My First Yosemite Campout
I will never forget the first night I camped in Yosemite. We pulled into the valley floor at dusk, car packed to the brim with gear and excitement. Towering granite cliffs blushed in the sunset as we hurried to pitch our tent under a stand of ponderosa pines.
In that moment, I felt like I was stepping into a postcard. But reality set in quickly. As darkness fell, I fumbled with a bundle of food and toiletries, unsure why the campground host insisted we stow “all scented items” in a metal bear-proof locker.
Only later did I appreciate how serious Yosemite is about its bears, any food or even toothpaste left in your car can invite a furry visitor (or a hefty fine and a wrecked window).
My first lesson: Yosemite’s wildlife rules aren’t exaggerations. The park’s black bears have an uncanny ability to sniff out snacks, so everything scented goes in the bear locker, every time, no exceptions.
I learned to double-check my car for a forgotten granola bar like my trip depended on it, because it did!
That first trip was in midsummer, peak season in Yosemite Valley. I had expected peaceful wilderness, but the campground felt like a small village. Campsites were close together, and I could hear the murmur of neighboring campers, families laughing over s’mores, a group of hikers recounting their Half Dome climb, a baby crying two sites over.
It wasn’t exactly the solitude I had pictured, but it had its own magic: a sense of community under the stars. Yosemite surprised me by how developed the valley facilities were, flush toilets nearby, a tap for drinking water, even a camp store down the road selling firewood and ice.
In fact, Yosemite Valley is sometimes called the “Disneyland of campgrounds,” with amenities like gift shops, a pizza parlor, and even Wi-Fi at the lodge if you need it.
Waking up at dawn, I unzipped my tent to golden sunlight and a view of Half Dome glowing in the morning light. In that quiet early hour (before the day-trippers arrive), I finally felt the tranquility I’d come for.
It’s true what they say: campers get to savor Yosemite in those in-between moments after the crowds leave, peaceful morning coffee by the Merced River and dazzling Milky Way skies at midnight.
I was hooked on Yosemite camping, yet I also realized I had much to learn to make the most of it.
Planning, Reservations, and Reality Checks
Lesson 1: Plan Ahead or Pay the Price.
I underestimated the demand for Yosemite campsites. Naively, I started looking for a campsite a few weeks before our trip, only to find everything booked solid.
Yosemite has 13 popular campgrounds, and from April through October, every single one requires a reservation. Those reservations can be extremely difficult to get; think concert tickets on release day, but with thousands of outdoor enthusiasts clicking “refresh” at once. If you’re just starting to plan, this guide to planning the perfect Yosemite trip breaks down what you need to know before booking.
I got a harsh reality check when I logged on to Recreation.gov one month out and saw slim pickings: the only way to stay was to cobble together single-night stays at different campgrounds.
That meant packing up and moving camp every morning, which is not how you want to spend your vacation. I did it, vowing never again. The truth is, for peak summer, you should reserve your Yosemite campsite 4–6 months in advance if possible.
Yosemite opens reservations in blocks, released one month at a time, five months ahead of the camping date – and release day is the 15th of each month at 7:00 AM Pacific Time. If you want a spot for, say, July 15, you’d better be online February 15 at 7:00 AM ready to book.
Sites literally sell out in minutes during summer. (I now set calendar alerts and recruit a friend to simultaneously try booking, increasing our odds).
Lesson 2: Backup Plans for the Spontaneous.
What if you didn’t snag a reservation? Yosemite is not a place where you can reliably just roll up with a tent and hope for the best, especially not in summer. In fact, mid-April through October, there are zero first-come-first-served campgrounds open in Yosemite Valley or the high country.
If you arrive without a reservation in those months, you’ll likely have to leave the park to sleep. (Trust me, I’ve seen the disappointment on the faces of folks turned away at the campground kiosk.)
The park explicitly warns: “Do not arrive at Yosemite without a reservation , you'll probably have to leave”. That said, a few campgrounds outside the peak summer window offer walk-up sites. In winter, Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona campgrounds switch to first-come-first-served when crowds thin out (roughly late October to early April).
I once snagged a last-minute site at Wawona in early November by arriving at 8 AM on a Friday and waiting for someone to check out. It worked – but on busy holiday weekends even off-season, those first-come sites can still fill by morning. Another strategy for the flexible: check Recreation.gov for cancellations.
I’ve scored a precious campsite in Upper Pines by refreshing the site obsessively in the week before a trip, as cancellations sometimes pop up. It’s a bit of a lottery, but when you’re desperate to wake up in Yosemite, it’s worth a shot.
Lesson 3: Know the New Rules.
Yosemite has been experimenting with reservation systems not just for camping, but even for park entry on peak days. In 2025, for example, the park introduced a “peak-hours entry reservation” requirement for vehicles arriving during summer busy times (6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on certain high-traffic dates).
This means on popular weekends and mid-summer days, you cannot even drive into Yosemite without buying a $2 timed entry ticket in advance. However, if you already have a campground reservation inside the park, you’re exempt from that day-use ticket – your camping reservation doubles as your entry pass.
