Yosemite Itinerary: VIDEO Must-See Attractions, 1, 2 and 7-Day Itinerary

Whether you want a 1, 2 or 7-day Yosemite itinerary, we’ve received you coated with our VIDEO that highlights the must-see points of interest, plus, suggestions in your tour to Yosemite National Park and interactive maps.

We have been requested, “What should we see when we visit Yosemite National Park?”

Our reply … it depends upon how a lot time you’ve got, the time of 12 months you’ll be there and your private pursuits!

One of an important tenting suggestions is to simply GO! The websites in YNP are jaw-dropping! Everywhere you flip there’s something to expertise that can completely take your breath away!

Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.

Entrance Reservations Needed Just To Enter Yosemite National Park (2023)

From the web site:

• A reservation shall be required to drive into Yosemite in February 2023
  • A reservation shall be required to drive into Yosemite for guests arriving February 10–12, February 17–19, or February 24–26, 2023. A reservation is not going to be required in summer time 2023.
• Reservations for Summer 2023
  • Reservations is not going to be required to go to Yosemite National Park throughout the summer time of 2023. Reservations have been required within the summers of 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic and in summer time 2022 when quite a few key customer points of interest have been closed for important infrastructure repairs.

Learn extra about Yosemite’s entrance reservations.

Our Top 10+ Yosemite National Park Must-See Attractions

Yosemite National Park consists of virtually 1,200 sq. miles so that you received’t be capable of see all of it!

NOTE: Our most up-to-date go to to Yosemite National Park was in July of 2018 so our suggestions are based mostly on a summer time busy season go to to the Park when the waterfalls are abundantly flowing together with the crowds! LOL

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Most of us have been doing the “first time visit to Yosemite National Park thing” (I used to be on this group) however one was fortunately visiting once more. ALL of us had a good time!

Our private favourite experiences & widespread locations.

We spent per week tenting contained in the park in our RV so we had loads of time to expertise this particular place. We suppose staying contained in the park is the most suitable choice to get essentially the most out of your go to since you received’t spend further time ready within the strains with all the opposite guests simply to get via the doorway gate.

1. Tunnel View.

Our RV tenting journey to Yosemite National Park included coming into Yosemite’s south entrance and persevering with on State Route 41 via the Park.

We heard in regards to the tunnel years in the past and the long-awaited expertise didn’t disappoint!

Upon exiting the darkish tunnel, the iconic and expansive views stuffed our windshield … WOW!!!

Just watch out as you drive as a result of the small parking space requires pedestrians to cross the highway to get to the overlook.

There is a little bit of a visitors bottleneck with a lot of folks, autos and views that don’t give up!

The viewpoint is on the east finish of the Wawona Tunnel and has views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and views of Half Dome within the background. This is normally the primary cease for guests coming into the park from the south and a compulsory cease if you happen to’re simply visiting on a day move.

2. Merced River.

This river is soooooo clear you may’t imagine it’s actual!

You’ll discover it a refreshing place to cool your ft throughout summer time visits to Yosemite.

In addition to cooling your ft, you may cool your beer within the water!

That is only one of our 19 hacks we share on the way to preserve drinks chilly when tenting!

The Merced can be an excellent place for folks watching as they float down the river on tubes, inflatable rafts and paddle boards … or you may partake your self!

We arrange our camp chairs in a location the place the water was a bit low and the rocks created an impediment course for the unsuspecting floaters.

Come to think about it, the people who find themselves experiencing the Yosemite National Park points of interest are literally points of interest in and of themselves!

Don’t neglect to deliver a pair of water footwear as a result of the rocks within the river are actually laborious to stroll on!

3. Mariposa Grove.

There are a number of areas in Yosemite National Park to see the large Sequoias however Mariposa Grove has essentially the most bushes in a single place.

You’ll see the well-known Grizzly Giant, the California Tunnel Tree and extra!

A free shuttle offers service from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (the place you’ll need to park your car) to the Mariposa Grove.

