Camping packing list for Yosemite — Fall

Yosemite National Park requires permits for most overnight backcountry use.

• Visit the Yosemite Exploration Center: The Yosemite Exploration Center features interactive displays and exhibits highlighting Yosemite's many stories and resources. Bring the family and learn more about Yosemite's history, the people who originally called this place home, as well as more about meadows, animals, and sequoias!
• Watch the "Spirit of Yosemite" Film: The park film, The Spirit of Yosemite, is shown daily on the hour and the half hour in the theater behind the Yosemite Exploration Center. The first showing is at 9:30am, and the last showing is at 4pm.
• Become a Yosemite Junior Ranger: Kids can become a Yosemite Junior Ranger by taking a self-guided handbook with them as they travel around the park and complete the activities that are the best fit for them. The Yosemite Junior Ranger handbook is available for free at visitor centers. When you are done, share your booklet with a park ranger at any Yosemite visitor center during operating hours to receive your badge.

Apply on Recreation.gov →

Bear canisters are required in all Yosemite National Park wilderness zones.

Required zones

• All designated wilderness camps
• Above 3,000 ft in backcountry zones

Approved storage

• BearVault BV450/BV500
• Counter Assault Bear Keg
• UDAP No-Fed-Bear

At 4,000 ft, Yosemite National Park sees wide temperature swings. Best camping: May, June, September, October.

Best months: May, June, September, October

Snow / closure months: November, December, January, February, March, April

11 essentials for fall at 4,000 ft.

• 40°F sleeping bag(Sleep)

  Fall nights at Yosemite National Park often drop to ~38°F at 4,000 ft — a 40°F bag gives safe margin.

• Insulated sleeping pad (R-value 4+)(Sleep)

  Cold ground saps heat fast at elevation; an R4+ pad pairs with your 40°F bag for Mariposa, CA-area shoulder seasons.

• Three-season tent with rain fly(Shelter)

  Yosemite National Park weather shifts quickly — a freestanding tent handles wind and sudden rain common in Fall.

• Water filter or purifier(Cook)

  Seasonal streams and developed campground faucets; treat all backcountry water.

• Headlamp + spare batteries(Safety)

  Trail work and camp chores run past sunset; a backup prevents being stuck in the dark on unfamiliar trails.

• First aid kit (blister care, pain relief, gauze)(Safety)

  Remote terrain near Mariposa, CA means self-sufficiency — treat blisters and minor injuries before they end a trip.

• Rain shell + warm midlayer(Wear)

  Layer for 38°F lows and daytime swings at 4,000 ft — cotton stays wet and dangerous.

• Sturdy broken-in hiking boots(Wear)

  Half Dome and wilderness permits sell out months ahead — pla rewards stable footing on rocky, uneven trails.

• Approved bear canister(Safety)

  Bear canisters are required in wilderness zones — hanging food is not permitted and rangers issue citations.

• Printed backcountry permit(Navigation)

  Permits are checked at trailheads — keep a paper copy even if you have digital confirmation.

• Map + compass (or downloaded offline map)(Navigation)

  Cell service is spotty in California backcountry — do not rely on live GPS alone.

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