Yosemite Delays Camping Reservations Amid Federal Job Cuts and Uncertainty

Yosemite National Park has announced a delay in summer camping reservations, impacting bookings from June 15 to July 14 at Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow campgrounds. The decision comes amid widespread federal job cuts affecting the National Park Service (NPS), leaving many questioning the impact on park operations.

While Yosemite officials have not cited a specific reason for the delay, the announcement coincides with the firing of about 1,000 newly hired NPS employees under the Trump administration. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been aggressively cutting federal jobs, including those in park maintenance, visitor education, and cleaning services.

Despite speculation, Jonathan Farrington, CEO of the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, said there’s “a lot of conjecture but few facts” regarding the employment changes and their effect on park services.

The delays come during a peak visitation period, as Yosemite prepares for its annual Firefall event at Horsetail Fall. Hundreds of photographers and visitors gather in mid-to-late February to witness the stunning natural illusion of a molten orange cascade, created when the sunset hits the waterfall at just the right angle.

Due to growing crowds, reservation requirements have been set for key viewing dates, including February 22 and 23. Park officials warn of traffic congestion and safety concerns during the event, urging visitors to plan accordingly.