There are some forest service campgrounds I think outside the south entrance. El Portal has an RV park, that might still have room.
There are a few first come, first served in the park, Bridalveil comes to mind. I would guess that if you can arrive during the week, and get there before 10AM, park and walk around till you see someone packing up and stand there to claim it.
Getting there early is hard from so cal sometimes. There is an Indian casino just south of Oakhurst that allows free camping in the parking lot. You can get there the night before, then bright and early get to the park.
The tolumne meadows campground is also half first come. They have over 300 sites, so that might be an option, but that is even further drive. There are a few other first come campgrounds in the park, go to the park's website.
Rodney 2005 Laredo 29GS 2002 F250 V-10 Hughesnet Satellite Internet
We have stayed just outside the park at: Yosemite Pines which is about 40 minutes from the valley floor visitor center (traffic not withstanding)
BUT!! If I were you, and had never been to Yosemite, I would wait to go until Spring. Go around the second half of May to the first half of June. The reason I say this is that all of the waterfalls in the valley are snowmelt fed. This means that toward the end of Summer and Fall, they have dwindled to a trickle (comparatively speaking). In the Spring they are in their full glory and will blow you away! You will not experience the true majesty of the Yosemite Valley going at the end of Summer.
I see that you have a truck camper w/toad. I would go in the Spring and stay at Crane Flat Crane Flat (about a 15 minute drive to the valley floor). The campground is far superior to camping in any of the valley campgrounds where you would be subjected to little privacy, lots of noise, and an inversion layer that holds down the campfire smoke and makes breathing miserable.
We have been going to Yosemite for over 20 years; backpacking, tent camping, and now RV'ing. If you want any further info please feel free to contact me.
* This post was
edited 06/22/08 08:45pm by firecapt1 *
Frank, Martha & Ryan
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2006 Cougar 289EFS
Frank is right. I went once in August, and I will NEVER go again then! heat, crowds, no water in the falls. Worst month to visit.
If you want to go this year, go soon! Up to middle of July is still good. Or go for fall colors in late Oct, early Nov, or go in winter for a real treat! Best part about later months, no crowds!
I agree with the posts who suggest you go later, after school starts. I lived my entire life in Califoria and there was never a place like Yosemite, Disneyland, Catalina or any good ocean campground, that you could go during summer without reservations. Even then you are battling the crowds.
We gave up and learned to go to all these places in off seasons.
Barb
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MrsSoCalToolGuy wrote: I agree with the posts who suggest you go later, after school starts. I lived my entire life in Califoria and there was never a place like Yosemite, Disneyland, Catalina or any good ocean campground, that you could go during summer without reservations. Even then you are battling the crowds.
We gave up and learned to go to all these places in off seasons.
Barb
Wish I could, but unfortunately I am a school teacher. One of the down sides is I get vacation when all the kids get theirs'! Guess I could try Spring Break
Spring break is a great time, I have done it a couple times. Weather is always unpredictable at that time. I have seen snow, rain, sun, all in a week! park is not fully open at that time, however. Glacier point will be closed, as will the tioga road. Some of the trails, such as Mist Trail will also be closed.
Since you are a teacher, you can still go in June or early July, both are still good, and have the benefit of everything being open.
August coulud be a good month to go to the high country, and the huge first come first served campground at Toulemne meadows.
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