Yosemite National Park covers an area roughly the size of the state of Rhode Island. A great way to see this national treasure is by making it a true outdoor experience and camping. Of course, those who want more comfort might prefer to come home to their RV after a day of sightseeing in the park. Either way, Yosemite offers campers lots of options.

There are 13 campgrounds in the park. Keep in mind that there is a 7 day camping limit in Yosemite and Wawona Campgrounds from May 1 through September 15, and a 14 day limit in Yosemite Valley. There is a 30 day limit the rest of the year.

While RVs are welcome, there are no hookups. A maximum of six people and two automobiles may stay at a single campsite.

Reservations are required for campsites in Yosemite Valley's auto campgrounds year-round and for Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, Wawona, and half of the Tuolomne Meadows Campgrounds from summer through fall. All other campgrounds (except group and stock campgrounds) are open on a first come, first served basis.

Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow and two valley campgrounds are open year round with other valley campgrounds open spring to fall. Tioga Road and Glacier Road campgrounds are open in summer and early fall only.

For those who don't want to cart a lot of camping equipment, consider staying at one of Yosemite's Housekeeping Camps. These small canvas buildings come complete with cots and linens and are a great way to have the camping experience, without the fuss.

Must See Sites in Yosemite

Below is a few of some of Yosemite's highlights. The list is by no means complete. The parks covers an area roughly the size of the State of Rhode Island, so naturally there is much more to see and do.

• Bridalveil Falls -- A Spectacular falls the height of a 62-story building.
  
  
• Yosemite Falls -- The two Yosemite Falls and an intermediate cascade drop of 2,425 feet make this the tallest waterfall in North America. An easy walk from Shuttlebus stop #4 will provide you with a great view.
  
  
• El Capitan -- One of the most photographed sites in North America, the massive granite monolith spans 3, 593 feet from base to summit and is a favorite of rock climbers.
  
  
• Half Dome -- Dominating most Yosemite Valley views, half dome rises to an elevation of 8,842 feet. It's other half is believed to have fallen away when the glaciers that covered the land a million years ago receded.
  
  
• Glacier Point -- A great place to look down on Yosemite Valley, 3,214 feet below.
  
  
• Tuolumne Meadows -- The largest sub-alpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada and a great place for wildflower viewing at the right time of year.
  
  
• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias -- The largest stand of giant Sequoia trees in Yosemite and home of the Grizzly Giant, one of the largest giant sequoia trees in the entire world.
  
  
• Yosemite Village -- In the village you'll find numerous shops, as well the Yosemite Museum and Ansel Adams Gallery, where photography workshops are available, and he Yosemite Art Activity Center , featuring free informal outdoor classes in painting, photography and sketching.

Getting There

For Campground reservations, call 800-436-7275 or visit http://reservations.nps.gov.

For more information about visiting Yosemite, visit their website at www.yosemitepark.com.

Many roads lead to Yosemite:

• The Big Oak Flat Entrance is 88 miles east of Manteca via Hwy. 120.
• The Arch Rock Entrance is 75 northeast of Merced via Hwy. 140.
• The Wawona Entrance is 64 miles north of Fresno via Hwy. 41.
• The Tioga Pass Entrance (summer only) is 12 miles west of Lee Vining via Hwy. 120. Yosemite is a 4 1/2 hour drive from San Francisco and a 6 hour drive from Los Angeles.

In winter, it's best to use the Hwy. 140 through Mariposa, as it is the least mountainous route and chains are rarely required, although you should always carry them, just in case.

Note: No gasoline is sold in Yosemite Valley.

By Air -- The Fresno-Yosemite airport 64 miles away is the closest airport.

Shuttle Bus Service -- The easiest and environmentally friendly way to get around the park is via the complementary shuttle bus service that runs year round to points in Eastern end of Yosemite Valley. In summer, buses also run from Wawona to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and between Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and the Tioga Pass. In winter, buses also run from valley hotels to the Badger Pass Ski area.

Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day. To learn more about Cheri, click here.