Calling all Yosemite campers! Crane Flat Campground, a popular destination for over a hundred thousand visitors annually, has finally reopened its doors after a four-year renovation project. The $9.8 million dollar investment, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, has transformed the campground from well-loved to luxurious.
“I hope people come back and notice how different it is now,” said project leader Matt Outhier. “This is another example of how the Great American Outdoors Act is transforming parks across the country.”
Campers can expect a complete overhaul. The once rusty picnic tables and fire rings have been replaced with brand new fixtures, and the campsites themselves have been redefined for a more spacious and organized feel. One of the most welcome improvements is the installation of bear-proof storage lockers at each site, a major perk for Yosemite adventurers.
Amped-up Accessibility
The renovation also prioritized accessibility. Eight campsites now boast features specifically designed for visitors with disabilities, including elevated bear boxes, accessible fire rings, and navigable paths that connect directly to comfort stations.
Planning Your Yosemite Camping Trip
Crane Flat Campground is just one of the many incredible camping options available in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite boasts 13 campgrounds, all of which require reservations during peak season (April through October). During the winter months, Camp 4, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but be warned, these campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during holidays and weekends.
The Crane Flat Campground is located along the Big Oak Flat Road, just west of Crane Flat, about 30 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley, at 6,200 ft (1,900 m) elevation. There is a gas station and minimal convenience items located nearby at Crane Flat. Trailheads for both the Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are located within a short drive of the campground.
Getting that Reservation
The window for making reservations varies depending on the campground you choose. For Crane Flat Campground, reservations open up two weeks in advance on a rolling daily basis. This means that you can snag a reservation 14 days prior to your desired arrival date. The best strategy is to be prepared at 7:00 am Pacific Time exactly two weeks before your trip and head to https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2991 to secure your spot. Don’t forget, reservations can disappear fast, so have your account set up and ready to go beforehand!
We hope this information helps you plan your unforgettable Yosemite camping adventure!
