How strict is Yosemite about trailer lengths?

[MookieKat]

We are shopping for a fifth wheel. We read on Yosemite's campsite reservations page that the maximum length for trailers is 35'. It also said that they will not actually measure, but that you must be able to fit into the spaces.

We have been trying to stay 35' and under but have found a few that we love that are 36'. Anyone have experience in this area? Has anyone been able to get by in Yosemite with trailers over 35'?

[bakerkids]

Lantley wrote:

MookieKat wrote:
Thank you! That is encouraging!

I'm not sure of your towing experience or ability. But if this is your first RV trailer I would suggest you stick with the posted limits vs. stretching the limits which means stretching your limited experience and ability. There is a learning curve!

I was wondering why this hadn't been mentioned. No way in God's green earth would I attempt parking at Yosemite with a larger-than-recommended trailer if I didn't already have years of experience doing this kind of thing. That's my humble opinion. That being said, I have watched people who tried unsuccessfully to back their trailers onto their pads, and a neighboring camper had to come over to do it for them.

Long ago I did once ask my neighbor across from me to move their many vehicles from the roadway because it blocked my space to my swing my tow.

[Lantley]

MookieKat wrote:
Thank you! That is encouraging!

I'm not sure of your towing experience or ability. But if this is your first RV trailer I would suggest you stick with the posted limits vs. stretching the limits which means stretching your limited experience and ability. There is a learning curve!

[MookieKat]

Thank you! That is encouraging!

[Captain_Obvious]

We went over 4th of July last year and it wasn't as crowded as we thought it would be. Like many posters have said, the real trick is maneuvering the trailer. I had a site rated for an 18 foot trailer, but since we had upgraded a few weeks before the trip, we had a 22 foot trailer. It fit, but in order to get the TV in, I had to unhitch and park next to the tongue. Maneuvering the trailer into the site took well over 20 minutes. Not an easy feat. Would have been easier with a trailer Dollie. There is overflow parking around the valley you can use if your car doesn't fit.

[MookieKat]

NinerBikes wrote:

MookieKat wrote:

Thats_Ok wrote:
Yosemite is a pita anyway...
There's so much other stuff around it that provides much less stress like Sequoia NP to the south.

Yosemite valley is OK for a day trip or backpacking, but I wouldn't plan to stay in the valley.
The frigging crowds during the tourist season are tremendous and ruins the experience.
The DW and I have tent camped and hiked all over Yosemite, heck we even spent a nite in the Ahwahnee.

It's a fantastic place it's just so dang busy now...plus don't forget the Rim fire trashed a lot of the surrounding area.

We are planning to go in May, before the crowds arrive.

Before the crowds arrive? There's 40 million people in California, the crowds are always there, tons of retired folks with toys to haul up there, any time of year. In essence, Yosemite is always crowded.

I would think that there are some times more crowded than others...with summer being the most crowded.

[Lantley]

I think the question can be re stated how well can you maneuver a 36' RV into an area that has a 35' limit.
The CG is clearly stating that it is set up for 35 RV's max. If you think you are a better or more skilled driver and are able to turn and maneuver your larger RV into the tighter spot than go for it.
The gamble,responsibility and consequences are on the driver.

[dodge_guy]

The worst that will happen is the trailer won`t fit and you won`t get your money back. beyond that I don`t think there is a trailer length police that goes around writing tickets for being an inch over 35feet. So if you feel you are a very good driver that can tow and back with the best of them get the size you want and enjoy!

I`ve put my 35foot TT in places where a person with a PuP would probably second guess there decision!

Good luck!

[NinerBikes]

MookieKat wrote:

Thats_Ok wrote:
Yosemite is a pita anyway...
There's so much other stuff around it that provides much less stress like Sequoia NP to the south.

Yosemite valley is OK for a day trip or backpacking, but I wouldn't plan to stay in the valley.
The frigging crowds during the tourist season are tremendous and ruins the experience.
The DW and I have tent camped and hiked all over Yosemite, heck we even spent a nite in the Ahwahnee.

It's a fantastic place it's just so dang busy now...plus don't forget the Rim fire trashed a lot of the surrounding area.

We are planning to go in May, before the crowds arrive.

Before the crowds arrive? There's 40 million people in California, the crowds are always there, tons of retired folks with toys to haul up there, any time of year. In essence, Yosemite is always crowded.

[time2roll]

If tou can cram the trailer in you are good to go. Roads are narrow, curves are tight.

If the truck does not fit you can always park one free tram stop away at Curry.

[Mtrain]

We stay in the valley every August for a week, and love it, crowds and all. Nothing compares to a sunrise walk or bike ride to Curry Village for morning coffee. We've gotten our 32 foot motorhome into sites that list a max of 24 feet. The best thing to do is call the campground office and ask them what the actual dimensions of the site are. Lower Pines, as a general rule, have larger sites, and more maneuverability. Enjoy!!!!!!

[MookieKat]

Are the length requirements the same in wawona? When are spots most easily available there?

[clubhouse]

Its been said already but I'll reiterate. The site length isn't the problem, navigating the loops and backing in is the real issue. I live 90 min from Yosemite's south gate, and have been several times. We have a 30 TT, I will not camp on the valley floor anymore; I much prefer to stay at Wawona...still more crowded than I care for, but much easier to navigate and easy trip to the valley should be want to spend time down there.

[MookieKat]

dicknellen wrote:
I need to take back what I said, I thought the RV footage rule at sate & national parks was set in stone, I stand corrected. Dick

Thank God for grace! 🙂

[dicknellen]

I need to take back what I said, I thought the RV footage rule at sate & national parks was set in stone, I stand corrected. Dick