If you’ve got restricted time in Yosemite, Mariposa Grove positively qualifies as a type of “Yosemite must see one day” kind of points of interest!

4. Glacier Point.

You can get to Glacier Point by mountaineering (in case you are in adequate form and have the time), driving your private car (and preventing the visitors on the roads and within the parking zone) or taking a tour bus (which requires superior reservations and one of the best ways to go throughout the busy summer time season.)

Whatever means you get there … go to Glacier Point!

You’ll expertise mind-blowing 360 diploma views together with Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls (the very best waterfall in North America) and Yosemite’s excessive nation.

You’ll have to go to Glacier Point on cross-country skis in case you are there within the low season as a result of Glacier Point Road is closed November to May.

Glacier Point is among the hottest locations in Yosemite so deliver your persistence and be prepared for the crowds.

If you’re on the lookout for a bit solitude, we have now 12 Tips To Avoid Crowds In National Parks So You Don’t Go Crazy! 

You is likely to be shocked to know that Yosemite National Park is NOT the busiest Park within the nation … see which one tops the checklist in that weblog submit too!

5. Waterfalls.

Some of the most well-known waterfalls in Yosemite National Park embrace the Upper Yosemite Falls, Lower Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls.

The falls don’t run all 12 months … so, in case you are actually anxious to see these magnificent thunderous our bodies of falling water, you’ll have to be there earlier than they dry up for the season.

Snowmelt creates runoff and the falls start flowing within the spring with the height runoff normally occurring in May or June … most are dried up by August.

You can verify the Yosemite National Park Webcams for real-time views together with the Yosemite Falls webcam and different iconic landmarks inside Yosemite.

Our private favourite waterfall expertise at Yosemite was mountaineering the Mist Trail … and sure, you actually do hike via the mist generated by the waterfalls!

It’s an effective way to refresh your self on a scorching summer time Yosemite hike.

Make positive you’ve got good socks, mountaineering poles and comfy mountaineering boots earlier than trying Yosemite’s mountaineering trails … particularly people who have moist rocks!

6. Wildlife.

Critters are EVERYWHERE in Yosemite! You’ll see tons of birds, squirrels, deer, fish, geese and an occasional bear!

It is apparent the wildlife is protected as a result of the animals act extra like home pets than wild beasts.

There are indicators posted all through Yosemite National Park and the rangers do their greatest to teach folks … however … sadly, some folks suppose the foundations don’t apply to them and so they feed the animals despite the directions on the contrary.

Because the wildlife is used to being round people and consuming from the treats thrown to them, you don’t should earnestly search for the critters, they’re roaming out within the open and virtually pose for footage!

The bears are among the most well-known … and notorious … residents inside Yosemite National Park!

Yosemite’s campgrounds present bear-proof meals storage bins on the campsites. Using them protects you, your meals, your neighbors and the bears.

It’s straightforward to take a look at them and suppose they’re cute and innocent however they’re wild animals and have to be handled with respect.

Check out our Safety Tips While Camping In Bear Country submit for useful details about tenting in bear nation!

7. Climbers.

If you aren’t into mountain climbing your self, you’ll need to take a while to catch a glimpse of the CRAZY people who find themselves ascending the shockingly steep monolith rock formations all through Yosemite National Park.

These climbers look smaller than ants when they’re hanging on the facet of huge stone faces!

It’s even laborious to see them with the bare eye!

So, whenever you encounter a bunch of individuals standing on the bottom and gawking at a formation off within the distance, you may be a part of them and finally you will notice the climbers transferring ever-so-slowly up the stone.

It makes my coronary heart race simply serious about it!

8. Visitor Centers & Museums.

The Valley Visitor Center is one of the best place to go to in Yosemite National Park BECAUSE you will get a fast overview of the Park and speak to rangers to find out which points of interest are most fascinating to you personally … which ones you must see … and … which websites chances are you’ll make it to “IF” you’ve got sufficient time.

