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Camping near Yosemite National Park

1,673 Reviews

Yosemite National Park hosts multiple established campgrounds for visitors seeking proximity to iconic park features and hiking trails. Upper Pines, North Pines, and Lower Pines campgrounds occupy central locations in Yosemite Valley, offering tent and RV sites with basic amenities like drinking water and toilet facilities. Outside the valley, Tuolumne Meadows Campground provides higher elevation camping during summer months. For visitors seeking more comfort, Curry Village offers canvas tent cabins and hard-sided cabins with prepared beds and shared bathrooms.

Campground reservations remain extremely competitive, particularly during the peak season from late spring through early fall. "It is hard to get a camping spot in Yosemite but well worth it if you do," noted one visitor who secured a site at North Pines. Most valley campgrounds operate seasonally, with Upper Pines maintaining the longest operating season from February through December. Water availability, fire restrictions, and wildlife concerns dictate camping practices throughout the park. Bear-resistant food storage is mandatory at all sites, with food lockers provided at established campgrounds. Facilities vary by location, with most offering vault or flush toilets but limited shower access restricted to certain areas like Curry Village.

The valley campgrounds provide strategic access to popular hiking trails and park attractions. North Pines campers appreciate riverside locations, with one visitor highlighting: "I had a great view of Half Dome and it felt amazing to be near all this majestic granite." For those seeking alternatives to traditional tent camping, Curry Village provides canvas tent cabins with varying comfort levels. Several reviewers mention the proximity to trails as a key advantage, though some note crowding and noise issues during peak periods. Campers seeking more solitude might consider Goat Meadow dispersed camping area outside park boundaries, which offers free camping with limited amenities but requires self-sufficiency for water and waste management. Generator use restrictions, quiet hours, and limited cell service are consistent considerations throughout the camping areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near Yosemite National Park (393)

    1. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    65 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $36 / night

    "Had a great weekend going to Yosemite national park, either way if the temperature was low"

    "Close to Happy Isles and Mirror Lake/Meadow, this campground is convenient for day hikers. it's one of the better spots in Yosemite Valley, somewhat off the beaten path, so to speak."

    2. Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

    42 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $60 / night

    "These are walk-in sites for tents only and are on a per person basis ( It fills up really fast ) parking is available adjacent to the campground, you will need a parking permit."

    "This iconic campground, situated in the middle of Yosemite Valley, was once home to many of America's early rock climbing pioneers. "

    3. Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park

    41 Reviews
    Wawona, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 375-9535

    $36 - $75 / night

    "Wawona is within the gates of Yosemite National Park, and is about 25 minutes away from the valley floor - it’s not too far of a drive, but it’s on the windy mountainous Highway 41 into Yosemite."

    "The river and swimming holes are close by and accessible to all, sites have ample space between each other, there are clean restrooms, and all sites have their own bear box."

    4. North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    23 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $48 / night

    "Very great campsite located right in the heart of Yosemite National Park. Hard to get reservations unless you plan way ahead which we do every year but we'll work it."

    "There is a shuttle stop right outside the campground. You are also in easy walking distance to the path to Mirror Lake and the ever popular Mist Trail."

    5. Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    20 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $36 - $60 / night

    "Bathrooms were clean, access to drinking water was easy. Park shuttle is nearby and easy to get around."

    "There is only a small area next to the paved parkway that is flat for our 6-person tent. But this is a Yosemite campground, we would take whatever campsite available. Restroom is clean."

    6. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    42 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    "The site is right outside Yosemite National park. It is perfect for car camping as it is a large parking lot. There is a dumpster and it’s fantastic for viewing the stars."

    "After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."

    7. Yosemite Creek — Yosemite National Park

    16 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 379-2123

    $24 / night

    "As an overall experience, I give the Yosemite Creek, and the Yosemite National Park overall amazing experience and would highly recommend it!"

    "The campground was easy to find, conveniently located within the park, spacious and very clean. I was a little nervous about bears, but there is a bear locker for every site."

