Yosemite in Winter

Oh, that's a very good point about the cabins! You can reserve the tent cabins in the park on the same website as the campground. They have heaters, I believe. They're not cheap, I'm thinking something like $100 a night, but they are made for multiple people. They are also located right close to the showers, restaurant, shuttle, etc.

Absolutely go to Yosemite in the snow -- it is beautiful. The only issue would be the size of your rig -- Upper Pines Campground (the only one open) is not great for larger rigs. If you go, make sure you have chains for your trailer as well as your tow vehicle -- they can be required by the CHP at any time.

We have camped in Yosemite in the snow several times. It almost never gets below 25 degrees at night --- Yosemite Valley is only at 5000 feet or so. We have never had a freeze problem at 25. (Fifteen degrees in the Eastern Sierra? Yes, we have had a little problem now and then. ;) )

We did not run the heat at night -- we just piled on the down comforter and several blankets. As a result, we slept in until 8 am, something we never, ever do at home. When you reach a certain age, sleeping well is a huge luxury.

Here is what our campsite looked like in December of 2015:


Click For Full-Size Image.

And here is a link to a blog post -- lots of photos:

Yosemite in the snow

Dick B ~~~ WHERE ???? Reservations very slim

I think I would look into available cabins or lodge. We like our TT but staying in it in freezing weather is not worth the anticipated trouble (like cold) and unanticipated trouble (like pipes freeze or furnace out).

Naio wrote:
the campgrounds inside the park are cheap, have flush toilets, and I could see Half Dome from my bed when I woke up in the morning and when I went to bed at night.

Nice anecdote while I just woke up looking at the enormous Half Dome while winter camping in Yosemite's Upper Pines campground, the thought runs through my mind: this is a nice way to die and be buried in case we are caught with the California big one while camping here.;)

Yeah, you can't escape and run when that happens.:E

Upper Pines, and only the front part of it, is the only campground the NPS keeps open in the winter. Normal February temps in Yosemite Valley are usually highs in the mid 50’s and low’s in the mid to low 30’s. Although getting heavy snow is always a possibility in the valley, it usually stays on the mild side compared to higher elevations. Thus far it has been a fairly mild winter there. Accuweather can give you a 15 day forecast. And of course carry chains and extra blankets. Winter is really nice there for avoiding the crowds of summer. As already mentioned, the natural “firewall” in February is a bonus. Should be a great trip!

I don't think you get a choice of campgrounds in the winter. I think they only have one open, and they rotate different ones. Just go, you will love it :-).

But bring every blanket you own, and pants and sweaters big enough to wear over several layers of long underwear. I was there at the end of April, and it was so cold I heard a woman in the bathroom complaining that her toothpaste had frozen

Naio wrote:
the campgrounds inside the park are cheap, have flush toilets, and I could see Half Dome from my bed when I woke up in the morning and when I went to bed at night.

Ok perfect. Which campground did you stay in there?
We just camped inside Joshua Tree NP & it was really cold at night but super quiet and amazing. Much. Prefer that than the crowds for sure.

the campgrounds inside the park are cheap, have flush toilets, and I could see Half Dome from my bed when I woke up in the morning and when I went to bed at night.

Naio wrote:
profdant here has an excellent trip report about camping in the winter in Yosemite. And yes, they did get snowed in.

Yosemite is absolutely amazing! And going when it's less crowded is definitely the thing to do.

Do be aware, when you are checking distances to the park, mapping software will tell you the distance to the entrance. It is a full one hour drive from the entrance to the place you want to see, Yosemite Valley.

That means that the nearest campgrounds outside the park are an hour and a half or two hours away.

Oh good tip! Hmm maybe I’ll see about staying inside the park!