Campingdirections for Yosemite National Park

**Making Camping Reservations in Yosemite National Park's Campgrounds for the Summer Season**

For those planning to visit Yosemite National Park this summer, it's essential to know the key requirements and details for securing a campsite. Due to the high demand during the busy season, reservations are required for all campgrounds from April through October [1][3][5].

Booking your campsite can be done through Recreation.gov, where sites open up for booking two weeks in advance and are released daily at 7 a.m. PDT for specific campgrounds such as White Wolf, Tamarack Flat, and Yosemite Creek [3][5]. Some campgrounds open on a rolling basis during the summer, with White Wolf Campground opening on June 20, 2025, Tamarack Flat Campground on June 23, 2025, and Yosemite Creek Campground on July 1, 2025 [1][3][5].

Visitors should note that some campgrounds do not have drinking water available and only provide portable or vault toilets, such as White Wolf and Tamarack Flat [3][5]. For backpackers using backpacker-specific campgrounds, a valid wilderness permit or reservation is required to stay overnight, although reservations are not generally required for backpacker campgrounds themselves unless staying overnight [2].

Due to staffing shortages and high demand since campgrounds have been closed or limited over the past six years, the reservation system helps manage visitor flow and provide opportunities for as many visitors as possible during the summer [1][3][5].

Here's a summary of the key requirements and details:

| Requirement | Details | |-----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Reservation required | Yes, for all campgrounds April to October | | Booking platform | Recreation.gov | | Booking window | Reservations released daily, two weeks in advance, starting at 7 a.m. PDT | | Campgrounds opening in summer (selected) | White Wolf June 20, Tamarack Flat June 23, Yosemite Creek July 1 | | Drinking water availability | Not available at some campgrounds like White Wolf and Tamarack Flat | | Backpacker campgrounds reservations | Wilderness permit or reservation required for overnight stay |

In Yosemite National Park, there are 13 campgrounds: Lower Pines, North Pines, Upper Pines, Sunnyside Walk-in, Bridalveil Creek, Crane Flat, Hodgdon Meadow, Porcupine Flat, Tamarack Flat, Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, White Wolf, and Yosemite Creek. The camping limit in Yosemite Valley is seven days from May 1 to September 15, and there is a 30-day camping limit within Yosemite National Park in any calendar year [1][3][5].

Stock parties must stay on established trails, shortcutting of trails and switchbacks is prohibited, and loose herding of saddle or pack stock is prohibited except when necessary to prevent injury [1]. The reservation form requires information such as name, address, daytime phone, number of people in the party, method of travel, start and end dates, entry and exit trailheads, and principle destination [1]. Wilderness permits are required for all overnight trips into Yosemite's wilderness. They are not required for day hikes [1].

Remember, bears are a significant problem in Yosemite National Park due to human carelessness and improper food storage, and bears habituated to human food can cause extensive damage to property and may have to be killed [1][3][5]. To prevent bears from accessing food, all food and related supplies must be stored properly in metal storage boxes, out of sight in vehicles, or in bear-proof cans and dumpsters in picnic areas and campgrounds [1][3][5].

Overnight boarding facilities, spot packing, and day rides are available from Yosemite Concession Services, Corp. (YCS) whose liveries are located within Yosemite National Park [1]. Privately owned stock may be kept overnight only in campgrounds with designated stock sites, such as Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, Tuolumne Meadows, and Hetch Hetchy Stock Campground [1]. Pets and firearms are prohibited in Yosemite wilderness, but one firearm may be carried by the lead packer under certain conditions [1].

With these details in mind, planning your summer camping trip to Yosemite National Park will be a breeze. Happy camping!

[1] [National Park Service - Yosemite](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/camping.htm) [2] [Yosemite Wilderness Permits](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm) [3] [Recreation.gov - Yosemite Campgrounds](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/yosemite-national-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74440&parkId=74440&parkId=74440&parkId=74440&parkId=74440) [4] [Yosemite Concession Services](https://www.yosemitepark.com/) [5] [Yosemite National Park's Campgrounds FAQ](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campgroundfaqs.htm)

For those planning a travel to Yosemite National Park this summer, securing a campsite in its campgrounds is crucial due to high demand.
Reservations are required for all campgrounds from April through October.
Booking your campsite can be done through Recreation.gov, with sites becoming available two weeks in advance and released daily at 7 a.m. PDT.
Some campgrounds such as White Wolf, Tamarack Flat, and Yosemite Creek have specific release dates during the summer.
Visitors should be aware that some campgrounds like White Wolf and Tamarack Flat don't have drinking water, with portable or vault toilets provided instead.
Backpackers using backpacker-specific campgrounds need a valid wilderness permit or reservation for an overnight stay.
The reservation system helps manage visitor flow and provides opportunities for as many visitors as possible during the summer due to staffing shortages and high demand.
Yosemite National Park has 13 campgrounds including Lower Pines, North Pines, Upper Pines, and Yosemite Creek.
In Yosemite Valley, the camping limit is seven days from May 1 to September 15, and there's a 30-day camping limit within Yosemite National Park in any calendar year.
Stock parties must stay on established trails, and loose herding of pack stock is prohibited.
A reservation form requires information such as name, address, daytime phone, number of people in the party, and the principle destination.
Wilderness permits are required for all overnight trips into Yosemite's wilderness but not for day hikes.
Bears are a significant problem in Yosemite National Park due to human carelessness, and all food and related supplies must be stored properly to prevent bears from accessing them.
Overnight boarding facilities, spot packing, and day rides are available from Yosemite Concession Services.
Pets and firearms are prohibited in Yosemite wilderness, but one firearm may be carried by the lead packer under certain conditions.