Camping in Yosemite for holidays is even tougher than weekends
Camping in national parks has required a bit of planning as of late, but the stakes are even higher when it comes to securing a spot during popular holidays. Summer holidays like Fourth of July, Labor Day are extremely challenging. But, Thanksgiving and Christmas are easier to book than than your average reservation. A closer look at the numbers reveals just how tough it can be—and how much early planning pays off.
Play with our data visualization to learn more about trends for holiday vs non holiday camping.
Source: recreation.gov reservation data
Notes: If a holiday shows no data then it was likely closed for that holiday
Fourth of July and Labor Day: A Planner’s Paradise
Take Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite, for instance. For the Fourth of July, a staggering 73% of reservations are made more than three months in advance - mostly on opening day. This contrasts sharply with non-holiday periods, where only about 50% of campers book that far ahead. Labor Day paints a similar picture, with the majority of spots snatched up months before the holiday weekend. It’s clear that if you’re hoping to camp during these peak summer holidays, spontaneity isn’t on your side.
Fall Holidays: A Shift in Planning Patterns
As we move into the fall, however, the trends begin to shift. For Indigenous Peoples' Day, the percentage of reservations made three or more months out drops to 63%. By Thanksgiving, it’s even lower, with only around half of the reservations made that far in advance—right on par with typical, non-holiday booking patterns. This suggests that while summer holidays are dominated by planners, fall holidays allow for a bit more flexibility.
Booking Patterns: Two Peaks of Popularity
Interestingly, one pattern remains consistent: the most popular alternative to planning far in advance is booking at the last minute. Across multiple campgrounds and holidays, the week-of reservations spike. If you can act last minute and seize the moment then you can have a great holiday in Yosemite.
Advice for Aspiring Holiday Campers
So, what does this mean for your camping plans? If you’re aiming for a summer holiday, it’s best to set those reminders and snag your spot early. For fall holidays, while there’s a bit more room for spontaneity, the closer you get to the holiday, the tougher it will be to find a spot. And if you’re feeling adventurous, keep an eye on those last-minute openings—luck might just be on your side.
Planning a camping trip during the holidays requires a strategic mix of foresight and flexibility. Whether you’re a planner or a spur-of-the-moment type, understanding these patterns can help you score that perfect campsite for your holiday adventure.
