There are a lot of bears in Yosemite. They are Definitely scared of people, but highly attracted to our high calorie food. For this reason, they almost exclusively come out at night when people are asleep and it's quiet. I have only seen bears farther into the forest during the day and at night in places like HC. I also live in the mountains and bears come down to try and raid the trash at night but tend to shy away during the day. My bear encounter at HC about 20 years ago was my first time seeing a bear in the wild and my reaction to it was to chase it away to which it tucked tail and ran. I don't think you need any kind of protection against bears in Yosemite outside the basics. If you see a bear, keep a safe distance and enjoy. If it approaches you or your camp, make loud noises, look bigger by waving your arms and throw small pebbles at it while (in the forest) backing away slowly while facing it. In fact, it's such a minor issue that bear Spray is in fact illegal in Yosemite. The only place I've carried Bear Spray is in Yellowstone. As you probably know, brown bears are a completely different matter than the black bears here in California. The only exception is a black bear mother and cubs. I tend to treat that situation as if it was a brown bear. To be fair and thorough though, there was two bear attacks in Yosemite so far this year, neither of which were fatal. Rangers constantly patrol the canps in trucks at night looking for bears and responding to calls or sightings. If you do get to see one, it's quiet the experience that you'll always remember.
I noticed a couple of steps into the camp store. Did you happen to notice if there was also a wheelchair ramp into the store. Also please share your general observation of HK camp being wheelchair accessible.
It's mostly wheelchair friendly, but there are a lot of uneven areas around the camp. According to the NPS Website on Housekeeping Camp: "All lodging facilities in the park meet accessibility requirements. Select lodging units within Housekeeping Camp are accessible, with a nearby accessible restroom. Designated accessible parking spaces are available. The laundry, shower, and grocery store facilities are all accessible".
Great thorough video! Thank you so much, I felt like you answered a lot of questions I had. I didn't even know they had showers or a camp store! I usually stay at Yosemite Lakes RV/Thousand Trails and drive in. Definitely rustic but it beats bringing a lot of gear. I think I would also bring my sleeping mat to put on top of those mattresses. I just got back from Yosemite and Tuolumne 2 days ago. Will for sure check out housekeeping next time :)
Thanks for the tour. But honestly, I'd only sleep in that housekeeping enclosure using a cot tent on those beds. Spiders must be everywhere! And definitely create a noisy booby trap for any bear happening by in the middle of the night. Wish that wooden fence had a swing open part that could be closed at night just for safekeeping. From bears and other two-legged intruders.
I don't know how much those housekeeping sites are, but it might be better to rent a van to sleep in instead. Plus all that enclosed privacy prevents seeing all that natural beauty surrounding the campsites. And those half hanging on stiff curtain material could and should be better maintained by park staff before check in. But the views of the water fall and the river from that part of the campground were cool.
Yes. The showers have their own individual stalls for privacy. The water pressure in my stall was great when I used it. Not weak but not overpowered either.
When did you guys book? I am planning on a trip for next year! Please if posse provide any insight when you were able to get your reservations because I know they go fast
Thank you for sharing, it’s a great video❤. I gonna go there in a couple days. I wonder if I need to bring my own bedding?
They do have bedding you can rent for $15. Otherwise, just bring your own. I just had a sleeping bag and pillow and that was fine for me.
Do a lot of bears go through HC at night? Or even during day while cooking? What do you suggest for bear protection?
There are a lot of bears in Yosemite. They are Definitely scared of people, but highly attracted to our high calorie food. For this reason, they almost exclusively come out at night when people are asleep and it's quiet.
I have only seen bears farther into the forest during the day and at night in places like HC. I also live in the mountains and bears come down to try and raid the trash at night but tend to shy away during the day. My bear encounter at HC about 20 years ago was my first time seeing a bear in the wild and my reaction to it was to chase it away to which it tucked tail and ran.
I don't think you need any kind of protection against bears in Yosemite outside the basics. If you see a bear, keep a safe distance and enjoy. If it approaches you or your camp, make loud noises, look bigger by waving your arms and throw small pebbles at it while (in the forest) backing away slowly while facing it.
In fact, it's such a minor issue that bear Spray is in fact illegal in Yosemite. The only place I've carried Bear Spray is in Yellowstone. As you probably know, brown bears are a completely different matter than the black bears here in California. The only exception is a black bear mother and cubs. I tend to treat that situation as if it was a brown bear.
