Yosemite National Park

Picnic Table, Fire ring, and Bear box

Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

Half Dome

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra.

First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

El Capitan

El Capitan rises over 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite Falls on a Winter Morning

Yosemite Falls will sometimes only trickle at the end of summer, but wet winters can rejuvenate the flow.

Cathedral Peak and Lake in Autumn

Cathedral Peak is one of the most recognizable peaks in the Yosemite Wilderness.

Rainbow over Half Dome

A hike up to Sentinel Dome rewards people with great views of the landscape around them.

Glen Aulin

Glen Auilin is one of five High Sierra Camps, located in the Yosemite high country.

Tenaya Lake at Sunset

Tenaya Lake is a favorite place to stop along the Tioga Road in summer.

Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View

Tunnel View is perhaps one of the most photographed views in the park.

Lower Yosemite Fall

The walk to Lower Yosemite Fall is a popular and easy hike.

Half Dome

Half Dome is one of the most recognizable granitic formations in the world.

El Capitan

El Capitan rises over 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley.

Giant Sequoia Trees in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Yosemite National Park's massive giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) live in three groves in the park. The most famous of these is the Mariposa Grove, which contains about 500 mature giant sequoias.

Giant Sequoia Tree

Giant Sequoia trees are the largest living things (by volume) on the planet. Though not the tallest trees, one feels miniature in their presence..

Picnic Table, Fire ring, and Bear box

Yosemite National Park

Picnic Table, Fire ring, and Bear box

RecAreaDirections

You can drive to Yosemite year-round and enter via Highways 41, 140, and 120 from the west. Tioga Pass Entrance (via Highway 120 from the east) is closed from approximately November through late May or June. Hetch Hetchy is open all year but may close intermittently due to snow.

Please note that GPS units do not always provide accurate directions to or within Yosemite.

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Camp 4 Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Camp 4 will remain on reservation through Monday, October 31.

Camp 4 is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known.

Recreation

Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14 to 16 mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities and an art center with workshops.

Facilities

Camp 4 is a shared site campground, which means six individuals (including children 3 and older) are assigned to each site. The campground has a total of 61 sites (only 25 open in winter) which accommodate tents only. Since Camp 4 is a walk-in campground, no vehicles are allowed to enter the campground. You may not sleep in any type of vehicle in the Camp 4 parking lot, including vans.

Each site has picnic tables, food storage lockers and fire rings that are shared by all occupants of that site. Restrooms, showers and drinking water are located in the center of the campground. Tent areas are mostly level and most sites have shade. Due to the close proximity of sites and its shared nature, Camp 4 is not considered a quiet campground. Other than Service Animals, pets are not allowed at Camp 4.

Parking is available adjacent to the campground (approximately 100-300 yards away). A parking permit is required from spring through fall. You will receive a free parking permit upon check-in.

Natural Features

Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and white-leaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliffs peek through, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.

Lottery Information

The Camp 4 lottery has ended for the 2022 season. Sites at Camp 4 will be available for per-person reservation beginning Wednesday, September 7 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific time.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations cannot be processed for Camp 4. The lottery occurs once per day, and cancellations cannot be re-assigned due to the expedited nature of this lottery.

Change Policy: No changes to reservations.

No Show Policy: Successful lottery applicants have until 8:30 a.m. the day following their arrival date to check in or their camping reservation will become void. Campers should call (209) 372-8502 if they know they will be late. The maximum fee for no shows is $20 and loss of the first night’s camping fee.

White Wolf Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

White Wolf Campground has closed for the 2022 season. The campground typically opens mid-July and closes mid to late September, depending on the opening of the Tioga Road and related seasonal facility and road work.

White Wolf Campground is located off the Tioga Road between Tuolumne Meadows and Crane Flat, approximately an hour from Yosemite Valley at 8,000 feet (2,400 m). The campground is tucked into the forest about a mile from Tioga Road near White Wolf Lodge. Trailheads nearby lead to Lukens and Harden Lakes and the area is popular for those accessing other wilderness destinations. Minimal services may be available at White Wolf Lodge (if open). There are no other visitor services close to the campground.

Recreation

Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park. The White Wolf area has hiking and backpacking opportunities that begin near the campground, such as Lukens Lake, Harden Lake and the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. The Crane Flat area, 23 miles west, offers many other hiking opportunities such as Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, both of which require a 2.5 to 3-mile roundtrip hike to view. Tuolumne Meadows and all it's High Sierra wonder lie 25 miles to the east, where many beautiful day and overnight excursions await.

