yosemite in spring, questions (Yosemite Valley: RV park, hotels, camping)

[blue_water]

planning to visit yosemite in late march/beginning of april for 4 or 5 days. prefer camping, but seems too late to get a site (tried Lower Pines site on https://www.nps.gov, all booked.) is it possible to get a first come first serve?

any RV park near by? We (family of 4) did this on our Zion trip, it worked out pretty well. We rented a RV (fifth wheel) using airbnb. The RV is parked permanently in a RV park located in Hurricane with water/electric all hooked up, and we didnt need to tow it.

what is a convenient location to get a hotel/lodging if the above options are not available?

how long is drive realistically from L.A.? If we were to break up the drive to two, what's a good interesting stopping point? thx

[evening sun]

Have you tired housekeeping camp? I have had good luck getting a tent cabin a few months in advance. Spring is the best time to visit. I would look at google maps to see how long the drive is & look for something that appeals to you on the way. I find the drive down into Yosemite valley from outside towns, long & boring, so try & find a spot inside the Park.

[evening sun]

Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite National Park CA | TravelYosemite.com

available.

[blue_water]

website (https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm) says shower only available at half dome village(formerly curry village), but where is half dome village? is it just another name for Yosemite Valley ?

[RosieSD]

If there is any way to stay in the Valley, I would highly recommend doing so. Yosemite is a big Park, and you'll waste a lot of time driving in and out every day, so staying in the Valley (where Half Dome Village is located) is ideal when possible, even if you don't have "prime" accommodations.

A good map is essential for any National Park visit. Luckily, the National Park Service provides excellent *free* maps for each park. Here is the National Park Service map site for Yosemite:

Plan Your Trip: Yosemite National Park Maps

The main map will give you a good idea of the layout of Yosemite, and if you open up the map of Yosemite Valley, it will show you exactly where Half Dome Village is located in the Valley.

The National Parks Service's websites for each park also do a SUPERB job of explaining the different areas and things to do in each national park, and Yosemite is no exception.

Here's a good starting point on the NPS Yosemite website: Yosemite National Park Places To Go

When visiting the National Parks, I usually find all the information I need right on the Park's website, but if not, every park also has a number you can call to ask for help. The rangers who answer are usually super helpful. Here's the link for Yosemite's number: Yosemite Naitonal Park Basic Information

Also, you may want to visit TripAdviser.com. They have an entire section on Yosemite, including a forum devoted JUST to Yosemite, and you will likely get a lot of good insights and tips on the Park, places to stay, and things to do, just by reading through it. The forum there is probably a better place to ask questions as they have "Destination Experts" who specialize in answering questions about Yosemite; they are very knowledgeable. Here's the link:
TripAdvisor Yosemite National Parkl

Although this is not the official National Park site, this site on visiting Yosemite will also be helpful as you plan your trip: TravelYosemite.com

And, finally, to help you plan the rest of your trip , the VisitCalifornia.com website, which is run by the state tourism board, is a great resource. Here's the link to their section on Yosemite, but you'll find tons of other useful information to help you plan your trip to and from Yosemite on that site as well.

Spotlight: Yosemite National Park | Visit California

Enjoy your trip!

[evening sun]

Be aware too, that Bears can break into vehicles for the slightest scent of food or toiletries. You will have to completely unpack your rv & put everything into bear proof lockers. One year we were there a bear broke in for a vanilla chapstick in the glove box. On top of having a damaged vehicle, I think the Park can fine for non compliance.

[evening sun]

I was wrong on emptying out the rv, which we have to do on cars.


https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/rv.htm

[MtnSurfer]

Try Half Dome Village for tent cabins. This is a great location:

Half Dome Village in Yosemite National Park CA | TravelYosemite.com

Then when all else fails, our favorite nearby hotel is Yosemite View Lodge which is right on the border of the park boundary and closest drive into the Valley: Yosemite National Park Hotels - Yosemite View Lodge

Your other options will entail much more daily driving which we've done and prefer to avoid at all costs. Yes, there are traffic jams in/out of Yosemite!

We used to live in LA and the drive varies wildly depending on when you leave like most things LA. Then add in all the 'other' tourists heading in and you'll have to think a little more wisely about when you enter the park. The absolute worst time to enter Yosemite is Friday afternoon/evening and Saturday all day. Get off a day early or better yet head up mid-week to avoid the traffic you are leaving LA to escape from. Nothing is worse than driving all that way to Yosemite then getting stopped right near the entrance in a huge traffic jam. Just say No to that terrible plan!

Realize this: you are going to a top world destination during prime time. So think road less traveled. My best advice is to go mid-week! You'll find more availability and fewer traffic jams. Its the same as driving through LA. You don't try to go from one side to other during rush hour. That's just plain dumb unless one has to for work, etc... kwim?

All that said, Spring is an Awesome time to visit Yosemite which we never tire off. We've just learned a few lessons along the way regarding best approaches.

Here are a few pictures from our trip this past Spring.

























Have fun!

Derek