Yosemite Lodging

[zonedam]

My Permit for the JMT entry date is for 8/4/10. I plan to fly into SFO in the morning of 8/2, go BART, AMTRAK to Merced, then the YARTS bus which can get me to the Valley around 8.15 pm, the same day.
I can't find any lodging available for the night of 8/2 in the Valley.
I would like recommendations as to where to stay or camp.
Can I assume that the backpackers campground would have vacancies for the night of 8/3?

[mts4602]

Your permit allows you to stay in the backpackers campground 1 day before your trip 8/3. For 8/2 I would just stay in Merced and take the YARTS bus in the morning. You won't find a campsite in the Valley at 8pm. Hope this helps. Have fun!

[Cookerhiker]

I suppose you already have your flight reservations to SFO. If not, consider flying to Oakland insead. Then you're on the same side of the Bay making it easier to get to the AMTRAK station.

[zonedam]

Thanks for the advice.
I have booked a motel in Merced the night of the 2nd.
I can't fly into Oakland getting there early enough to catch Amtrak to Merced. Not much difference in price surprisingly.

[eagleJ]

I'll be finishing up at BP camp on 8/3 hope to see you there.

[flemdawg1]

And I'll be leaving the same 8/1.