Yosemite photo by ari Nandakumar
Are you planning to go camping in Yosemite National Park but don’t know where the best campgrounds are? In this guide, we’ll explore different spots for camping in this iconic location, from Lower Pines to Tuolumne Meadows and more; we’ll look at some of the best campsites in Yosemite, so you can choose your dream destination for your next trip.
Key Takeaways
- Yosemite National Park has many types of campsites, including places for families, groups, cabins, tents, RVs, trailers and even campers with horses.
- Make a camping reservations ahead of time, online at Recreation.gov – some campgrounds book up months in advance. It’s best to make reservations 3 – 6 months in advance.
- FYI: If you want to do nighttime hiking, you’ll need a special permit.
- Campground usually have amenities and facilities, like drinking water, toilets and warm showers.
Best Campgrounds in Yosemite National Park
Top-rated campgrounds in Yosemite National Park include Upper Pines Campground, Lower Pines Campground, North Pines Campground, Crane Flat Campground and Tuolumne Meadows Campground.
Upper Pines Campground
???? Upper Pines Campground sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,200 meters). There are incredible panoramic views, with easy access to hiking and natural attractions. There are also convenient amenities – water, flush toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. Reservations are available to the public five months in advance, on the 15th of each month.
- 238 campsites
- RV and trailers allowed
- Daily camping fee of $36
- Hiking, rafting, and biking
- Nearby attractions include Glacier Point and Tioga Road
- 10 ADA accessible sites
- Open all 12 months
Yosemite photo by Jordi Vich Navarro
Lower Pines Campground
???? Lower Pines Campground lays along the Merced River, also about 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level, surrounded by a mix of pine and deciduous trees. The camp has picnic tables, fire rings and food storage lockers. It’s located near Curry Village, within easy access to popular activities in the park. Reservations to Lower Pines are also released five months in advance on the 15th of each month. This is one of the smaller camps, so early booking is pretty much mandatory.
- 60 campsites
- RV and trailers allowed
- Daily camping fee of $36
- Hiking with views of Half Dome and El Capitan
- Nearby amphitheater usually offers nighttime ranger presentations
- 5 ADA accessible sites
- Open April through October
Yosemite photo by Julia Solovey
North Pines Campground
???? Located in the rolling hills of Yosemite Valley, North Pines Campground offers campers a beautiful setting surrounded by towering pines, granite cliff walls, beside an incredible rushing river.
- 81 campsites
- RV and trailers allowed
- Daily camping fee of $36
- 5 accessible sites
- Open April through October
It is one of three reservation only campgrounds located within the Park, and a favorite amongst those looking for an authentic Yosemite camping experience. Every campsite comes complete with modern amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings for evening gatherings around the flames, and food storage lockers to store away your bear vittles.
The campground also provides community restrooms, as well as running water throughout the grounds; just don’t forget your reusable cups! With its breathtaking views and majestic atmosphere it isn’t hard to see why North Pines Campground is considered one of the best places to pitch a tent up at in Yosemite National Park.
North Pines booking become available five months in advance, on the 15th. There’s a limited number of sites at this location, so book as early as possible.
photo by KC Welch
Crane Flat Campground
???? Located in northwestern Yosemite National Park, Crane Flat Campground is a tranquil site set at an elevation of 6,200 feet (1,900 meters). Its picturesque setting and secluded location make it ideal for campers looking for a peaceful experience.
- 151 campsites
- RV and trailers allowed
- Daily camping fee of $36
- Hiking among
- Cooler climate than Yosemite Valley
- 8 ADA accessible sites
- Open all August through October
Crane offers easy access to attractions and trails within the park as well as 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley and 5 minutes from Tioga Road. Visitors can enjoy plenty of amenities such as restrooms, cell phone reception, picnic tables, fire pits, running water taps, bear boxes with locks nearby each campsite.
Crane Flat is a walk-in campground that is recommended for groups or hikers who don’t need RV hook-ups but still require convenience to the main road within the facility. This popular destination not only offers visitors privacy but its nearness to Yosemites famous landmarks such as the Mariposa Grove with 500+ giant Sequoias will leave guests mesmerized in California’s breathtaking Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Crane Flat campsites can be booked two months ahead on the 15th.