The takeaway for first-timers: always check current park regulations before your trip. Whether it’s entry reservations, fire restrictions, or COVID-related changes, Yosemite’s rules can and do change. A quick look at the official park website’s “Alerts” or “Reservations” page will update you on anything new.
Don’t learn the hard way (like the unfortunate traveler I met who was turned around at the gate during Memorial Day because he hadn’t secured a $2 entry reservation online, and the day’s slots were all gone).
Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
One thing I wish I’d known from the start is how drastically Yosemite changes with the seasons.
I’ve now camped in the park in all four seasons, and each has its own character, challenges, and charms.
Summer
This is the quintessential Yosemite experience – warm weather, full access to all areas of the park (Tioga Road to the high country is open, Glacier Point is usually accessible by late May), and unfortunately peak crowds. On a July afternoon, Yosemite Valley can feel as busy as Times Square (with prettier scenery).
Traffic jams are common on summer weekends, and trailhead parking lots fill up at dawn. Heat is another factor: I’ve sweated through 90°F (32°C) days in the Valley, then shivered at night when temperatures dropped into the 50s.
Tip: bring layers and prepare for cool nights even in summer – Yosemite’s mountain valley climate swings widely from day to night. I learned this the hard way, crawling into my sleeping bag on a 45°F night in August wearing every layer I had, because I assumed “summer = warm nights.” Not so!
On the plus side, summer means endless activities: guided stargazing walks, ranger talks at campfire amphitheaters, rafting down the Merced River, and vibrant sunsets at Glacier Point. Just be ready to share the views with many others.
To beat the crowds, I made a habit of early starts, hitting popular trails at 6 or 7 AM to have a few blissful moments of solitude with Yosemite’s waterfalls before the masses arrived. By afternoon, I’d retreat to lesser-known corners or even enjoy a nap in camp during the busiest hours.
Fall
My favorite secret of Yosemite. After Labor Day, the crowds thin out noticeably. By October, you might find yourself almost alone on a trail on a weekday. The weather is cooler but generally stable in early fall, with crisp mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons.
Fall colors speckle the park, golden big-leaf maples and dogwoods in the valley, fiery orange willows in the high country. However, fall has its downsides: waterfalls wane.
One shock during my first October visit was arriving at Yosemite Falls and hearing… silence. The mighty waterfall had dried to a mere dark streak on the cliff! Indeed, by late summer and fall, Yosemite Falls can be bone dry, and even famous Bridalveil Fall reduces to a trickle.
If seeing roaring waterfalls is on your must-do list, avoid fall or come early in the season. Another consideration is daylight: with the end of Daylight Savings in autumn, darkness comes early.
By 5:30 PM in October, it might be full night – meaning longer, chilly evenings in camp. We learned to start cooking dinner before sunset and have headlamps handy.
Fall also brings a higher chance of an early storm; one October, a freak snowstorm closed Tioga Pass unexpectedly, stranding some travelers who had to detour hundreds of miles. So, keep an eye on the forecast, especially by late fall. Overall though, camping in Yosemite in fall can feel like you’ve got the park back to yourself, a treat after the summer rush. I’d wish I’d known to try a fall trip sooner!
Winter
If you’re prepared, winter camping in Yosemite is a world of wonders. I traded my tent for a heated canvas cabin in Curry Village on one January trip, and it was magical waking up to fresh snow blanketing the valley floor.
Winter is the quietest season – the park sees a fraction of its usual visitors. You can walk through a hushed grove of sequoias or stand at Tunnel View with just a handful of other hearty souls. But winter is also by far the most challenging time to camp.
For one, it’s cold, nighttime temperatures in Yosemite Valley often dip into the 20s °F (-6 to -2 °C), and much lower at higher elevations. At 4,000 feet in the Valley, it still feels like a true winter, with snowstorms common.
In fact, the week leading up to one of my February trips saw heavy snow, flooding, and road closures; I was biting my nails that our trip would be canceled entirely.
Amazingly, the skies cleared the day we arrived, leaving a sparkling snow-draped landscape and crystal blue skies. The lesson: winter weather is unpredictable. If you plan to camp or RV in winter, equip your vehicle with tire chains (and know how to put them on) and carry an ice scraper and shovel.
The park often requires chains during or after snowstorms, even for 4WD vehicles. Also, many areas of the park are closed in winter – the Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows, Glacier Point Road (except possibly via skis or snowshoe), and many campgrounds shut down for the season.
Yosemite Valley stays accessible year-round (barring temporary road closures) and Upper Pines Campground is usually open (with reduced loops) even in deep winter. Facilities are limited: some bathrooms might be closed, and running water can freeze (at Upper Pines they have spigots that usually still work, but be prepared).
On true snow camping trips when I’ve camped in the backcountry, I had to melt snow for water. Even car-camping, you should bring extra insulation – a 0°F-rated sleeping bag, insulated sleeping pad, and plenty of blankets. One delightful surprise in winter: you can often walk-in to campgrounds without reservations (we had our pick of spots in Upper Pines in early December).
And the silence and serenity are unbeatable. Just be ready for long nights (14 hours of darkness!), or do as I did: take advantage of winter activities by day (snowshoeing to Dewey Point, ice-skating at Curry Village’s outdoor rink) and then hunker down early in your tent with a hot cocoa.
