CA-140 through Mariposa and El Portal
This approach follows the Merced River into the park. A gateway charge before entering can provide flexibility if Yosemite Valley charging is busy.
Yosemite EV trip guide
Charging in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite has in-park Level 2 charging, but the bigger decision is how much range to bring through the entrance. Plan around your approach road, parking demand and a gateway-town backup.
Arrive with enough range to leave again if the in-park Level 2 spaces are occupied. Busy parking can make even a working charger unavailable.
Use the gateway town on your actual approach—such as Mariposa, El Portal or Oakhurst—as the dependable part of the plan.
Choose a plan for your Yosemite entrance
Each major approach changes where a backup charger is most useful.
CA-41 through Oakhurst and Wawona
South-entrance travelers can pair a gateway stop with Wawona charging. Think about the return direction so you do not leave the park with less energy than the onward drive requires.
CA-120 and Tuolumne travel
Seasonal road access matters. Tuolumne Meadows is far from the Valley, and Tioga Road conditions can change; confirm road status before planning a charger around this approach.
A safer Yosemite charging routine
- Check road conditions before you leave. Closures or seasonal access changes can completely alter the charging plan and the distance between reliable stops.
- Use Level 2 charging inside the park when it matches a long hike, meal or overnight stay rather than waiting beside the car for a slow session.
- Save at least one gateway-town fast charger on the route you expect to use when leaving the park.
- Do not count on cellular service everywhere. Save charger addresses and your return plan before entering remote areas.
Start with the Yosemite National Park entrance or gateway that fits your route
Use Yosemite Valley, El Portal, Wawona, or Mariposa as the starting point for live charger results.
Check current Yosemite National Park conditions
Before a long or remote leg, use NPS Yosemite EV charging and Caltrans road conditions to verify current access and charging details.
Yosemite National Park: charging questions
What connector do Yosemite’s in-park chargers use?
The National Park Service says the charging stations within Yosemite use J1772 connectors. Drivers who need an adapter should have it ready before entering the park.
Can I rely on an in-park charger for the trip home?
It is better not to make one charging space your only plan. NPS warns that parking can be challenging during busy periods, including EV charging spaces.
Where should I charge before entering Yosemite?
That depends on the entrance. Search the gateway town on your route—such as Mariposa/El Portal for CA-140 or Oakhurst for CA-41—and compare it with your remaining range.
Related guides
Search the Yosemite gateway you will actually use
Start with Yosemite Valley or your entrance town, select your EV and save a backup charger before you lose time—or cellular service—inside the park.
Search chargers →Last reviewed September 21, 2026. Charger details and access rules can change. Confirm time-sensitive information before a critical trip. Map data: OpenStreetMap.