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
???? Situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of Central California, Tuolumne Meadows Campground is a high-elevation wilderness spot located 8,600 feet (2,600 meters) above sea level. This is one of the highest campgrounds in Yosemite, where campers can experience incredible views of rugged mountain scapes. The area is located about 5 miles from Tioga Pass Entrance station and 2 hours drive from Yosemite Valley.
- 304 campsites
- RV and trailers allowed
- Daily camping fee of $36
- Cooler temps and very different landscape from Yosemite Valley
- 7 ADA accessible sites
- Closed until 2024
Onsite amenities at Tuolumne Meadows Campground include picnic tables, fire rings, food storage lockers, flush toilets and drinking water available for visitors. The campground offers various types of campsites such as family sites, horse sites or group sites to accommodate all kinds of camping needs.
Choosing the Right Campground in Yosemite
When selecting the right campground in Yosemite, it is important to consider factors such as location and accessibility, facilities and amenities available at each campground, reservation availability, weather conditions, and wildlife safety.
What’s important when choosing your campground?
- Campground amenities. Amenities vary depending on the campground and can include showers, toilets, tables, fire pits, grills, and more.
- Campsite size and accessibility. Consider the size of your camping party and make sure to check if each site can accommodate them all comfortably.
- Reservation availability. Reservations are often limited at certain campsites during peak seasons due to their popularity so it’s best to plan in advance.
- Weather conditions. Summer temperatures in Yosemite National Park vary from hot to cold so be sure to do research on the weather of the area you plan to visit.
- Wildlife safety: Yosemite’s forests are full of bear, deer and other lovely critters, thus visitors need to store food and scented items in proper containers to avoid attracting animals. Also, make sure that you’re camping in an approved, designated campground — don’t just set up your tent any place you like.
Campsite size and accessibility
Whether visitors are looking to camp in a tent, an RV, or with a group of friends, Yosemite National Park has plenty to offer. All 13 campgrounds within the park provide different campsite sizes ranging from single unit up to twelve-person sites.
- The Upper Pines Campground and Lower Pines Campground have all sizes available.
- Crane Flat and White Wolf offer only larger family size campsites.
- ADAA compliant accessible options are also available in these four locations as well as at Tuolumne Meadows Campground.
For those looking for even more room, some of the best car camping outside the park is available near Wawona at Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park or Heenan Lake Resort. Visitors can visit the National Park Service website for detailed descriptions of each sites’ dimension, capacity limitations and specific accessibility features offered by individual campgrounds in Yosemite National Park so that they may choose the perfect fit for their particular needs when making a reservation.
Best campgrounds for different scenarios (RVs, groups, winter camping, rock climbers, primitive camping)
Yosemite National Park offers many campgrounds that cater to various types of campers, be it family groups, solo trekkers, RV travelers, or winter camping enthusiasts. Find the perfect spot for your camping experience from the table below based on your preferred scenario:
| Scenario | Best Campground | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|
| RV Camping | Upper Pines Campground | Offering RV-friendly campgrounds within Yosemite Valley, with spacious lots and electrical hookups. Its location provides close proximity to Yosemite’s iconic sights. |
| Group Camping | North Pines Campground | With large group sites available and within easy reach of various attractions in Yosemite, it’s an ideal choice for group camping. |
| Winter Camping | Crane Flat Campground | Stays open year-round, offering stunning winter landscapes. Campers can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails nearby. |
| Rock Climbing | Camp 4 | Known as the mecca for climbers, Camp 4 is a walk-in campground located close to El Capitan and other popular climbs. |
| Primitive Camping | Tuolumne Meadows Campground | Offers a back-to-nature experience away from the crowds. It’s the largest campground in Yosemite with 304 drive-in campsites and 21 backpacker sites. |
Remember to plan ahead and make reservations to secure your spot in these sought-after campgrounds.
