Book early or be flexible
Camping in Yosemite is never easy these days. But, being prepared and having the right expectations for your memorable weekend in Yosemite is important. The question for you is, how can you book a weekend of camping in Yosemite?
The short answer is book EARLY! And the second answer is go last minute!
Using the data visualization below, check out how month, campground and booking window help you camp in Yosemite! Note: Booking Window means how early someone made their reservation prior to it starting. TIP: Select month first since it determines campground choice!
Reservations by Month, Campground and booking window
Source: Recreation.gov reservation data
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer: Peak season means high demand, and the earlier you book, the better. If summer is what you want, you should book the day sites are released. Also, you can monitor the Yosemite twitter account for newly released sites since the last few years had sites open incrementally after snow melt related flooding. Also, last-minute opportunities exist but require constant vigilance since 1000s of other may want the same reservation. People in California have the best chance to go last minute due to proximity.
- Spring/Fall: These shoulder seasons offer a bit more flexibility. While weekends still book up quickly, there is slightly less competition compared to summer. But the Spring can have limited availability as large winter storms often result in closed campgrounds.
- Winter: Fewer crowds and more availability, but be prepared for the cold. However, there are some special events like Firefall (normally in February) that result in large crowds.
Why Book Early?
Yosemite is one of the most sought-after camping destinations in the United States, especially during the summer. Popular campgrounds like Upper Pines, North Pines, and Wawona fill up within minutes of being released. For a weekend spot, booking on the day reservations open (~ 3 months in advance) gives you the best chance to secure a reservation.
What does the data tell us?
- Upper Pines Campground: About 80% of the summer weekend reservations occur months in advance, with most occurring the first few minutes of availability.
- North Pines Campground: Not surprisingly, about 70% of the bookings with weekends have been made months in advance. And, July 2023 had many reservations were made even before the reservation window opened to the public!
The Last-Minute Strategy
If you missed the early booking window, all hope is not lost. Last-minute bookings can be successful, but it requires flexibility and persistence. Many campers cancel their reservations a few days before their trip, especially as the weekend approaches. By checking frequently for cancellations or setting up alerts, you can make your dream weekend happen.
For example:
- Camp 4: Known for its last minute reservations, Camp 4 is a great option for those who are flexible with their plans.
- Upper Pines & Wawona: Almost 30% of the weekend reservations for these campgrounds occur in the week of the reservation. And, about 30% of the weekday only reservations happen less than 7 days before the trip.
Tips for Success
- Set Reminders: Mark the reservation release dates on your calendar and set multiple reminders. Login to recreation.gov before the release time.
- Be Flexible: If possible, consider a mid-week stay or be open to different campgrounds within the park..
- Check Frequently: Last-minute cancellations happen. Use apps or websites that notify you of openings, and be ready to act quickly.
Conclusion
Booking a weekend camping trip in Yosemite requires either long-term planning or the flexibility to go with the flow. By understanding the best times to book and being prepared to act quickly, you can increase your chances of securing that perfect weekend getaway.
