Yosemite National Park is a bucket-list destination for RV travelers. Towering granite cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and giant sequoias create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. If you plan to bring your RV in 2026, you will find a few key updates and many long-standing rules that shape how you can camp and explore. This guide covers in-park campgrounds, private RV parks outside the entrance, size restrictions, and essential tips to help you enjoy your trip without surprises.
What Changes in 2026 for Yosemite RV Travelers
The most significant change for 2026 is that Yosemite National Park will not require an advance reservation to enter the park, even during peak summer months and the February-March firefall period. You still need to pay the entrance fee, but you no longer need a timed-entry reservation on top of your campground booking. This simplifies planning, but it does not mean you can arrive without a campground reservation from April through October. A campground reservation is required if you visit during that period, and those reservations remain extremely difficult to get.
Most campgrounds in Yosemite allow RVs and trailers, but space is limited and rules vary by location. Sleeping in your RV overnight is only permitted inside designated campgrounds. Parking lots and roadsides are off-limits for overnight stays.
In-Park RV Camping: What You Need to Know
Campgrounds and Hookups
Yosemite has 10 campgrounds that can accommodate RVs and trailers. None of these campgrounds offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups. You will be dry camping (boondocking) inside the park. Dump stations are available at Upper Pines Campground year-round, and near Wawona Campground and Tuolumne Meadows Campground during summer only. Generator use is allowed only between 7 am and 9 am, noon and 2 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm. Plan your power needs accordingly, and bring extra water if your RV has a large tank.
Size Limits and Road Restrictions
In Yosemite Valley, the maximum RV length is 40 feet and the maximum trailer length is 35 feet. Only 8 campsites in the valley can accommodate RVs of that maximum size. Many more sites can take RVs up to 35 feet or trailers up to 24 feet. If you drive a larger rig, you will have fewer options. Beyond the valley, certain roads have restrictions that affect some RVs and most trailers. Glacier Point Road, Mariposa Grove Road, and Hetch Hetchy Road all have length or vehicle restrictions. Always check current conditions on these roads before driving, and consider using the park shuttle if your RV is too big for a particular route.
Food Storage and Overnight Parking
Bears are active in Yosemite, so food storage rules are strict. You can store food inside a hard-sided RV as long as all windows, doors, and vents are closed and the food is out of sight. Soft-sided campers and tents must use bear-proof food lockers. Remember, overnight parking by the road or in any parking lot is prohibited. You must have a reservation for a designated campsite to sleep in your RV inside the park.
Private RV Parks Near Yosemite
If you prefer full hookups or want an easier reservation process, several private RV parks sit just outside Yosemite National Park. They offer amenities that in-park campgrounds lack, such as electricity, water, sewer connections, pools, and playgrounds. The trade-off is that you will need to drive into the park each day, which can add travel time and requires planning around parking availability inside the park.
| Feature | In-Park Campgrounds | Private RV Parks Outside |
|---|---|---|
| Hookups (elec/water/sewer) | None | Full hookups available |
| Reservation difficulty (Apr-Oct) | Extremely difficult, months in advance | Easier, often available last minute |
| Distance to park entrance | Inside the park | Miles from entrance (e.g., 24 miles) |
| Max RV length | 40 ft RV, 35 ft trailer in Valley | Varies; generally larger sites |
| Amenities | Dump stations, no hookups | Pools, playgrounds, WiFi, store |
Yosemite RV Resort is located near the South entrance and offers RV sites, cabin rentals, tent camping, and yurt rentals. Rates start at around $50 per night. Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging is at 20450 Old Highway 120 in Groveland, California, about 24 miles from the park entrance. Yosemite Lakes RV Campground has 254 full hook-up sites, along with 130 tent sites and cabin and yurt setups. High Sierra Mobile & RV Park is a waterfront RV park near Yosemite. Each of these parks provides a different experience, so check each one’s website for current rates, size limits, and policies before booking.
Tips for a Smooth Yosemite RV Trip
Reservations for Yosemite’s in-park campgrounds open months ahead and sell out within minutes for peak season. If you cannot secure a spot inside the park, book a private RV park as a backup. Once inside the park, parking for RVs and trailers is limited and can fill by late morning during summer, especially on weekends. Arrive early and consider using the Yosemite Valley shuttle to get around without moving your rig. Always verify your RV’s length against the road restrictions, and remember that Glacier Point Road, Mariposa Grove Road, and Hetch Hetchy Road may not be passable with a large trailer. If you plan to visit in late fall, winter, or early spring, you can try for first-come, first-served campgrounds, but confirm opening dates and conditions with the NPS website before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep in my RV outside a designated campground in Yosemite?
No. Sleeping in an RV overnight is not allowed outside of designated campgrounds. Overnight parking by the road or in parking lots is prohibited. You must have a reservation at a campground that permits RV camping.
Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite National Park in 2026?
No. Yosemite National Park will not require advance reservations to enter the park in 2026, even during peak summer months and the February-March firefall period. You still need to pay the entrance fee, and a campground reservation is required if you visit from April through October.
Are there hookups for RVs in Yosemite campgrounds?
No. None of the 10 campgrounds that accommodate RVs and trailers offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Dump stations are available at Upper Pines Campground year-round, and near Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows campgrounds during summer only.
What is the maximum RV length allowed in Yosemite?
In Yosemite Valley, the maximum RV length is 40 feet and the maximum trailer length is 35 feet. Only 8 campsites can fit RVs of that maximum size. Many more sites accept RVs up to 35 feet or trailers up to 24 feet. Roads such as Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove, and Hetch Hetchy have restrictions that affect some larger RVs and most trailers.
Where can I dump my RV tanks inside Yosemite?
Dump stations are located at Upper Pines Campground (open all year), near Wawona Campground (summer only), and near Tuolumne Meadows Campground (summer only). No sewer hookups are available at individual campsites, so plan to use these dump stations when leaving or when your tanks need emptying.
