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  Frequently Asked Questions about Campground Reservations
 Camping in Yosemite
Making a Reservation
Campground Reservation FAQ
Camping Without a Reservation
Campgrounds
Camping Regulations
Why is it so hard to get a reservation?
While it may be hard to believe, it's difficult to get a reservation simply because the demand is extremely high. Reservation availability decreases rapidly once reservations become available because the website has a virtually unlimited capacity to accept reservation requests from the thousands of people submitting them. (In contrast, when the system was run primarily by telephone, there were a limited number of phone lines available.) There have been very limited cases of people misusing the reservation system, and we've taken steps to eliminate this (and actively continue to monitor and eliminate this misuse). However, even at its peak, misuse of the online reservation system accounted for a very small fraction of reservation transactions.

The campsite I reserved says it accepts an RV or trailer length that's shorter than the length of my RV or trailer. Can I still use the campsite?
RV and trailer length listed for each campsite indicate the maximum length of an RV and/or trailer the campsite can easily accommodate. In many cases, the maximum lengths for RVs and trailers are different because the campsites are not pull-through sites. Factors limiting RV/trailer length include access roads into some campgrounds and the turning radius required to maneuver into the site. In any case, if you reserve a campsite for an RV or trailer that is longer than specified for the campsite and can park all of your RV's or trailer's wheels onto the parking pad without obstructing traffic, you can use the campsite. However, we do not recommend taking this risk. If you're unable to get your RV or trailer into the campsite, we won't be able to find another campsite for you. You can call the campground office at the phone number listed in your reservation if you have questions about a specific campsite. Please read the site alerts carefully, and realize that the lengths allowable are almost always different depending on if you are in a RV or a trailer (trailer maneuverability limits trailer length).
I made a reservation for an RV nonelectric campsite but only have a tent. Can I still use the campsite?
Some campsites are listed on recreation.gov as "RV nonelectric." This means the campsite is best suited for RVs and trailers. While you aren't required to use an RV in one of these campsites, they are listed as RV only because they generally do not have adequate or level space to pitch a tent. If you arrive and find that the campsite doesn't work for you and/or your tent, we will not be able to move you to a different campsite. You should always read the site alerts and book a site that is appropriate for the equipment you will be camping in. If you have questions about a specific campsite, you can call the campground office at the phone number listed in your reservation.
I made a reservation for a tent-only nonelectric campsite but have an RV or other vehicle I sleep in. Can I still use the campsite?
RVs are not allowed in tent-only campsites. These sites only have space for tents and, in many cases, the parking is a short distance away from the campsite (and you're required to camp in the campsite). You should always read the site alerts and book a site that is appropriate for the equipment you will be camping in. If you arrive with different equipment than allowed in the site you reserved, we will not be able to accommodate you.
I made a reservation for a standard nonelectric campsite. What does this mean?
Most reservable campsites in Yosemite are listed on recreation.gov as "standard nonelectric." These campsites are suitable for both tents and RVs (or a combination of both). But be sure to read the site alerts and book a site that will accommodate your specific equipment. Many large RVs and trailers will not fit into many standard campsites.
In May and June, why are so many campsites in North Pines and Lower Pines not available for reservation?
Spring floods are common in Yosemite Valley in May and June, with portions of Lower Pines, and, especially, North Pines Campgrounds becoming inundated. As a result, we don't make the affected campsites available for reservation until we are sure the river will be at a safe level. Depending on conditions, these campsites may be available for reservation a few weeks (less likely) or just a few days (more likely) in advance via recreation.gov. If water levels are high, these sites may only be available in the park on a first-come, first-served, daily basis.
We have more than two vehicles arriving at our campsite. Where can we park the additional vehicles?
A maximum of two motor vehicles are allowed per campsite. 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. Additional parking is available near each campground for no additional charge; for some campgrounds additional parking is very limited.
When can I check in? Can I check in after hours? What if I'm late?
Checkin (and checkout) time is noon on your arrival date. If you arrive after the ranger has left the campground, proceed directly to the campsite indicated on your reservation. (At Tuolumne Meadows Campground, check the kiosk to find out which campsite you're assigned to.) You must check in at the campground kiosk or the reservation office the next morning to ensure we know you're here. If you plan to arrive later than the arrival date on your reservation, please call the campground office number listed on your reservation paperwork. If we don't hear from you by noon after the first night on your reservation, and you have not checked in, you will forfeit your entire reservation. The person whose name is on the reservation must check in with valid photo identification.
How can I cancel or change my reservation?
Call 877/444-6777 to change or cancel your reservation. You can also log in to recreation.gov to cancel your reservation.
 Last updated: September 13, 2023
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