Winter in Yosemite taught me a new level of respect for Mother Nature – and that a cup of coffee on a frosty Sierra morning, with mist rising off the Merced, is pure bliss.
Spring
Spring in Yosemite is a season of rebirth – and one of the best times to catch Yosemite’s famous waterfalls at their peak. By April and May, the massive snowpack in the high country melts, and waterfalls thunder.
Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall live up to the Mist Trail’s name (you will get drenched hiking up). Wildflowers carpet the meadows; dogwood trees burst into delicate white blooms by May.
The weather swings from chilly rain to warm sun. Spring can be a bit of a gamble: late snowstorms can occasionally roll through even in April. Some higher elevation roads often remain closed well into spring, for instance, Tioga Road (to Tuolumne) often doesn’t open until late May or June, depending on snow, and Glacier Point Road can linger closed until May.
On one May trip, we were disappointed to find the Mariposa Grove Road still snowed in – we had to hike two miles just to reach the giant sequoias. Another spring surprise: flooding. In big snowmelt years, the Merced River swells and can flood low-lying campgrounds.
Portions of Lower Pines and North Pines Campgrounds are often inundated by high water in May/June, and the park sometimes keeps those sites closed until water levels drop. I remember wading through an inch of water at our North Pines site one June – a ranger cheerfully told us it was “minor” flooding and handed out sandbags!
So, if you camp in spring, be ready for a bit of weather drama. But the payoff is huge: fewer crowds than summer (except around Easter and Memorial Day), gorgeous greenery, and roaring falls.
My advice: pack rain gear and a good tarp (afternoon showers are common), and check the park’s historical opening dates for campgrounds/roads to set expectations.
Late spring (May into early June) might just be the single best time for a first-time Yosemite camper – you get many of summer’s benefits with a fraction of the people.
Car, RV, Backpack or Backcountry?
Another thing I wish I’d understood earlier is how many ways there are to camp in Yosemite, and how different each experience can be.
Over several trips, I’ve tried everything from car camping in the Valley to backpacking in the wilderness, even a stint in an RV.
Here’s what I learned about each style:
Car Camping in Yosemite
Most first-timers (myself included) experience car camping in Yosemite: you reserve a site, drive right up to your numbered spot, and set up your tent next to your car.
The conveniences are significant, you can bring a cooler of food, heavier or luxury items (camp chairs, big tent, extra blankets) that you wouldn’t carry backpacking. Yosemite’s car-accessible campgrounds typically have picnic tables, fire rings, parking pads, and either flush toilets with tap water or vault toilets with a water spigot nearby.
For example, in the Valley’s Upper Pines and in Wawona Campground, you’ll find modern restrooms and drinking water taps (“tap” in park lingo), whereas more remote sites like Tamarack Flat or Yosemite Creek have pit toilets and you must filter creek water for drinking.
One shock for me was the lack of showers – I assumed a national park campground might have at least coin-operated showers, but in Yosemite the only public showers are at Curry Village in the Valley (for a fee) and at some lodging areas.
No campground in the park has its own shower facilities. So, plan accordingly: either embrace the dirt for a few days or be prepared to trek to Curry Village’s shower house during your stay.
Car camping in Yosemite is relatively comfortable, but there are some quirks. Sites are often compact; you might have neighbors only a few yards away, so bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper (generators and loud music are prohibited during quiet hours, but a snoring camper… that’s another story).
Also, campfires are allowed in designated rings, but only during certain hours in some places. In Yosemite Valley campgrounds, for instance, you’re only allowed to have a fire between 5 PM and 10 PM, a rule I discovered when a ranger politely told us to let our morning campfire die out.
It’s partly to control smoke pollution in the valley. Check the fire rules when you arrive; they’re usually posted on the campground bulletin board.
One personal takeaway: keep your camp organized. With car camping, it’s easy to sprawl stuff everywhere – cooking gear on the picnic table, clotheslines in the trees. But remember, you’ll need to secure anything scented in the bear locker whenever you’re away or sleeping.
We got lazy one afternoon and left a cooler (empty, luckily) out while we walked to the river; we returned to a warning note from a ranger.
Now I make a habit of immediately putting all food back in the locker after each meal. It keeps camp cleaner (and the marmots and squirrels less interested too).
Car camping is ideal for families and beginners – you have the safety net of your vehicle and access to help nearby if needed. And at Yosemite’s car campgrounds, you might even have park rangers giving evening programs on geology or wildlife, which is a fantastic bonus.
One summer night in Wawona Campground, we wandered over to the amphitheater and joined a small crowd watching a ranger passionately talk about black bear behavior in Yosemite.
That kind of experience (with stars overhead and a crackling fire) made our trip richer. In short, car camping lets you dip your toes into Yosemite’s nature without straying too far from civilization.
Just book early, arrive early (to avoid setting up in the dark), and don’t forget marshmallows for the fire!
RV Camping in Yosemite
For our third Yosemite trip, we borrowed my uncle’s 25-foot RV to see what RV camping in Yosemite was like. On one hand, it was wonderful – we had a comfy bed, a fridge, and didn’t worry about rain leaking into a tent.
