Camping with a Reactive Dog- Yosemite Edition
Linus and Luna at Bridalveil Creek Campground
Yosemite is undeniably iconic, and having grown up in California, it's been a beloved destination throughout our lives. Now, with a bit of extra planning, we can share the experience with our dogs too!
CAMPING
As with other national parks, dogs are allowed in the campgrounds (except for walk in and group campsites, and Camp 4) but are not allowed on most trails within the park. We have camped at both White Wolf and Bridalveil Creek campgrounds with our dogs, and although we had to split up during daytime adventures, it was great to have them enjoy the outdoors with us.
WHITE WOLF
White Wolf campground is about an hour up Tioga Road from the Valley between Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows. The campground is set back from the main road and surrounded by forest and granite formations making it a peaceful retreat away from the crowds we often find in Yosemite Valley. It is also about 25 miles from one of our favorite areas (although not dog friendly except for the campground) Tuolumne Meadows!
At 8,600 feet, Tuolumne Meadows, one of the largest subalpine meadows in the Sierra Nevada is usually cooler than the Valley. The meadow is a haven for wildlife such as deer, marmots, and various bird species. During the summer months, wildflowers bloom in abundance, creating a colorful carpet across the landscape. So while some of the family hiked without dogs to places such as Lembert Dome, Cathedral Lakes, and Glen Aulin, we discovered some equally breathtaking dog friendly hikes just outside the park. The Tioga Pass Entrance is about 30 miles from White Wolf and shares a border with the dog friendly Hoover Wilderness. Hoover Wilderness is known for its towering peaks, glacially-carved valleys, and crystal-clear lakes making it an epic designation for dogs and people. A couple of our favorite dog friendly hikes are:
Twenty Lakes Basin Loop an almost 8 mile moderate loop hike
Maul Lake a 6 mile out and back moderate hike
We passed through historic mining areas, the dogs swam in pristine alpine lakes, and we soaked in some dramatic views. We encountered very few people and dogs while hiking in the Hoover Wilderness, making it an ideal spot for reactive pups and those seeking to escape the crowds of Yosemite!
Reactivity Note: We stayed at campsite 53, located on the edge of the campground, adjacent to the amphitheater. When we visited, there were no ranger talks, so the amphitheater was empty all day. The site was a bit farther from the bathroom, which meant there were no other campers or dogs passing directly by our site, providing a more peaceful experience.
When planning adventures with our reactive dog, Linus, we recognize that there are only so many factors we can control. A couple things we have learned that are helpful for Linus are:
Keeping him leashed and close to us, so we can quickly offer guidance if he starts feeling uneasy before he reaches his threshold.
Bringing his crate and place cot—familiar items he uses daily at home for downtime at the campsite.
BRIDALVEIL CREEK
We have also camped at Bridalveil Creek campground which is off Glacier Point Road about 45 minutes up from the Valley. The campground had recently reopened after being closed for repairs, and we were able to reserve a spot on the weekend! The campground was full but it never felt crowded. Bridalveil Creek campground is close to Glacier Point with epic views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. Dogs can enjoy the view too from the parking lot. There are many popular hikes in the area although not dog friendly like Sentinel Dome and Taft Point, but the dog friendly Wawona Meadow Loop hike is about 20 miles away at the hotel. This hike is one of the few within Yosemite that allows leashed dogs. It’s an easy almost 4 mile loop through the forest around the meadow with a couple areas for the dogs to wade into the creek. We’ve hiked this trail a few times with our dogs, and have rarely seen other people or dogs. On occasion we have seen horseback riders.
Reactivity Note: We stayed at Campsite 11 in Loop A, which backed onto a beautiful open meadow. While we had neighbors on both sides, the open space behind us provided a sense of privacy. The site is also set back from the road, so the neighbors across the road were also a comfortable distance away. Finally, we were situated away from the bathrooms, so our site had minimal foot traffic, ensuring that few people or dogs passed by. Perfect for Linus! For more tips on camping with dogs, check out out our other posts.
Happy & fulfilled Linus
Camping in Yosemite with our dogs takes a little extra effort but it’s a great chance to connect with nature in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. While there are some limitations on where we can explore together, the fun and memories are worth it. Just be sure to plan ahead, respect the park’s guidelines, and enjoy the adventure. Happy camping!