Yosemite National Park
USA Holiday Destinations

Yosemite National Park is a park for all seasons. No matter what time of year you decide to visit you are sure to find a range of fun and interesting activities that will make your RV rental holiday a memorable one. Each year the park is visited by over 3.5 million people who come to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and wide range of educational and entertaining outdoor activities. It is easy to reach being only a 3.5 hour drive from our San Francisco RV rental branch and approximately 6 hours from our Los Angeles RV rental branch.

Yosemite covers around 800,000 acres of varied terrain on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain in east central California. It was the very first wilderness park in the United States to be protected from commercial interests by the Federal government which set aside the land for preservation and public use. Given its origins it's no wonder people continue to visit the park in large numbers. The history of the region, the natural beauty and the range of fun outdoor activities draws people back again and again.

The park is well catered for with 13 campgrounds, most of which accommodate RV rentals. While there are no hook ups available there are designated dump stations throughout the park. Many of the campgrounds offer sweeping views of forest canopies and are roomy enough that even during peak periods the campsites do not feel cramped. Camping is extremely popular and during the peak season campgrounds can fill up on the very first day that reservations are taken. Even though there are a number of first come first served campsites these often fill by noon. The national park service's website contains information about important dates for making reservations.

Many visitors come to Yosemite on day trips. While a fee applies to day visitors, they are permitted to visit the park an unlimited number of times over a seven day period. This is ideal for holiday makers who are unable to find accommodation within Yosemite and wish to stay outside the park in one of the many surrounding communities. Again, visitors will find that most campgrounds accommodate RVs and camper rentals.

Here is a small taste of the type of holiday activities available in the park :

Hiking & Camping

Because of the stunning natural beauty of the park there are a wide variety of hiking options. You can hire a guide for a day hike ranging from a few hours to full day trips. Some organizations even offer overnight group backpacking trips which anyone can join. If you are visiting with a group some tour guide operators even offer customized backpacking trips tailored just for you. RV rental travelers will be glad at the end of a hard days hike that they can relax and unwind in the comfort and security of their cozy motorhome cabin.

Rock Climbing

Yosemite offers an unbeatable climbing experience. In fact Camp 4 was instrumental in the development of rock climbing as a sport and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Climbers can be spotted around the park during the snow free months on anything from 10 ft high boulders to the 3,000 ft high face of El Capitan. If you are the adventurous type you may wish to try your hand at climbing, although many people find it equally enjoyable to sit back and watch the climbers over a picnic lunch. RV rental holiday makers may wish instead to use their kitchen facilities to cook a more substantial meal which can be taken along for a picnic or simply enjoyed in the comfort of the RVs cabin.

Biking

Despite the mountainous regions around the park there are in fact a number of flat regions that are ideal for exploration by bike. There are over 12 miles of paved bike trails in Yosemite, some of which lead to the most picturesque spots in the park. The floor of Yosemite Valley is mostly flat with an occasional slight incline which makes the area ideal for cruising. Bikes and equipment can be rented within the park from early Spring to late Fall.

Mule & Horseback Rides

Perhaps the most relaxing way to experience the scenery Yosemite has to offer, other than in the comfort of your RV rental of course, is by mule or horseback. There are a number of different stables which offer rides through unique scenery. Why not visit them all for a comprehensive view of the park? Casual rides take between 2 to 4 hours however all day rides are also available. City slickers beware : a day in the saddle can have a serious affect on your ability to sit down the following day.

Horse or Mule? The mules of Yosemite are ideal animals for exploration through the scenic and rugged terrain of the park. They are trail-wise and surefooted, with even temperaments they make the ideal partner on a trail riding adventure.

Kids Attractions

Yosemite is a truly family friendly destination offering a range of educational and entertaining experiences for all ages. If you are planning a family camper rental holiday you will have many options for entertaining the troops. Young children can be entertained with their favorite activities such as singing, arts and crafts, games, and storytelling which will give mum and dad a chance to explore the park together or simply relax and unwind.

Older kids are also well catered for with a Junior Ranger program and other tailored activities. Many of the programs are designed to bring people one step closer to nature and in the process also closer to each other. Documentary maker Ken Burns' 2009 documentary "The National Parks : America's Best Idea" explored some of the ways the National Parks have impacted both visitors and the nation as a whole. He put it best when he said this about the way nature allows people to connect

"I've watched families look down in awe, grab each other's hands, look into each other's eyes and then you realize that's the real magic of the national parks," he said. "They're not just showing you spectacular natural scenery, they're also permitting you to have experiences with those closest to you in ways you've never had before."

Go back