But I quickly learned some specifics of RV camping in Yosemite that I wish I’d known in advance. Firstly, none of Yosemite’s campgrounds have RV hook-ups for water, electricity, or sewer. RV campers must be self-contained or willing to go without.
There are a few dump stations in the park (at Upper Pines year-round, and seasonal ones near Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows) to empty your tanks, but otherwise, you’re boondocking.
We had to conserve our battery and water; our site at Upper Pines had no plug-in or anything (we refilled water at the common spigot and used the campground bathrooms to save our tank capacity).
Generators are allowed in most campgrounds only during limited hours (in Yosemite it’s typically 7–9 AM, 12–2 PM, 5–7 PM). Quiet hours are strictly enforced after 10 PM.
This meant we needed to plan to run the generator at dinner time to recharge things, and absolutely no A/C at night – it was fans and open windows only.
Size is another consideration: Yosemite does accommodate big rigs, but only in certain sites. The maximum RV length in Valley campgrounds is listed as 35–40 feet, but only a handful of sites can actually handle the 40-foot behemoths.
If you have a large trailer or RV, you must check the length limits on recreation.gov when reserving. (Our 25-footer was fine in most sites.) Driving an RV in Yosemite also has its own thrills – winding mountain roads, tunnels (check height clearances!), and sometimes narrow campground loops.
I got an adrenaline rush steering around tight corners in North Pines Campground, trying not to clip boulders or trees. If you’re not experienced with an RV, take it slow and plan your route; for example, Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road have length restrictions for vehicles (typically around 30 feet) on some sections because of sharp switchbacks.
We avoided taking the RV up Glacier Point Road and instead used the park shuttle when possible.
One perk: food storage. I was delighted to learn that if you have a hard-sided RV or trailer, the park allows you to keep food inside it (with windows closed and food out of sight) instead of the bear locker.
That was convenient, our RV acted as a giant bear locker on wheels. Note, though: pop-up campers or soft-sided trailers are treated like tents (you cannot leave food in them).
And never leave food outside on your picnic table, even if you’re in an RV; we saw a clever raven actually pry open a Tupperware on a table in broad daylight when the campers were off hiking.
Overall, RV camping in Yosemite offers more comfort – a respite from cold nights and a place to hide from mosquitoes. But be ready to “dry camp” with no hookups, follow generator rules, and possibly deal with limited RV sites.
If you love the idea of RV camping with full hookups and showers, be aware you’ll have to camp outside the park. There are private RV parks near Yosemite (one I later tried was Yosemite Pines RV Resort, about a half hour outside the west entrance, which had full hookups, hot showers, and even a pool, a very different experience from inside the park).
For a first-timer determined to bring an RV, just plan ahead, reserve a site that fits your rig, empty your tanks beforehand, and know that Yosemite campgrounds are essentially glorified parking spots in nature.
You’ll enjoy the convenience of your mini-home, but still be camping in a sense. One couple we met with a big RV said they treated it like a hard-sided tent: “We cook and hang out by the fire outside, and only go in the RV to sleep or if the weather’s bad.” That’s a good mindset to have.
Backpacking in Yosemite
After a couple of trips staying in front-country campgrounds, I yearned to experience Yosemite’s backcountry, to camp out on a granite ridge far from any road.
My first backpacking trip in Yosemite was an eye-opener and a soul-opener. It’s completely different from campground camping. For starters, you need a wilderness permit for any overnight backpacking trip in Yosemite’s wilderness.
This requires advance planning and a bit of luck (popular trailhead permits fill up, allocated via a reservation system up to 24 weeks in advance on Recreation.gov, or via a lottery for Half Dome).
We managed to get a permit starting from Tuolumne Meadows and spent three days hiking and camping along the Cathedral Lakes and Sunrise Creek area.
What I wish I knew
Backpacking in Yosemite is both challenging and profoundly rewarding. You trade flush toilets for a shovel and cathole, and picnic tables for a flat rock. You carry everything on your back, so packing smart is key.
We had to carry our tent, sleeping bags, pads, stove, food, and a critical item: a bear canister. Unlike in car campgrounds, there are no bear lockers in the wilderness. Instead, backpackers must carry bear-resistant canisters (hard plastic barrels with a lock mechanism) to store all food and scented items.
These are required by park regulations, if a ranger finds you camping without one, you can be fined or asked to leave. The canister added weight, but it gave peace of mind that a bear or marmot wouldn’t abscond with our dinner. (Sleeping with food in your tent is a huge no-no and dangerous; Yosemite bears know how to climb trees, so even hanging food is not allowed except in a few high-elevation zones. The canister is your best friend out there.)
We discovered the beauty of solitude on that trip. Camping at Sunrise Lakes, we were the only humans in sight, with a billion stars for company. The Milky Way I saw that night, reflecting in an alpine lake, is something I’ll carry with me forever.
But solitude came with responsibility: no picnic bear lockers, no rangers on patrol , we were truly on our own. We filtered all our drinking water from streams and lakes (I should have packed a better water filter; pumping water for two people got tedious).