There are so many choices to expertise Yosemite National Park via arts and tradition.

Our private favorites have been the Spirit of Yosemite movie proven within the Valley Visitor Center (it was so transferring I virtually cried and I’m NOT a type of individuals who cries on the drop of a hat)!!!

We additionally cherished the little stroll between the Happy Isles Art & Nature Center and the Happy Isles (sure, they are surely islands!)

I felt like I used to be receiving an excellent large hug as I used to be fully surrounded by the speeding water and astounding great thing about Yosemite!

There are so many issues to do and see within the areas of customer facilities and museums … children can shoot off right into a crowd earlier than you realize it.

Our Camping Safety Tips For Families submit has tons of helpful info to maintain your total tenting group comfortable, protected and having enjoyable!

9. Attractions Along Biking Trails.

We can’t even start to checklist all the cool views and greatest issues to see all through Yosemite whereas using a bicycle!

There are over 12 miles of paved bike paths in Yosemite Valley!!!

You can hire bikes within the Park or deliver your personal (which is what we did.)

Think about this … You can drive your personal car contained in the Park however the visitors congestion and parking choices gives you a headache!

The free shuttle buses that run in Yosemite Valley are tremendous crowded in the summertime and it isn’t unusual to listen to the bus driver shout out the door “You’ll have to wait for the next bus because this one is full!”

Walking will get you round however you may solely cowl a lot floor by yourself two ft.

All of that’s the reason we’re sooooo glad we introduced our personal bikes as a result of we used them for sightseeing in addition to another mode of transportation that moved us round Yosemite Valley … rapidly, effectively and safely.

We simply loaded them on our bike rack that mounts to the again bumper on our RV as we traveled from our residence in Phoenix to Yosemite. 

We used a bike lock to safe our bikes to the racks that have been on the trailheads, outlets and eating places all through Yosemite Valley.

Our bikes have been the BEST transportation … and a part of our tenting enjoyable too!!!

Want extra recommendations on conserving your valuables safe? Check out our submit: A Secure Campsite Protects Valuables From Theft.

10. Valley Floor Tour.

This open-air tram tour is the one formal tour we took on our week-long tenting journey in Yosemite National Park.

It was AWESOME!!!

Our solely remorse is that we waited a number of days earlier than we took the tour … it could have been higher to start out our week with this tour as a result of it provides an excellent overview of issues to do in Yosemite.

It excursions Yosemite National Park on the Valley Floor stage.

You can make observe of the locations you need to expertise later throughout your go to.

After the tour was completed, we created our personal private Yosemite trip information to verify we had time to do and see every little thing that appealed to us earlier than we ran out of time (did I point out per week goes by in a flash if you end up in Yosemite?!?)

Our tour was led by a educated park ranger who shared the historical past, flora, and fauna as we have been driving and stopping for images all through the Valley.

The tour runs within the winter however the car used is a heated bus slightly than an open-air tram.

11. Camping.

You know we love tenting … wherever the tenting location occurs to be … BUT … not all campsites are created equally!

If you’re planning to see all the iconic points of interest in Yosemite National Park, we have now one actually robust suggestion … YOU HAVE TO CAMP INSIDE THE PARK IN ONE OF THE CAMPGROUNDS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY!!!

There is nothing like waking as much as the sights and sounds of Yosemite.

It is unattainable to expertise all 761,266 acres of Yosemite in a single go to and the most iconic spots are positioned within the Yosemite Valley.

The visitors congestion on the Park entrance gate and on the roads inside the Park is heavy throughout the busy summer time months.

Even although it’s actually tough to get a reservation at one of many Yosemite Valley campgrounds, we’re actually comfortable we didn’t accept something much less!

Don’t hand over!

You can guide instantly on the Recreation.gov web site or use the app which is among the greatest tenting apps for planning and reserving your campsite and actions.

