This summer, Yosemite National Park is throwing open the gates to all 13 of its campgrounds—the first full opening since 2019. With approximately 500 additional campsites available, there's never been a better moment to immerse yourself in the raw, rugged beauty of Yosemite’s valleys and high country. For many, camping under Yosemite’s star-lit sky is a rite of passage, an intimate encounter with towering granite cliffs and whispering pines.

Starting June 20, White Wolf Campground along Tioga Road will welcome campers, with Tamarack Flat following on June 23. Both demand practical preparation: no drinking water onsite at either location. White Wolf offers portable toilets, while Tamarack Flat has vault toilets. Reservations open June 15 at 7 a.m. PDT, and can be made via Recreation.gov, releasing slots two weeks in advance.

Yosemite Creek Campground, also on Tioga Road, reopens July 1 with a limited selection of sites (1–40). Like the others, water isn't available, but vault toilets are in place. Reservations for Yosemite Creek open starting June 17 at 7 a.m. PDT, two weeks ahead. Expect rustic conditions that reward those who plan ahead with a solid water supply and adequate sanitation awareness.

Key campgrounds like Bridalveil Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows await their official reopening dates, soon to be announced. Meanwhile, all other campgrounds remain open for booking via Recreation.gov.

Camping here is a direct conversation with Yosemite’s fiercely independent terrain. The forests breathe around you, and the rivers dare you to pause and listen as currents push relentlessly forward. The park demands respect; it invites you to understand its rhythms rather than merely conquer its trails.

Plan your trip outside of peak afternoon heat and day's end to catch the shifting light on El Capitan and Half Dome. Carry sufficient water, sturdy footwear, and layered clothing—all essentials against the unpredictability of Yosemite’s high country weather.

Whether you're a seasoned backcountry camper or a first-timer setting up a tent beneath rustling pines, Yosemite’s campground reopening means access to the wild is at your fingertips. Make your campsite reservations early, prepare for minimal services at some locations, and step into a season of adventure where nature has its own pace, and you are part of the story.