Yosemite’s New Camping Rules: What Changed and How to Stay Compliant

Secure your Yosemite camping experience by mastering the park’s essential regulations before your wilderness adventure. From bear-proof food storage to campfire restrictions, these crucial rules protect both visitors and the park’s pristine ecosystem. Whether you’re planning your first Half Dome backpacking trip or returning to your favorite Valley campground, understanding current camping protocols ensures a smooth, rule-compliant stay in one of America’s most magnificent national parks.

Recent updates to Yosemite’s camping policies emphasize wilderness preservation and visitor safety. All campers must now use approved bear-resistant food containers, maintain quiet hours between 10 PM and 6 AM, and follow strict fire regulations that vary by season and elevation. Reservations are required for most campgrounds, with permits mandatory for backcountry camping—book early, as spots typically fill months in advance.

This guide breaks down the latest Yosemite camping regulations, ensuring your outdoor adventure stays both memorable and compliant with park policies.

Recent Changes to Yosemite Camping Regulations

Reservation System Updates

For 2024, Yosemite has significantly revamped its campground reservation process to make it more accessible and fair for all visitors. The new lottery system replaces the traditional first-come, first-served booking method, giving everyone an equal chance to secure their preferred camping spots.

Here’s what you need to know: Lottery applications open three months before your intended camping date and remain available for one week. You can select up to three preferred dates and campgrounds during this period. Winners are notified by email within 48 hours of the lottery closing, and successful applicants have 72 hours to complete their reservation.

Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder for your preferred month’s lottery opening date! While the new system might seem more complex at first, it actually reduces the stress of trying to book the moment reservations open. Remember to have your Recreation.gov account ready and updated before the lottery period begins.

For last-minute planners, a small number of campsites are still held for walk-up permits, available at the park on a first-come basis.

Capacity and Group Size Modifications

To ensure everyone’s comfort and safety, Yosemite has updated its campsite capacity limits for 2024. Standard campsites now accommodate up to six people and two vehicles, while some larger sites can host up to eight visitors. Remember that these numbers include children, so plan accordingly!

For group camping enthusiasts, there have been some significant changes. Group campsites now require a minimum of seven people and allow a maximum of 30 people per site. The popular Hodgdon Meadow group site has been modified to accommodate 15-25 campers, making it perfect for family reunions or outdoor club gatherings.

Here’s an insider tip: if you’re camping with a larger group but can’t secure a group site, try booking adjacent standard sites. Just keep in mind that each site’s individual capacity limits must still be respected, and quiet hours apply to all campers regardless of group size.

RV campers should note that vehicle length restrictions remain unchanged, but some sites have been redesigned to provide more space between neighboring campsites, enhancing privacy and the overall camping experience.

Essential Camping Guidelines

Food Storage and Bear Safety

Proper food storage isn’t just a suggestion in Yosemite – it’s a critical rule that helps protect both you and the park’s wildlife. Black bears in Yosemite have an incredible sense of smell and can detect food from miles away, making proper storage absolutely essential.

All food and scented items must be stored in bear-proof food lockers (provided at each campsite) whenever they’re not in immediate use. This includes obvious items like snacks and drinks, but also extends to toiletries, pet food, and even empty coolers or food packaging. The rule of thumb is simple: if it has a scent, it needs to go in the locker.

Your vehicle isn’t a safe alternative – bears can easily break into cars when they smell food inside. In fact, Yosemite bears have damaged hundreds of vehicles over the years, some for something as small as an empty wrapper or a stick of gum.

During the day, never leave food unattended at your campsite, even for a few minutes. At night, ensure everything is secured before going to bed. The food storage lockers at your site measure 47″x33″x28″ and can hold quite a bit, so plan your packing accordingly.

Remember, these rules aren’t just about protecting your snacks – they’re about keeping Yosemite’s bears wild and preventing them from becoming dependent on human food. A fed bear is often a dead bear, as they become increasingly dangerous once they associate humans with food.

Fire Regulations and Restrictions

Fire safety is a top priority in Yosemite, and understanding the current regulations can help protect both visitors and the park’s delicate ecosystem. Campfires are only permitted in designated fire rings or grills provided at your campsite, and you must never leave them unattended.

During the peak fire season (typically May through November), additional restrictions may be implemented based on weather conditions and fire danger levels. Always check the latest fire regulations at the visitor center or ranger station upon arrival, as these can change quickly.

