Yosemite Camping Reservations - The Best Way to Make Them!

Yosemite Park Reservations - What You Need to Know Before You Book

If you’ve ever looked into camping in Yosemite National Park, you’ve probably heard the horror stories. “Campsite reservations are impossible to get.” “You have to plan years in advance.” The truth is that nabbing Yosemite camping reservations can be tricky, but not impossible. Here we do our best to guide you through the complicated procedure.

Reservation-Only Campgrounds
Not all of Yosemite’s 13 campgrounds require, or even accept, reservations. Only those in Yosemite Valley—Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines—as well as Wawona near the south entrance and Hodgdon Meadow near the west entrance require summer reservations. Two more campgrounds—Crane Flats and Tuolumne Meadows—open half their sites to reservations. The dates that these campgrounds are open and/or require reservations vary, so be sure to check. The rest of Yosemite’s campgrounds run on a first-come, first-served basis. These tend to be farther away from the most popular areas, but if you get there early—before noon—you have a chance to get a campsite.

How to Make a Yosemite Reservation
All Yosemite camping reservations are handled by Reserve America, an outside reservations service. Reservations can be made by phone or online, which is the recommended way; Reserve America can be accessed at their own website or through recreation.gov. Reservations become available five months in advance, on the 15th of the month, for a month-long block running from the 15th to the 15th of the next month. For example, reservations for July 16, 17 and 18, become available on February 15, at 7:00a.m. Pacific time. Reservations for July 30 also open on February 15, as do those for August 10. However, for August 19, you’ll need to wait until March 15 to reserve.

Yosemite National Park Reservations Tips
Speed is of the essence for summer reservations. Sign up with the website ahead of time to speed up the process. Be prepared to move quickly on the morning your date becomes available. Have all your information handy. You’ll need to indicate what type of equipment you’ll be using—tent, fifth wheel, etc.—as well as the usual personal and credit card information.