To be fair and thorough though, there was two bear attacks in Yosemite so far this year, neither of which were fatal. Rangers constantly patrol the canps in trucks at night looking for bears and responding to calls or sightings.
If you do get to see one, it's quiet the experience that you'll always remember.
I noticed a couple of steps into the camp store. Did you happen to notice if there was also a wheelchair ramp into the store. Also please share your general observation of HK camp being wheelchair accessible.
It's mostly wheelchair friendly, but there are a lot of uneven areas around the camp. According to the NPS Website on Housekeeping Camp: "All lodging facilities in the park meet accessibility requirements. Select lodging units within Housekeeping Camp are accessible, with a nearby accessible restroom. Designated accessible parking spaces are available. The laundry, shower, and grocery store facilities are all accessible".
@@TimAlcoser Thanks for the reply!
Thanks for the Great Video! I’ll be going this weekend!
You must be pretty excited. Have fun! One thing is for sure, it'll probably be warmer than when I went.
Really appreciate the video, it was very thorough you covered it all Thanks :)
Your welcome! Glad you enjoyed it. Hope it helped.
Take me next time that way you do t go solo…lol
Great thorough video! Thank you so much, I felt like you answered a lot of questions I had. I didn't even know they had showers or a camp store! I usually stay at Yosemite Lakes RV/Thousand Trails and drive in. Definitely rustic but it beats bringing a lot of gear. I think I would also bring my sleeping mat to put on top of those mattresses. I just got back from Yosemite and Tuolumne 2 days ago. Will for sure check out housekeeping next time :)
He also forgot to mention your shower pass grants you access to the swimming pool and showers in Curry Village. 😉
Thanks for the tour. But honestly, I'd only sleep in that housekeeping enclosure using a cot tent on those beds. Spiders must be everywhere! And definitely create a noisy booby trap for any bear happening by in the middle of the night. Wish that wooden fence had a swing open part that could be closed at night just for safekeeping. From bears and other two-legged intruders.
Totally get it. I was originally supposed to go with a friend and his wife, but they ended up cancelling over a fear of spiders...and the cold.
I don't know how much those housekeeping sites are, but it might be better to rent a van to sleep in instead. Plus all that enclosed privacy prevents seeing all that natural beauty surrounding the campsites. And those half hanging on stiff curtain material could and should be better maintained by park staff before check in. But the views of the water fall and the river from that part of the campground were cool.
Great video on one of my favorite places ever! Are those new bear boxes lockable? You could lock the old ones. Thanks for sharing!
Hello @jenstephens1887. Unless I missed it somehow, I didn't see any way to lock the new Bear Boxes unfortunately.
Thanks for sharing the grounds! I’ve never been to Housekeeping and was curious what it’s like. Excellent video!
Glad you enjoyed it! It's not bad at all in the summer. Camping without the extra work.
Hello!!! I really enjoyed this camp and how much is invested in this natural adventure?!
Paid $126 per night.
Wonderful video - we are heading there on Sunday. Thanks!
Awesome! You are going to have a blast!
We’re gonna be staying here next week. Always wonder what it looks like. Your vlog helps answer all my questions! Thanks for sharing. This is awesome
Interesting! I'm checking in this Saturday and staying until Thursday as well. Been going here for the past 19 years. Best place to camp!
You are going to have a blast! Enjoy every moment of it. Don't be afraid of the bears. They're scaredy cats. ;-)
very helpful! do the showers have like a compartment for each person showering with a lockable door, and how is the water pressure? Thanks!
Yes. The showers have their own individual stalls for privacy. The water pressure in my stall was great when I used it. Not weak but not overpowered either.
@@TimAlcoser Are the showers free?
@@nancythomas9871 Yes. Included in your reservation.
😮love this❤
Awsome view
Thank you for sharing! Super helpful!
My pleasure. Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for sharing! Going next month for the first time with our kids! Definitely gave me a better idea of what I’ll need to pack.
Glad to help. I remember being in the same boat and not finding any good detailed videos on RUclips. So I made my own. 👍
When did you guys book? I am planning on a trip for next year! Please if posse provide any insight when you were able to get your reservations because I know they go fast