Bridalveil Creek Campground sits at 7,200 feet elevation in Yosemite's high country, where summer temperatures typically range from 70-80°F during the day to 40-50°F at night. The campground remains open from approximately mid-May through early October, contingent on seasonal snowfall patterns. Access to the site requires travel along Glacier Point Road, which closes during winter months.
What to do
Explore backcountry trails: Bridalveil Creek serves as a gateway to miles of scenic backcountry riding paths. "Not just group and horse camps... really not that far if you want to get some awesome views," notes a visitor at Bridalveil Creek Campground.
Visit Glacier Point: The campground provides convenient access to one of Yosemite's most spectacular viewpoints. "Just off the road that takes you to Glacier Point. Get up early and go to Glacier Point for the sunrise overlooking Half Dome," recommends a camper from Bridalveil Creek Campground.
Hike Sentinel Dome: This moderate 2.5-mile round-trip hike offers expansive views. "Stop at Sentinel Dome parking. It's only 2.5 miles round trip to Sentinel Dome and the view is stunning, you're higher up than Half Dome on one side and El Capitan on the other," suggests a visitor at Bridalveil Creek Campground.
What campers like
Seclusion from crowds: The high country location provides a quieter experience than valley campgrounds. "Site: decent space, decent privacy, a bit more wooded than other campground in the park. Some shaded sites," notes a reviewer from Bridalveil Creek Campground.
Mountain meadow setting: The meadow environment creates open, scenic camping areas. "Right on a creek you can swim in, trails galore, it's Yosemite!" states a visitor at North Pines Campground.
Proximity to trailheads: Equestrian campers appreciate the direct trail access. "This campground is in the heart of Yosemite Valley. It is great to camp on the valley floor, especially during peak season as traffic from all main gates to the valley floor is very congested," reports a camper at North Pines Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: The high-elevation campground has limited operating months. "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," says a visitor to Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground.
Food storage regulations: All campsites require proper food storage in bear boxes. "You have a fire ring and a bear box at each site. Generator hours are limited so plan accordingly," mentions a camper at North Pines Campground.
Limited services: The campground offers basic amenities only. "No soap or hand drying items in bathrooms at campground," notes a visitor at Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pack for variable temperatures: High country weather can change rapidly. "Remember that you're at elevation so it can get cold at night even in the summer," advises a visitor at Twin Lakes Campground.
Plan for early mornings: Getting an early start helps avoid crowds. "Get up before dawn if you want to have a parking spot anywhere you want to hike," suggests a camper from Bridalveil Creek Campground.
Choose campsites strategically: Some sites offer better experiences for equestrian camping with children. "We decided to camp further away from the lake (towards the back of the campground), as there were less people and it was more quiet and secluded," recommends a family at Twin Lakes Campground.
Tips from RVers
Generator use limitations: Power generation has restricted hours in equestrian camping areas. "The only downside to the spot was everyone else had a RV and had there generators on at 6am. We are not RV people so we don't know why they need to run them. Next time we will camp in a tent only area," notes a visitor at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site.
Limited hookups: No electrical, water or sewer connections are available at equestrian sites. "This area is a portion of the area which in recent years experienced forest fires so there are lots of downed limbs in the area, however these are not supposed to be picked up for firewood so bring whatever you will need at camp," advises a camper from Sweetwater.
Size restrictions: Some horse-friendly campgrounds have limitations on RV length. "This campground seems more fitted to those using campers more so than those tent camping. I saw very few tent campers and the RV's and tow behind campers were the majority here," reports a visitor at Twin Lakes Campground.
