Learn and ExploreIf you don't have a campground reservation, you can try to camp in a first-come, first-served campground. These can fill up early from spring through fall and during holidays in winter. Check current campground status by calling 209/372-0266. Campground opening and closing dates are updated whenever we have new information. Within Yosemite National Park, you may not sleep in your car or RV except in a campsite that you're registered to stay in (except at Camp 4, where sleeping in cars is not allowed because it's a walk-in campground). Sleeping in your car along the side of the road is also not allowed. No first-come, first-served campgrounds are currently open. Do not arrive at Yosemite intending to stay overnight if you don't have an overnight reservation. Camping in YosemiteApril through JuneVery few first-come, first-served campsites are available in May and June! Some first-come, first-served campgrounds may open in June if conditions allow. Check the campground page for the most up-to-date opening and closing dates. Camp 4 (a walk-in campground) is open all year, but is extremely popular; it's very difficult to get a spot. From late May through early September, space at Camp 4 is available only by daily lottery one day in advance. Also, it's worth searching recreation.gov frequently; you might find a cancellation in a campground that accepts reservations in or near Yosemite. July through SeptemberIn order to have a reasonable chance of finding a campsite, you should arrive at the campground of your choice by mid-morning. Also, it's worth searching recreation.gov frequently; you might find a cancellation in a campground that accepts reservations in or near Yosemite. The following campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis during this time:
October through MarchFrom fall through early spring, you may be able to find a campsite at one of the reservation campgrounds or at Wawona and Hodgdon Meadow Campgrounds, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis from approximately October through April. Camp 4 (a walk-in campground) is open all year, but is extremely popular; it's very difficult to get a spot. During October, it's worth searching recreation.gov frequently; you might find a cancellation in a campground that accepts reservations in or near Yosemite. The following campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis during this time:
How to Register for a First-Come, First-Served CampgroundCamp 4 and Tuolumne MeadowsCamp 4 is staffed from spring to fall. Tuolumne Meadows is staffed the entire season it's open (approximately July through September). To register at these staffed campgrounds, go to the campground. At Camp 4, go to the kiosk in the campground; at Tuolumne Meadows, go to the campground reservation office along the Tioga Road, just outside the campground. You may register for multiple nights (up to the annual and seasonal camping limits). All Other First-come, First-Served CampgroundsGo to the campground of your choice. If space is available, claim a campsite. Walk back to the registration area near the entrance to the campground to fill out the self-registration envelope. You may register for multiple nights (up to the annual and seasonal camping limits). |
Last updated: October 30, 2020