Weather
Yosemite National Park has an ideal climate for outdoor activities, with mild summers and cold winters. Summers bring temps of up to 87 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, but can cool down overnight into the mid-50s.
Winters may have highs in the 40s, so visitors should plan accordingly for lower temperatures. When selecting a campground in Yosemite, it’s important to pay attention to weather conditions as some campgrounds are only accessible seasonally due to snow and other winter hazards.
Visitors interested in winter camping should prepare carefully by packing warm clothes and appropriate equipment such as four-season tents and sleeping bags suitable for colder temperatures.
Wildlife Safety
Yosemite National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including protected species that must be respected and cared for in order to maintain the park’s ecosystems.
- Visitors wanting to camp in Yosemite should take proper precautions when exploring their surroundings and be aware of any specific rules and regulations regarding wildlife encounters.
- Being familiar with animal behavior, respecting animals from a distance, disposing trash properly, and keeping food sealed/covered while camping are some essential ways of ensuring safety around wildlife.
- It is also important to know the general park information such as visiting hours and peak season, which will help you plan your trip better and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Choosing the Right Camping Equipment for Yosemite
When preparing to experience the best campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, make sure that you have the right gear like tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment.
Tents
Tents are an absolute necessity for camping in Yosemite National Park. There is a variety of tents to choose from, tailored to different types of campers and scenarios. For those camping with small groups or families, larger 4-person or 6-person, 4-season tents provide ample living space along with greater resistance against the inclement weather found in the park year round.
Tent size should be kept in mind when shopping, as some campsites may have restrictions on tent dimensions (Lower and Upper Pines Campground has a maximum length limit of 8 feet).
Sleeping Bags
When it comes to camping in Yosemite National Park, choosing the right non-toxic sleeping bag is essential. From temperature ratings and insulation types to classic mummy shapes and comfort-enhancing features such as armholes, face shields and foot vents, there are numerous factors that must be taken into account when selecting a suitable bag for the occasion.
Sleeping Pads
Having the right sleeping pad is essential for comfort and can make a huge impact in how enjoyable your Yosemite camping experience will be. Different sizes, materials and insulation levels mean that different pads are suited to different types of camping.
Cooking Gear
Having the right cooking gear is essential for a successful camping experience in Yosemite National Park. From camp table and cook sets to portable stoves, packing the appropriate cooking supplies can make all the difference on your outdoor adventure.
Conclusion
Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse campgrounds in the United States. From family-friendly options near Yosemite Valley, such as Lower Pines Campground, Upper Pines Campground, North Pines Campground, and Sunnyside Walk-in to more remote and wilderness sites like Wawona or Tuolumne Meadows Campground – there is a perfect campsite for every visitor.
It’s important to research the various campgrounds available in Yosemite so that you can make an informed decision when selecting your camping spot. Fortunately, there’s no need to go it alone – a comprehensive guide covering all the best campgrounds in Yosemite National Park is available online with detailed information on facilities offered by each site as well as tips on reservations and essential gear required for camping trips in this breathtaking park.
FAQs
1. What are the best campgrounds in Yosemite National Park?
The best campgrounds in Yosemite National Park include Upper Pines Campground, Wawona Campground, and Tuolumne Meadows. These three locations all offer outstanding views of the park’s awe-inspiring landscapes as well as easy access to a variety of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and biking.
2. Is there showers or restrooms at these campgrounds?
Upper Pines Campground offers both restroom facilities and hot showers operated seasonally from May through September (October for group sites). Wawona Campground comes with flush toilets but no shower while Tuolumne Meadows provides pit toilets only. Other amenities found within each camping ground may include picnic areas, food storage lockers to deter wildlife visits to your campsite & much more!
3. How do I reserve a campsite in Yosemite?
Reservations can be made up to five months prior on recreation.gov beginning at 8am Pacific Standard Time with most sites available on first come – first serve basis throughout summer season (ending November 30th). Sites can typically accommodate 2-6 people depending upon size restrictions set by park authorities & other availability requirements such as obtaining permits if planning an extended stay etc.
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