Keep attempting and finally you’ll get a spot contained in the Park on the campground of your alternative … You will take advantage of your go to to this magnificent place on earth known as Yosemite National Park!

Stay tuned … we have now a weblog submit within the works to provide the inside scoop in tenting inside Yosemite National Park!

3 Areas Of Yosemite

Because the park is so giant, virtually 1,200 sq. miles, you’ll need to consider it in three areas with the valley being within the heart with the most points of interest and other people:

Yosemite Valley:

Main Roads: Tunnel and Glacier Point Roads

• Between the north and south sides of the park

Main Attractions:

• Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and Theater
• Yosemite Museum
• Valley Wilderness Center
• Happy Isles Art and Nature Center
• The Ansel Adams Gallery
• El Capitan Meadow
• Yosemite Chapel
• Yosemite Valley Lodge
• Cook’s Meadow: Located between Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge
• Sentinel Meadow: Located west of the chapel
• Stoneman Meadow: Located throughout from Curry Village
• Leidig Meadow: Located west of Yosemite Valley Lodge
• Sentinel Bridge: Views of Half Dome, the reflection within the Merced River and Yosemite Falls
• Four Mile Trail: One of one of the best hikes for views however you want an early begin and good conditioning for this 9.6 mile spherical journey strenuous hike starting on the trailhead close to the bottom of Sentinel Rock and climbing to Glacier Point with a 3,200 foot elevation acquire. This path offers among the greatest views of Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley and a panorama of Half Dome and Sierra mountain peaks.
• Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Trails may be mixed right into a 4.9 mile loop journey hike with a 1,000 foot elevation acquire with views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and a 360-degree view of the park (Sentinel Dome is a good spot to see the dawn or sundown however you’ll want a flashlight for the portion of the hike at midnight.)
• Mirror Lake Trail: 2 mile spherical journey straightforward hike with solely 100 ft elevation and views of Tenaya Canyon, Mount Watkins and Washington Column.

South of Yosemite Valley:

• Towards Fresno by way of Route 41

Main Road: Wawona Road

Main Attractions:

• Wawona Visitor Center
• Yosemite History Center
• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
• Chilnualna Falls Trail: Strenuous hike offering many areas with views of the cascades
• Bridalveil Creek

North of Yosemite Valley:

• Towards San Francisco by way of Route 120

Main Road: Tioga Road

Main Attractions:

• Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
• Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center: Wilderness permits, bear canisters, maps, and guidebooks
• Tuolumne Meadows
• Hetch Hetchy Valley
• Tioga Pass Road: 47-mile scenic drive between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass
• Parsons Memorial Lodge: Easy one-mile (30 minute) quick stroll from Lembert Dome parking space or from the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
• Siesta Lake
• White Wolf Campground
• Yosemite Creek Picnic Area
• Olmsted Point
• Tenaya Lake
• Soda Spring
• Lembert Dome: Steep however quick hike to the highest of the dome with view of Tuolumne Grove Meadows

FREE Trip Planner

Yosemite Itineraries

Don’t miss these spots whereas visiting Yosemite National Park.

1-Day Itinerary

With solely at some point within the park, you’ll need to spend all the time in Yosemite Valley. Spots to see on day 1:

