Yosemite National Park is implementing a lottery system for early reservation access to the renowned North Pines Campground, set in the picturesque heart of Yosemite Valley, with stunning views of Half Dome towering above.
The lottery commenced on January 18 and will continue until February 6 on Recreation.gov. Participants can enter for $10, and 640 random winners will be granted access to make early reservations in North Pines for arrivals between July 21 and September 14, 2022.
This lottery enhances the opportunity for winners to secure their preferred dates during the peak summer season before reservations open to the general public.
Winners will be notified on February 10, and the early access reservation system will begin on February 18 and conclude on March 10. Each winner will receive a designated time slot for making one reservation for up to seven nights. Any remaining reservations will become available to the public on the 15th of each month.
The lottery aims to “create a better experience that reduces confusion and frustration for the highly competitive reservation process,” as stated by the park service. The demand for reservations in Yosemite campgrounds through Recreation.gov far exceeds availability, particularly in Yosemite Valley during peak visitation times. This imbalance has persisted for decades, and the demand has only intensified over time.
Though the lottery does not guarantee desired dates or campsites will be available, it significantly reduces the number of users competing at the same time for sites during the most popular seasonal dates.
Additionally, Yosemite officials are contemplating a congestion-management plan that may include timed entry, as there may be restricted access to certain areas of the park this year due to significant renovation and construction projects.
“Visitors should anticipate changes,” remarked Frank Dean, president of the non-profit Yosemite Conservancy. “It’s advisable to avoid weekends and holidays if possible. Planning ahead is crucial, as exploring less crowded areas of the park can offer a more tranquil experience.”
Current projects include building a new visitor center, upgrading roads, and enhancing campsite facilities. These essential tasks have long been on Yosemite’s agenda but are now achievable due to funding from the Great American Outdoors Act. This landmark legislation, enacted in 2020, allocates as much as $9.5 billion over four years to address deferred maintenance in US national parks.
Many national parks have already adopted reservation systems requiring assigned time slots for high-demand entry times. Yosemite park planners are expected to announce details of their summer 2022 system in the near future.
