Yosemite National Park Parkwide Campground Planning Study

A Study of the Potential for Expanded Opportunities for Camping in Yosemite National Park 

Yosemite is one our Nation’s oldest and most revered National Parks.  Due to its popularity, demand for camping in Yosemite National Park greatly exceeds availability for three to four months a year.  In 2002 Congress directed the National Park Service (NPS) to conduct a study of the potential for expanded camping opportunities in Yosemite to address current visitation demands.

The NPS goal was to conduct this study and provide a report directly to Congress for all proposed construction, infrastructure, and utilities concepts and cost associated with campground design.  Using GIS and on-site analysis, the design team surveyed the park for its physical and recreational opportunities; provided programming, schematic designs, and cost estimation for renovations and expansion of 12 existing campgrounds and 4 new campgrounds outside Yosemite Valley within Yosemite National Park.

Study findings identified a total of 788 new campsites as potential opportunities, offering varied types of camping and unique recreational experiences throughout the park.  Approximately 5,000 additional visitors per day could be accommodated as a result (525,000 over 3-4 months).

FiLL p.l.l.c. principal Phil Hendricks Jr. ASLA served as the project manager, lead landscape architect and site planner while EDAW.