Facilities

Seasonal facilities include potable water, flush toilets, trash/recycling collection, food storage lockers, fire rings, picnic tables, staff/host on-site, and an amphitheater.

Wood and charcoal fires are permitted when the campground is in open.

There is no cell phone reception, no internet connectivity, no camp store, no ice or firewood for sale, no laundry facilities, no dump station and no showers.

Natural Features

Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles (3,100 square km) in the Sierra Nevada, with elevations ranging from about 2,000 feet (600 m) to 13,000 ft (4,000 m). 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. (The Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)

Nearby Attractions

Groceries: Yosemite Valley (Yosemite Village Store; Curry Village Store; Yosemite Valley Lodge Store), Crane Flat ( a small grocery store in the gas station ), and Tuolumne Meadows ( Store and Grill ).

Restaurants: Yosemite Valley ( Yosemite Valley Lodge; Degnan's Deli; Awahnee Hotel; Curry Village Pizza Deck )

Post Office: Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows

Showers: Yosemite Valley at Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp

Dump Station: Available in summer only near Tuolumne Meadows Campground and all year in Yosemite Valley in Upper Pines Campground.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancelling your reservation more than 48 hours ahead of your arrival date will result in a refund, less a $10 service fee. If the cancellation is within 48 hours of the arrival date, the first night's fee will also be charged. Cancellations for a single night’s use within 48 hours will not receive a refund, but will not be assessed an additional service fee.

No-shows will be charged a $20 service fee and the first night's fee.

Yosemite Creek Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Yosemite Creek Campground will be available by reservation only in 2022. No first come, first serve sites are available.

Tucked away among the pines is the hidden gem of Yosemite Creek campground. Accessing this campground is an adventure down a 5-mile, single-lane dirt road. Motorhomes and trailers are NOT allowed.

Recreation

Your adventure awaits! Hiking, swimming, bouldering, napping (some of us are tired!), bird watching; the possibilities are as great as your imagination. Be sure to bring bug spray and sunscreen, plenty of water, and dress in layers as the weather can rapidly change at this elevation.

Facilities

Yosemite Creek campground is a primitive campground with vault toilets and no drinking water. A seasonal creek runs through the campground but water must be boiled and/or treated before drinking. Do not rely on creek water being available; bring water!

Natural Features

Granite boulders abound and the peaceful Yosemite Creek meanders through the campground on its way to Yosemite Valley. Bring your comfy chairs and hammocks and let the sounds of nature whisk you away from the busyness of day-to-day life.

Nearby Attractions

Head to Tuolumne Meadows for breathtaking views and a multitude of day hiking opportunities. Tenaya Lake is a great place to relax and swim or canoe. Yosemite Valley offers restaurants, museums, bike paths, day hikes and world-famous climbing. Don't forget about the Pioneer History center in Wawona, and of course, the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. Be prepared to make your own fun here-take delight in the quiet and give your screens a rest.

Tamarack Flat Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Tamarack Flat Campground will be available by reservation only in 2022. No first come, first serve sites are available.

The campground typically opens in mid-June and closes in early October. Opening date for the Tamarack Flat Campground varies depending on the opening of the Tioga Road and related seasonal facility and road work.

Tamarack Flat Campground is located off the Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat. The campground is approximately 20 miles (45 minutes) from Yosemite Valley and is tucked away in the forest 3 miles off Tioga Road. RVs and Trailers are not recommended for this hard to access, primitive campground. At an elevation of 6,300 feet (1,900 m) elevation, the campground is near Tamarack Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). There is a gas station nearby at Crane Flat.

For additional park information, call (209)372-0200 or visit www.nps.gov/yose

Recreation

A hiking and backpacking trail leaves from the campground and can be used to hike to areas such as Cascade Creek, El Capitan and other points along the North Rim of Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite Valley is a 25 mile drive from Tamarack Flat Campground. Many of Yosemite's most popular trails along with the Merced River, bike trails, beaches and picnic areas can be easily accessed in Yosemite Valley.

Two of Yosemite's three groves of giant sequoias are located in the Crane Flat area (5-10 miles from Tamarack Flat). Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, both of which require a 2.5 to 3-mile roundtrip hike to view. The trailheads are accessible year-round, although trails may be snow-covered winter. Both short hikes lead downhill into sheltered areas with flowing water, dogwood, azaleas, and ancient sequoia trees.

Many other hiking opportunities exist at trailheads along the Tioga Road and in Tuolumne Meadows.