When fires are allowed, you must only use dead and down wood collected from the ground – never cut or break branches from living trees. The maximum size for collected wood is 48 inches in length. Store-bought firewood is welcome, but remember that bringing wood from outside the park isn’t recommended due to pest concerns.

Here’s a handy tip: Keep your fires small and manageable – they should never exceed the size of the fire ring. Always keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby, and completely extinguish your fire before going to bed or leaving your campsite. The ashes should be cold to the touch.

During periods of extreme fire danger, all wood fires and charcoal grills may be prohibited, though camp stoves are usually still permitted. It’s smart to bring a portable camp stove as a backup cooking option.

Waste Management and Leave No Trace

Protecting Yosemite’s pristine wilderness is everyone’s responsibility, and proper waste management is crucial for preserving this natural treasure. Remember the golden rule: pack it in, pack it out. Every wrapper, bottle, and scrap of trash must leave with you when you depart.

Store all food and scented items (including toiletries) in bear-resistant food lockers provided at each campsite. These lockers aren’t just for food – they’re for anything that might attract wildlife, including empty food containers and disposable BBQ grills.

For human waste, use the designated restroom facilities at your campground. If you’re backcountry camping, dig a cathole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources, camps, and trails. Pack out your toilet paper – don’t bury or burn it.

Keep all dishwashing activities at least 200 feet from any water source. Use biodegradable soap sparingly, and strain your dishwater to catch food particles before disposing of it in designated utility sinks at your campground.

Here’s a pro tip: bring a few different sizes of resealable bags for sorting your trash. I always pack a dedicated “micro-trash” bag for tiny items like bread ties and candy wrappers that often get overlooked but can harm wildlife if left behind.

By following these waste management practices, you’re helping maintain Yosemite’s beauty for future generations while protecting its diverse wildlife.

Practical Tips for Compliance

Pre-Trip Planning Checklist

Before heading to Yosemite, create a detailed checklist to ensure a smooth camping experience under the new regulations. First, secure your camping permit and familiarize yourself with the updated car camping guidelines. Pack essential documentation, including your reservation confirmation and photo ID.

For bear safety compliance, bring approved bear-resistant food storage containers – these are mandatory year-round. Remember to pack biodegradable soap and a water filtration system, as regulations require proper wastewater disposal and safe drinking water practices.

Don’t forget your campfire permit if you plan to have one, and check current fire restrictions before your trip. Pack a portable stove as a backup for cooking. Bring sturdy garbage bags for the park’s strict pack-in, pack-out policy, and consider downloading offline maps since cell service can be spotty.

Pro tip: Take photos of all your permits and store them digitally as backups. Also, bring cash for any on-site fees and a detailed map of your designated campground area to ensure you’re setting up in the right spot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced campers can accidentally overlook important Yosemite camping rules. One common mistake is storing food improperly – remember, even a sealed packet of gum can attract bears. Always use the provided bear-proof storage lockers, and never leave food in your car overnight.

Many visitors forget about quiet hours (10 PM to 6 AM) and continue playing music or having loud conversations. This not only disturbs wildlife but also fellow campers trying to enjoy the wilderness experience. Another frequent oversight is collecting firewood from the forest floor – this is strictly prohibited as it disrupts the park’s ecosystem.

Generator use is often misunderstood – they’re only allowed during specific hours (7 AM to 9 PM in most campgrounds). Some campers mistakenly think they can wash dishes or bathe in natural water sources, which is harmful to the environment. Always use designated facilities.

Lastly, don’t forget to properly extinguish your campfire. A common error is assuming it’s out when embers are still hot underneath. Pour water over the fire and stir until everything is cold to the touch.

Camping in Yosemite is more than just an outdoor adventure – it’s a privilege that comes with the responsibility to protect this magnificent natural treasure. By following these camping rules, you’re not just ensuring your own safety and enjoyment, but you’re also helping preserve Yosemite’s delicate ecosystem for future generations to experience.

Remember to always store your food properly in bear-proof containers, maintain quiet hours, camp only in designated areas, and practice Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines aren’t just rules on paper – they’re essential practices that help maintain the park’s natural beauty and protect its diverse wildlife.

From personal experience, I can tell you that the most rewarding camping trips are those where we work together as a community to respect and care for our surroundings. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Yosemite camper, following these regulations ensures everyone can continue to enjoy this spectacular wilderness.

Let’s all do our part to keep Yosemite the awe-inspiring destination it has always been. After all, the future of this beloved park depends on each visitor making responsible choices today.