Camping
There are 13 campgrounds in Yosemite, seven of which are based on a reservation system. In the height of the tourist season (April through September) reservations are essential—it's encouraged to make them eight weeks in advance.
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The first-come, first-served sites fill up by midday and backcountry campers will need a wilderness permit, which can be obtained at visitor centers and ranger stations.
The Yosemite Valley campgrounds include:
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Upper Pines (238 sites)
- Lower Pines (60 sites)
- North Pines (81 sites)
- Camp 4 (35 sites)—first-come, first-served
View of Camp 4 (Source: Almonroth [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons)
These campgrounds are situated along the Merced River, the flattest part of the valley floor. The sites are dispersed throughout the forest and campers are advised to use amenities such as showers that offered at Curry Village.
Campgrounds south of the valley include:
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Wawona (93 sites)
- Bridalveil Creek (110 sites)—first-come, first-served
- Bridalveil Creek Group and Horse Camp (5 sites)
Campgrounds north of the valley include:
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Hodgdon Meadows (105 sites)
- Crane Flat (166 sites)
- Tamarack Flat (52 sites)—first-come, first-served
- White Wolf (74 sites)—first-come, first-served
- Yosemite Creek (75 sites)—first-come, first-served
- Porcupine Flat (52 sites)—first-come, first-served
- Tuolumne Meadows (304 sites)
Yosemite National Park is a land of ample opportunities. Plan the many places you want to visit, but don't forget that the true marvel of the place simply comes from witnessing the miracles of the earth's tectonic tinkering. Once you hit the park's perimeter, put those guidebooks down, keep your head up, and experience Yosemite.
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Find a Campground at ReserveAmerica.com.
