Yosemite Qs

We just returned from Yosemite this week and stayed outside the park at Yosemite Lakes RV. It is a thousand trails park however, they have sites for non-members as well. Very nice park 5 miles from the entrance to Yosemite. Getting reservations inside the park are needed atleast 6 months in advance and are hard to get from what I've heard. I'm not sure about the crowds but they were no bad during the week this time of year. The folks camped next to us went in last Saturday and said the crowds were awful already.

The busiest time to visit are June-August, followed by May and September. If you want to see waterfalls, going August or later wont be ideal. Staying in the valley is the best but no electric. Last week was really busy there because it started a free week for Earth Day celebration.

We stayed at Mono Vista RV Park in Lee Vining, CA. Close to Eastern entrance. We would stay again. Reservations needed. Mostly just Electric and Water.

We went a few years ago in late August. I was AMAZED to find they turn OFF THE FALLS late in the year. Totally DRY!!! ... Yes, I know its really lack of snow melt...

I would plan on visiting late April thru early June. This is the busy time, but the waterfalls will be great.

Plan on staying at the TT Yosemite Lakes Park near Groveland, CA. $50-60 a night. Just a short drive to the NP's entrance. Then a beautiful drive into the Valley.
From the TT park, it is a nice trip to Hetch Hetchy Valley.

If you are doing an extended stay, consider buying a TT Zone pass. This will give you 30 nights free camping, then just $3 a night. At times, you can get 2 Zone Passes for the price of one.
PM me if you like.

any campground with electric, will be outside the park and will be a private campground.

and some may be close to the entrance but it's still a long drive to the Valley floor.

we preferred May, since the falls will be full.

of course, summer months are insane and now many wait until September and October.