Outlets in Housekeeping Camp

Question

I’ve secured lodging in Housekeeping Camp for my trip in a few weeks. A (bad) review mentioned that the outlets only do 15 volts and can only charge a few phones (and are not restored if the breaker flips😳). Previously when camping in a koa cabin with outlets we used an electric skillet with no trouble. Has anyone used an electric skillet or electric teapot in Housekeeping camp successfully? I’m hoping the reviewer was exaggerating but maybe they actually ration the electricity to make it reach around to everybody.??

Answer

Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite National Park is a unique lodging option that offers canvas cabins with shared utilities. The electrical setup is designed primarily for low-power devices, such as charging phones, small lights, or other personal electronics, rather than running high-wattage appliances.

According to multiple visitor reports and official guidelines, each unit is equipped with a limited number of electrical outlets, typically providing standard 120V AC. However, the amperage is low, and the power is often shared among all the units on a loop, which can result in tripped breakers if too many devices are used simultaneously. This setup is intentional to distribute electricity evenly across all campers, rather than allowing any single unit to draw high amounts of current.

Because of this, high-wattage devices such as electric skillets, electric teapots, hot plates, or other kitchen appliances are generally not supported. Attempting to use them may:

Trip the circuit breaker, potentially cutting off power not only for you but for neighboring cabins.
Cause frustration if the power does not automatically restore until maintenance personnel reset it.
Pose a safety risk, as the outlets are not designed to handle continuous high loads.

Many visitors who have attempted to use appliances like electric skillets report mixed results. Some have succeeded with very low-wattage devices or short usage times, but most caution that relying on Housekeeping Camp outlets for cooking is unreliable. Instead, campers often bring alternative options for food preparation:

Use propane camping stoves or portable butane burners outside the cabins (in designated areas).
Bring battery-powered or small 12V devices designed for camping.
Cook meals in the nearby Yosemite Valley food services or restaurants.

In short, while the reviewer’s experience may sound exaggerated, the caution is valid: the electrical outlets in Housekeeping Camp are primarily for charging small electronics. High-wattage appliances such as electric skillets or teapots are not recommended, and any attempt to use them risks tripping the breaker and affecting the shared power supply.

Planning ahead with alternative cooking solutions will ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable stay without relying on the cabin outlets for kitchen appliances.

Outlets in Housekeeping Camp

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