Yosemite National Park Charges for Entry
In Yosemite National Park, camping enthusiasts have a variety of options to choose from, each with its own set of requirements and fees. Here's a breakdown of the essential information for planning your next camping trip.
Group size and reservations are crucial factors to consider. Most Yosemite campgrounds, including Tuolumne Meadows and White Wolf, limit camping sites to a maximum of six people per site. Reservations are required for most popular campgrounds and can be made through Recreation.gov. It's important to carefully read site alerts and book sites suitable for your equipment, such as RVs or tents.
Every vehicle entering Yosemite must pay the park entrance fee unless you have an annual or lifetime pass. Camping reservations do not waive the entrance fee; you still must pay to enter the park. If arriving late (one or more days after your reservation date), you should notify the park by calling (209) 379-2123 to avoid cancellation.
From June 15 through August 15, 2025, and August 30 through September 1, 2025, a day-use reservation is required to enter Yosemite from 6 AM to 2 PM. However, if you have a camping reservation, this exempts you from the day-use permit requirement. You must, however, have proof of your camping reservation at the entrance station, and it is advised to print or download this prior to arrival due to cell service limitations.
Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley operates on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations) during November - mid-April, with the same rate as the high season. Campers still must pay park entrance fees or use an annual/lifetime pass. The specific fees and requirements for Camp 4 can be found by contacting Yosemite National Park or visiting their official website.
The Golden Access Passport (now referred to as the America the Beautiful - Access Pass) provides certain benefits. This pass is typically available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Holders of the Access Pass receive free entrance to all National Parks and other federally managed recreation lands. The pass may also provide discounts on some camping fees, although for Yosemite specifically, it exempts the entrance fee part for vehicles entering the park but does not necessarily waive camping fees. It is important to confirm camping fee discounts locally.
Thus, with a Golden Access Passport, you would still be required to make camping reservations and pay applicable camping fees but would not have to pay the park entrance fee. Other campgrounds in Yosemite Valley, such as North Pines, can be reserved via Recreation.gov, with prices typically around $35 per night plus reservation service fees.
A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in the wilderness areas of Yosemite National Park. Permits for staying in the wilderness are free, but reservations come with a fee of $5.00 per person.
For detailed information on Camp 4 specifically and current camping fees, contacting Yosemite National Park or visiting their official website is recommended. The general camping fee ranges and exact policies may vary by campground and season.
- In Yosemite National Park, Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley offers a first-come, first-served camping experience during specific seasons, though campers still have to pay the park entrance fee or use an annual/lifetime pass.
- Camping enthusiasts need to carefully consider group size and make reservations as most Yosemite campgrounds, like Tuolumne Meadows and White Wolf, limit sites to six people.
- Camping reservations are mandatory for most popular campgrounds within Yosemite National Park and can be made through Recreation.gov, with a fee for reservations.
- From June 15 through August 15, 2025, and August 30 through September 1, 2025, a day-use reservation is necessary to enter Yosemite between 6 AM to 2 PM, but campers with reservations are exempt from this requirement.
- The Golden Access Passport (now known as the America the Beautiful - Access Pass) offers free entrance to all National Parks and federally managed recreation lands, but it does not necessarily waive camping fees in Yosemite National Park.
- For those who love outdoor-living and home-and-garden activities, camping in Yosemite National Park's wilderness areas requires a free permit, but reservations come with a fee of $5.00 per person.
