on March 15). Reserve on the 15th for the best selection. You can reserve Yosemite camping by telephone at (800) 436-7275, (301) 722-1257 or (888) 530-9796 (TDD).

You can also make Yosemite camping reservations online. Some helpful hints for using the online Yosemite camping reservation system:

• Use the campground guide to decide where you want to stay before you go into the reservations system. Once you get in, there are maps, but little other information is available. Have two or three campgrounds in mind.
• Smaller campgrounds fill up first, and they are also more pleasant and less smoke-filled in the evening.
• If you need to check another date, you have to start the reservation process from the beginning. Don't forget to re-enter your vehicle type each time.
• You can make Yosemite camping reservations for only one site at a time using this system.

If you will arrive one or more days late, call (209) 372-4025, or your reservations will be canceled. If you arrive late on the first day, you will find your campsite assignment posted at the entry kiosk.

Yosemite Camping Tips

• Drinking water is available at water spigots throughout the campgrounds, but not at each site. Bring a water container to minimize the number of trips you have to make.
• If you will be washing dishes, you have to carry your dirty water to the restrooms to dispose of it. A small bucket is ideal.
• There are no lights in the restrooms. Bring a flashlight or two; ones that can stand on their own are best.
• Campsites are quite dusty, and campfires can create a lot of smoke in the evening. If you have allergies, take precautions.

Elevation

Campgrounds in Yosemite are at 4,000 to 8,600 feet (1,200 to 2,620 meters). If you are susceptible to altitude sickness, plan your Yosemite camping at a lower elevation.

Altitude sickness can strike anyone, and there are no predicting factors. Take sensible precautions. Drink lots of water. Avoid alcohol. If you are going hiking in the mountains, give yourself some time to adjust to altitude first. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded or confused, try going to a lower elevation immediately.