Yosemite area camping end March - too snowy? campsite recommendations? any other tips?Hi all - title say it allWe are thinking of going to Yosemite and area end of March. Camping in a 4x4 pop up truck camper that does have propane heat. (so one self contained 20’ vehicle)I know the weather can vary a lot… and we may be limited as to where we can go, due to weather, but any general advice about that time of year?and campsite recommendations inside or just outside Yosemite?I know it can be next to impossible to reserve ahead a site (we have tried in the past and never get a site when the ‘window’ opens.)but also sometimes people get lucky just showing up at campsites and seeing if there are any openings. Thanks for any and all tips.J.

Check to see if the park is even open then. I doubt it.Bill

Unless things have changed the park will be at least partially open. Tioga Pass will still be snowed in so no Tuolumne Meadows access. I've camped in the snow at Upper Pine CG. You need to check which campgrounds are open but you should find a spot in the valley. Trails may be snowed in too. There is a downhill ski site up at Glacier Point, IIRC it's called Badger Pass, so that will be open and there are cross country skiing sites around the park. That's a good place to learn how and you can rent gear there and take classes. I also took a snow survival class there which was very informative and fun.

I had a reservation for April 14th this year but cancelled do to cold temperatures and snow so March to me is not good either

Our very first RV trip was to Yosemite in the last week of March. We did get snowed. One house battery died from the cold so we left a day early by way of Merced, as it was the only road open.Still, it was a great trip.

Upper pines in Yosemite valley will be open, and you probably don't even need reservations that time of year. I've been going in January or February the last few years and it's great. Cold obviously, but beautiful and so different than the summer madhouse.

Yosemite area camping end March-too snowy? campsites? tips?

profdant139
Explorer II
Dec 20, 2018
Yet another blog post about Yosemite in March -- lots of photos:

March 2015
profdant139
Explorer II
Dec 19, 2018
We often go in March -- it is wonderful. A little snow here and there -- dress warmly, carry chains, and enjoy!!

Yosemite in March
ppine
Explorer II
Dec 18, 2018
Of course the Park is open all year and so are some of campgrounds. The Valley in winter is cold and dark. There is little sunlight. There is cold air drainage and plenty of frost. It is okay to visit for a day.

I like camping outside the Valley. The off season is the only smart time to visit the Park.
time2roll
Nomad
Dec 18, 2018
Yosemite valley is about 4000 feet with generally minimal snow accumulation. Yes you can get a big storm that takes a bit to melt and may close the roads until plowed or melt. No hookups in the valley so you need to review your 12v system and charging method.

Otherwise I believe there are a few RV camping spots along CA140 if you want to plug in and then drive into the valley during the day.
ppine
Explorer II
Dec 18, 2018
The weather is mild in Yosemite unless you hit a winter storm.
March is a great time. Find a campground that does not take reservations. They always have vacancies. I went in late Oct. We stayed away from the Valley except for one day and had a great time. We camped outside the Valley.
Litch
Explorer
Dec 18, 2018
Trackrig wrote:
Check to see if the park is even open then. I doubt it.

Bill

Yosemite is open all year.
camperdave
Explorer
Dec 18, 2018
Upper pines in Yosemite valley will be open, and you probably don't even need reservations that time of year. I've been going in January or February the last few years and it's great. Cold obviously, but beautiful and so different than the summer madhouse.
Gonzo42
Explorer
Dec 18, 2018
Our very first RV trip was to Yosemite in the last week of March. We did get snowed. One house battery died from the cold so we left a day early by way of Merced, as it was the only road open.

Still, it was a great trip.
rr2254545
Explorer
Dec 18, 2018
I had a reservation for April 14th this year but cancelled do to cold temperatures and snow so March to me is not good either
agesilaus
Explorer III
Dec 18, 2018
Unless things have changed the park will be at least partially open. Tioga Pass will still be snowed in so no Tuolumne Meadows access. I've camped in the snow at Upper Pine CG. You need to check which campgrounds are open but you should find a spot in the valley. Trails may be snowed in too. There is a downhill ski site up at Glacier Point, IIRC it's called Badger Pass, so that will be open and there are cross country skiing sites around the park. That's a good place to learn how and you can rent gear there and take classes. I also took a snow survival class there which was very informative and fun.