Yosemite National Park—a breathtaking expanse of granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and cascading waterfalls—isn't just a natural paradise; it's also tightly regulated. But does that completely prevent people from living in the park illegally? The short answer: yes, though such cases are rare.
Real-Life Yosemite Squatters: Rare but Documented
One recent and well-publicized case involves Devin Michael Cuellar, a 29-year-old from Oakhurst. In the summer of 2021, he illegally broke into and lived in a private residence in the Wawona area of Yosemite. Authorities arrested him after finding a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, and stolen items. In October 2023, Cuellar received a sentence of five years and three months in federal prison (Justice Department).
Another legendary figure, widely known as “Chongo Chuck”, reportedly lived inside the park for over a decade before being evicted by rangers in 2005 (SFGate).
What Visitors Say — First-Hand Accounts
On Reddit, climbers and park visitors share candid perspectives:
“Kind of? We have some climbers/vagabonds that will try and post up in the caves, outskirts, nooks of the valley and try to live in the park illegally and for free.”
Some users even describe living in talus caves above Camp 4, while others recount that rangers, helicopters, or hikers often discover illegal camps (Reddit thread).
How Hollywood Gets It Wrong: “Untamed” vs. Reality
Netflix’s drama series Untamed uses Yosemite as a backdrop, featuring ranger-tolerated squatter villages and illicit activity. Experts point out these depictions are inaccurate:
- Camping without permits is strictly prohibited—illegal campers are routinely removed (SFGate).
- Critics familiar with the park argue that the show exaggerates or fabricates realities of park enforcement (Climbing.com).
Historic Efforts to Evict Trespassers
Even in Yosemite’s early years, managing unauthorized presence was a challenge. Abram Wood, acting superintendent in 1891, established Camp Wawona and worked to evict trespassers like poachers, sheepherders, and illegal loggers. Enforcement was difficult, but the tradition of protecting the park began early (Wikipedia).
Summary Table: Squatting in Yosemite
| Aspect | Reality |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Cases | Yes — e.g., Devin Cuellar (2021), Chongo Chuck (pre-2005) |
| Current Enforcement | Strong: rangers, helicopters, fines, jail—little tolerance for unauthorized stays |
| Media Representation | Often exaggerated or inaccurate (e.g., Netflix’s Untamed) |
| Visitor Reports | Squatting exists but is rare and difficult to sustain |
| Historical Context | Early superintendents combated poachers, loggers, and illegal residency |
Conclusion
Squatting in Yosemite National Park does occur—but it’s exceptional and highly discouraged. Enforcement is robust, reflecting both historic precedence and modern regulations. While fiction may glamorize park squatters, Yosemite maintains its wilderness with precision and authority.
