North Pines Campground Lottery

Yosemite National Park’s North Pines Campground Lottery will open January 18, 2022, at 7 am PST through February 6, 2022, at 8 pm PST. The early access lottery reservations will be for arrival dates from July 21 through September 14, 2022! Successful applicants will be able to make one reservation during an early access period for campsites in North Pines Campground.

Yosemite National Park is trying the pilot lottery program in an attempt to address the extremely high-demand for Yosemite campsites.  The demand for Yosemite Valley campsites far exceeds supply and has increased over time. According to Rec.gov, more than 10,000 people visit the site during Yosemite’s on-sale dates to try and get a reservation. Availability sells out in minutes with most people unable to get a camping reservation.

Users of the online reservation system often complain they were unsuccessful because they are not computer savvy, their computers or internet connection are not fast enough, or that some users receive preferential treatment. Park managers hope the early access lottery pilot will be more of an equitable, randomized system.

Pretty Sweet Campsites

Some of the best Yosemite Valley campsites are located in North Pines Campground. Check out these three right along the Merced River:

North Pines Campsite #520

Each campsite has a paved parking spur, food storage locker, table, fire ring and grate. There’s also plenty of room to pitch a tent or two.

North Pines Campsite #522

North Pines Campsite #524

The lottery system will assign a limited number of successful applicants a period before the general on-sale during which they can also make a reservation. The lottery sites are awarded in no particular order. Only one lottery application per person, and the lottery does not assure a camper will get their desired dates or campsites.

Campers can learn more about the North Pines Campground early access lottery before applying on Rec.gov.

North Pines Campground Availability Alerts

Remember, that cancellations happen! Try our Campsite Assist service if you’re unable to score a campsite through the North Pines Campground lottery. Campsite Assist continually monitors for cancellations and will send you an alert if a campsite becomes available on the dates you want to camp. We guarantee you’ll get an alert if a site becomes available (on the dates you select), or we’ll refund your money.