Key Reservation Dates Announced for Popular Yosemite Campgrounds
March 14, 2025 – After an unexpected delay, Yosemite National Park has officially announced the new release dates for summer 2025 campground reservations. If you’re planning a camping trip to Yosemite between June 15 and August 14, here’s what you need to know:
New Release Schedule for Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow, & Upper Pines (Sites 1-124):
March 24 at 7 AM PDT → Reservations open for June 15 – July 14 arrivals
March 31 at 7 AM PDT → Reservations open for July 15 – August 14 arrivals
Reservations will be available at Recreation.gov and are expected to sell out within minutes.
Why the Delay?
Yosemite National Park initially planned to release these reservations in February but held off while awaiting operational decisions from the current administration. This delay affected reservations for five major campgrounds: Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow. While the new dates are set, the park has stated that additional campsites could become available later in the season, depending on operational capacity. Any changes will be announced at least seven days in advance via the park’s website and social media channels.
Understanding Yosemite’s Campground Reservation System
Yosemite National Park has 13 major campgrounds, all requiring reservations from April through October. Here’s a breakdown of how different campground reservations work:
Five Months in Advance (on the 15th of each month):
- Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow
Two Months in Advance (on the 15th of each month):
- Half of Tuolumne Meadows Campground (The other half is released on a rolling 14-day window.)
Two Weeks in Advance (Rolling Daily Window, 14 Days Prior to Arrival):
- Bridalveil Creek, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, & Tuolumne Meadows (remaining half)
One Week in Advance (Rolling Daily Window, 7 Days Prior to Arrival):
- Camp 4 (April 13 – October 27 reservations required)
Pro Tips for Securing a Yosemite Campsite
Log in early → Be on Recreation.gov before 7 AM PDT on release days.
Sync your clock → Set your device to accurate Pacific Time to avoid missing the instant release.
Phone Reservations Available → Call 877-444-6777 (or 877-833-6777 for TDD).
No Reservation? Other Camping Options
If you can’t secure a reservation:
Try first-come, first-served campgrounds (available fall through spring).
Check for cancellations on Recreation.gov regularly.
No Sleeping in Vehicles → Yosemite does not allow overnight vehicle sleeping outside of designated campsites.
Final Thoughts
Yosemite’s summer campgrounds fill up fast, so set your reminders and be ready to book on March 24 and March 31! We’ll keep you updated if any additional campsites are released later in the season.
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