Best time to enter the park on Saturday

Question

Hi, we will be entering the park from hwy 41 on Saturday June 14th with a camping reservation. We usually arrive early afternoon to try and miss the line at the gate but from what I’ve read it looks like entry restrictions end at 2:00? I was thinking that this may mean long lines of non-reservation people at that time. Any suggestions on a good time to arrive and still have daylight to set up camp or knowledge if that is true? I can’t really arrive early as I’m coming up from Orange County and it’s a good 7 hour drive.

Answer

Yosemite National Park in mid-June is extremely popular, especially on weekends. Entering via Highway 41 from the south (Wawona/Mariposa area) can be subject to congestion, particularly on Saturdays. Since you have a camping reservation, you are allowed entry even during the reservation-only window, but timing can still impact how smooth your arrival is.

Here are some considerations and suggestions for your Saturday entry:

Entry Restrictions: In June, Yosemite sometimes uses reservation-based entry permits during peak hours. Typically, this means visitors without reservations may experience delays or be turned away until after 2:00 PM. Those with reservations, including campsites, usually have smoother access, but traffic can still back up at the gate.
Travel Timing: Coming from Orange County, a 7-hour drive will place you around 1–2 PM if you leave early in the morning. This is near the time when entry restrictions lift for non-reservation visitors, meaning you'll likely encounter heavier traffic and longer lines than earlier in the morning.
Recommended Arrival: If possible, leave very early, around 5–6 AM. This allows you to arrive by late morning, giving you daylight to set up camp and avoid the heaviest traffic that builds later in the afternoon. Even with a reservation, arriving earlier reduces stress and allows time for exploring or grabbing supplies.
Alternative Strategies:
- Consider stopping overnight midway (e.g., near Fresno or Oakhurst) to leave early Saturday morning.
- Check the Yosemite National Park website or app on the day of travel for real-time traffic updates and entry conditions.
- Have your camping reservation and ID ready to show at the gate, which helps speed up the process.

Summary: While arriving in the early afternoon is feasible with a campsite reservation, it will likely coincide with peak entry times for other visitors, potentially slowing your access. Leaving extremely early, or planning an overnight stop en route, will give you more daylight to set up and enjoy the park comfortably.

Best time to enter the park on Saturday

More Yosemite National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions