Yosemite: What is my equipment length

Www.campsitephotos.com can be very helpful.

Here is the info directly from the Yosemite web site:

Maximum RV/trailer lengths: In Yosemite Valley, the maximum RV length is 40 feet and maximum trailer length is 35 feet, however, only a total of 12 sites of this size are available (six sites each in Lower Pines and North Pines, which are open spring through fall). Many more sites exist in Yosemite Valley and elsewhere in Yosemite that can take RVs up to 35 feet or trailers up to 24 feet.
RV length and trailer length are not the same! Please note that many campsites have different maximum lengths for RVs and trailers. This is because many of the campsites are back-in sites with limited turning radius. We do not enforce the length limits as long as the RV or trailer can fit on the parking pad in the site. However, if you reserve a site for equipment other than what you bring, and the site can't accommodate your RV or trailer, we will not be able to find a different campsite for you.


We have stayed in the valley of Yosemite about five times in the last year. Here are some tips and expectations to consider.

1. The entire summer in the valley has already been booked up for days. You will be very lucky if you book anything in advance now inside the valley, especially with your length. One option is to stay just outside in El Portal, Ca at Indian Flat RV park or the like. I prefer El Portal for proximity and the free indoor pool and hot tub next door at the sister property. Another option is to try for a cancelation. There is a ranger station at the back of the Curry Village lot (now called Half Dome Village or some ****?) where they take names the day before and then the next morning they check cancelations and no shows. Most folks who are first ten in line generally get a spot, assuming their rig fits what is available. We are 25 feet total so we fit most places.

2. You can over flow park in Curry Village but the lot fills very quickly in the summer. It's a quick walk, maybe 5-10 mins depending on where your camping spot is.

3. Bring bikes if you can. Yosemite is very bike friendly. Go for a night ride at midnight, as far away from the campe sites as possible. Turn off your bike lights and enjoy the sky show for 30 minutes.

Good luck and have a blast! We'll be there in about four weeks! :).

Each site is different with rocks, trees, etc in site and across from site. There is a web site that gives pictures of each site. ?worth looking at them. Sometimes you can overhang beyond end of site; others there is a tree or rock preventing that. Some sites have free access across from site allowing truck maneuvering while backing; others have tree right across preventing the truck from maneuvering while backing. Really a mixed bag there.

Finally Time wrote:
Lower Pines has some sites where you can park your truck along side your trailer, but there is no way of telling from the listings which is which. In Upper Pines usually the stated driveway length is all there is. When I used to camp there with my 21 foot trailer and Ford Explorer, I would pick a 35 foot or longer site. Most of the time I could squeeze the Explorer in front. Last time there with a 32 foot motor home in a 35 foot site I had no room for my toad. Most of the sites have one of those concrete curb things in the back. If you have good clearance you can let the back of the trailer extend over it and get a few more feet. Good Luck, camping in the valley is worth the hassle.

So it sounds like the listed equipment/driveway length is exactly what it says and don't expect to fit more. I know the concrete curb things you're talking about. I think my trailer would clear that; I'll take a look at my rear end this weekend. Thanks.

Lower Pines has some sites where you can park your truck along side your trailer, but there is no way of telling from the listings which is which. In Upper Pines usually the stated driveway length is all there is. When I used to camp there with my 21 foot trailer and Ford Explorer, I would pick a 35 foot or longer site. Most of the time I could squeeze the Explorer in front. Last time there with a 32 foot motor home in a 35 foot site I had no room for my toad. Most of the sites have one of those concrete curb things in the back. If you have good clearance you can let the back of the trailer extend over it and get a few more feet. Good Luck, camping in the valley is worth the hassle.

The last thing I want to do is get caught hanging out in Yosemite Valley so I definitely want to make sure my equipment will fit into the space allotted.

rexlion wrote:
Based on my 2 nights camping in the valley, I would say that you should have room at most (maybe all?) sites to park your truck next to the trailer. And with the scenario you describe, you'd just fit with the truck unhooked... that's the way they measure it.

Do take the stated site lengths literally because if you hang out into the driving area you will be asked to vacate.

By the way, you may get some suggestive answers regarding your request for your "equipment" length... ;) :D

This is going to be a target rich thread.. :B

Camping equipment typically does not include tow vehicle. It is accommodated for in the driveway. This has been my experience, others may be different.

Based on my 2 nights camping in the valley, I would say that you should have room at most (maybe all?) sites to park your truck next to the trailer. And with the scenario you describe, you'd just fit with the truck unhooked... that's the way they measure it.

Do take the stated site lengths literally because if you hang out into the driving area you will be asked to vacate.

By the way, you may get some suggestive answers regarding your request for your "equipment" length... ;) :D