Yosemite Park to Activate All Campgrounds for the First Time since 2019, Amidst Prolonged Staffing Crises and Financial Constraints
Head to Yosemite National Park and snag your perfect camping spot now! The park has unveiled its plan to open all of its campgrounds for the public this year, making a much-anticipated return since 2019.
The official announcement, shared on a busy Wednesday, reveals that Yosemite's 13 campgrounds will welcome visitors, bringing around 500 campsites. To reserve your preferred spot, ensure you make a booking from April through October.
Ray McPadden, the Acting Yosemite National Park Superintendent, shared his enthusiasm, saying, "Camping in this iconic park is a breathtaking experience, and we aim to make it possible for as many adventurers as we can."
Do take note that the White Wolf Campground, shut down for water and sewage line upgrades at the end of 2022, will reopen on June 20. However, visitors should pack a top-notch water filter or purifier since there'll be no drinking water available. Additionally, only portable toilets will be provided for use.
Another campground, Tamarack Flat, which remained closed in 2024, will be ready for campers on June 23. While no drinking water is available here, the campground does offer vault toilets.
Reservations for both campgrounds can be secured starting June 15 at 7am Pacific time, two weeks in advance on Recreation.gov.
Some other notable changes in the campground's temporary reservation on-sale dates are:
- June 15: Reservations for stays from September 15 through October 14 in Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow will be up for grabs.
- June 15: Reservations for White Wolf (with no drinking water and portable toilets only) and Tamarack Flat (no drinking water and vault toilets) will begin releasing daily (two weeks in advance) starting June 15, with White Wolf opening on June 20 and Tamarack Flat on June 23. The release date for Tuolumne Meadows Campground will be announced soon.
- June 17: Reservations for sites 1-40 in Yosemite Creek (no drinking water and vault toilets), opening July 1, will be available.
- July 15: Reservations for stays from October 15 through December for Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow will release. From July 15, the service will resume its regular release schedule.
The announcement comes shortly after Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's April 3 Secretarial Order, which pushed for all National Park sites to stay open amidst crippling staffing shortages caused by the administration's hiring freeze and budget cuts. As a result, Yosemite scientists have had to pitch in by cleaning restrooms to help manage the staffing gap.
Despite the challenges, McPadden expresses excitement about opening the campgrounds this summer season, even with widespread competition for reservations. To increase your chances of securing a spot, set your alarm and be ready to log in to Recreation.gov before 7am Pacific time.
Worried about a comfy sleep in the wilderness or cooking a mouthwatering meal? We've got you covered! Check out our recommendations for the finest sleeping bags and best camping stoves to make your outdoor adventure unforgettable.
If planning your National Park travels has you stumped, don't miss our article on mastering the National Park system's reservation system for tips to visit bustling parks this summer.
Incorporating the words travel and lifestyle, here are two sentences:
- For those seeking an unforgettable lifestyle experience, preparing for a trip to Yosemite National Park offers an excellent opportunity to invest in top-notch camping gear, such as the finest sleeping bags and best camping stoves, to make their outdoor adventure travel a memorable one.
- As travel resumes in Yosemite National Park, embracing a vacation lifestyle focused around nature and camping, it's essential to plan ahead and reserve your preferred campsite, whether it's Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow, White Wolf, or Tamarack Flat, to ensure a tranquil escape from daily routines this summer season.
