Any suggestions for Yosemite NP in May?

[Tunce the traveler]

I'm taking Tunce starting April 16th. to the Oregon coast and Northern California coast then over to Yosemite and it will be our first time there. This is a dog vacation but I could have someone watch her for a day or two if they have that kind of service.

[Jmooney]

We stayed outside YNP in the Stanilos National Forest (sp?). Just 10 minutes outside the north entrance (?) at Diamond O Campground

Small campground, perhaps 30 sites, pretty tight, but got my 34 ft 5er in there

Dry camping, water on site

It was 30 minute drive to the center of YNP and all the sites.

The center, where all the big YNP attractions are, is very commercialized and crowded.

Glad we stayed outside the park

[Country_Mouse]

Reservations are probably booked solid for weekends. We always book right at 6AM 6 or 7 months beforehand and still lucky to even get one. I'm talking summertime though. I can't remember exactly but think Yosemite is on a 7 month out instead of 6 system. Will you be there during the week? They may have some first come sites. If not you'll have a better chance in campgrounds outside the park a little ways away.

[Tunce the traveler]

Thanks for the info and the heads up and it looks like I better book ASAP.

[Moto_Man_22]

Hey I live 40 min from Yosemite.. He is right about booking early call now! May is good bcuz still a chance of some waterfalls. Not too many places for the trailer in Yosemite but you definitely need to camp on tioga pass. Hwy 120. Another Yosemite in itself.

[Country_Mouse]

We booked for June. My son looked it up and said best time for waterfalls. That's what he wanted to go see.

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

I'm taking Tunce starting April 16th. to the Oregon coast and Northern California coast then over to Yosemite and it will be our first time there. This is a dog vacation but I could have someone watch her for a day or two if they have that kind of service.

If I change my name to Tunce2 and put on a fresh flea cooler can I come too?
Sounds great, I know he'll enjoy!

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

If I change my name to Tunce2 and put on a fresh flea cooler can I come too?
Sounds great, I know he'll enjoy!

Sure but not much dog food on vacation, just TriTip steaks or Salmon from the grill. She's not into oysters but loves Blue Cheese on a cracker and she's not into wine but she has her own beer.

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by Moto_Man_22

Hey I live 40 min from Yosemite.. He is right about booking early call now! May is good bcuz still a chance of some waterfalls. Not too many places for the trailer in Yosemite but you definitely need to camp on tioga pass. Hwy 120. Another Yosemite in itself.

Thanks for that tip and I'll look at that after breakfast.

[Denise]

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

If I change my name to Tunce2 and put on a fresh flea cooler can I come too?
Sounds great, I know he'll enjoy!

X2 Lol!

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

This is a dog vacation but I could have someone watch her for a day or two if they have that kind of service.

Pets are allowed on paved paths and road ways. Off limits on trails. We were asked to keep our leash no longer than 6 feet.

Local veterinarians (outside the park of course) often are 'in the know' on 'doggy day care's', or may do day care themselves. If you go this option, make sure you have the current shot record and registration paper work with you.

Have fun! Yosemite and Tioga Pass are scenic destinations

[DocBrown]

We've been there 3 times, twice at the beginning of June. If you can, shoot for the end of May or first week in June. Most of the roads are open by then and the kids are still in school. So yes it's busy, but not crazy busy. Best of all the water falls are flowing.

If you can spend some time on Tioga Rd and hiking the trails there it's a wonderful experience. It's also not as busy as the Valley, which is pretty busy even in May. The great thing about the valley is that you can park the car and take the shuttle everywhere, it stops at all the trail heads. Take an early morning drive, like at 7 am. through the valley. Lots of places to stop that the shuttles don't stop at and no crowds.

[saintsfan]

Everyone has given great advice so far, like getting to the valley in the early morning to avoid the crowds and visiting Tioga Pass to also avoid the crowds. I would recommend renting a bike to see the valley at a slower pace then driving through. Also a must do IMO would be the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. I hope the snow fall this year will give you some big water falls.

[Nukeneck]

We've stayed at Yosemite Lakes RV park which is right outside the west gate on highway 120. It's a Thousand Trails campsite but you don't need to be a member. It has full hookups and I believe dry camping as well. It's a decent place to stay and usually available unlike inside the park

[clubhouse]

Look at wawona, in the park not on the valley floor, close to south gate and often overlooked. In fact, what I have found, many folks who miss out on the 15th of the month reservation opening booked Wawona as a backup then cancel if they can get in to one of Pines CGs on the valley floor. You might just get lucky and pick up a cancelation.

I think May is the best month in the park.

We have taken our dog several times, although Yosemite is certainly not the most dog friendly place.

[Tunce the traveler]

Thank you everyone and by Friday I should have all my plans in place. You've all made this so easy for me and I can't thank you enough.

[tularockstar]

Good luck and have fun at YNP! We were there in 2012 in August and there were a lot of people and tourists from Europe! May/June is a great time to go, right before school kids go on Summer break. You should be able to see a lot of water at various falls! Bring your hiking boots and lots of water--and take lots of pictures/videos!

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

Thank you everyone and by Friday I should have all my plans in place. You've all made this so easy for me and I can't thank you enough.