We also had to practice strict Leave No Trace: packing out all our trash (even dirty toilet paper, double-bagged), and minimizing our camp impact. It felt empowering to self-sufficiently live in the wilderness for a few days, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for Yosemite’s wild side beyond the roads and crowds.
For first-timers considering backpacking, my advice: do your homework and be prepared. Start with a popular route like the John Muir Trail segment through Yosemite or the hike to Little Yosemite Valley (which is a common first night for Half Dome climbers).
Little Yosemite Valley even has composting toilets and bear lockers, making it a “starter” backpackers camp. Always check the wilderness permit regulations on the NPS website and secure your permit ahead of time. Know that Yosemite’s trails can be strenuous, the elevation and terrain make for tough ascents.
But if you’re up for the adventure, spending a night in Yosemite’s backcountry is incomparable. One thing I’d do differently on my first trip: pack lighter, and bring a mosquito head net!
We hit some vicious mosquito swarms near a meadow in early July; our bug spray only did so much. Lightweight long sleeves saved us from bites during the evenings.
Backpacking also taught me flexibility. On our second night, a thunderstorm rolled in. We had to change our route and camp in a safer spot away from high, exposed granite. But that led to an unplanned campsite near a stream with a cascading waterfall that we had all to ourselves.
The wilderness will test you, but it will also astonish you. If your goal is to truly escape the hustle, backpacking is the way to go. Just remember that “with great solitude comes great responsibility”: you must know how to navigate (carry a map and compass or downloaded offline maps, since there’s no phone service out there), how to store food properly, and how to handle emergencies.
One neat thing: Yosemite’s wilderness also offers High Sierra Camps (semi-permanent tented camps you reach by trail, which provide meals and beds) and backcountry lodging like the historic Ostrander Ski Hut in winter. These require reservations or lotteries and were beyond my budget at the time, but they’re an interesting hybrid for those who want a wilderness experience without carrying as much gear. Perhaps a future adventure for me!
Crowds, Critters, and Finding Your Perfect Site
One of the joys of camping is settling into the rhythm of campground life. In Yosemite, that rhythm can vary wildly depending on where you stay.
After trying many sites, I’ve gathered some insights on picking the right campground for your goals (and avoiding some common pitfalls).
Yosemite Valley Campgrounds
(Upper, Lower, North Pines & Camp 4)
If you want to be in the heart of the action, walking distance to Yosemite Falls, Half Dome views from your tent, and the convenience of the village store, the Valley is unbeatable.
Upper Pines is the only one open year-round and the largest (238 sites). It’s a fantastic base camp: you have flush toilets, tap water, and a dump station on site, plus the free shuttle stops nearby to whisk you to trailheads.
I loved being able to hop on a morning shuttle to the Mist Trail right from camp. Upper Pines sites are fairly wooded and can fit tents or RVs (up to 35 ft).
Lower Pines and North Pines (open roughly April–October) are smaller and sit closer to the Merced River, some sites literally on the riverbank, which makes for gorgeous views (and the occasional late-spring flood risk).
These are highly sought-after; one of my most picturesque stays was at Lower Pines with a direct view of Half Dome from our picnic table. North Pines is so popular that the park started using an early access lottery for reservations for peak season – that’s how coveted it is!
If you can snag North Pines, you’ll enjoy a slightly more intimate feel (81 sites) and proximity to Mirror Lake trail.
Camp 4, on the other hand, is a walk-in campground (no cars in the camp) with a storied history among rock climbers. It’s the place to go if you don’t mind communal living; you’ll likely share your site with others, since traditionally Camp 4 was first-come and you might get placed with strangers.
They now require reservations in summer (one week in advance, lottery style), and charge per person. Camp 4 has a unique social vibe, I met travelers from around the world around the bouldering problems there.
It has flush toilets and even a central shower house (contrary to outdated info – as of 2023, Camp 4 campers had access to hot showers on site).
The biggest downside: no generators/pets/camping in vehicles at Camp 4, and you must carry your gear a short distance from the parking area. But for hikers or climbers, Camp 4 is legendary, and it’s the best bet if all other valley sites are reserved (since it’s held for short-term reservation window).
Expect valley campgrounds to be busy and tightly packed in summer. Quiet hours keep things generally okay at night, but daytime can be lively. I’ve had squirrels dart through my site, blue jays boldly attempt to steal food, and once even saw a bobcat stroll at dusk along the edge of Upper Pines (thrilling and a little spooky, keep your distance if you see one!).
The park does a good job with food lockers at every site so animals don’t get human food. You’ll also have regular patrols by rangers and camp hosts who can answer questions or sell firewood. The valley is best if you want convenience and classic sights – just anticipate company. If you crave real silence, consider the next options.
High Country and Peripheral Campgrounds
(Tuolumne Meadows, White Wolf, etc.)
In the summer, Yosemite’s high country opens up, and with it some breathtaking camp spots away from the crowds. Tuolumne Meadows Campground is the crown jewel at 8,600 feet elevation.
It’s huge (300+ sites) but was closed for renovations recently (expected to reopen in 2024 or 2025). When open, Tuolumne is sublime, you camp among lodgepole pines, with cool mountain nights and access to incredible hikes (it’s the trailhead hub for the High Sierra).
