Is there free or dispersed camping near Yosemite National Park?

No, camping inside the park is limited to 13 designated campgrounds and permitted wilderness sites. Dispersed camping is allowed in select locations in the Stanislaus and Sierra National Forests nearby, provided you comply with stay limits, campfire permits, and motor vehicle use maps. Choose a Harvest Hosts stay to avoid camping fees while staying on private property arranged in advance.

Is Harvest Hosts worth it for a Yosemite trip?

Yes, Harvest Hosts is worth it for most self-contained RVers. Compare the $99 annual membership fee to campground rates for two to three nights in gateway towns or even the park itself. With reservations required during peak seasonal periods and only dry camping available in the park, staying with a Host on the way in and as you head out offers convenience and an extra bit of fun along the way. California alone has 0 Harvest Hosts locations.

Yosemite National Park RV Camping

Just west of Nevada's blistering desert lie the Sierra Nevada mountains and one of most popular national parks. A beloved spot for hiking, RV camping, and sightseeing, Yosemite National Park features four primary entrances: Tioga Road to the east, Big Oak Flat Entrance west from Modesto, Wawona Road south from Fresno, and El Portal from the southwest. Thousands visit every year to explore the park's nearly 1,200 square miles of diverse landscapes and catch a glimpse of darting chipmunks, light-footed mule deer, stocky bighorn sheep, and roving black bears. Commonly frequented attractions include Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and the Ansel Adams Gallery. Harvest Hosts has plenty of locations within an hour of the entrances where you can park your RV overnight at a working farm, brewery, or distillery.

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Yosemite National Park RV Camping Guide

When to Go

April through October are some of the best months to visit Yosemite National Park. As the last of the snow melts and average temperatures increase, the flora and fauna thrive, and the park's animals become more active. However, the beautiful weather and sights can draw significant crowds, so it's best to aim for later in the season (September and October) if you're RV camping in Yosemite National Park. Later in the year, snowfall restricts travel on Glacier Point Road and Mariposa Grove Road. The east section of Tioga Road also closes from November through May. If the snowpack doesn't deter you, campsites are available without reservation on a first-come, first-served basis to RVs of no more than 35 feet in length at Hodgdon Meadow and Wawona campgrounds from around Halloween through the first of April. As you plan your visit to Yosemite, pay close attention to RV length restrictions, as only 10 of the 13 campgrounds offer RV camping. Park staff won't be able to accommodate any requests to switch campsites.

Know Before You Go

Timed entry reservations are no longer required, but park entrance fees still apply. With increased congestion during peak season, park officials have committed to reducing wait times with additional traffic control methods and staff.
Yosemite offers dry camping conditions only, with no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available. Upper Pines Campground offers dump stations.
Maximum RV length is 40 feet, but only eight campsites accommodate RVs longer than 35 feet. Six of the spots are located in Lower Pines, while the remaining two are in North Pines. Parts of these campgrounds close due to flooding during May and June, further limiting availability.
Tire chain requirements take effect from October through April. If you're approaching Yosemite National Park from the east, an eight-mile section that winds through Tioga Pass climbs about 2,500 feet. Steep grades up to 8% can also put stress on RVs traveling in.
Pets are not allowed on most trails but are allowed in select campgrounds if leashed. Camp 4 specifically prohibits pets.
Proper food storage helps deter black bears. Keep food inside when RV camping in Yosemite National Park, with the doors, windows, and any vents shut when away from camp. Never leave perishables outside.
Help your child earn a Junior Ranger badge while RV camping near Yosemite National Park. They can record their travels with a free kid-friendly park guide available at most visitor centers.
Dress in layers, even during warmer months. Temperatures may be mild or even hot in Yosemite Valley, but conditions can change rapidly with elevation as you hike to Half Dome, Glacier Point, and El Capitan.

Nearby Attractions

Of the gateway cities leading to Yosemite National Park, Groveland offers its own piece of California's rich gold-mining history: after the initial gold rush, miners traveled here to process any left-behind ore. If you're a history buff, make a point of stopping by the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum to explore their newest exhibits. Just north of Groveland lies the Stanislaus National Forest, a favorite among those who love to hike, fish, bike, and just take in the scenic views. One of America's oldest and most breathtaking forests, it's home to over 800 miles of prime fishing locations just waiting for the perfect cast. Yosemite also sits on the southern edge of the Sierra Foothills wine region, near several Harvest Hosts vineyards and golf resorts.

Where to Camp

Inside the park. RV camping in Yosemite National Park is allowed within three out of four of the Yosemite Valley campgrounds. RVs are allowed at all campgrounds south of the Valley, and north of the Valley except for the Tamarack Flat and Yosemite Creek campgrounds. The majority of all campsites are located in Tuolumne Meadows, Upper Pines, and Crane Flat campgrounds. Elevation ranges from 4,000 feet to 8,600 feet. Permitted RV lengths are generally 35 feet in most spots, but are limited to 27 feet in White Wolf and 24 feet in Porcupine Flat.

Tips on reserving a campsite. Mark your calendar five months ahead to reserve RV campsites in Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow. Factor in a two-month lead time for Tuolumne Meadows, and about two weeks for every other campsite. Reservations can be made online or over the phone.

Camping outside the park with Harvest Hosts. Limited campsites and a lack of related services can make visiting Yosemite National Park in your RV more stressful than enjoyable. Many RVers choose to stay just outside of the park at nearby Harvest Hosts locations. Instead of paying a camping fee to park on this private property, you support owners by patronizing their working farms, distilleries, breweries, and attractions. While staying with a Harvest Host does require driving farther than if you camped within the park, it's easy enough to add an extra half hour or 45 minutes to your itinerary while enjoying the maneuverability of a regular vehicle. Consider bookending your trip to Yosemite National Park with two Harvest Hosts stays for an even more memorable adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can you sleep in your RV in Yosemite National Park?

You can sleep in your RV in Yosemite National Park, provided you're parked in a designated space that often requires a reservation. Park your RV overnight in 10 of the 13 campgrounds, excluding Camp 4, Tamarack Flat, and Yosemite Creek campsites. Park officials strictly enforce generator use, only permitting it from 7-9 a.m., noon to 2 p.m., and 5-7 p.m.

Where can I camp in an RV near Yosemite National Park?

You can camp outside the park near Yosemite National Park, since in-park sites book up almost instantly. Harvest Hosts has many locations within an hour of the entrances, including wineries, farms, breweries, and attractions where you park overnight with no camping fee. Hosts cluster in the gateway towns: Oakhurst and the Highway 41 corridor to the south, Mariposa and Groveland to the west along Highways 140 and 120.

Do you need a reservation to enter Yosemite National Park?

No, you don't need a reservation to enter Yosemite National Park. Park entrance fees still apply, and parking spots go quickly during peak times. It's best to arrive in the early morning hours or late evening hours to avoid much of the congestion, but the park also relies on traffic-control measures to keep the flow moving.

What are the RV length limits in Yosemite National Park?

RVs are limited to 35 feet in most locations around Yosemite National Park, with some areas permitting RV lengths up to 40 feet. RVs no longer than 27 feet are allowed in the White Wolf campground, while lengths are restricted by an additional three feet in Porcupine Flat campground.