For additional park recreation information, visit www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/

Facilities

Seasonal facilities include tent/van sites, vault toilets, trash/recycling collection, food storage lockers, fire rings and picnic tables.

Wood and charcoal fires are permitted when the campground is open.

There is no cell phone reception, no internet connectivity, no camp store, no ice or firewood for sale, no laundry facilities, no dump station and no showers.

Natural Features

Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles (3,100 square km) in the Sierra Nevada, with elevations ranging from about 2,000 feet (600 m) to 13,000 ft (4,000 m). 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.

Tamarack Flat is situated along a seasonal creek which is it's only source of water. Creek water must be treated and/or boiled before consuming.

Nearby Attractions

Just 25 miles away is Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops.

The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite peaks. Several trailheads line the road offering hikes to beautiful, secluded areas that can only be accessed and enjoyed by foot.

Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, just 23 miles from Crane Flat, is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date will generate a refund, less a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged. One night reservations do not incur an additional $10 fee, but do not receive a refund. No-shows will be assessed a $20 service fee along with the loss of the first night's fee.

Yosemite National Park Ticketed Entry Timed Entry

First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra.

Beginning on Monday February 8, 2021, day use reservations will be required to enter Yosemite National Park seven days a week through February 28.

Yosemite National Park is working closely with federal, state, and local public health authorities, as well as the four surrounding counties (Mariposa, Tuolumne, Madera, and Mono), to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of park visitors, employees, and partners continues to be our number one priority. The reservation system will be in effect until local public health conditions improve. For more detailed information, please visit : https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/covid19.htm

Each private vehicle entering the park for day use will need a reservation. Reservations will be valid for seven consecutive days and must be validated on the first day of the reservation. The person making the reservation needs to be in the vehicle at the time of entry and photo ID will be required. Day Use hours are 5 a.m. PT - 11 p.m. PT.

If you have an annual or lifetime pass at the time of your reservation those are accepted as your entrance fee, however you will be required to pay for a day use reservation ($2). Valid entrance passes accepted are: Yosemite National Park Annual Pass, Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass, Interagency Volunteer Pass, Interagency Military Pass, Interagency 4th Grade Pass, Veteran's Military Pass, Gold Star Military Pass, Golden Age, and Golden Access.

Visitors with an overnight reservation in the park (campground, lodging or wilderness permit holders) will not need a day use reservation. Please have your campground, lodging, or wilderness permit reservation confirmation ready to show at the entrance station. Entry fee is still required for all overnight reservations.

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Visitor Center

NOTE: Rangers are providing limited services outside the visitor center. The bookstore is open, but exhibits and theater are closed. The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center staff are ready to help answer your questions, provide directions, and hand out maps and brochures. There is also an information desk, bookstore, a theater, and an exhibit hall. Pay them a visit before heading out to your wild adventure. Wilderness permits for Yosemite Valley trailheads and bear canister rentals are available in winter.

Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio Visitor Center

The Wawona Visitor Center has an information desk, Wilderness permit desk, and Yosemite Conservancy bookstore. In winter, self-registration wilderness permits for the Wawona trailheads are available on the porch. You must bring your own bear canister when the information station is closed. Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in Yosemite's Wilderness. Accessible parking is available, and a lift for wheelchair access is available at the rear of the building (use intercom for assistance).

Big Oak Flat Information Station Visitor Center

The Big Oak Flat Information Station has an information desk, wilderness permit desk, and Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore. In the winter, self-registration wilderness permits for the Crane Flat area and Tioga Road trailheads only, are available on the front porch. You must bring your own bear canister when the information station is closed. Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in Yosemite's Wilderness. Designated accessible parking spaces are available in front of the facility.

Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center Visitor Center

The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center has an information desk, Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore, and an exhibit area detailing the area's geology, plant and animal life, and history. A designated accessible parking space and entrance are available. From the main parking lot, drive up the service road to the visitor center. Park in the designated accessible parking space, and follow the paved path in front of the visitor center to the rear entrance. Accessible restrooms are adjacent to the main parking lot.

Wawona Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Wawona campground sites in A and B loops are now first come, first served for the winter season. The Group site is open but remains on reservation. C loop and Horse camp are closed.

Yosemite National Park’s reservable campsites are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PST). For example, on January 15, arrival dates from May 15 to June 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full potential arrival window would be from January 16 to June 14.

Reservation Tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov.

Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates

Wawona Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is situated at the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley, at an elevation of 4000 feet.

