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Yosemite National Park is one of the most expansive and beautiful chunks of land in the nation, but getting a camp site there can be more complicated than at the average park, so you'll have to look into How to Camp in Yosemite.
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Yosemite National Park is one of the most expansive and beautiful chunks of land in the nation, but getting a camp site there can be more complicated than at the average park, so you'll have to look into How to Camp in Yosemite.
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Introduction
- Camping is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, and it's hard to find greater outdoors than the national parks, like Yosemite. Since it's such a big and well known park, you'll need to do some thinking before you head over about how you want to go about camping there.
Step 1: What Kind Of Camping
- Before you do anything, you'll have to decide what sort of camping you're going to want to do. There are sites throughout the park for RV and tent camping, so you'll want to decide before you go just where you want to go.
- For car and tent camping, there are 13 campgrounds for car and tent camping. Things to keep in mind:
- All food must be properly stored to protect against bears 24 hours a day.
- Sleeping in vehicles is only permitted in certain campgrounds; check with the park officials to find out where these are.
- Pets are allowed at all campsites except Camp 4, Tamarack Flat, Porcupine Flat, and group campsites, and must be leashed at all times, and never left unattended.
- Campfires are only allowed between 5 pm and 10 pm, from May 1 to October 1.
- For RV camping, there are 10 campgrounds with space for RVs. Things to keep in mind:
- There are no electrical or plumbing hook ups in the national park, however there are dumping sites for waste.
- The maximum length for an RV in the park is 40 feet, while the maximum trailer length is 35 feet. There are, however, only 12 total sites that will fit vehicles that size. There are numerous other sites, however, that will fit RVs and trailers a total length of 35 and 24 feet, respectively.
- You may also wish to "camp" in a pre-made canvas tent cabin, in which case you can make a reservation here.
Step 2: Make A Reservation
- Many of the campgrounds in the park require reservations, and if you want to be sure you can camp there, you're going to want to make one. Many of the campgrounds are filled the day reservations can first be made, so you'll have to be quick if you want one. Reservations can be made by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting the park's website.
- March 15 through November, you'll need a reservation for the park's car campgrounds. You'll also need a reservation for Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona, and half of Crane Flat ant Tuolumne Meadows for summer through fall.
- You can reserve for up to a month at a time, up to five months in advance, starting on the 15th of each month at 7 AM PST.
- For each phone call or visit to the park's website, you can only make two reservations. If you want to make more, you'll have to call again or start the process over again.
- If you don't know when you'll be around, it is possible to camp in the park without reservations. You'll be limited to the following campgrounds if you decide to go in without a reservation: Camp 4 (no RVs/trailers); Bridalveil Creek (RVs up to 35 feet/trailers up to 24 feet); Tamarack Flat (not recommended for RVs/trailers); White Wolf (RVs up to 27 feet/trailers up to 24 feet); Yosemite Creek (not recommended for RVs/trailers); Porcupine Flat (limited space for RVs up to 24 feet/trailers up to 20 feet)' Tuolumne Meadows (RVs and trailers up to 35 feet).
- In the summer months, from about May to September, it's going to be difficult to find a first-come-first-served campground that's open; in May or June in particular, it may be impossible. For your best chances, arrive at the park at or before noon on weekdays, and mid to early morning on weekends.
- The rest of the year's a little easier. You may even be able to find an open space at the campsites that take reservations.
Step 3: Go Camping
- Once you've figured out just what you want to do, and have your reservations, head over there and have fun! You'll probably want to plan out your trip, and there's plenty to do in the park, like backpacking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