    8. Curry Village — Yosemite National Park

    14 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 413-8869

    $98 - $300 / night

    "Best part is the location, which gives direct access to some of the most popular trails -- Happy Isles to Mist Trail, Mirror lake, etc. It has a nice family friendly vibe."

    "The location is perfect for all the Valley trails. There is a shuttle right outside. There are several campgrounds here."

    9. Tuolumne Meadows Campground — Yosemite National Park

    28 Reviews
    Lee Vining, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-4025

    $36 - $75 / night

    "Tuolumne Meadows Campground is located in Yosemite National Park in the Central California's Sierra Nevada Mountain. Its elevation at 8000 plus feet gives you the chance to see beautiful scenery."

    "This campground is located outside of Yosemite Valley, so it has less of the “Disneyland of the Sierra” feel—more serene and fewer people and buses."

    10. Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park

    11 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-0200

    "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!"

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

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Recent Camping Photos near Yosemite National Park

688 Photos of 393 Yosemite National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Yosemite National Park

1673 Reviews of 393 Yosemite National Park Campgrounds

  • Cathy H.
    Nov. 5, 2025

    Bridgeport Reservoir RV Park and Marina

    Loved it

    Okay, so this one of my favorites paid camping places. It's right on the lake, and close to town, but not close enough that you hear cars all the time. There are showers and bathrooms. A metal firepit and picnic table at the camp sites. A grilling / dishwashing area. The cell service was great. Would definitely go back. .....but I'd get gas before I arrive there because gas is like $6 .

  • Anna R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

    Accessible & Right Outside of Downtown

    As a 15 minute drive out of town this site is a gem. I can imagine the weekends and peak seasons are extremely busy but for a weekday in October we had the place to ourselves. The view one you got toward the back was stunning. The forest is extremely well maintained & fire rings are set up at many sites.

  • ADELA T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    Crab Cooker Hot Springs

    Visited the Hot Springs in late October and was pleasantly surprised with the location, warm in the daytime and cool at night. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and views. The Hot Springs were delightful.

  • Erik H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road

    Small Forest Service CG in a nice area

    All other CG were closed coming from Markleeville and I wanted to stop. A couple mile drive up a narrow gravel washboard road ticked in amongst aa mix of Aspen and Ponderosa (?) Pines. It was vacant but showed signs of heavy use.

  • A
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Indian Flat RV Park

    Great site

    If Traveling with kids make use of their fire pit and roast marshmallows

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Quiet Spot Near Hot Springs

    There are No Camping signs posted at the road and farther up toward the hot springs. We did end up staying here one night with our pop-up camper, because it was late when we finally arrived. There was a little pull out loop that had a camper van and another truck camper already parked and camping when we got there. There was plenty of room to be able to pull in and park in that area as well. It’s very dusty/sandy in this area. The hot springs were a 5 min drive from this spot. There are really no facilities here! There is one vault toilet down by the hot springs, but it was pretty rough. There are no trash cans around, it is a pack it in, pack it out area, please be prepared to clean up after yourselves and remove your trash. I did clean up some remnants of others trash, but for the most part it was pretty well kept. Although it says no camping, this was a decent overnight spot with beautiful views and it was pretty awesome to be able to wake up and soak in the hot springs on a chilly morning!

Guide to Yosemite National Park

Camping near Yosemite National Park, California, offers a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors while soaking in breathtaking views. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique features, you can find the perfect spot for your adventure.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at Tuolumne Meadows Campground, one visitor mentioned, “Great camp experience with trail heads outside your door.” This makes it easy to explore the stunning scenery.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. A review from Wawona Campground highlights, “The campground's location provides access to various outdoor activities... opportunities for wildlife viewing in the area.”
  • River Activities: If you’re near North Pines Campground, you can enjoy the Merced River. One camper shared, “We had a fire pit, bear locker, picnic table and two tents! ...from there you have views of Yosemite Falls.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views. A review for Upper Pines Campground states, “Great place, amazing position with astonishing views.”
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Many enjoy the tranquility of the campgrounds. One visitor at Wawona Campground said, “We went mid-march and the park was empty and peaceful.”
  • Convenient Amenities: Campers appreciate the amenities available. A review for Yosemite Lakes RV Resort mentions, “The sites were large and the scenery beautiful. It was the first full hookup campground outside the park, so pretty convenient.”

