Getting a campsite in Yosemite takes both skill and patience. The system is not easy to work, and you need to plan well ahead for any trips. In fact, the window for camping between May 15 and June 14 opens on January 18...and that gives you the possibility of getting a lottery allotment of a campsite in Yosemite Valley.
We're telling you this because camping in Yosemite is pretty darn cool. And if you can get a reservation, camping gives you a perspective on the park that you can't get any other way. Here's what the note on recreation.gov says:
North Pines Campground Early Access Lottery will open for applications on January 18, 2022 at 7:00 AM Pacific time, and close February 6, 2022 at 8:00 PM Pacific time. Applications must be submitted on Recreation.gov via web browser (Chrome, Edge, etc.); the North Pines Campground Early Access Lottery is not available through the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Early Access Lottery applicants will be notified of their award status beginning February 10. Please check the email address associated with your Recreation.gov account for your notification or login to your Recreation.gov account to view your award status.
Learn more about the Early Access Lottery and campground reservations below and by visiting Yosemite National Park’s website. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/lottery-pilot.htm