Wawona was home to the park's headquarters in 1904 and historic structures still stand today. The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is just a short drive away. Within Yosemite, visitors gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area and much more.

Recreation

Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads, and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park.

The Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time. A visit to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, just four miles away, is a must-do. A network of hiking trails within the grove leads to stately trees with names like Grizzly Giant, Faithful Couple, and California Tunnel Tree.

Wawona offers several additional hiking trails, including the Wawona Meadow Loop, Swinging Bridge Loop, Alder Creek and Chilnualna Falls.

Facilities

Wawona Campground offers family, group, and horse campsites; reservations required.

Paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and food storage locker. A general store and gas station are located about a mile south of the campground.

Natural Features

The area is forested with a diverse mix of ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and whiteleaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. The gentle South Fork of the Merced River flows alongside the campground.

Nearby Attractions

Just 45 minutes away is Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops. A scenic 45-minute drive leads to Glacier Point, with its sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. The Tioga Road, in the central region of the park, offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellation of individual or equestrian site reservations will be charged a $10 service fee. If the cancellation is within 48 hours of the arrival date, the first night's fee will also be charged. Cancellations for a single night’s use within 48 hours will not receive a refund, but will not be assessed an additional service fee.
Cancellation of a group site reservation will incur a $10.00 service fee plus the first night’s use fee when the reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date.
No-shows for any type of reservation will be charged a $20 service fee and the first night's fee.

Upper Pines Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Yosemite National Park’s reservable campsites are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PST). For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore, the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14.

Upper Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more.

Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates

For additional park information, call (209)372-0200 or visit www.nps.gov/yose

Recreation

Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park.

Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14- to 16-mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Both of these trails begin near the Pines Campgrounds, and there are many additional trailheads within Yosemite Valley.

Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities and an art center with workshops.

Facilities

Upper Pines Campground is the largest of the three reservation campgrounds in Yosemite Valley. It offers paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker. Yosemite's free shuttle bus stops near the campground entrance.
Yosemite's free shuttle bus stops at the campground entrance. Nearby, historic Curry Village offers showers (for a fee), a general store, restaurants and bar, amphitheater and a tour and activities desk.

Natural Features

Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, Ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, White fir, and Whiteleaf Manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliffs peek through, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.

Nearby Attractions

Glacier Point offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks.

The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes and granite domes. Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged (Exception: 1 night reservations do not incur an additional $10 fee, but do not receive a refund). No-shows will be assessed a $20 service fee along with the loss of the first night's fee.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Tuolumne Meadows Campground is undergoing a major rehabilitation project and will remain closed in 2022 and 2023 (and possibly 2024, depending on weather/length of construction season).

Tuolumne Meadows Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 8,600 feet. The site is situated along the scenic Tioga Road just five miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance Station. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas, and so much more.

Yosemite's reservable campsites are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m. (ET). For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore, the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14.

Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates

Recreation

Popular activities in the area include hiking, rock climbing, backpacking and fishing. The 4.8-mile roundtrip trail to Elizabeth Lake begins in the campground and climbs to a glacier-carved lake at the base of Unicorn Peak.

Other trails in Tuolumne Meadows include Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge, Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail, Cathedral Lakes, Mono Pass, and Glen Aulin. Nearby Tenaya Lake is a magnificent spot for picnicking, swimming and canoeing.

Facilities

This large, popular campground contains family, horse and group camp sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and a food storage lockers. Flush toilets, drinking water, and an amphitheater are provided. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center is within walking distance, as is a general store and gas station.

Natural Features

Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. The gentle Tuolumne River, Lyell For, and Dana Fork flow through the vast, colorful meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers. The meadows are surrounded by stands of Western White pine, Mountain hemlock, and Lodgepole pine.

Nearby Attractions

Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known, is 55 miles and two hours from Tuolumne Meadows. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops.

Glacier Point is an hour from Yosemite Valley, with sweeping views of both Yosemite and Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks.

A visit to Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellation of individual or equestrian site reservations will be charged a $10 service fee. If the cancellation is within 48 hours of the arrival date, the first night's fee will also be charged. Cancellation of a group site reservation will incur a $10.00 service fee plus the first night’s use fee when the reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night’s use will not be assessed a service fee. No-shows for any type of reservation will be charged a $20 service fee and the first night's fee.

North Pines Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Yosemite National Park will pilot an Early Access Lottery at North Pines Campground beginning January 18, 2022 in addition to the traditional general on-sales. Successful applicants will be allowed to make one reservation with arrival dates between July 21 and September 14, 2022. Upper Pines, Lower Pines and Hodgdon Meadow campgrounds are not part of this pilot and will release campsites on the 15th of each month as usual. Click on the Lottery Information tab (about mid-page on the right) for further details.

North Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known.
Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and so much more.

Yosemite National Park's reservable campsites are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m. (ET). For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore, the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14.

Reservation tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov.

Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates

Recreation

Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park.

Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14- to 16-mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Both of these trails begin near the Pines Campgrounds, and many additional trailheads are within Yosemite Valley.

Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities,and an art center with workshops.

Facilities

North Pines Campground is one of the three reservation campgrounds in Yosemite Valley. It offers paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker.

Yosemite's free shuttle bus stops near the campground entrance. Nearby, historic Curry Village offers showers (for a fee), a general store, restaurants and bar, amphitheater, and a tours and activities desk.

Natural Features

Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, Ponderosa pine, Incense-cedar, White fir, and Whiteleaf Manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade.

Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliff faces are visible, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.

Nearby Attractions

Within one to two hours, visitors can drive or ride a shuttle bus to some of Yosemite's most grand viewpoints and historic sites. Glacier Point offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks.

A visit to Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time.

The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks.

Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.

Charges & Cancellations

Lower Pines Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Lower Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Within Yosemite, visitors gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more.

Yosemite National Park's reservable campsite are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m. (ET). For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore, the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14.

Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates

Recreation

Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring and photography are all very popular activities within the park.

Hiking trails range from the easy, paved, two-mile round-trip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14- to 16-mile trek to Half Dome (advanced permit required). Both of these trails begin near the Pines Campgrounds, and there are many additional trailheads within Yosemite Valley.

Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities,and an art center with workshops.

Facilities

Lower Pines Campground is one of the three reservation campgrounds in Yosemite Valley. It offers paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets, drinking water, and an amphitheater. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker.

Yosemite's free shuttle bus stops at the campground entrance. Within walking distance, historic Curry Village offers showers (for a fee), a general store, restaurants and a bar, amphitheater, and tours and activities desk.

Natural Features

Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir and whiteleaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliffs peek through, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.

Nearby Attractions

Glacier Point offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks and a visit to Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time.

The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks and the beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.

Charges & Cancellations

Hodgdon Meadow Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Hodgdon Meadow campground is now first come, first served for the winter season. Group campsites are closed.

Hodgdon Meadow campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is 25 miles from Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 4,875 feet. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more.

Yosemite National Park's reservable campsites are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m. (ET). For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore, the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14.

Recreation

Facilities

Hodgdon Meadow Campground offers family and group sites. Roads and parking spurs are paved, and flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring and a food storage locker. A gas station and small general store are eight miles away at Crane Flat.

Natural Features

The area is forested with mixed stands of Red fir, incense-cedar, Ponderosa pine and Lodgepole pine, offering a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Vibrant wildflowers fill the open meadows each summer.

Nearby Attractions

Just 45 minutes away is Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops. The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. Other sites of interest include the beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It's home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads. Glacier Point has sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellation of individual site reservations will be charged a $10 service fee. If the cancellation is within 48 hours of the arrival date, the first night's fee will also be charged. Cancellation of a group site reservation will incur a $10.00 service fee plus the first night’s use fee when the reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night’s use will not be assessed a service fee. No-shows for any type of reservation will be charged a $20 service fee and the first night's fee.

Crane Flat Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Crane Flat Campground will be closed for the 2022 season for rehabilitation.

Crane Flat Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is conveniently located 17 miles from Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and so much more.

Yosemite National Park's reservable campsites are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m. (ET). For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14.

Recreation

Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park.

Crane Flat is located between the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, both of which require a 2.5 to 3-mile roundtrip hike to view.

The White Wolf area on Tioga Road also offers many hiking opportunities.

Facilities

Crane Flat Campground offers family sites that can accommodate both tents and RVs. Roads and parking spurs are paved, and flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring and a food storage locker. A gas station and small general store are nearby.

Natural Features

The area is forested with stands of Sugar pine, Red fir and Lodgepole pine, offering a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Vanilla-scented Jeffrey pine and picturesque western Juniper dot the landscape. Vibrant summer wildflowers fill the open meadows nearby.

Nearby Attractions

Just 30 minutes away is Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops.

The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite peaks.

Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, just 23 miles from Crane Flat, is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.

Glacier Point has sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged. No-shows will be charged a $20 service fee along with the first night's fee.

