Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground, near Yosemite National Park, is a prime spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the comforts of a well-equipped site. With amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire after a day of adventure.

This campground is a favorite among visitors for its stunning views and proximity to iconic landmarks. Many campers rave about the scenery, with one noting, “Our campsite was the best! We were right next to the Merced River and surrounded by granite cliffs.” The location offers easy access to nearby hiking trails, making it a great base for exploring the park.

While the campground doesn’t provide drinking water or showers, it does have clean toilets and trash disposal, which campers appreciate. Some reviews highlight the friendly atmosphere, with fellow backpackers sharing stories and experiences. As one camper put it, “It’s a hikers camp but clean, and you meet lots of people.”

Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground is open from early April to early November, making it an ideal spot for spring and summer adventures. Whether you’re setting up camp to tackle the trails or just to soak in the breathtaking views, this campground offers a memorable experience in one of America’s most beautiful national parks.

The backpackers campground is behind North Pines Campground (and across the footbridge). It is open the same dates as North Pines, mid-April through early-October (approximately); camping in the campground is only allowed when it is open. If arriving at night, please be quiet as you unload your car in the unloading zone and walk to the campground. This campground has vault toilets and no potable water (potable water is available nearby in North Pines Campground).

Collecting wood is not allowed in Yosemite Valley. Campfires are only allowed from 5 pm to 10 pm, May through September.

While you may park for 15 minutes at the entrance to the backpackers campground (in North Pines Campground) to unload your gear, park overnight at the trailhead parking or at Curry Village parking. (Overnight parking is not available at The Ahwahnee.)

Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park

Looking for the best campgrounds near Yosemite Valley, CA? Yosemite Valley is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Yosemite Valley

The Best Camping Near Yosemite Valley, California

**Campground Review**

I gave this campground a 3 out of 5 stars for two primary reasons. The first being that there is very little information available out there about the campground and the actual location of the grounds can be somewhat cumbersome to find. We spent a fair amount of time researching how to find this place and asking around at multiple information centers within Yosemite National Park before eventually finding it. The second reason being that the sites are not reservable and considering how crowded Yosemite NP can get, this is quite the gamble. Some crowd control is provided, as you need a backcountry permit in order to stay at the campground but with only 20 sites available, there’s a likely chance you may not get a spot. Most hikers use this campground as a basecamp before or after making their treks through the backcountry but it can be difficult to plan out your trip if you’re not sure that you can reliably find the campground or even secure a spot. That being said, this campground is located very close to some amazing amenities (10 minutes to Half Dome Village and 10 minutes to most trailheads). In addition to nearby amenities, the campground itself offers some great amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms and bear boxes. The campsites are also really beautiful, as the grounds are situated near a picturesque wooded area, creek and unique rock formation. All in all, if you’re willing to wage the risk of not knowing how to get there or if you’ll even have a spot when you get there, you’ll be rewarded with one of the only remaining patches of solitude in Yosemite Valley.

Ranger Review: Half Dome Village Backpacker’s Campground

Half Dome family trip

Stayed here before a 2 night trip through the backcountry. A guaranteed campsite in the valley with no reservation. It can get pretty crowded but there'll be room for a tent and a food locker for your food. 

Great experience for a backpacker 

No frills not for the faint of heart it’s a hikers camp but clean and you meet lots of people and share stories. FYI Bears Big Bears !!

No frills 

Nice place to camp after backpacking in the park.  It is a lot less busy than the main campgrounds.  You do have to have a valid backpacking permit for either the day before or after you stay here.  The campground did fill up when I stayed there but it was only other backpackers so they were very respectful.  Decent views as well.

Nice Campground

This first come first serve campsite is at the base of upper Yosemite falls trail.
The scenery you get from staying here is truly bliss, the way the mountains look around you are so picturesque that it is truly art alive. Being there really gave me perspective on how truly amazing our planet is. The campsite is in between a grove or trees and so it’s shaded from the heat. There’s bus stops that take you all through the valley and a valley loop trail if you desire the more scenic route. The best campsite experience!!

Camp 4

Beautiful campground, unfortunately right next to the trail, but very spacious and also has bathrooms and picnic tables right there!

Beautiful!

Great campground, nestled beneath the giant granite cliffs. For people with mobility issues, this site is a good walk away from the inner valley trails, fine for anyone else who is up for walking distances, because that is why you came to Yosemite! 

FYI: No soap or hand drying items in bathrooms at campground 

Upper Pines Oasis 

Whether you are looking to set up camp to explore nearby hikes or just enjoy walks throughout the campground, this site is for you! It was very accessible and had all the amenities you could ask for not too far away. You might experience some difficulty finding this campground if you enter late in the evening so just make sure to set up camp before dusk and you'll be fine!

Photos of Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park

Real photos from real campers