AboutSteve Springer Expertise I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I`ve lived in the Valley, west side, east side, and South Bay, so I`m an expert on getting around town. I`m knowledgeable about all of the Southern California tourist attractions. I am also an expert on state beaches in Southern California, and have an expansive camping background. No relocation/moving questions, please.
Expert: Steve Springer Date: 6/26/2008 Subject: Reservation at Yosemite
Question Hi Steve,
I have been trying to get a reservation at Yosemite Housekeeping Camp for a while but have not been successful; I tried calling at 7am, as soon I got thru (maybe 15 minutes later), everything is booked. It's the same frustrating experience doing it on-line. I think some of these camps are booked by travel agencies and they probably book the whole camp before anyone else. Do you know any better way to book a reservation there?
Thank you.
Jason
Answer Hi Jason,
Welcome to my world. We're all in the same boat. I wish I could say that there's a secret to getting reservations in Yosemite, but there isn't. You just have to get lucky. Here's our strategy:
First, you can forget the phone. Even if you get through right away, by the time you get through the recorded BS, everything's booked. Nowadays, Internet is the way to go.
I tried for reservations in the Valley this year, and the entire valley was booked in less than 5 minutes. It's an awesome sight to behold. I got in last year by clicking at the stroke of 7AM. However, my first choice was taken. I had to quickly adjust, and get some days in one site, and several more days in a different site. All in less than a minute or two.
As for housekeeping camp, I believe they book up to one year in advance. Once again, it's just a matter of synchronizing your watch with the atomic clock in Colorado, and trying your best to click at 7 AM.
Travel agencies cannot book large blocks (or the entire camp). Yosemite is VERY popular. When I went last year, I walked into my favorite campsite and gave the guy grief for taking "my spot". We laughed about that for awhile. Everyone I talk to has the same experience. Many people get their whole family involved. Years ago, before the Internet reservations, we used to get everone involved using home and cell phones.
Sadly, that's just the way it is. Better luck to both of us next year.