• Tunnel View: Drive into Yosemite National Park from the south entrance gate and keep on Wawona Road till you undergo the tunnel and pull off into the parking zone. Get out of the automotive to expertise the views from the Tunnel View lookout.
• Bridalveil Falls: Continue on the primary highway and take the quick drive to the Bridalveil Falls parking zone. There is a brief hike to the Bridalveil Falls Viewpoint. This is a half-mile spherical journey hike on a paved path that’s comparatively flat. It is taken into account a simple hike that solely takes about 20 minutes to finish. Bridalveil Fall is among the first waterfalls you’ll see when coming into Yosemite Valley. Be cautious since you’ll discover moist circumstances on the base of the falls, so, within the winter you need to be ready for doable icy and really slick circumstances.
• Four Mile Trail: Continue on the primary highway and veer onto Southside Drive. In about 4 miles you’ll come up on the Four Mile Trail. If you’re up for a strenuous hike, hit the path. The 9.6 mile journey hike offers among the greatest views of the park. You solely should go about midway up the path to get views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. If you don’t need to do all the 9.6 mile spherical journey, the midway level is definitely worth the time and power.
• Yosemite Valley Chapel: Continue driving alongside the highway and make a cease on the chapel which was designed by the completed church architect, Charles Geddes. It is the oldest construction in Yosemite Valley and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Sentinel Bridge: Continue driving alongside the highway till you get to the parking space for Sentinel Bridge. The space is close to Cook’s Meadow and the shuttle cease. Here, you’ll be capable of get pleasure from a improbable view of Half Dome and also you’ll see its reflection within the Merced River.
• Yosemite Valley Visitor Center: Continue alongside the highway, and comply with it because it begins a loop in the other way close to Curry Village (if you happen to’re hungry you will discover a chunk to eat in Curry Village.) At this level you’ll be on the Northside Drive which can lead you to the parking space for the customer heart. Make positive you watch the Spirit of Yosemite movie and stroll via the exhibit corridor.
• Yosemite Valley Lodge: Continue alongside the highway and cease on the lodge. There are a number of eating choices right here and that is the place you’ll discover a schedule with the present calendar applications chances are you’ll need to see throughout the late afternoon or night hours.
• El Capitan Picnic Area: As you proceed your drive alongside the North Drive, you’ll work your means again towards Tunnel View and can move the El Capitan Picnic Area. It is a good spot to replicate in your day as you sit on the picnic tables beneath El Capitan’s huge cliff wall. Grills can be found on this space which is open from daybreak to nightfall.

2-Day Itinerary

With two full days in Yosemite you may discover Yosemite Valley on the primary day then head to the realm to the south in your second day.

Enjoy the day 1 itinerary and relaxation as much as see extra thrilling sights in your second day within the park. Spots to see on day 2:

• Swinging Bridge Loop Hike: Park within the Wawona Store parking zone and stroll to the trailhead to expertise this straightforward 4.8 mile loop. You’ll cross Swinging Bridge and can comply with the trail again to the Pioneer Yosemite History Center and its coated bridge earlier than returning to the Wawona Store. NOTE: If you like a extra strenuous hike, do the Chilnualna Falls Trail and luxuriate in many areas with views of the cascades.
• Yosemite History Center/Museum & Wawona Visitor Center: Drive down Wawona Road and park within the History Center/Visitor Center parking zone. You’ll have already stopped right here whereas on the Swinging Bridge Loop Hike however if you happen to skip the hike, don’t miss the History Center.
• Wawona Hotel & Thomas Hill Studio: Continue alongside Wawona Road to the Wawona Hotel and park there to see the Victorian-era lodge and its lovely property. Don’t miss the Thomas Hill Studio whilst you’re there. The lodge eating room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in addition to night musical performances within the lounge.
• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: Continue driving down Wawona Road and park on the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza. There you’ll take the free shuttle bus to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. There are literally 3 completely different groves of large sequoias inside Yosemite with Mariposa Grove being the biggest. The different two smaller groves are Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove. Take one of many 4 hikes to expertise these superior large bushes:
  1. Big Trees Loop Trail (straightforward)
  2. Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (reasonable): I like to recommend taking this one so you may see the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Grizzly Giant, and the California Tunnel Tree.
  3. Guardians Loop Trail (strenuous)
  4. Mariposa Grove Trail to Wawona Point (strenuous)
• If you’ve got further time: Wawona Stable Rides provide a novel view of Yosemite. You can trip mules or horses and if you happen to take the 2-hour trip, you’ll be following the historic wagon highway utilized by the early pioneers and also you’ll see the Wawona Hotel, the Wawona Meadow Loop, a former Miwok encampment, Wawona Dome, and plush forest. These rides require superior reservations and a further charge.

