Yosemite National Park has specific camping rules that visitors must follow to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. These rules cover various aspects of camping, from reservations and food storage to quiet hours and pet regulations.
Reservations for Yosemite National Park Campgrounds
Yosemite National Park has 13 popular campgrounds, all of which require reservations from April through October. The reservation process varies depending on the campground:
| Campground | Reservation Release |
|---|---|
| Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow | Reservations are released 5 months in advance on the 15th of each month. |
| Bridalveil Creek, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat | Reservations are released 2 weeks in advance on a rolling daily window. |
| Camp 4 | Reservations are released 1 week in advance on a rolling daily window. |
Food Storage and Campfires
Food Storage: Proper food storage is essential to prevent bear encounters. Food must be kept properly stored 24 hours per day.
Campfires: Campfires are allowed in all open campgrounds at any time. However, from May through September, wood fires in Yosemite Valley are only allowed between 5 pm and 10 pm. Fires must always be attended and put out completely with water when not attended.
Camping Outside of Campgrounds and Sleeping in Vehicles
Camping or sleeping in vehicles is permitted only in designated campsites. Sleeping in vehicles is not permitted anywhere else in Yosemite.
Campsite Limits
- A maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite.
- A maximum of two motor vehicles are allowed per campsite. Most campsites can accommodate two motor vehicles, but some sites can only accommodate one.
- All vehicles must be parked on a parking pad. Trailers don’t count against the vehicle limit as long as they fit on the parking pad.
Camping Duration Limits
There is a 30-night camping limit within Yosemite National Park in a calendar year; however, from May 1 to September 15, the camping limit in Yosemite is 14 nights, and only seven of those nights can be in Yosemite Valley or Wawona.
Pets and Quiet Hours
Pets: Pets are permitted in all campgrounds except Camp 4 and all group campsites. Pets must be on a leash, and must not be left unattended while tied to an object.
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Generator use is allowed only from 7 am to 9 am, noon to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm.
Wastewater and Utilities
Wastewater: Camp wastewater must be disposed of in designated utility drains. Sewage must be disposed of at designated dump stations.
Utilities: Connecting to any utility system in the campgrounds is prohibited. No hookups are available in Yosemite.
Check-in and Checkout Time
Check-in and checkout time is noon. If you have a reservation, you can arrive any time after noon on your arrival date, but must check in prior to 10 am the morning after the first night of your reservation or your reservation will be cancelled.
By following these Yosemite National Park camping rules, visitors can ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience in this beautiful and iconic national park.
References:
– Yosemite National Park Wilderness Regulations
– Yosemite National Park Camping
– Yosemite National Park Campgrounds
– Yosemite National Park Camping Regulations