What you should know:

  • Booking Challenges: Reservations can be tough to secure. A camper at Upper Pines Campground noted, “...almost impossible to book. At last moment I get a reservation.”
  • Limited Facilities: Many campgrounds lack certain amenities. A review for Camp 4 mentions, “There was no soap in the restrooms... so bring your own soap, sanitizer, or wipes.”
  • Crowded Conditions: Expect busy campgrounds, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at North Pines Campground shared, “Given Yosemite's popularity, the campground was expectedly crowded.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds that offer space and amenities. One family at Yosemite Pines RV Resort enjoyed, “The sites are really big. Beautiful trees, paved roads for biking or scootering.”
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. A review for June Lake Campground mentions, “Definitely will bring rafts next time to tie up and hang out for the day!”
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Wawona Campground advised, “We accidentally left our bear box open... the ranger nicely let us know.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for North Pines Campground states, “We have about a 25 foot trailer... fit in the spot no problem.”
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t have electric hookups. A visitor at Hodgdon Meadow Campground noted, “No showers though, but the bathrooms were clear and okay.”
  • Plan for Crowds: Arrive early to secure a good spot. A camper at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort mentioned, “First come, first served... we chose a quiet place and were happy with it.”

Camping near Yosemite National Park, California, is an adventure filled with natural beauty and outdoor fun. Just be prepared for the unique challenges that come with it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for Yosemite National Park campgrounds?

Reservations for most Yosemite campgrounds must be made well in advance—up to 5 months ahead for popular sites like Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park. Make reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. The competition is fierce, especially for summer dates, so mark your calendar and be ready when the booking window opens. Some campgrounds like North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park require planning a year ahead. A limited number of first-come, first-served campgrounds exist, but they typically fill by early morning, especially during peak season.

What amenities are available at Yosemite campgrounds?

Yosemite campgrounds generally offer basic amenities including potable water, vault or flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers (bear boxes) which are essential and required for use. Tuolumne Meadows Campground — Yosemite National Park offers beautiful scenery at 8,000+ feet elevation. Hodgdon Meadow Campground — Yosemite National Park provides bear boxes and basic facilities. Most campgrounds do not have showers, electricity, or RV hookups. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many sites. Some campgrounds have nearby general stores for basic supplies, though selection varies seasonally.

What are the best times of year to camp in Yosemite National Park?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best overall camping experience in Yosemite, though this is also the busiest period. Tioga Lake Campground near the eastern entrance sits at 9,800 feet elevation and is typically accessible from June through September. Weather varies dramatically by elevation—Ellery Campground can see temperatures as low as 25°F even in June at higher elevations. Fall brings fewer crowds and beautiful colors, while winter camping is limited to Lower Pines. Spring offers waterfalls at peak flow but potential for variable weather conditions.

What private campgrounds are available near Yosemite when park campgrounds are full?

When Yosemite campgrounds are full, several private options await nearby. High Sierra RV Park offers full hookups, though some sites may require careful maneuvering for larger RVs. Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora provides grassy full hookup sites with easy access to the historic mining town. For dispersed camping, Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site just outside the park offers a large parking lot ideal for car camping with dumpster access and excellent stargazing. Summerdale Campground near the South entrance features a peaceful setting with a stream and requires advance reservations.

What are the best campgrounds inside Yosemite National Park?

For valley views and central location, Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park is popular with climbers and offers walk-in sites. Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park provides exceptional valley access with sites suitable for various camping setups. For a high-country experience with stunning alpine meadows, Tuolumne Meadows offers a cooler retreat from summer heat. North Pines features creekside sites perfect for summer swimming. Upper Pines, the largest valley campground, offers convenient access to major trailheads and attractions.

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