7-Day Itinerary

Many households take their summer time holidays in Yosemite and are ready so as to add the north a part of the park to their checklist of issues to see. That additionally means you are able to do extra hikes and actions in every part of the park.

Enjoy the day 1 and day 2 itineraries then use day 3 to calm down a bit with some native actions. Take time to notice the locations you loved essentially the most that you could be need to see once more, or, these you have been unable to see but.

On day 4 head to the north facet of the park and spend the day exploring. This day you’ll be touring alongside Tioga Road which is positioned within the excessive Sierra Nevada space and is just open to autos from late May or early June to someday in November, climate allowing.

Services are restricted on this a part of the park so ensure you have loads of gasoline in your car and pack a lunch, snacks and drinks for a beautiful picnic alongside the route.

This day begins close to the east entrance gate to the park on Highway 120 also called Tioga Pass. This highway is a 47-mile scenic drive between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass. Spots to see on day 4:

• Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center: Drive alongside Tioga Pass Road and cease on the wilderness heart if you happen to want any kind of wilderness permits, bear canisters, maps or guidebooks.
• Tuolumne Meadows/Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center: Continue down Tioga Pass and pull off on the scenic spots to benefit from the views of Tuolumne Meadows which is among the largest within the Sierra Nevada. As you proceed down the highway you’ll get to the guests heart.
• Tenaya Lake: Continue your drive on the primary highway till you get to the biggest lake in Yosemite National Park. Tenaya Lake has spectacular blue water set towards a backdrop of granite domes and the expansive Sierra Nevada sky. You can simply benefit from the views or cease for a picnic or swim.
• Olmsted Point: Keep driving on Tioga move till you attain Olmsted Point the place you’ll cease and see views of Half Dome, Tenaya Lake and Clouds Rest.
• Yosemite Creek Picnic Area: Drive alongside the primary highway and cease to relaxation at one of many picnic tables whilst you get pleasure from your packed lunch beneath the shade bushes alongside Yosemite Creek.
• Siesta Lake: Continue driving down Tioga Pass and cease to view, swim, picnic or take a nap at Siesta Lake.
• Tuolumne Grove: Keep driving down the primary highway till you get to the Tuolumne Grove parking zone. In the grove you’ll see about two dozen large sequoias. There is a reasonable hike and a straightforward, half-mile, self-guiding nature path within the grove.
• Hetch Hetchy Valley: Drive additional down Tioga Pass to the northwest nook of the park the place you’ll discover Hetch Hetchy Valley. During the spring months you’ll discover flowing waterfalls and vibrant wildflowers. The space is thought for spectacular peaks, secret canyons and distant lakes.

On day 5 take a break and make a listing of the locations you need to revisit, or these you need to see for the primary time earlier than your journey ends.

On day 6 revisit the components of the park you loved essentially the most or these you haven’t but seen. Pack a picnic lunch so you may leisurely take-in your favourite websites and sounds.

On day 7 get your final glimpses of the park and prepare to go residence or wherever your journey takes you subsequent.

Yosemite Camping

Find details about campsites inside Yosemite at Recreation.gov.

• Campgrounds In Yosemite Valley:
  • Upper Pines Campground
  • Lower Pines Campground
  • North Pines Campground
  • Camp 4
• Campgrounds South Of Yosemite Valley:
  • Wawona Campground
  • Bridalveil Creek Campground
• Campgrounds North Of Yosemite Valley:
  • Hodgdon Meadow Campground
  • Crane Flat Campground
  • Tamarack Flat Campground
  • White Wolf Campground
  • Yosemite Creek Campground
  • Porcupine Flat Campground
  • Tuolumne Meadows Campground
• Backcountry Campgrounds (require a wilderness allow): Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise, Merced Lake, Vogelsang

During the busy season it’s tough to get a camp spot contained in the park. You can normally discover a spot in close by Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Parks.

