Yosemite Closes Two Backpacker Campgrounds as Park Battles Staff Shortages

On April 25, Yosemite National Park closed two of its four backpackers campgrounds, redirecting many hikers to the already crowded Camp 4.

The closures affect the backpackers campgrounds in Yosemite Valley and White Wolf, while the Tuolumne Meadows campground may open later in August. Historically, these campgrounds offered vital overnight options for multi-day hikers along routes like the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and John Muir Trail (JMT), providing convenient spots for resupply and rest without requiring reservations.

Now, backpackers will need reservations for Camp 4, and capacity there will be cut to about a third of what the Yosemite Valley backpackers campground could previously accommodate. This shift could make an already packed summer even tighter for overnight visitors.

While park officials haven’t officially cited a reason for the closures, staffing shortages have strained Yosemite’s operations. The National Park Service is grappling with a 30% staff deficit following significant federal staffing cuts earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Yosemite’s pilot reservation system to reduce congestion has been put on hold, raising concerns about crowding during peak season.

Camp 4 reservations are available seven days in advance on Recreation.gov. Backpackers arriving on foot are still permitted to stay one night in any open backpackers campground and a second night in another.