Yosemite NP

[mrchinup1]

We're starting our Cross Country trip in a few weeks, we couldn't get reservations at Yosemite. I was wondering what campgrounds in the park are the best to get a first come first serve site? How much trouble will we have finding one? We will be there on the first of June. Thanks George

[Fyrzowt]

I'm not aware of any first come first serve sites.
Keep checking the reservation site regularly. Often times people can't make it for one reason or another and a site will show up when there weren't any before.
Even if you have to stay outside the park, Yosemite is worth seeing on a day trip.
Good luck, and enjoy your trip!
Dave

[BamCamper]

I don't think you'd have much luck just showing up in June especially after school is out for the summer and everyone's traveling. Campsites are a little hard to get. There are occasional cancellations as fyrzowt mentioned so your best bet is to keep calling. And the scenery is spectacular so good luck!

[yukionna]

Yosemite during the summer is tough to get into. Retired friends of mine have been trying to get a site there for this summer to no avail. They are resorting to "off-season" travel in September.

[AirstreamGypsy]

Since you'll be coming in from the east, head up the 395 to Lee Vining. Turn west onto 120. Just before you enter the park there is a State Campground? on the left. $7 a night I think. First come first serve. I always stay there out of the hustle bustle. Love it!

[str8strm]

We stayed at Yosemite Pines in Groveland....it was about a 45 minute drive to the park. Nice owners of place.

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by AirstreamGypsy

Since you'll be coming in from the east, head up the 395 to Lee Vining. Turn west onto 120. Just before you enter the park there is a State Campground? on the left. $7 a night I think. First come first serve. I always stay there out of the hustle bustle. Love it!

If you plan on the 120 entrance from Lee Vining, check the road closure reports by CalTrans and CHP. With all of the snow the 10,000 foot pass could still be closed the first of June.

Bill

[TinShack]

George, Most of the first-come-first-serve sites in Yosemite don't open until July. The reason for this is they are mostly located on Tioga road which is closed in the winter. The road often doesn't open until June because of snow.
For your information, the link below gives detailed information on camping in Yosemite without a reservation. You may think about camping outside the park. There are numerous National Forest campgrounds if you want to boondock.
Yosemite National Park - Camping Without a Reservation (U.S. National Park Service)

[mrchinup1]

Thanks everyone, good thing the park isn't one of the huge ones or it would be tough to see it all, staying outside of the park. We are planning on staying in the Yosemite area for 6 days. Before than Sequoia NP for 4, Death valley for just 2. 4-5 month total out west, we can wait to leave. 10k foot pass, holy cow, biggest mountains we have seen are only a little over 6k.

We are coming directly from Sequoia, so i guess we will go up 41, or would you take 49 to 140? Thanks again for the help. George

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by mrchinup1

Thanks everyone, good thing the park isn't one of the huge ones or it would be tough to see it all, staying outside of the park. We are planning on staying in the Yosemite area for 6 days. Before than Sequoia NP for 4, Death valley for just 2. 4-5 month total out west, we can wait to leave. 10k foot pass, holy cow, biggest mountains we have seen are only a little over 6k.

We are coming directly from Sequoia, so i guess we will go up 41, or would you take 49 to 140? Thanks again for the help. George

George,

From Sequoia take 180 to Fresno, then 41 north to Wawona. 49 is very windy and mostly 2 lane, be prepared to move over often. If you have seen the Long, Long Trailer, the scene where Dezi throws out Lucy's rock collection is the Tioga Road before it was paved. Grade is the same now, but pavement rather that dirt.

Bill

[TinShack]

Originally Posted by mrchinup1

Thanks everyone, good thing the park isn't one of the huge ones or it would be tough to see it all, staying outside of the park. George

George, the park is very big...1200 sq. miles. Most of this is wilderness, not accessible by car. Yosemite Valley is comparitively small and can be seen in a day or two...although once there you may not want to leave

[mrchinup1]

Back again:

How good of a location is this KOA for getting into the park? Would you stay here? Yosemite California Camping,Yosemite/Mariposa Campground in California - KOA in Yosemite


Thanks George

[Gene]

The first time I was at Yosemite was in the '50's and traffic was bad then. By all accounts, horrible now. Not a good way to see it. We went in October a couple of years ago and it was quiet. It snowed 15" at Sequoia when we were there. Best to go in September when school has started and less likely to have closed roads and snow. Sorry to tell you that. Since you be there in April, less traffic, but roads still unplowed. Good luck and camp outside the park.

Gene

[enduroryda]

Stanislaus River Campground

This is where we stayed, outside the park right on the river. We tented it back then and it was beautiful. A short drive and you could check out the Spicer Reservoir which is pretty impressive. Looks like you can bring a camper into the site.

[jayray5]

Yosemite valley is breathtaking and so crowded you won't believe it. Camp outside the park and take a couple day trips in. Bring a telesope or at least binoculars to watch the climbers on El Capitan. Hike to the falls and try to put your feet in the water--it's freezing in August!