North Pines Campground operates seasonally from early April through early November, with sites ranging from free to $48 per night and accommodating RVs up to 40 feet. Located on the Merced River across from Yosemite's other valley campgrounds, this National Park Service facility sits adjacent to the horse stables in a relatively isolated position with no major roads running directly past the sites.
The campground fills completely during peak season, with many sites positioned directly along the Merced River offering views of Half Dome in the background. Shari G. notes that several sites receive enough sunlight "down through those big pines" to recharge solar equipment, while the river access provides opportunities for tubing and floating. Ground squirrels actively approach campers for food, and ravens frequently visit sites looking for snacks, making proper food storage in the provided bear boxes essential.
Sites include paved parking areas, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear lockers, though boundaries between adjacent sites can blur together. The comfort stations provide flush toilets, cold running water, and hand dryers, but campers must purchase showers at nearby Curry Village. Cell service remains limited throughout the campground, though some visitors report success with satellite internet. Generators operate during restricted hours, and the facility maintains a dump station and offers firewood for purchase.
The campground connects to valley attractions via a short walk to the shuttle stop, with the Valley Loop Trail providing pedestrian access to the visitor center about a mile away. Mon M. confirms the location offers "close distance to walk to the store or to trails," while traffic and parking challenges make the shuttle system particularly valuable for reaching trailheads and amenities.
Reservations prove extremely competitive, with campers using alert systems to secure last-minute cancellations during the most popular months when all sites typically book solid.
Description
Overview
For the 2026 season, North Pines campground will utilize a one-time Early Access Lottery which allows successful applicants to make a reservation within the entire 2026 season. Additional information may be found on Yosemites website. __Any remaining availability will be released during normal on-sale dates beginning with the February 15 on-sale.When not on a lottery, campsites at North Pines are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT). For example, on February 15, arrival dates for the time period June 15 to July 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full arrival date window would be from season opening to July 14.__North Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and so much more.Reservation tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes on the regular on-sale dates. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov. Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates
Recreation
Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14- to 16-mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Both of these trails begin near the Pines Campgrounds, and many additional trailheads are within Yosemite Valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities,and an art center with workshops.
Facilities
North Pines Campground is one of the three reservation campgrounds in Yosemite Valley. It offers paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker. Yosemite's free shuttle bus stops near the campground entrance. Nearby, historic Curry Village offers showers (for a fee), a general store, restaurants and bar, amphitheater, and a tours and activities desk.
Natural Features
Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, Ponderosa pine, Incense-cedar, White fir, and Whiteleaf Manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliff faces are visible, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (209) 372-8502.
Nearby Attractions
Within one to two hours, visitors can drive or ride a shuttle bus to some of Yosemite's most grand viewpoints and historic sites. Glacier Point offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. A visit to Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time. The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged (Exception: 1 night reservations do not incur an additional $10 fee, but do not receive a refund). No-shows will be assessed a $20 service fee along with the loss of the first night's fee.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
North Pines will be closed from June 22 through July 2, 2026 for internal campground road construction.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundNorth Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park is located in California
Directions
Take Highway 41 north from Fresno, Highway 140 east from Merced, or Highway 120 east from Manteca into Yosemite National Park. Follow signs to Yosemite Valley and the campgrounds.
Address
9024 Southside Drive
Yosemite national park, CA 95389
Coordinates
37.7419444 N
119.5655556 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 158 usersLast on 4/30/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 61 usersLast on 4/30/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 38 usersLast on 4/30/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 158 usersLast on 4/30/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 61 usersLast on 4/30/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 38 usersLast on 4/30/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 50 min from Merced, CA
- 2 hrs 6 min from Fresno, CA
- 2 hrs 24 min from Modesto, CA
- 2 hrs 35 min from Stockton, CA

