Bridalveil Creek Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Bridalveil Creek campground will be closed for the 2022 season due to waterline replacement and the closure of the Glacier Point Road for repaving.

Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates

Bridalveil Creek Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is situated on Glacier Point Road at an elevation of 7,200 feet, 26 miles from Yosemite Valley. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more.

For additional park information, call (209)372-0200 or visit www.nps.gov/yose

Recreation

Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring and photography are all very popular activities within the park.

Hiking trails near Bridalveil Creek Campground are plentiful, ranging in length from a half-mile to nearly 13 miles. Popular hikes include the 4-Mile Trail, Panorama Trail, Taft Point, Sentinel Dome and Ostrander Lake.

Facilities

Bridalveil Creek Campground offers family, group and horse campsites that are available by advanced reservation only. Horse camp reservations must be made by calling the Wawona Campground office at 209-375-9535. Group sites will not be open for the 2021 season.
Paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring and a food storage locker.

Natural Features

The area is forested with pure stands of Red fir and Lodgepole pine, offering a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Vanilla-scented Jeffrey pine and picturesque western Juniper dot the landscape. Through the trees, Yosemite's craggy granite peaks are visible, and the gentle, refreshing Bridalveil Creek flows near the site.

Nearby Attractions

A scenic, 7-mile drive leads to Glacier Point, with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks.

Just 45 minutes away is Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops.

The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellation of individual or equestrian site reservations will be charged a $10 service fee. If the cancellation is within 48 hours of the arrival date, the first night's fee will also be charged. Cancellations for a single night’s use within 48 hours will not receive a refund, but will not be assessed an additional service fee.
Cancellation of a group site reservation will incur a $10.00 service fee plus the first night’s use fee when the reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date.
No-shows for any type of reservation will be charged a $20 service fee and the first night's fee.

Cables On Half Dome Permit

Overview:

Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers. Despite an 1865 report declaring it was "perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, trodden by human foot," George Anderson reached the summit in 1875, and in the process created the predecessor for today's cable route.

Today, thousands of people reach the summit. For most, it is an exciting, arduous hike; for a few, it becomes more adventure than they bargained for. Every summer park rangers must assist hundreds of people on the Half Dome trail.

The most famous--or infamous--part of the hike is the ascent up the cables. The two metal cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. Since 1919, relatively few people have fallen and died on the cables. However, injuries are not uncommon for those acting irresponsibly.

The 14 to 16-mile round-trip hike to Half Dome is not for the out of shape or unprepared visitor. Hikers gain an elevation of 4,800 feet on their way to the top of Half Dome, but the reward is worth the effort. Along the way, you'll encounter outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and - from the subdome and summit - panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.

It takes most people 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back. If you plan on hiking during the day, it's smart to leave before or at sunrise, with a non-negotiable turn-around time. Check sunrise and sunset times before you embark on your hike, and always bring a flashlight or headlamp with good batteries. Although the trail is well marked, you should be prepared with a good topographic map and compass, with the ability to use them.

Much of the hike to Half Dome is an unpredictable adventure into Wilderness, but preparation is paramount. Use the links in the Know Before You Go section and Information from associated websites (on the right-hand-side of the page), for tips to help reduce your risk of injury.

The Half Dome Cables are put up each spring and taken down each fall. Traditionally, the first day the cables are up is the Friday before Memorial Day, and the last day the cables are up is the Tuesday after Columbus Day. Environment conditions dictate the actual date the cables are put up, maintained, and taken down for the season.

A permit is required to ascend the subdome steps and Half Dome Cables. Permits are distributed through two lottery processes. A preseason lottery held during the month of March allows hikers the opportunity to plan their trip well in advance. Results of the preseason lottery are announced mid-April. Approximately 225 permits are available each day through the preseason lottery.

Daily lotteries are held throughout the Half Dome hiking season. These lotteries are run two days prior to any day that the cables are up. The results of the lottery are announced the following day. The application period for each daily lottery is from midnight to 1 pm Pacific time. Approximately 50 permits will be available each day. The actual number of permits available during a daily lottery varies due to the preseason lottery results and cancellations.

A person may apply as a trip leader only once per lottery. People applying multiple times as trip leader will have all their lottery applications cancelled. For the preseason lottery, each application allows for up to seven date choices. The maximum group size for a permit application is 6. The person applying is the designated trip leader, and they may identify a single alternate trip leader. For a group to pass beyond the Subdome Check Point, the trip leader or alternate trip leader must be present with government issued photo identification and a copy of the permit.