“I clicked right away… but it was already gone!”

Every couple of days we get a message. In it a Campnab member notes receiving a Yosemite cancellation alert—only to find the spot unavailable once they click. This is (understandably) a disappointing and frustrating experience.

Here’s the deal: Booking a campsite at Yosemite is hard in the first place. This year is way, way, way harder. Currently, only 2 of Yosemite’s 13 campgrounds are open (Wawona Horse Campground and Upper Pines). Meanwhile, Upper Pines is operating at 50% capacity. Also, some folks are attempting to book campsites just to secure a day pass. This means there’s little supply and an enormous amount of demand.

Let’s be realistic: Everyone wants to go camping. Yosemite is arguably the world’s most popular park. And we’re in the middle of a pandemic. Your odds of booking a spot at Yosemite this year are the worst they’ve ever been. If you want to go tomorrow? It probably won’t happen.

Still, though, we are seeing canceled campsite reservations come available at Yosemite. It’s just that a lot of campers are looking for these—and they jump on them quickly. So, if your heart is set on camping at Yosemite, here are a handful of tips:

Plan ahead

Some folks scan year-round for Yosemite cancellations. So, if you’re looking for a spot tomorrow, the odds are stacked against you. Try for spots later in the month, or (better yet) consider visiting in September or October.

Go shorter

Increase your odds by scanning for shorter length-of-stays. You’re more likely to find a 1 or 2 day opening than a 7 day one. You might also consider searching for mid-week spots.

Be flexible

If you’re flexible on your arrival date, select the flexible dates option. This increases your scan window, which increases your chances.

Max-out your scans

If you have a membership, use all of your scans to check for different dates. This can notably increase your chances, without any added cost to you.

Be persistent

There’s a 5 – 15 minute gap between scans. This means that when you receive an alert, it might already have been available for a minute or two—giving someone else time to book it. So, keep clicking and try to avoid getting frustrated. These spots do open up and they go to those who keep trying.

I know this isn’t the most reassuring post. I wish we could make more campsites available, but that’s not in our control. However, we’re receiving a number of messages from members who’ve managed to secure campsites at Yosemite. Our fingers are crossed that you’ll do the same!

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