Yosemite is an absolutely gorgeous place, but is it worth visiting Yosemite National Park in winter? For many, yes, it is. The snow-covered granite cliffs and amazing valley views are breathtaking, the lack of crowds is as peaceful as it gets, and the unique winter experiences round things out nicely. While some parts of the park are closed for the winter season, Yosemite Valley remains open year-round, and although colder temperatures do present some challenges when visiting Yosemite in winter, they are challenges that can be tackled with a bit of planning and preparation.
Is Yosemite National Park Worth Visiting in Winter?
As mentioned above, Yosemite winter camping is absolutely worth doing. Really, even if you’ve been during the warmer months already, it’s worth seeing this park in the winter, as cold-weather visits to the park are a completely different experience.
Why Winter Is a Great Time to Visit Yosemite
Winter is a fabulous time to visit Yosemite National Parks for many reasons. For one thing, the snow-covered scenery is nothing short of spectacular. There are generally far fewer visitors during this time of year, meaning fewer crowds to contend with. On top of all that, there are things to do in Yosemite in winter that you can’t do in the summer months including snowshoeing and a different view of familiar landmarks such as El Capitan and Half Dome.
What Are the Downsides of Visiting Yosemite in Winter?
Unfortunately, visiting in winter does come with some downsides. Snowfall and icy conditions can be unpredictable and can make driving to Yosemite in winter as well as travel within the park difficult or even impossible. Some parts of the park close for the season, meaning you can’t access some in-park destinations. There are also fewer campgrounds open, meaning you won’t have as many campsites to choose from. Winter visits may also require more planning, so you can ensure you are prepared for all eventualities.
What Is Yosemite Like in Winter?
Yosemite winter weather is typically pretty cold. That said, conditions can vary significantly based on elevation. For instance, the temperatures in Yosemite Valley can be relatively mild while temperatures at higher elevations may be extremely cold.
Does Yosemite Get Snow in Winter?
Yes, Yosemite does get snow in winter. That said, this doesn’t mean snow covers every part of the park at every point in the season. Generally speaking, higher elevations see more snowfall and these areas will be snowcovered all winter long. Meanwhile, snow in the valley is more sporadic, so you may or may not see snow on the ground in this area of the park during your winter visit.
Visiting Yosemite in December, January, or February
What is the best month to visit Yosemite in winter? That depends on your priorities. Yosemite in December is wonderful for holiday travel, Yosemite in January is good for low crowd levels, and Yosemite in February offers the possibility of waterfall viewing.
| Month | What visitors can expect |
| December | Early winter scenery, occasional snowfall in Yosemite Valley, and deeper snow at higher elevations. |
| January | Cold temperatures, possible valley snowfall and icy roads, and deep snowpack at higher elevations. |
| February | Winter scenery, potential fresh snow in the valley, deep high-elevation snow, and possible Horsetail Fall viewing conditions. |
What Are the Best Things to Do in Yosemite in Winter?
One of the best things about Yosemite RV camping in winter is that the cold season offers the opportunity to experience some things you wouldn’t experience in summer. Some of the top things to put on your Yosemite winter itinerary include.
- Explore Yosemite Valley’s Scenic Viewpoints
First, I highly recommend seeking out the valley’s scenic viewpoints. Tunnel View, El Capitan Meadow, and Valley View are all great choices. Just note that depending on weather, you may not be able to access these points, so be sure to have a backup plan.
- Go Snowshoeing or Take a Winter Walk
Yosemite is an excellent place to go snowshoeing. Badger Pass Ski Area is one of the most popular spots for this, and for good reason. Don’t feel up to full-on snowshoeing? Peaceful winter walks are also well worth taking in this park. Cook’s Meadow Loop is a good pick for this.
- Enjoy Winter Sports at Badger Pass
I mentioned Badger Pass for snowshoeing. That said, this isn’t all this well-known ski area is good for. You can also enjoy both downhill and cross-country skiing in this area, which is definitely worth doing. Just be sure to check that the ski area is operating before you head that way.
- Photograph Yosemite’s Winter Landscapes
Yosemite is particularly beautiful during the quiet winter months. Capture this beauty by enjoying some winter photography in the park. Take advantage of the winter sunlight reflecting off the snow-covered scenery. Just be aware that not all hiking trails will be open, so you will need to choose where you go to capture images carefully.
Can You Visit Yosemite in Winter in an RV?
You absolutely can visit Yosemite in an RV during the winter season. That said, you will want to plan carefully to ensure a successful adventure. Make sure you choose an RV that can handle the cold and Yosemite winter road conditions and do your research so you understand which roads and campgrounds are closed.
What Are Yosemite’s Winter Road Conditions for RVs?
| Route | Typical winter access | RV considerations |
| Highway 140 via El Portal | Generally open year-round | Lower-elevation approach, but chain controls and vehicle restrictions can apply |
| Highway 41 via Wawona | Generally open year-round | Higher-elevation stretches may have snow and ice |
| Highway 120 from the west | Generally open year-round | Mountain driving and chain requirements |
| Tioga Road / eastern Highway 120 | Typically closed in winter | Not a viable cross-park route during seasonal closure |
| Glacier Point Road | Mostly closed beyond Badger Pass access | Not a through-route; restrictions apply |
As a general rule, the National Park Service identifies Highway 140, Highway 41, and western Highway 120 as year-round approaches, subject to temporary conditions. Highway 140 is a lower-elevation approach that tends to work well for RVs, but you will want to keep an eye on current conditions and restrictions.
