Yosemite Camping

It offers some amazing camping spots for the entire family. However, be prepared for the company of the rats or remain all-alone in the awesome forest. Moreover, if you suffer from altitude sickness, then just forget about Yosemite Camping, as these camping sites are located at an elevation of 4,000 to 8,600 feet (1,200 to 2,620 meters). You can prefer a site at lower elevation in the valley to enjoy Yosemite Camping.

Yosemite Camping sites offer some of the choicest scenic beauties from magnificent waterfalls to immense granite formations.

There are 13 Yosemite Camping sites within the Yosemite National Park, out of which, at least seven require advance reservations for camping. Reservations become very necessary from April to September, while even the May to September season witnesses huge rush for the first-come, first-served sites. Reservations are essential through out the year for Yosemite Valley’s auto camping sites and these are required from Summer to Fall for Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, Wawona, and half of Tuolumne Meadows.

To have some of the best experiences at Yosemite National Park, you can choose to camp in the Tuolumne Meadows. It is one of the finest camping valleys both in terms of the density of people and the nearness of your neighbor. This camping site is located at the height of 9,000 feet above sea level, therefore, be prepared to face colder nights and occasional thunderstorms, especially when the San Joaquin Valley temperature rises to the 105 degree level.

Those interested in enjoying some tranquil moments in the amazing wilderness should head for the Bridalveil Creek situated along the Glacier Point Road, 3.25 miles away from the Badger Pass Ski Resort, and 25 miles from Yosemite Valley. You won’t find a better, high-country, lonely and quiet Yosemite camping site. Moreover, it is very close to the Glacier Point and Sentinel Dome trail.

You will also find some of the most adventurous hiking trails on this Yosemite Camping site. This place is very much beyond the reach of civilization or anything related to it. For getting your supplies, you have to travel to the valley or the Glacier Point.

Other great Camping options are the Hodgdon Meadow and the Crane Flat located along Highway 120 in the western end of the park in the proximity of the Big Oak Flat entrance. Both of these places share a lot of similarities in terms of amenities and location. In case you are planning to extend your vacations in Tuolumne Meadows, you should definitely consider staying here.

To effectively plan your camping trip to Yosemite you should purchase a good park guide book. It should contain complete campground guide, where to eat and stock up on supplies, detailed, accurate park and trail maps. An excellent one is Frommer's Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks by Eric Peterson. It has everything you need to plan your trip and more.

And, when planning for Yosemite camping, remember that you will get drinking from water spigots at some of the sites. You have to dispose off the dirty water only in the restrooms. The restrooms have no lights and the mosquito menace is considerably more severe at the higher places than in the valley. Bring flashlights; ones that can stand independently. Campsites are dusty and campfires emit a lot of smoke in the evening. So, take precautions if you suffer from allergies.