Yosemite Valley Campers Coalition was formed to protect and preserve the family camping experience that has been part of Yosemite's history. Families, generation after generation, return to connect with the natural beauty that is so unique to Yosemite.
For many, camping is a passionate tradition that promotes family unity among children, parents, and grandparents. Along the way stories abound about life long friendships that were formed by campers meeting neighbor campers, and were cultivated over decades. Yosemite National Park, and in particular Yosemite Valley, must be available to all people and not become an "elitist" experience.
Therefore, retaining the number of pre-flood campsites in Yosemite Valley is imperative. This action helps to ensure that all people will enjoy the opportunity to have a camper's experience in Yosemite.
As our petition (link at top of page) gathers signatures, it is sent to both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Hand written petitions with over 500 signatures have already been sent. The petition is our voice that hopefully will be heard to restore and maintain family camping in Yosemite Valley.
The Yosemite Valley Campers Coalition supports the delicate balance of maintaining the natural environment of the park yet allowing equal access for public enjoyment. We seek the restoration of Lower River, Upper River, the Valley's Group Campground, and the portion of Lower Pines Campgrounds that were not restored after the flood be reinstated with family friendly auto-based sites, as was the case pre-flood; we further want North Pines Campground to remain as currently used. This effort complies with the vision of the Park's original General Management Plan.