Do RVs Need Snow Chains in Yosemite?
RVs absolutely must follow Yosemite’s posted tire chain requirements during winter weather. Chain controls can change quickly. Because of this, it is required that all vehicles carry tire chains when driving in areas that may implement chain requirements.
Before your trip, confirm chain compatibility with your rental provider, including the correct size and which tires need chains. If your RV cannot safely accommodate the required chains or you’re uncomfortable driving on snow or ice, it’s better to change your plans rather than risk the drive.
Check the NPS tire chain requirements and current road conditions before heading into the park.
Where Can You Camp in an RV Near Yosemite in Winter?
Not all Yosemite campgrounds are open during the winter. The following campgrounds are options according to the NPS website, but it is best to reconfirm winter availability before your trip.
| Campground | Winter availability | RV suitability |
| Upper Pines | Open year-round; reservations required | RV sites available, subject to site-specific size limits |
| Wawona | Winter camping in Loop A | RVs up to 35 feet, subject to site fit |
| Hodgdon Meadow | Open year-round | RVs up to 35 feet |
| Camp 4 | Open in winter | Not suitable for RV camping; walk-in camping only |
If none of these in-park campgrounds work for you, consider RV parks outside of the national park. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes is located right outside of the park and provides year-round access. I do recommend calling ahead to confirm which amenities will be accessible during the winter months.
How Do You Prepare an RV for Freezing Temperatures?
Yosemite RV camping in winter requires some extra prep in order to ensure the RV stays in good shape and everyone in your party stays safe and comfortable.
Before heading to Yosemite, run through this checklist:
- Confirm your RV is winter-ready. Check whether the RV has insulated tanks, enclosed plumbing, or a cold-weather package. If not, consider winterizing the water system and using bottled water for the week. Some RV antifreeze in the waste tanks will help keep those from freezing, so you can use the RV drains.
- Check heating and propane. Test your furnace, confirm propane levels, and pack extra fuel. If you have electric hookups, you might also want to pack a space heater to supplement what your RV furnace offers in terms of heat.
- Verify campground services. Confirm whether hookups, potable water, and dump stations will be available during your stay. If not, make sure you have water access and a way to stay warm sans hookups.
- Pack for cold nights. Bring warm bedding, layered clothing, extra food and water, and emergency supplies such as flashlights and a weather radio.
- Check batteries and power needs. Cold weather can reduce battery performance, while heaters and other appliances increase energy demands. Make sure your batteries are in good shape and are fully charged before you head out. If you’ll be camping without hookups, a generator or solar panels can help keep your batteries charged.
- Keep your itinerary flexible. Allow extra time for winter driving, road closures, and changing weather. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan if conditions delay your arrival or departure.
While there are plenty of RV rentals available in the area, it is important to note that not all are equipped for winter camping. Find an RV that fits your Yosemite travel plans, and confirm whether it’s winter ready with the owner before booking.
How to Plan a Safe and Enjoyable Yosemite Winter Trip
There are a few other things you should know about winter camping in Yosemite in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Check Weather, Road Closures, and Park Alerts
First, it’s super important that you watch the weather closely and check for road closures and park alerts before heading anywhere in the park.
Pack for Cold Weather and Changing Conditions
As stated above, it’s important that you prep and pack your RV for the weather. Include layered clothing, waterproof footwear, traction devices for walking, extra food, plenty of propane, space heaters, and winter emergency supplies.
Plan Around Shorter Days and Limited Services
Keep in mind the fact that days are shorter during the winter months, meaning you’ll have fewer daylight hours for exploring. Additionally, there aren’t as many available services throughout the park. You will want to have a plan for acquiring fuel and food. It’s also a good idea to reserve a campsite in advance, as overnight parking is not allowed on roadside pullouts or in parking lots in the park.
Is Winter the Right Time for Your Yosemite RV Trip?
If you ask me, Yosemite winter RVing is a strong fit for travelers who enjoy scenic views, quieter experiences, and winter activities.
Having a flexible itinerary is also a must. A winter Yosemite trip may be less suitable for travelers who want full access to high-elevation roads, predictable driving conditions, or warm-weather camping.
Think winter RVing in Yosemite is for you? Explore RV rentals near Yosemite and start planning your winter adventure now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yosemite in Winter
The park itself is open all year long. That said, there are certain roads and areas of the park that close for the winter season or when conditions require it.
This is dependent on personal preference. Plenty of people visit Yosemite in winter and stay warm using their RV’s furnace, layered clothing, and warm bedding. That said, if you aren’t a fan of winter weather, you might prefer a visit during another part of the year.
You can drive through certain parts of the park during December. That said, there will be some seasonal road closures, meaning you won’t be able to drive the entire park.
Yes, there are campgrounds open inside of the park. Additionally, there are RV parks near the national park that stay open all year long.
You could visit for as few as 2-3 days and have a good time in Yosemite in the winter. That said, if you want to see and do everything, you will want to stay for 4-5 days or more.
