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The Lottery That Leads to Adventure!
The High Sierra Camp Lottery offers you the chance to secure coveted reservations at Yosemite's renowned backcountry camps. Enjoy rustic accommodations, stunning views, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Yosemite's wilderness. Don't miss your opportunity to create lasting memories—apply for the lottery and plan your adventure today!
The 2026 General Availability is now open. Please review availability and apply for open dates/camps.
2026 High Sierra Camp General Availability
Use the links below to complete your application for the 2026 High Sierra Camp General Availability:
| High Sierra Camp Applications | Request Form |
| Guided Trip Availability | Application Link |
| Unguided Trip Availability | Application Link |
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Winners will be notified with a Confirmation Email. Decline emails will also be sent.
FAQs
- Is the Lottery for Guide and Unguided Trips? Is the Lottery for Guide and Unguided Trips? The High Sierra Camp Lottery is for both Guided and Unguided trip requests. (Please note: Meals Only reservations are not part of the Lottery.)
- Is there separate entries needed for each camp? Is there separate entries needed for each camp? No, an applicant can submit 1 application for specific Unguided and/ or Guided trips. All camp information is collected on the application.
- When is payment due? When is payment due? Payment is due within 7 days of receiving the confirmation email letting you know you were selected for the High Sierra Camp Lottery.
- What is the cancellation policy? What is the cancellation policy?
Canceling or changing your reservations more than 30 days in advance of scheduled arrival will result in a $10 service charge per person.
Canceling or changing your reservation 14 to 30 days in advance of scheduled arrival will result in a 70% refund of the total cost of the reservation.
Canceling or changing your reservation less than 14 days in advance of scheduled arrival will result in no refund unless space resells, then it will result in a 10% charge.
- How will I be notified if I am successful in the lottery? How will I be notified if I am successful in the lottery? High Sierra Camp Lottery winners will be notified by email.
- Can I call or do I have to go on your website to apply? Can I call or do I have to go on your website to apply? The High Sierra Camp Lottery application will be available on our website only. Click here to fill out your application. If you do need assistance filling out the application, please call our office at 888-413-8869 and select option 4.
- Is the High Sierra trip transferrable? Is the High Sierra trip transferrable? Yes, High Sierra Camp reservations are transferable by calling our office. This cannot be done on our website.
- Is the High Sierra Camp a summer program or all year around? Is the High Sierra Camp a summer program or all year around? The High Sierra Camps operate seasonally from June to September. Season dates are heavy weather dependent.
- Can I choose a particular day or week for a High Sierra Camp trip? Can I choose a particular day or week for a High Sierra Camp trip? For Unguided trips, you can start your trip on any day of the week. Guided trips start on specific days of the week.
- Can I request a partial Guided trip if I only have 3 days? Can I request a partial Guided trip if I only have 3 days? Unfortunately, Guided trips are 5 or 7 days. There is not an option for a 3-day Guided trip.
- Do we make reservations for the entire 5 day loop or something different? Do we make reservations for the entire 5 day loop or something different? For Unguided trips, it is not mandatory to reserve a 5 day or Full loop. We do have the option of Half Loop trips.
- Can we spend more than 1 night at each camp? Can we spend more than 1 night at each camp? For Unguided trips, you can stay in 1 camp for more than 1 night. For Guided trips, it will depend on the trip you select.
- How much does it cost for a Guided vs Unguided? How much does it cost for a Guided vs Unguided?
To get an idea of the cost of each camp, please review the pricing posted on Guided Trip webpage and our Unguided Trip webpage.
- Why does a Guided trip cost more than Unguided? Why does a Guided trip cost more than Unguided? Guided trips include a guide and all 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at each camp. Unguided trips are self-guided and only include 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) at each camp. Sack lunches are available for Unguided guests for an additional cost at each camp.
- Do I need a wilderness permit? Do I need a wilderness permit? Guests staying at the High Sierra Camps for their entire stay do not need a wilderness permit. If any part of your stay involves independent camping, you will need to obtain a wilderness permit from NPS.
- What time is check in and check out at the High Sierra Camps? What time is check in and check out at the High Sierra Camps?
Check in for unguided hikes is between 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the High Sierra Camp Store. If you arrive after dinner at 6:30 pm, we may not be able to provide a meal for you. Check out is by 9:00 am.
If you are on a guided hiking or saddle trip, you will check in at the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge front desk in person the evening before your trip departs. On the night before departure, the guide will present a talk at the lodge and confirm the start time for the hike the next morning. Saddle Trips guests must also check-in at the Tuolumne Meadows Stable before 4:30 pm on the day before their trip.
- Is it required to stay at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge to get used to the altitude? Is it required to stay at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge to get used to the altitude? Because of the High Camps elevations, we recommend an overnight stay at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge or White Wolf, however this is not required.
- What time do I need to be at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge? What time do I need to be at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge?
Check-in is at 4:00 PM
Contact: 209.372.8413
- What is included in my reservation? What is included in my reservation? Your unguided reservation includes your sleeping space in the tent, access to restrooms and showers (when available), dinner each night, and breakfast each morning. Guided reservations include everything above, with the addition of your guide or mule service, and lunch every day from the first day of your hike to the last day of your hike. Meals at Tuolumne or additional lodging dates are not included in your reservation.
- What if Lodging is not available before or after my stay? What if Lodging is not available before or after my stay?
If lodging is not available, you can check the park campgrounds or lodging outside the park.
- If someone in my party needs to cancel, can someone else take their place? If someone in my party needs to cancel, can someone else take their place? Yes, please let us know of the change so we can update the new guest's information.
- Where should I park during my trip? Where should I park during my trip? Parking is available at the Tuolumne Meadows Dog Lake Parking Lot. If you are departing from Tuolumne Meadows Stable, guests can park at the Stable or on the side of the road between Lembert Dome and the Stable. There are also various long-term hiker parking lots available free of charge, please follow posted signage. For more information about parking near your specific trailhead, you can visit the NPS website.
- What if I want to add lunch? What if I want to add lunch?
Lunches are available for purchase; we recommend reserving lunches the night before. Each of the five camps accepts cash only.
Lunch Prices
Glen Aulin - Adult: $20 & Child: $10
May Lake - Adult: $20 & Child: $10
Sunrise - Adult: $20 & Child: $10
- What times are meals served? What times are meals served?
Breakfast is served at 7:30 AM, dinner is served at 6:30 PM. Lunch orders may be placed at dinner the night before and picked up at breakfast the following morning, no later than 9:00 AM. All meals are set menus, served family style in one of our dining tents. Because it is family style, everyone sits at the beginning of the meals until they're done. If guests are late, they may miss part of the meal. We plan on everyone being at the meal and have limited ability to hold food at the required temperature.
Learn More - I have a food allergy or dietary restriction, is that OK? I have a food allergy or dietary restriction, is that OK?
We make every attempt to accommodate requests for dietary restrictions. Please advise the High Sierra Camp Reservation Staff of any restrictions no less than 14 days prior to the start of your trip. Requests made within 14 days of arrival may not be accommodated. Please note that our facility cannot be completely sterilized to prevent the presence of gluten. Although we are very careful to follow the local food codes, other gluten products are being prepared in the same kitchen.
Example of Gluten-Free Meal:
- Tossed green salad
- Vegetable bean soup
- Broccoli and cauliflower
- Potatoes or rice
- The entree (protein) prepared without gluten
- Fresh fruit with hand-crafted whipped cream
Example of Vegetarian Meal:
- Vegetarian Lasagna
- Asian noodles
- Vegetarian enchiladas
Food Allergy Form
If you or anyone in your group has food allergies or dietary restrictions, please submit the High Sierra Allergy Form.
- What if I bring my own food? What if I bring my own food? Shared bear-proof food storage lockers are available at all High Sierra Camps for your use. Freezer and refrigerator space is not available for guest use.
- How much water should I bring? How much water should I bring? Purified water is available at each camp. It is important that you do not drink unfiltered water from streams or lakes along the trail. The average person will need up to a gallon of water each day.
- What is the set-up of the tents? What is the set-up of the tents? All High Sierra Camp lodging consists of a canvas tent cabin with dormitory-style steel frame beds. Wood-burning stoves can heat tent cabins at all camps except Merced Lake. Tents sleep 2-6 guests and are often co-ed. They include a bed with mattress, pillow, three woolen blankets, and a comforter. Guests should bring a sleeping bag or liner and a towel.
- Do I need to bring a sleeping bag? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
It is required to bring a sleeping bag or liner for your stay.
Beds are equipped with three woolen blankets and a comforter. It can get very cold overnight and there can be frost or even snow. Cold nights average around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer nights average around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Is there electricity in the camps? (How will I charge my camera/cell phone etc.) Is there electricity in the camps? (How will I charge my camera/cell phone etc.) There is no electricity at any of the camps. It is recommended to purchase a solar charger if you need to charge your devices, or a portable charger that can store multiple charges.
- Will I have cell phone service? Will I have cell phone service? Cell phone service is very spotty at best, it is not recommended to rely on a cell phone for communications.
- Will walkie talkies work? Will walkie talkies work? Walkie talkies will usually work within line of site range, depending on the quality of the device itself. They may be useful for a group but should not be relied upon as a form of communication.
- Are there restrooms or showers? Are there restrooms or showers? Restroom facilities are available at all camps. Shower facilities are available for guests at May Lake, Sunrise, and Merced Lake, based on the water supply. Wash basins for laundry are available at May Lake, Sunrise, and Merced Lake.
- What is the High Sierra Camp Packing Service and how do I use it? What is the High Sierra Camp Packing Service and how do I use it?
We offer dunnage service to the High Sierra Camps as well as custom pack trips. Click on the Trip Preparation - Packing Services link to learn more.
- What is the max weight to ride a mule? What is the max weight to ride a mule? Guests going on saddle trips are limited to bringing 225 pounds of gear with them -- which includes their body weight, and all items carried.
- Do you have a detailed packing list and itinerary for my trip? Do you have a detailed packing list and itinerary for my trip?
Please see our Trip Preparation page for details regarding packing lists/what to bring, tips and packing services.
- What if I'm injured on the trail? What if I'm injured on the trail? Your trip to the High Sierra Camps will take you into Yosemite Wilderness. If you are injured in the Wilderness, our camp stores are stocked with basic first-aid supplies. Injuries beyond that may need to be attended by the National Park Service Search and Rescue Team. Guests concerned about any medical conditions prior to their hike or saddle trip should contact their doctor.
- How physically fit do I need to be for my hike? How physically fit do I need to be for my hike?
Hiking can be strenuous in Yosemite's backcountry. The lowest camp is Merced Lake, and its elevation sits at roughly 7300 feet above sea level. The highest camp is Vogelsang at approximately 10,200 feet above sea level. While we certainly provide a comfortable experience in camp, the hiking between camps changes in elevation and can be difficult for people who haven't prepared properly.
Guests are encouraged to prepare for their hike by going for a walk 4 to 5 times a week in the weeks leading up to their trips. The trails are clearly marked, and the distances are 6-10 miles between camps. The views along the trails are beautiful and inspiring, but you really can't over-prepare. Hiking uphill is a challenge even after doing it regularly!
For saddle Trips, we recommend spending a few days at a riding stable learning to handle a horse/mule and preparing your body to spend hours in the saddle. Even though you are not walking, it is still a very physical day riding a horse/mule. You should be in the same physical condition to ride as to hike.