The amenities there are basic: flush toilets, tap water, no showers, and a lot of sites can accommodate small RVs/trailers. One thing to know: nights get cold up there even in July (near freezing often).
And don’t expect to pop down to the valley easily, it’s a good 1.5-hour drive one-way. So, Tuolumne is almost like a different park, best if you want to focus on alpine lakes, meadows, and peaks.
Reservations used to go lightning-fast; hopefully the renovation will improve things, but plan far ahead for Tuolumne as well. While Tuolumne was closed, I pivoted to White Wolf Campground, which is along Tioga Road at 8,000 ft.
White Wolf is smaller (about 74 sites) and first-come-first-served when it’s open mid-summer (note: in recent times they opened it with short-term reservations due to high demand). I absolutely loved White Wolf.
It was quiet, deeply forested, and had a little lodge nearby where we could buy snacks and even get a meal (White Wolf Lodge, when open, has a small restaurant).
From White Wolf, we explored Tenaya Lake and did part of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne hike. If you want a mix of solitude but still a campground setting, places like White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, and Porcupine Flat are great.
Yosemite Creek Campground in particular is known as a hidden gem for solitude – it’s five miles down a rough dirt road, so RVs aren’t recommended. It has vault toilets and you have to filter creek water.
But because it’s harder to get to, it’s often the last to fill up in summer. I met campers there who arrived at 5 PM on a July day and still found a spot, which is unheard of in the valley.
So if you’re an experienced camper with a high-clearance vehicle, Yosemite Creek can reward you with a quiet stay under the stars (and it’s not far from an awesome hike to an overlook of Yosemite Falls from above).
On the western side near the park entrance, Hodgdon Meadow is a year-round campground at 4,900 ft. I stayed there one April when the valley was full. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Yosemite Valley, near the Big Oak Flat Entrance station. Hodgdon Meadow is in a cedar and oak forest.
It’s convenient if you’re coming from San Francisco side and want a base immediately after entering the park. It has tap water and flush toilets. The sites can feel a bit hilly and some are close to the road.
It wasn’t my favorite simply because of the drive to the main sights, but it’s perfectly serviceable for an overnight if you can’t get closer in. And it’s open in winter on a first-come basis (a good backup if Upper Pines is full off-season).
Southern Yosemite
(Wawona & Beyond)
On the south end, near the town of Wawona and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, you have Wawona Campground. Wawona is lower elevation (4,000 ft, like the valley) and sits along the South Fork of the Merced River. I’ve camped there in both summer and winter.
In summer, it’s reservation-required and has 93 sites; in winter it converts to first-come. Wawona is wonderful for a few reasons: it’s quieter than the valley (many people skip it in favor of staying closer to Yosemite Valley), it has nice amenities (flush toilets, tap water, an RV dump station), and it’s next door to the historic Wawona Hotel and a small market.
We walked from our campsite to the Pine Tree Market to grab ice cream in the evening! There’s also a beautiful swimming hole on the river near the campground that was great for a dip on a hot July afternoon. And if you’re a history or nature buff, Wawona Campground often hosts seasonal ranger talks in an amphitheater under the stars, one of the best I attended was about the restoration of the Mariposa Grove (the park’s largest sequoia grove nearby).
The trade-off is location: Wawona is about 45 minutes drive to Yosemite Valley. But it’s ideally situated for exploring the big trees and the Pioneer History Center, and it’s closer if you’re coming from Southern California.
I’d recommend Wawona for those who prefer a more laid-back camp and don’t mind driving to the main valley sights. Also, if you have a large group, Wawona is one of the few with a group camping area (reservations required, fits up to 30 people).
Another southern area spot is Bridalveil Creek Campground, up on Glacier Point Road (7,200 ft). It’s only open mid-summer (roughly July–September). I stayed there once prior to the 2022 road closure for Glacier Point repairs.
It was fantastic for accessing Glacier Point at sunrise and Taft Point for sunset, since you’re right there on that road (no long drive back to the valley in the dark!). Bridalveil Creek has both group sites and regular sites, with tap water and vault toilets.
It’s quite wooded and surprisingly large (110 sites). Nights were cold even in August, but the starry skies were unbelievable. Just note, Glacier Point Road has been known to close for repairs or open late if snow lingers, so check status if you plan on Bridalveil Creek.
Best Campground for You? It really depends on what you want:
- If you’re focused on iconic sights and convenience: snag a Yosemite Valley campground (Upper/Lower/North Pines). You’ll pay with dealing with crowds, but you can’t beat walking to Yosemite Falls or hopping on a shuttle to trailheads. Upper Pines is the easiest to get (biggest and year-round) but also very competitive. Lower/North Pines have better views (riverside, Half Dome) if you can get them. Camp 4 is best for solo travelers or those wanting a social, spartan camping experience.
- If you want cooler temps and alpine scenery: head to Tuolumne Meadows or White Wolf in summer. Tuolumne’s meadows and granite domes will steal your heart. Great for hikers and climbers tackling the high country. White Wolf or even Porcupine Flat (another primitive one near Tuolumne) are good second choices if Tuolumne is full or closed.