• South Fork Campground is a small, primitive campground that has about 10 websites for tent tenting, trailers and RVs aren’t permitted. This distant space is positioned close to the foothills on the South Fork of the Kaweah River.

There are additionally many non-public campgrounds and RV parks within the space.

Boondocking Near Yosemite

Some of Yosemite’s campgrounds are open year-round however that doesn’t imply it’s straightforward to get a reservation contained in the park’s boundaries.

By venturing outdoors of Yosemite National Park, campers usually tend to discover a place to remain that’s shut sufficient to go to the park’s points of interest on day journeys (however be ready for the lengthy strains on the entrance gates).

Nearby National Forests provide campsites in developed campgrounds that always have potable water, dump stations, vault bathroom amenities and websites normally have a fireplace ring and presumably a picnic desk. In some areas, having campfires could require a campfire allow.

If these websites are full, otherwise you desire a dispersed camp expertise, you may typically discover free dispersed tenting choices. These sometimes require you to be totally self-contained. So, ensure you run your complete tenting guidelines so that you don’t neglect to pack something.

Also, verify the rules for utilizing boondocking websites on the governing company’s web site.

If you’ve got by no means camped on National Forest or BLM land, bigger rigs have to proceed with warning. You’ll typically be touring alongside a mud highway and your RV size, width and peak could not safely journey in these distant areas. Get our suggestions for tenting in National Forests.

Stanislaus National Forest

Hardin Flat Road (off of Highway 120) has FREE boondocking choices about 3 miles from Yosemite’s western facet.

Lumsden Campground

• Not advisable for trailers or RVs
• Operated beneath a concession settlement, charges do apply
• Vault bogs can be found
• Closest cities: Groveland, Big Oak Flat, Buck Meadows, Yosemite Lakes

Lumsden Bridge Campground

• Not advisable for trailers or RVs
• Operated beneath a concession settlement, charges do apply
• Vault bogs can be found
• Closest cities: Groveland, Big Oak Flat, Buck Meadows, Yosemite Lakes

Inyo National Forest

Glass Creek Campground

• FREE tenting accessible
• Closed within the winter season
• No water, no hookups
• Vault bogs can be found
• Maximum RV dimension: as much as 45 ft
• Near June Lake, CA. About 35 miles from Yosemite

Hartley Springs Campground

• FREE tenting accessible
• Closed within the winter season
• No water, no hookups
• Vault bogs can be found
• Near June Lake, CA. About 35 miles from Yosemite

Big Springs Campground

• FREE tenting accessible
• Closed within the winter season
• No water, no hookups
• Vault bogs can be found
• Near June Lake, CA. About 35 miles from Yosemite National Park

Sierra National Forest

Dry Gulch Campground

• Open all 12 months
• Camping charges do apply
• Tent solely tenting, walk-in tent websites on the Merced River
• Vault bogs can be found
• Near El Portal, CA. About 10 miles from Yosemite National Park

Dirt Flat Campground

• Open all 12 months
• Camping charges do apply
• Tent solely tenting, walk-in tent websites on the Merced River
• Vault bogs can be found
• Near Mariposa, CA

Redinger Campground

• Open all 12 months
• FREE tenting accessible
• Maximum RV dimension: as much as 25 ft
• Vault bogs can be found
• Located about 55 miles northeast of Fresno, CA

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

This location is north-east of Yosemite National Park. To get to YNP you’ll drive via the city of Lee Vining and up Tioga Pass Road.

Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground

• Open topic to climate circumstances
• FREE tenting accessible
• Maximum RV dimension: as much as 25 ft
• Vault bathroom is out there
• Near Lee Vining, CA

Lower Virginia Creek Primitive Campground

• Open topic to climate circumstances
• FREE tenting accessible
• Several websites can accommodate giant trailers or motorhomes
• Vault bogs can be found
• Near Lee Vining, CA

Toiyabe National Forest

Take benefit of the Green Creek Road dispersed tenting on this space.

