Yosemite National Park, a World Heritage Site, is located in east central California. Yosemite is known for its deep valleys, giant sequoias, waterfalls, granite cliffs and grand meadows. It is a spectacular national park to visit and offers 10 ten pet-friendly campgrounds.
Yosemite Valley
The Yosemite Valley is at the heart of this national park and its granite cliffs, waterfalls and Merced River are awe-inspiring. There are three pet-friendly campsites within the Valley: Upper Pines, Lower Pines and North Pines. The largest of the three, Upper Pines Campground, offers 238 mixed use sites, some able to accommodate an RV up to 35 feet in length. Every campsite in Yosemite contains a picnic table, food locker, fire ring and is close to bathrooms with potable water and toilets. Lower Pines and North Pines offer campsites that are suitable for wheelchairs and their picnic tables have extended tops. Swimming is permitted in the Merced River, as is rafting.
Southern Park
In the southern park, Glacier Point Road parallels the rim of the Yosemite Valley offering spectacular views of the Sierra Crest and the Valley. Both Wawona Campground and Bridalveil Creek Campground offer pet-friendly campsites in this area. Bridalveil Creek is a first-come, first-served campground, whereas reservations are required for Wawona. This area contains Mariposa Grove, which is home to approximately 500 of the largest living things on Earth-giant sequoias. The "Grizzly Giant" is said to be 2,700-years-old.
Northern Park
Nearly two-thirds of Yosemite is contained within the High Country. Northern Yosemite offers five pet-friendly campsites: Hodgon Meadow, Crane Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek and Tuolumne Meadows. White Wolf and Yosemite Creek are first-come, first-served campgrounds. As well, Yosemite Creek can not accommodate trailers or RVs. Daily rock climbing classes are offered at The Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service located near Tuolumne Meadows Campground. Visitors might consider viewing the sub-alpine meadow at Tuolomne as well.
Reservations
Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows all require reservations if wish to go camping between April and September. If you are unable to make reservations, there are four first-come, first-served campgrounds available: Bridalveil Creek, White Wolf, Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Creek. The latter is not an option if you are camping with an RV or trailer. It is recommended that you arrive before noon on weekdays and mid-morning on weekends, as these campsites are filled by mid-day from May through September.
Campground and Pet Regulations
Camping regulations apply throughout the park and additional regulations are particular to each campsite. Yosemite is home to hundreds of American black bears and therefore, all food must be properly stored in a food locker. You may only camp for a total of 30 days within a calendar year in Yosemite National Park.
Your pet must be restrained on a leash at all times. Naturally, you must not leave your pet unattended and you are expected to clean up and deposit your pet's feces in trash receptacles. Your pet is only allowed on fully paved trails and roads unless otherwise specified. There is a dog kennel open from Memorial Day through Labor Day in Yosemite, where you can leave your animal while you explore the national park.
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