- If you prefer serenity and don’t mind being away from the valley: consider Wawona, Yosemite Creek, or Hodgdon Meadow. Wawona has the river and sequoias, Yosemite Creek offers backpacker-style quiet (no big RVs, rough road = fewer folks), and Hodgdon can work for last-minute planners (especially outside summer).
- For group camping: Wawona, Hodgdon, Bridalveil Creek, and Tuolumne (when open) all have group sites. Book those early for family reunions, scout trips, etc.
- If you didn’t get an in-park campsite: all is not lost. There are national forest campgrounds just outside Yosemite (like Diamond O, Summerdale, etc.) and private campgrounds. They add some driving, but you can still day-trip into Yosemite. As mentioned, Yosemite Pines RV Resort or AutoCamp Yosemite are examples of private options that even offer glamping tents and Airstream trailers for a cushy stay nearby. These can be good backups or alternatives if you want more amenities.
Wherever you camp, a few universal tips: arrive as early as allowed on check-in day (usually noon) to avoid setting up in the dark and to scope out your site’s layout (some sites are awkward or have slight slopes, you may need to pitch your tent strategically).
Plus, arriving early lets you maybe loop the campground and see if any no-show sites are available to switch to.
Also, store your food immediately. The first thing I do after parking is load the bear locker with all coolers, food bags, toiletries, etc., so I don’t absentmindedly leave something in the car later.
It’s much easier to keep a “food-free car” than to shuffle items at 10 PM under flashlight.
And finally, get to know your campground neighbors or the camp host. Yosemite’s camping community is friendly. I’ve borrowed a can opener from a neighboring RV, shared trail recommendations with a family from abroad, and in one case, a kind camp host helped jump-start my car when the battery died.
Being part of the camping camaraderie is half the fun, and it might even help you out in a pinch.
What I’d Do Differently
Tips, Tricks, and Avoiding Rookie Mistakes.
After multiple Yosemite camping trips, I have a list of things I wish someone had told me before my first time.
Consider these my hard-earned tips for first-time Yosemite campers, so you can avoid the hiccups I encountered:
- Reserve Early or Be Left Out: It can’t be said enough, book your campsite as early as humanly possible. Mark your calendar for the reservation opening date (on the 15th, five months ahead) and be ready at 7 AM. If you miss out, look for cancellations daily, and have a backup lodging outside the park just in case. Not securing a campsite early is the single biggest mistake that will derail your Yosemite adventure.
- Don’t Wing It – Have a Plan: Yosemite is huge and can overwhelm unprepared visitors. Before you go, roughly plan your hikes and sights, and note driving distances. If you camp in Wawona but want to hike Mist Trail at sunrise, you’ll need to drive out pre-dawn. Conversely, if you’re in the Valley, plan a day for Glacier Point or Tuolumne with travel time. Showing up without a plan might lead you to waste time or miss highlights. You don’t need a minute-by-minute itinerary, but have priorities set. And definitely download maps or carry a paper map, cell service is very limited, so Google Maps won’t rescue you deep in the park.
- Avoid the Midday Madness: One rookie error is arriving at midday. If you roll in at 1 PM on a Saturday, be prepared for a long line at the entrance and full parking lots. Instead, aim to arrive early in the morning or late in the evening. Likewise, for daily activities, start your hikes at sunrise. Not only will you avoid parking struggles, you’ll also enjoy cooler temps and fewer people on the trails. The park is most crowded between 10 AM and 4 PM, plan your driving and popular spot visits outside those hours if you can. I now treat Yosemite a bit like a safari: do a morning and an evening outing, and use the crowded midday to relax at camp, have lunch, or explore less popular areas.
- Gas Up Before Entering: Gasoline in and around Yosemite is notoriously pricey and sparse. Stations in nearby towns exist (El Portal, Crane Flat, and Wawona have fuel), but they can charge a premium, I paid over $5/gallon when the state average was much less. Make sure to fill your tank completely before you enter the park, especially if you plan to drive Tioga Road or other long stretches. Running low on fuel in the mountains is no fun. And electric vehicle owners, plan charging carefully – there are a couple of EV chargers in Yosemite Valley and at Wawona, but availability can be hit or miss.
- Pack Smart (and Extra Layers): Yosemite’s environment demands versatile gear. Bring layered clothing – weather can shift from hot sun to chilly wind or rain in hours. Include a waterproof jacket (afternoon thundershowers or waterfall spray), a warm fleece or puffy for nights, and good broken-in hiking boots. Don’t forget sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen even at high elevations (the high-altitude sun will roast you quicker than you think). A few items that surprised me with their necessity: bug spray (mosquitoes can be vicious especially near water in late spring/early summer), a headlamp for each person (navigating to the bathroom at night or setting up late), and a basic first aid kit. Also, carry a daypack with you – you’ll want to take water, snacks, and layers on those long Yosemite hikes. And speaking of water, carry more than you think you need; the dry mountain air and elevation can dehydrate you quickly.
