Yosemite Camping Reservations

Camping in Yosemite National Park

There are 13 campgrounds in Yosemite National Park. Seven of the campgrounds accept reservations, and six of them accept campers on a first-come, first-serve basis. During the park's busiest months, which are April through September, both types of campgrounds stay full most of the time. During these months, even the sites that don't take reservations tend to be at capacity no later than noon.

The Importance of Reservations

Because the park is such a popular camping destination, it's not a good idea to count on being able to get a spot in the park without a reservation. If you want to camp inside the park, it's advisable to reserve a spot well in advance of your trip. Otherwise, there is a good chance that you won't be able to find anywhere to camp when you arrive.

Camping Rules are Strictly Enforced

It's important to keep in mind that camping is not allowed just anywhere inside the park, nor are visitors allowed to sleep in their vehicles. If you arrive at the park without a reservation and discover that no campsites are available, you will have to go off-site to make accommodation arrangements.

Making Yosemite Camping Reservations

Reservations are required for several of Yosemite's campgrounds all year, while others are reservation-only during certain times of the year. No matter when you're traveling to the area, it's in your best interest to reserve your campsite ahead of time.

How to Make Reservations

If you'd like to make reservations to camp in Yosemite, you'll need to reserve your site online or by telephone. Visit [http:// www.recreation.gov Recreation.gov] to reserve a spot, or dial 877-444-6777 if you're calling from the U.S. or Canada. A TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf) reservations line is avaialble at 877-833-6777. Travelers from outside the U.S. and Canada should call 518-885-3639. The park does not accept mail-in reservations.

The telephone reservation center opens at 7 am Pacific time each working day. From March until October, telephone reservations are accepted until 9 pm Pacific, and the center closes at 7 pm from November through February.

Restrictions on Reservations

• How far in advance?: While it's important to make your reservation early, there are restrictions on how far in advance you may do so. Yosemite will accept campground reservations up to five months in advance of your arrival date. Reservations open up on the 15th of each month, at 7 am Pacific time. Summer availability is typically booked the day reservations are allowed.
• How long can you stay? Yosemite campground reservations are available for up to one consecutive month at a time.
• Number of Reservations: There is a limit of two reservations per website visit or telephone call. If you need to reserve camping spots for more than two trips to the park, you'll have to return to the website or place a new phone call to do so.

Alternatives to Camping in Yosemite

If you aren't able to get the Yosemite camping reservations you want, you can still enjoy visiting the area and touring the park. There are some private campgrounds in the vicinity of the National Park. As with the campsites within the park, these spots book up very far in advance, so be sure to make reservations as soon as you know you'll be traveling to the area.

A few of the popular facilities near Yosemite include:

• High Sierra RV and Mobile Park in Oakhurst, California.
• Lake McClure & Lake McSwain Recreation Areas in Snelling, California.
• Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging in Groveland, California.

Your Trip to Yosemite

Whether you're able to get Yosemite camping reservations in the National Park, or if you end up staying in one of the privately owned campgrounds near the park, you're sure to enjoy a wonderful outdoor vacation adventure when you visit this area.