Yosemite area camping end March – too snowy? campsite recommendations? tips?

[john.]

Yosemite area camping end March – too snowy? campsite recommendations? any other tips?

Hi all – title say it all

We are thinking of going to Yosemite and area end of March. Camping in a 4×4 pop up truck camper that does have propane heat. (so one self contained 20’ vehicle)

I know the weather can vary a lot… and we may be limited as to where we can go, due to weather, but any general advice about that time of year?

and campsite recommendations inside or just outside Yosemite?

I know it can be next to impossible to reserve ahead a site (we have tried in the past and never get a site when the ‘window’ opens.)

but also sometimes people get lucky just showing up at campsites and seeing if there are any openings.

Thanks for any and all tips.

J.

[Travels with Yoly]

If all else fails, we’ve stayed at Yosemite Pines RV Resort just outside the park’s western boundary on Hwy 120. I know it’s not a campsite but it does have quick access to the park.

Neil & Yoly
2016 Ram 2500HD Tradesman, 2WD Crew Cab, 6.4L Hemi
2018 Travel Lite 840 SBRX
Honda EU2000i

[Freespool]

Good morning John. Bottom line about that area is anytime before the third week of April is to early. I mostly stay off of 395 so here is a couple suggestions. Brown’s campground in Bishop. They would be open and are located right next to the golf course. Lone Pine has Lake Diaz and a private camp ground across the street, if you go to this area check out Whitney Portal. Big Pine has the famous Copper Kettle for all your bar-b-que needs. Closer to Yosemite off of 395 is the small town of Lee Vining, just on the north side of town there is a camp ground, possibly a KOA. Go north a little bit to Lundy Lake for some boon docking if that’s your thing. Going back towards Bishop the Owens valley offers several camp grounds next to the river for more boon docking. Just remember to be prepared for cold and warm weather, you just never know. I have fished this area in April with shorts and a tee shirt on and in other years it’s 10 degrees and snowing. Bass lake could also be an option and offers a variety of activities.

[Jefe4x4]

Yosemite weather in late March can be a crap shoot, depending on the year. We’ve camped at Yosemite in January, March, April,May, June, October, November, and December, over the years and have never had a problem getting a site. Notice, we steer clear of mid summer camping at Yosemite. We signed up (this is important) at the earliest opportunity and had our pick of sites, mostly in upper pines, since the rest of the campsites are closed in winter. With a small truck camper, you can fit in any site they have, giving you a leg up on the long tt and MoHo crowd. I’m not sure you could just waltz in and grab an open spot, the way our N.P.’s are being loved to death.
We’ve Yosemite camped in snow and rain a couple times, but mostly it was dry, cool to cold. With a truck camper you can laugh at the weather and enjoy the moment.

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