From spring through fall, there are no first-come, first served campgrounds. During this time, do not arrive at Yosemite without a reservation—you’ll probably have to leave the park to sleep. In winter, Camp 4 (tents only), Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can you camp wherever you want in Yosemite?
No, in the vast majority of the park. Only at the five High Sierra Camps and in the Little Yosemite Valley area must you camp at a designated site.
What is the best month to camp in Yosemite?
The best months to camp in Yosemite are typically May through September, when the weather is warmer and most campgrounds are open. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and slightly cooler temperatures, consider visiting in late May or September.
How many days do you need to camp in Yosemite?
There is a 30-night camping limit within Yosemite National Park in a calendar year; however, May 1 to September 15, the camping limit in Yosemite is 14 nights, and only seven of those nights can be in Yosemite Valley or Wawona.
Is Yosemite beginner friendly?
While this national park tends to be one of the hardest to visit due to its high demand, it includes scenic beginner hiking trails for budding explorers. Don’t feel pressure to become a pro at all things outdoors before planning your trip to Yosemite National Park.
Is it too cold to camp in Yosemite?
Yosemite can get cold throughout the year and we experienced temperatures of 30F in September! Make sure you bring thermals and warm camping gear as even the valley can see temperatures drop in the night.
How to book a campsite for Yosemite?
- Visit www.recreation.gov (recommended)
- 877/444-6777.
- (or 877/833-6777 for TDD)
- (or 518/885-3639 from outside the US & Canada)
Should I go to Yosemite alone?
Yosemite National Park has World-Famous Scenery Soaking in the sweetness of that natural beauty is just as easy on your own as with a group, except that on a solo trip you don’t need to make any compromises. See the things you want to see and do the things that you want to do the most.
What is not allowed in Yosemite National Park?
Research all hunting seasons/regulations before entering a wilderness, and never hunt or shoot in a National Park. It’s illegal. In most cases, personal firearms are also not allowed.
Are there mountain lions in Yosemite?
Mountain lions—also called cougars, pumas or panthers—roam Yosemite’s mountains and valleys. These important predators, native to the Americas, are a natural part of the Yosemite landscape.
Which is better to visit Yosemite or Yellowstone?
Highlights. Both Yellowstone and Yosemite have fascinating landscapes with iconic natural landmarks. Yellowstone has more wildlife, but Yosemite has more forests. Yellowstone is full of geologic sites, while Yosemite boasts more scenic views and waterfalls.
Do you need to book Yosemite in advance?
Reservations are not required to visit Yosemite National Park. As always, we strongly recommend that you make a reservation if you plan to stay overnight in Yosemite. The park entrance fee is $35 per car (valid for seven consecutive days).
Where do you fly into for Yosemite?
- Merced Airport (MCE)
- Fresno-Yosemite International (FAT)
- Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH)
- Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK)
- Oakland International (OAK)
- Sacramento International (SMF)
- San José International (SJC)
- San Francisco International (SFO)
Do you need a car in Yosemite?
The best way to get around Yosemite is by car. Unless you’re taking a private car or public transportation from one of the park’s nearby airports, there’s no point in ditching your (albeit expensive) rental car and taking Yosemite’s shuttles around the park, especially after a long hike.
Can you sleep in a tent in Yosemite?
Camp 4 is open on a first-come, first-served basis from November 1 through mid- to late May. This very popular campground in Yosemite Valley is only for tents; sleeping in a vehicle (including RVs and trailers) is not allowed.
Can you sleep in your car in Yosemite?
Yosemite National Park doesn’t allow tourists to sleep in various locations. These include along roadsides, at the Trailhead Parking, Visitor’s Parking, and the Backpacker’s Campground. However, 12 campsites allow visitors to sleep in their cars, but only with vehicles registered in the campsites.
Is it safe to walk in Yosemite?
While visiting Yosemite, it’s possible (though unlikely) that you could be exposed to a variety of vector-borne diseases, such as hantavirus or Lyme disease. Other public health issues in Yosemite relate to air and water quality.
When not to go to Yosemite?
Avoid Yellowstone in July and August if crowds and heat are not your game. Yosemite National Park sees its absolute peak crowds during July and August. You will need to book lodging – including campgrounds – and any guides, activities or tours well in advance. These are also the hottest months to visit the park.
How many days in Yosemite is enough?
Plan on spending two to four days in Yosemite if you want enough time to see all the amazing sights. This will give you plenty of time to see Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, and enjoy some hiking trails.
What months does it snow in Yosemite?
Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May (and over 75% between November and March). Most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May.
How do you prepare for camping in Yosemite?
- Plan ahead.
- Find less popular times to go.
- Arrive early.
- Stay near your destination.
- Consider your (several) options.
- Reserve in advance.
- Look at Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or US Forest Service (USFS) land as an option.
- Have backup plans.
Can you shower at Yosemite National Park?
In Yosemite Valley, there are showers at Curry Village (open all year) and at Housekeeping Camp (closed in winter). The Tuolumne Meadows Lodge has public showers in summer only with very restricted hours. There are no public showers in Wawona. All showers require a fee.
Does Yosemite have bears?
American black bears (Ursus americanus) are excellent tree climbers. American black bears found in Yosemite National Park have long been of intense interest to park visitors and managers. Seeing one of the approximately 300 to 500 black bears in Yosemite can evoke excitement, awe, and fear.
Can you walk in Yosemite at night?
Night Hiking and More With Yosemite National Park Rangers Night hikes, bus tours, cultural programs, and seasonal events are usually available depending on the time of year. Also explore tours available through our Lodges, or visit our Recreation Desk to get expert advice on planning your night hike in Yosemite.
Is 3 days enough for Yosemite?
If you can, spend at least 3 full days in Yosemite. A 3 day Yosemite itinerary allows for enough time to experience the best of Yosemite Valley, as well as some of the other areas of the Park, like Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Road, or Wawona.
Can I do Yosemite in a day?
You can definitely visit Yosemite in a day. A day trip gives you enough time to tour Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point Road, seeing some of the most popular attractions in the park.
Do I need bear spray in Yosemite?
Planning Your Hike in Bear Country Make sure you know before you go. In national parks where grizzlies live, such as Glacier or Grand Teton, rangers encourage you to carry bear spray. In others, such as Yosemite, where only black bears live, bear spray is not even permitted.
Do phones work in Yosemite?
Cellular Phone Service Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows have good signals. The best signal is in the Yosemite Village area near the Visitor Center. Signals also tend to be dependable in Crane Flat and right outside the park in El Portal.