Yosemite Wilderness Permit — May Lake
Wilderness permit for overnight camping starting from the May Lake trailhead in Yosemite National Park.
“Experience May Lake in Yosemite.”
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May Lake Quick Facts
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Booking Method
- Reservation
- Demand Level
- Moderate
The Experience
Why It Matters
May Lake in Yosemite offers a wilderness experience protected by the permit system. Quotas help maintain trail conditions and ensure visitors can enjoy the natural setting without overcrowding.
Permit Details
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
May Lake FAQ
How do I get a May Lake?
May Lake is obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to get a May Lake?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the May Lake?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What happens if I can't get a May Lake?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
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Don't miss your chance at May Lake
Cancellations happen every day. Be the first to know with PermitSnag's instant alerts.