Winter camping is for true outdoor enthusiasts.
Yosemite National Park is located in the central California. It is one of the first national parks in the United States. The National Park Service (NPS) states the park is best known for its waterfalls, but has plenty more to offer with its almost 1,200 square mile size. The Yosemite Hikes website states the park closes many attractions in the winter, but camping is still available at some designated sites for "hardy travelers."
Winter Reservations
The NPS recommends making reservations for camping at Yosemite National Park, but first-come, first-serve camping is available if not completely booked. Winter reservations are based upon arrival date. Arrival dates and first reservation dates are listed as following: Arriving Dec. 15 through Jan. 14 is reserved starting on Aug. 15; arriving Jan. 15 through Feb. 14 is reserved starting on Sept. 15; and arriving Nov. 15 through Dec. 14 is reserved starting on July 15. Reservations are made through the Internet at www.recreation.gov or by phone at 877-444-6777.
Winter Campsites
The NPS lists available year round campsites in Yosemite. They are Upper Pines, Camp 4, Wawona and Hodgdon Meadow. As of 2010, Camp 4 costs $5 a person, does not allow pets, is available on a first-come first-serve basis and does not allow RVs or trailers. The remaining three year-round campsites cost $20 a day, allow RVs and trailers, allow pets, but are available by reservation only.
Winter Camping Regulations
The only different winter camping regulations are the ability to have a fire any time of day, and being allowed to camp for up to 30 days. However, from May to September, fires are allowed only from 5 to 10 p.m., and camping is only allowed for up to 15 days, according to the NPS. All other camping regulations are consistent throughout the year. Some examples include: a maximum of two vehicles per campsite; a maximum of six people at a campsite; quiet hours between 6 and 10 p.m.; and all camp waste water disposal has to take place at designated dump facilities.
Winter Activities
Yosemite Hikes states several activities are available to campers and visitors during the winter. Those activities include: hiking, ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, sledding and tubing and sleigh rides. The park even has its own ski area known as Badger Pass. Yosemite Hikes describes the ski area as inexpensive, small and made up of green and blue runs.
Chains Required
Yosemite Hikes states all people driving in Yosemite National Park in the winter are required to carry chains on their cars. This is important to campers as it is necessary to drive a certain distance in the park to get to winter campgrounds. There are four levels of road conditions for necessitating tire chains. Level 0 requires the presence of chains in the car; Level 1 requires chains on tires unless snow tires are present; Level 2 requires chains unless the vehicle is four-wheel drive; and Level 3 requires chains on all vehicles without exception.
Tags: Level requires, National Park, Yosemite Hikes, Level requires chains, requires chains, reserved starting, through reserved