Outlets in Housekeeping Camp

Question

I’ve secured lodging in Housekeeping Camp for my trip in a few weeks. A (bad) review mentioned that the outlets only do 15 volts and can only charge a few phones (and are not restored if the breaker flips😳). Previously when camping in a koa cabin with outlets we used an electric skillet with no trouble. Has anyone used an electric skillet or electric teapot in Housekeeping camp successfully? I’m hoping the reviewer was exaggerating but maybe they actually ration the electricity to make it reach around to everybody.??

Answer

Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite is designed for a more “rustic” camping experience, and its electrical setup reflects that. Each unit is equipped with standard electrical outlets primarily intended for charging small electronics such as phones, tablets, or laptops. The outlets are limited in power, and as you mentioned, some guests have noted that they trip breakers if overloaded.

Regarding high-power appliances like an electric skillet or electric teapot, these are generally not recommended in Housekeeping Camp. The outlets in these units typically supply about 15 amps at 120 volts, but in practice, because the electricity is shared among multiple cabins, the actual available power is often less. Using high-wattage appliances can easily trip the breaker and may inconvenience other campers.

Here are some practical points and alternatives:

Most campers successfully charge phones, cameras, and small electronics without issue.
High-wattage appliances such as electric skillets, hot plates, or electric kettles often do not work reliably. Many guests report tripping breakers when attempting to use them.
If you need to cook or boil water, consider using a camp stove, portable propane burner, or a kettle that can be heated with camping fuel (check fire restrictions within Yosemite).
Always bring a power strip or multi-charger for phones and small devices, but avoid plugging in multiple high-power devices at the same time.

In summary, the reviewer wasn’t exaggerating: the outlets are intentionally limited to accommodate basic charging needs and to distribute power across all units safely. Using an electric skillet or electric teapot in Housekeeping Camp is not reliable and is likely to trip the circuit. For cooking or boiling water, plan to use portable non-electric methods instead.

Outlets in Housekeeping Camp

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