Your Essential Yosemite Camping List
When you plan to camp in Yosemite National Park, there are a plethora of things to consider: your packing list, the best time to go, acceptable camping practices, how long to stay, and more. Evergreen Lodge offers a custom Yosemite camping option to simplify your camping trip so you can enjoy your time to the fullest. Read on for more information about camping in Yosemite and a Yosemite camping list!
What to Bring?
EquipmentWhile the equipment you’ll need to camp in Yosemite varies depending on your daytime activities, some of the basics will be the same no matter what:
- Tent and accessories
- Camping chair
- Sleeping bag and liner
- Lantern
When you elect Evergreen Lodge’s Custom Camping alternative, you’re treated to a fully set-up campsite upon arrival – no need to pack in your tent! Your mesh-windowed tent will include a queen size foam mattress (or a queen and two twins, sleeping bags and liners, and a pillow for each camper).
Outside the tent, you’ll find a camping chair for each member of your party set around a tree trunk “table,” a lantern, and a numbered bear box for each campsite’s use. Evergreen Lodge Custom Camping package also grants you access to a well-appointed bathhouse and all of the lodge’s facilities.
What to Wear?
ClothingWondering what you’ll need to wear while you’re camping in Yosemite? Aside from seasonally-appropriate outdoor weather gear, like a raincoat, you’ll want to utilize layers. The temperature in Yosemite can be up to 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding areas due to the high elevation, and nighttime temperatures can dip into frosty feels throughout most of camping season. Don’t forget…
- Plenty of socks + underclothes
- Moisture-wicking shirts + tops
- Hiking pants/shorts
- Camp/shower sandals
- Hat or beanie
Evergreen Lodge’s Custom Camping option takes care of the largest aspects of camping, like the tent and chair, so you can prioritize your own packing list. When you arrive at Evergreen Lodge, you can make full use of the property’s facilities: wash and dry your clothes, take a hot shower in the shared bathhouse, and climb into your tent to get a good night’s rest for the next day’s adventures.
What Not to Forget
Personal ItemsWhat kind of personal items do you need to pack to camp in Yosemite? Most seasoned campers recommend a basic repair kit, extra batteries for anything you bring that runs on battery power, and your navigation method, along with any activity-specific gear you need. We also recommend…
- Your favorite sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Any Forest Service or park passes you require for outings
- A sturdy reusable water bottle
- A notebook + pen/pencil
Custom Camping
Fun Made EasyThe Custom Camping option at Evergreen Lodge allows you to focus on the personal parts of camping while the lodge takes care of the logistics. Knowing that your campsite is set up with everything you need at the end of the day alleviates stress and literal weight on your shoulders, leaving you to soak up every minute of your Yosemite camping experience.
Forget something? The General Store & Gift Shop at Evergreen Lodge has you covered with the usual items, like toothpaste, sunscreen, batteries, and water bottles. The General Store & Gift Shop also offers everything you need for a successful day on the trails, from hot coffee and breakfast items to deli sandwiches and fresh fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yosemite Camping
Yosemite is a popular camping destination and brings campers from all walks of life together – but when is the best time to go camping in Yosemite? How long do you need to camp to get the true Yosemite experience? Read on to find out.
What is the best month to camp in Yosemite?
The best month to camp in Yosemite varies depending on what you want from your camping trip.
With Evergreen Lodge’s Custom Camping package, you can see the wildflowers return to the landscape in spring, swim in May Lake in the summer, or sleep amongst the changing trees in fall! This option is available from May to October, with dates filling up quickly for the time between April and September.
How many days do you need to camp in Yosemite?
Most Yosemite campers stay between two and four days.
Longer trips give you more time to soak in the sights, but shorter excursions challenge you to make the most of your time. There are limits on Yosemite camping during peak season, with the park only allowing 7 consecutive nights in Yosemite Valley between May 1 and September 15.
Looking for an itinerary for your two, three, or four day trip to Yosemite?
There is plenty of options!
See these itineraries and find more information about the best sights to see and things to do in Yosemite!
Camping in Yosemite National Park is a bucket list item for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike – with breathtaking landscapes and countless adventures waiting within them, there’s no surprise camping is one of the most popular things to do in Yosemite. When you’re ready to camp, let Evergreen Lodge do the heavy lifting and head out on your Yosemite camping adventure!
