This Iconic National Park Campground Is Finally Welcoming Campers Again After 3 Years

"Reopening Aug. 1 after a three-year, $26 million renovation, this expansive, high-elevation campground can host up to about 2,200 visitors across roughly 140 acres and is the largest campground in the park. Upgrades include new and improved restrooms (including a winter vault toilet), new picnic tables, fire pits, food lockers, 29 new hike-in sites, and a replaced water distribution system; the Dana Campfire Circle amphitheater was also refreshed with accessible routes and companion seating for ranger-led evening programs. Reservations are required via recreation.gov (base rate $36 per night) and, at the time of publication, were sold out through Aug. 5. The site offers easy access to hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, and fishing, and sits about a 90-minute drive from Yosemite Valley with a small store, grill, and post office nearby. Visitors should be prepared for bears, a lack of electrical hookups, and possible breathing difficulties due to elevation, and are urged to protect young plants by keeping wheels on parking pads and camping equipment within established sites." - Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta is a travel writer with over 10 years of experience in journalism and television news. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines