Sierra Cascades camping reservations

[msbodnar]

Im planning a trip covering Section 4 of the Sierra Cascades route at the end of June. I understand that it will be very busy so I am wondering if cycle tourists need reservations to stay in the National Parks or if there are hiker / biker sites as there are in Oregon.
Thanks

[indyfabz]

National Park rules and facilities vary by park and even by specific campground.  Check each official park web site and you will likely find the answer to your question.

[staehpj1]

Im planning a trip covering Section 4 of the Sierra Cascades route at the end of June. I understand that it will be very busy so I am wondering if cycle tourists need reservations to stay in the National Parks or if there are hiker / biker sites as there are in Oregon.
Thanks

We rode the section between San Diego and Lake Tahoe and made out OK with no reservations close to that time of year.  I don't recall any hiker biker sites on that section.  We did need to ask to share a site with someone twice and in the Yosemite Valley we were allowed one night in the backpackers' campground is behind North Pines Campground.  We then had to get up at the crack of dawn and head over in the dark to Camp 4 which is the first come first served climbers camp.  Otherwise we would have had to leave the park.  I think we were allowed 7 days there.

Your chances are probably best if you don't arrive in Yosemite Valley on a a Friday or Saturday.  It is definitely worth spending a few days there even if you do not normally take days off.

[JimboBiker]

Traveled this route last year mid June.  Lake Tahoe had to ask for a biker site and ranger showed up and was nice to give us biker price... other wise would have been expensive.  seemed like tahoe was not set up for biker camping and charged often $35 for a site.  We stayed at richardson camp in south tahoe and was good.  June 19th... no reservation needed.  good restaurant at this camp and we splurged and ate dinner there that evening.  Often would just call the camp number ahead of time to check availability early afternoon so we could plan where to stay.  I recommend Markelville Hot Springs campground too $3 bike sites and $7 for hot springs.  it is off road 6 miles but worth it!  found a tent cabin in Virginia Creek Settlement in Bridgeport, CA 93517  (760) 932-7780
bridgeport which was nice too and great breakfast/dinner spot again but would think it would be good to call ahead for that.  was about same price as the campsites but right on the route.  Tioga pass was great... long climb and stayed Tioga lake campground got one of the last sites.  If you can push up and get to White Wolf Camp which has bike camping and one of the best breakfasts we had on the trip. the valley we stayed one night in tent cabins very $$$ but the next day went to camp 4 and stayed 2 nights there.  Biker sites are $5 and you will share with other bikers which is good.  Peets coffee in the lodge there so stay in Yosemite was great... I have already written a lot and as you can see really enjoyed the trip with my buddy.  Hope to do another trip next year like this for about 30 days... hope your trip is as much fun.  Basically mid morning or early afternoon would start determining where we would end up and call for a site if we had a number... some state parks/national parks will not have #'s so you just show up and hope ... most of the time they will accomodate you.... Enjoy the trip