Yosemite Announces Summer Campground Reservation Dates Amid Budget Concerns
Yosemite National Park has released its upcoming campground reservation schedule for the busy summer months, but visitors should act quickly as fewer spots may be available this year. Reservations for Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow, and sites 1–124 in Upper Pines Campground open soon, with officials anticipating high demand.
The reservation schedule is as follows:
- Arrivals from June 15 through July 14: Reservations open March 24 at 7 am PDT.
- Arrivals from July 15 through August 14: Reservations open March 31 at 7 am PDT.
Due to recent federal budget cuts and substantial layoffs affecting national parks and forests nationwide, Yosemite’s operational capacity has been significantly reduced. These cuts have limited the park’s ability to manage and maintain campground facilities, potentially leading to fewer reservations being offered to visitors this summer.
Park officials stated that additional campground sites may become available later if operational resources permit. Yosemite will provide at least seven days’ advance notice through the park’s website and social media channels if more spots are released. Current reservations already made are unaffected by these changes.
With campsite availability more uncertain than in previous years, visitors are strongly encouraged to plan early and be prepared when reservations open, as sites typically fill up within minutes.
