Yosemite this upcoming Summer

Question

Hi,

We're coming from the Netherlands, will be in Yosemite mid June, and again beginning of July. I understand camping reservations are postponed a bit, waiting for updates on new policies regarding available personell etc..

Hope we get an update quick, as our trip is one we're planning for several months now, something on our bucketlist for some years already, and costs a lot of money in the process already.

Would be pleased with any updates, so we can process our further planning.

Thank you!

Answer

Planning a trip to Yosemite in mid-June and early July is exciting, but it can be challenging due to high demand, especially for camping and lodging. Summer is peak season, and Yosemite is extremely popular during this time, so availability is limited and reservations often open many months in advance.

Regarding camping reservations and park updates:

Yosemite National Park typically releases summer camping reservations on a rolling basis. In recent years, some updates and new policies have delayed the exact opening dates for reservations due to staffing and operational adjustments.
The official recreation.gov website is the primary source for Yosemite campsite reservations. It’s recommended to monitor the site closely, as new slots can open up or cancellations can occur.
Some campgrounds and lodging inside the park fill up very quickly. If you cannot secure a campsite, consider alternatives outside the park, such as Mariposa, Groveland, El Portal, or Mammoth Lakes areas, which can provide access within an hour or so of the park entrance.

Other tips for planning your trip:

Consider staying in a combination of park lodging and nearby hotels to increase flexibility if camping is unavailable.
Check the park’s official website for updates on staffing, shuttle services, and visitor restrictions that might affect your travel plans.
Have backup plans for lodging and activities, as some trails or facilities may be limited due to maintenance or staffing shortages.
If your priority is specific activities such as hiking popular trails or guided tours, try to make reservations for those as early as possible once available.

In summary, the best approach is to monitor recreation.gov and Yosemite’s official updates closely, prepare alternative lodging options outside the park, and book any available reservations as soon as they open. This ensures you can make the most of your summer visit despite the uncertainties and high demand.

Yosemite this upcoming Summer

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