As one of Americas grandest national parks, Yosemite National Park is a top-tier choice for scenic camping spots. But with growing demand and recurring challenges of construction and environmental impactsin addition to a new-ish reservation systemit can feel more challenging than ever to not only choose a Yosemite camping spot but to secure it.
But the reward is worth the effort. If you can snag a spot at one of Yosemites most beloved campsites, youll relish the magic of waking up under the stars in one of the most iconic parks in North America. The super-popular sites like Upper, Lower, and North Pines tend to fill up quickly, so be open to looking a bit further out from the valley.
When youre ready for a Yosemite camping trip, be sure youre registered on Recreation.gov to make a reservation. Bookings for peak season (April to October) can be made up to five months in advance and have been known to sell out in seconds, so be ready! Reservations open on the 15th of each month at 7am Pacific. Note that several Yosemite campsites may have extended closures for rehabilitation or due to extreme weather.
Though it sounds like a challenging process, snagging a coveted campsite at one of Yosemites campgrounds is well worth the effort as youll be rewarded with unrivaled beauty at every turn.
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