Green Creek Campground

• Open topic to climate circumstances
• Camping charges do apply
• Maximum RV dimension: as much as 35 ft
• Vault bogs can be found
• Near Bridgeport, CA

Merced River Recreation Management Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages three developed campgrounds alongside the Merced River. A suspension bridge simply previous the BLM Campgrounds Briceburg Visitor Center should be crossed to get to the campgrounds. It is NOT advisable that trailers and RVs over 18 ft cross the suspension bridge.

Willow Placer Campground

• Walk-in camp websites
• Vault bathroom is out there
• Trash and recycling assortment cans
• Self-pay charge system
• There are picnic tables, hearth grills, and meals storage lockers in any respect camp websites
• All campsites are inside 200 ft of the river

McCabe Flat Campground

• Walk-in and drive-up camp websites can be found
• Vault bogs can be found
• Trash and recycling assortment cans
• Designated swimming seaside
• Self-pay charge system
• There are picnic tables, hearth grills, and meals storage lockers in any respect camp websites
• All campsites are inside 200 ft of the river

Yosemite Lodging

There is a variety of lodges, cabins and tenting throughout all the park.

In Yosemite Valley:

The Ahwahnee (previously generally known as The Majestic Yosemite Hotel): Upscale lodge with spectacular inside design and structure. Recognized as a crown jewel of the nationwide park lodges.

Yosemite Valley Lodge: Popular with households and enormous teams.

Curry Village (previously Half Dome Village): Various lodging decisions.

• Standard lodge rooms
• Wood cabins
• Canvas tent cabins
• You’ll additionally discover a number of eating choices, a present store, bar, mountaineering college and an outside swimming pool.

South of Yosemite Valley:

Wawona Hotel (previously Big Trees Lodge): National Historic Landmark, Victorian-era lodge normal lodge rooms with non-public or shared baths.

North of Yosemite Valley:

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge: Canvas-tent cabins widespread with guests beginning or ending an prolonged backpacking journey.

White Wolf Lodge: Remote lodge with canvas-tent cabins and conventional wooden cabins with non-public baths.

Best Time To Visit Yosemite National Park

Determining your schedule has lots to do with the climate and the varieties of actions you need to expertise in addition to the supply of lodging and the dimensions of the crowds.

Weather

There is a wide selection of climate patterns in Yosemite as a result of there’s a enormous vary between the decrease and better elevations. The lowest factors within the valley are roughly 2,000 ft MSL whereas the highest peaks on the mountains rise as much as roughly 13,000 ft MSL. That being stated, the annual climate reported for Yosemite National Park is as follows:

Crowds

The peak season with essentially the most guests in Yosemite begins in early summer time and runs via early fall when 75% of individuals come to the park. The two highest months are July and August.

Entrance Fees

There is an entrance charge to get into the park along with the price of tenting, lodging,
guided excursions and different fee-required actions. Rock climbers and backcountry backpackers are sometimes topic to particular use permits obtained via a lottery system. Learn extra about Yosemite’s charges and passes.

Yosemite is the right place to hike two of essentially the most iconic trails within the nation. Portions of the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail run via Yosemite. Learn about Yosemite’s John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails charges and guidelines.

Discounts are sometimes accessible to holders of one of many America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.

Fuel Availability

You could not take into consideration fueling your car … however it is best to.

• Gas is out there at Wawona, Crane Flat, and El Portal 24 hours per day with a bank card.
• Gas isn’t accessible in Tuolumne Meadows or in Yosemite Valley.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations can be found in Yosemite National Park. See the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations offered by the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
• Get further driving info.

You’ll have such a good time in Yosemite, I’m guessing you received’t need to cease after that go to! May we propose heading off to the Canyon?

Check out our The Grand Canyon – There’s No Better Place To Get Edgy And Go Camping! submit for extra info.

More Camping Ideas