When Should You Reserve Your Trip to Yosemite?
Yosemite is one of the most-visited National Parks in the country, logging 3.67 million visitors in 2022. If you plan on hopping in an RV and hitting the road to Yosemite—or any other National Park—you’ll want to make a campsite reservation ASAP.
Below, we answer all your questions about reservations.
Most National Park campsites open up to 6 months in advance. Looking to head off to Yellowstone in June? Book your campsite in January! Hitting the road to Zion in July? Log on in February. Taking a trip to the Grand Canyon in August? Keep an eye out for booking in March.
Reservations at Yosemite National Park are a little different than the other parks. April through September, reservations are essential at the park. Even first-come, first-served campgrounds are usually full before noon.
If Yosemite is on your summer road trip route, you’ll want to book fast.
| Arrival date | Reservations Open |
| January 15 through February 14 | September 15 |
| February 15 through March 14 | October 15 |
| March 15 through April 14 | November 15 |
| April 15 through May 14 | December 15 |
| May 15 through June 14 | January 15 |
| June 15 through July 14 | February 15 |
| July 15 through August 14 | March 15 |
| August 15 through September 14 | April 15 |
| September 15 through October 14 | May 15 |
| October 15 through November 14 | June 15 |
| November 15 through December 14 | July 15 |
| December 15 through January 14 | August 15 |
Also important to note: Some National parks open for group sites, lodging, and activity permits as early as a year in advance. Research the specific parks on your road trip itinerary.
The availability of camping spots in National Parks largely depends on the park itself and its campgrounds. The more popular and frequently visited parks tend to get fully booked shortly after the reservation window opens—sometimes even within minutes. So, if you’re planning to visit these sought-after destinations, it’s best to secure your spot early to avoid any disappointment later on. Better safe than sorry, as they say!
On the other hand, some National Parks offer first-come, first-served campsites, meaning you can’t make advance reservations. In such cases, your best bet is to arrive as early as possible, as these sites often fill up rapidly, sometimes even before the afternoon. Have a backup plan though in case they’re already filled.
Weekends and summer holidays, like Labor Day and Fourth of July, see a surge in demand for National Parks and their campgrounds. As you might expect, finding available spots during these peak times can be quite challenging. However, on weekdays, you stand a better chance of securing a campsite without as much competition. Keep this in mind while planning your outdoor adventures!
All booked? Bummer! But hey, no need to fret just yet. Take heart in knowing that throughout the vast expanse of the United States, you can find more than 200 campgrounds and RV parks. So, even if you couldn’t secure a spot within the National Park itself, chances are high that you’ll find a suitable one nearby for your desired dates! Keep your spirits up and keep exploring!
If you’re heading to Yosemite, check out Outdoorsy Yosemite, where we have campsites with full hookups, a lodge, a swimming pool, and a beautiful lake.
Boondocking is also a great option. Plus, it’s free!
If you’re not sure where to go on a road trip this summer, we’ve got it all mapped out. Check out these 10 National Parks you must see in 2023.
Once you’ve decided on your destination, it’s time to plan the rest of the journey. Rent your RV and book your campsite. You can reserve most National Park campsites by phone or online at recreation.gov! Note that with the big boom in camping and RVing over the past year, campgrounds will fill up faster than usual. Happy traveling!