What is Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is one of America’s most iconic natural treasures. Known for its towering granite cliffs, stunning waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, and lush valleys, Yosemite attracts millions of visitors each year who come to experience its wild beauty and peaceful wilderness.
Covering more than 750,000 acres, Yosemite offers an incredible range of landscapes - from the world-famous Yosemite Valley to the alpine meadows of Tuolumne Meadows and the majestic heights of Half Dome and El Capitan. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and RV travelers seeking unforgettable adventures.
Why Go There (and What Makes It Special)
- Majestic Landscapes: Experience breathtaking views at Glacier Point, Tunnel View, and Yosemite Falls - some of the most photographed scenes on Earth.
- Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy hiking, rock climbing, cycling, stargazing, fishing, and wildlife watching in an untouched mountain setting.
- All-Season Destination: Spring brings roaring waterfalls, summer is ideal for hiking and camping, fall paints the park in golden colors, and winter offers snow-covered serenity.
- Rich History: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the first national parks in the U.S., Yosemite has inspired artists, explorers, and conservationists for over a century.
RV Camping & Setup
- RV-Friendly Campgrounds: Yosemite’s main campgrounds like Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow welcome RVs (length limits apply). Reservations are essential and open six months in advance on Recreation.gov.
- Dry Camping Inside the Park: No hookups are available inside Yosemite. Bring sufficient water, a generator, and waste tanks. Solar-powered setups are ideal for multi-day stays.
- Outside the Park: Full-hookup RV resorts are available in nearby towns like El Portal, Oakhurst, Mariposa, and Groveland. These provide electricity, water, and sewer connections.
- Dump Stations: Dump and water refill stations are located near Yosemite Valley and at several campgrounds around the park perimeter.
- Vehicle Restrictions: Yosemite Valley roads have size limits - typically 35 feet for motorhomes and 24 feet for trailers. Always check road conditions before traveling.
Rental Options
- ShareMyCoach: Provides a variety of RVs and trailers that can be delivered to Yosemite-area campgrounds or nearby towns like Oakhurst, Mariposa, or El Portal. Perfect for travelers who prefer to drive separately and have their RV waiting onsite.
- Delivery & Setup: ShareMyCoach handles delivery, setup, and pickup, ensuring your RV is ready when you arrive - a hassle-free option ideal for national park trips.
- Dry Camping Ready: Many ShareMyCoach RVs come equipped with solar power, large fresh and gray tanks, and generators, making them perfect for Yosemite’s limited-hookup campgrounds.
Helpful Tips Before You Go
- Book Early: Yosemite campsites sell out fast, especially for summer and holiday weekends. Plan at least 6–8 months in advance.
- Seasonal Access: Some roads (like Tioga Pass and Glacier Point) are closed in winter due to snow. Check the official park alerts before your trip.
- Bear Safety: Store food, coolers, and toiletries in the provided bear boxes - fines for improper storage can be steep.
- Prepare for Altitude: The park’s elevation ranges from 2,000 to over 10,000 feet - stay hydrated and pace yourself.
- Connectivity: Cell service is limited. Download maps, offline navigation, and campground info ahead of time.
- Best Travel Times: May through October offers the best weather and full road access. Winter provides solitude and scenic snow views for RV travelers with cold-weather setups.
Featured RVs
- Class A Luxury Coach: Ideal for long stays and family trips - includes full amenities, large tanks, and generator.
- Class C Adventure RV: Compact and maneuverable, perfect for exploring mountain roads and fitting into park campsites.
- Toy Hauler Trailer: Great for bringing e-bikes, kayaks, or adventure gear while camping near the park’s entrances.
- Compact Travel Trailer: Lightweight and easy to tow, perfect for couples or smaller groups.
Nearby Destinations & Adventures
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: Located south of Yosemite, home to the world’s largest trees - the giant sequoias - and incredible mountain drives.
- Bass Lake: Just outside the southern park entrance, Bass Lake is a perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and RV camping with full hookups.
- Mono Lake: An otherworldly lake east of Yosemite with fascinating tufa formations and great photography opportunities.
- Mammoth Lakes: A high-elevation mountain resort town offering hiking, hot springs, skiing (in winter), and scenic drives via Tioga Pass (when open).
- Mariposa Grove: See over 500 giant sequoia trees, including the famous Grizzly Giant, just inside the park’s South Entrance.
Additional Resources
Yosemite National Park is more than just a destination - it’s an experience that connects you with nature at its purest. Whether you’re camping beneath the granite walls of El Capitan, hiking to waterfalls, or relaxing in your RV among pine-scented breezes, Yosemite offers memories that last a lifetime. With ShareMyCoach delivering and setting up your RV, all that’s left for you to do is explore, unwind, and enjoy the adventure.