- Food and Cooking Tips: You don’t have to survive on freeze-dried meals, especially if car camping. Yosemite has grocery stores (though pricey) in Yosemite Village and Wawona, plus casual eateries. We learned we could mix fresh food into our meal plan instead of just canned chili – grilling some veggies or sausages over the fire was a welcome treat. However, plan your meals and groceries wisely. The small village store can run out of popular items and usually closes by 7-8 PM. Never count on getting dinner after 9 PM in the park – you’ll be stuck with granola bars or overpaying for pizza if anything. So buy groceries in advance or early in the day. Also, bring a cooler that fits in the bear locker (those lockers are roughly 17”x49”x33” in size). I once brought a cooler that was so tall I had to tilt it on its side to jam it in the locker – awkward! Now I use two smaller coolers that stack easily inside. If backpacking, invest in quick, high-calorie foods and a reliable backpacking stove – and always have a bit more food than you think you’ll need, in case your trip runs long or you get extra hungry from all the hiking.
- Don’t Tempt the Wildlife: I harp on food storage a lot, but it is the number one cause of problems for Yosemite campers. A common mistake is leaving food in your car (or even a scented air freshener). The park has had many instances of bears breaking car windows because they smelled a single candy bar or saw a cooler inside. It’s not just bears – clever ravens and squirrels will rip into bags. So, keep a clean camp: trash goes in dumpsters promptly, never leave food unattended, and use those bear lockers religiously. If you go for a hike, empty your car of food. We even put a sticky note on our steering wheel saying “Food??” as a reminder before heading out. Also, secure your trash at night – ravens have learned to open coolers and trash cans if not clipped. By respecting these rules, you’re protecting yourself and the animals. A fed bear is a dead bear, as they say, so don’t be the person whose negligence leads a bear to trouble.
- No Bear Spray Needed: Visitors from areas like the Rockies might pack bear spray out of habit. Don’t – it’s illegal in Yosemite and will be confiscated if rangers find it. Yosemite’s bears are black bears, generally timid, and the park prefers you follow proper food storage and make noise to avoid encounters. Bear spray is considered a weapon here and totally unnecessary. Save the weight and space in your pack; use that room for an extra water bottle or snacks.
- Be Prepared for Little (and Not-So-Little) Surprises: There are minor annoyances that first-timers often don’t expect. For example, in spring and summer the restrooms might have lines or get a bit dirty, bring a roll of your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer just in case they run low. Campground critters (yes, I’m talking about you, fearless raccoons) might test your patience at night; one raccoon kept circling our fire pit looking for crumbs until we chased it off. Keep your tent zipped and your food secured, and you’ll be fine. Another surprise: how dark the nights are if you’re used to city light. Walking back from a midnight bathroom run under a sky thick with stars can be disorienting – a good headlamp (and not camping alone if you’re nervous in the dark) helps. Also, remember that quiet hours mean you should keep noise down, but some campers violate that – I’ve had to ask neighbors nicely to chat more quietly after midnight. Bringing earplugs was a game-changer for me to block out the occasional noisy group or the early risers clanking breakfast pans.
- Altitude and Weather Awareness: If you’re camping in the high country (e.g., Tuolumne or anywhere above 7,000 feet), be mindful of altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and don’t overexert on day one. And wherever you camp, Yosemite’s weather can be extreme. In summer, afternoon thunderstorms can roll in especially in July/August – we got caught in a hailstorm once at Tenaya Lake with no shelter. Now I always pack a light rain jacket or poncho in my daypack. In shoulder seasons, nights can freeze water bottles. One dawn in May at Wawona, our car windshield was a sheet of ice; now I keep an ice scraper in my camping kit year-round. Basically, expect the unexpected with mountain weather, and you’ll handle it fine.
- Respect the Park and Others: Lastly, a “mistake” I’ve seen is folks forgetting basic outdoor ethics. Leave No Trace isn’t just a slogan – it’s critical in a popular park. Pick up your trash (and any stray litter you see). Don’t carve your name into picnic tables or trees (sadly, I saw this). Keep noise to reasonable levels so everyone can enjoy the sounds of nature. And drive slow, especially at dawn/dusk – speeding cars have killed bears on park roads. We all share responsibility for keeping Yosemite beautiful. Also, patience is key. You might have to wait your turn at Tunnel View for that perfect photo, or sit in a line of cars when leaving the valley at 5 PM. Take those moments in stride – roll down the windows, listen to Yosemite Falls roaring in the distance, chat with your fellow campers. Embrace the fact that so many people want to experience this place, and that you’re one of the lucky ones who get to camp under Yosemite’s starry skies. As a ranger said in a program I attended: we’re all in one big outdoor home here, so treat it and each other with kindness.
I learned that Yosemite is not a place you “conquer” in one trip, it’s a place that humbles you, teaches you, and invites you to return, wiser each time.
If I could talk to pre-trip me, the newbie camper who was so giddy to sleep under Yosemite’s stars, I’d say: be flexible, be prepared, and soak it all in.
In the end, I’ve come to love not just Yosemite’s postcard moments, but the surprises and lessons that came with camping there across seasons and years.
Go with preparation, respect, and curiosity, and Yosemite will reward you beyond your imagination. Happy camping, and maybe I’ll see you on the trail!