Campground Regulations

Camping in Yosemite

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• Camping Regulations

These are some of the camping regulations that apply throughout the park. Additional regulations may apply at each campground. Violation of these regulations may result in a fine and/or revocation of your camping permit.

Food Storage

You must keep your food properly stored 24 hours per day. Read more about bears and food storage.

Campfires

Campfires are allowed in all open campgrounds at any time. However, from May through September, wood fires in Yosemite Valley and Hodgdon Meadow are only allowed between 5 pm and 10 pm (fires must be completely extinguished by 10 pm). Fires are allowed at any time from October through April.

Fires must always be attended and put out completely with water when not attended (do not let them smolder). 

Firewood collection is not permitted in Yosemite Valley, except within campground boundaries. Firewood collection is allowed outside Yosemite Valley below 9,600 feet. Collection is limited to dead and downed wood less than six inches in diameter. Do not collect pine cones, needles, or sequoia wood. Please don't bring firewood from more than 50 miles away to prevent spread of forest pests. You can purchase firewood at stores near most campgrounds.

Stove and charcoal fires are allowed in campgrounds 24 hours per day.

 

Camping Outside of Campgrounds and Sleeping in Vehicles

Camping or sleeping in vehicles is permitted only in designated campsites. Sleeping in vehicles is not permitted anywhere else in Yosemite.

People per Campsite

A maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite.

Vehicles per Campsite

A maximum of two motor vehicles are allowed per campsite. Most campsites can accommodate two motor vehicles, however, pay attention to the site details on Recreation.gov, as some sites can only accommodate one. All vehicles must be parked on a parking pad. Trailers don't count against the vehicle limit as long as they fit on the parking pad. Additional parking is available near each campground for no additional charge; for some campgrounds additional parking is very limited.

Camping Limit

There is a 30-night camping limit within Yosemite National Park in a calendar year; however, May 1 to September 15, the camping limit in Yosemite is 14 nights, and only seven of those nights can be in Yosemite Valley or Wawona.

Pets

Pets are permitted in all campgrounds except Camp 4 and all group campsites. Pets must be on a leash, and must not be left unattended while tied to an object. Read more about pet regulations.

Quiet and Generator Hours

Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Generator use is allowed only from 7 am to 9 am, noon to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm. Generator use is not allowed at other times.

Slacklines, Hammocks, Clotheslines, etc.

You may attached hammocks, clotheslines, and other tensioned lines in campgrounds as long as they do not create a hazardous condition. Please pad the trees to prevent damage. Slacklines may not be attached to oak trees.

Slacklines are allowed within 200 feet of Camp 4, consistent with the regulations above, as long as the owner is registered to stay at Camp 4. Slacklines are not allowed in other campgrounds.

Wastewater

Camp wastewater must be disposed of in designated utility drains. Sewage must be disposed of at designated dump stations (Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows).

Utilities

Connecting to any utility system (e.g., water spigots, electrical outlets) in the campgrounds is prohibited. No hookups are available in Yosemite.

Check-in/Checkout Time

Check-in and checkout time is noon. If you have a reservation, you can arrive any time after noon on your arrival date, but must check in prior to 10 am the morning after the first night of your reservation or your reservation will be cancelled.