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Yosemite Valley in California features multiple campgrounds including Upper Pines, North Pines, and Lower Pines, all situated within the iconic national park. Camping near Yosemite Valley ranges from basic tent sites and RV-compatible spaces to cabin and glamping alternatives at locations like Curry Village. For those seeking a more remote experience, Goat Meadow offers dispersed camping opportunities outside the main valley floor. Most campgrounds include amenities such as drinking water, fire rings, and bear-proof food storage boxes, while facilities like showers are available at select locations such as Half Dome Village.
Securing campsites within Yosemite Valley requires advance planning, as reservations fill extremely quickly when released, especially for summer months. The camping season varies by location, with Upper Pines open from February through December, while North Pines typically operates from April to November. Elevation differences between valley floor campgrounds and those in higher areas like Tuolumne Meadows or Crane Flat affect temperatures and operating seasons. Visitors staying outside the valley should budget 35-60 minutes of driving time to reach valley attractions. A camper noted that "if you're planning on spending most of your time in the park, this place can be a decent last resort if everything else in the area is full."
Proximity to natural features shapes the camping throughout the region. Campgrounds along the Merced River provide opportunities for cooling off after hiking, while sites near trailheads like Happy Isles offer convenient access to popular routes including the Mist Trail and Half Dome. Many campers cite location as the primary advantage of valley camping despite the crowds. According to one visitor, "Even though you are practically on top of each other at this campground, it's totally worth it in my opinion just to sleep in Yosemite Valley." Wildlife encounters are common, with proper food storage in bear boxes essential. Campgrounds outside the valley, such as Wawona or Crane Flat, typically offer more space between sites and a quieter atmosphere, though with longer commutes to major attractions.
"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."
"It's almost impossible to get a spot at the campsites in Yosemite Valley these days, but if you do you are lucky. "
from $36 / night
Check Availability"This iconic campground, situated in the middle of Yosemite Valley, was once home to many of America's early rock climbing pioneers. "
"You will share a site, probabaly a food storage locker and be close to your neighbors. If you do not store your food in the locker you will have visitors. "
from $60 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful Campground along the river. it's about 16 miles from Yosemite Valley and not as crowded as Yosemite Valley campgrounds."
"Nice location along the Merced River. Campsites have tree cover but aren’t super private. Bathrooms are primitive, but in good condition. Provides good access to Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point."
from $36 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Great location right in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Great access to beautiful hikes and scenery. The camp sites are spacious."
from $48 / night
Check Availability"Bathrooms were clean, access to drinking water was easy. Park shuttle is nearby and easy to get around."
"A convenient hub for activities in Yosemite Valley. Toilets, water, and a storage box for all the food and other smelly items that attract bears."
from $36 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."
"As Yosemite is a very well visited National Park, the Yosemite Creek bears an amazing view of the massive granite wonders and the nature that fills the Yosemite valley, a beauty within itself!"
"Not a bad drive, of course everything in California is beautiful compared to the flat lands of Texas."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $98 - $300 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Sick of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of the Yosemite Valley at peak times? Head to the high country and stay at Tuolumne Meadows Campground."
from $36 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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!"
TravelerThe host that checked me in was very kind and helpful. The showers take tokens for the hot water to come on, but they are nice showers! Bathroom is kept clean. Nice size laundry area. $3 per wash and dryer is $1.25-2.50.
ScoutThere are a couple spots alongside the road. Powerlines are nearby but there are a few fire pits. They seem to be logging the area and running cattle but it’s pretty quiet.
GuideSecond time staying at this campground. This time I stayed in the lower section that is closer to the Marina. More crowded compared to my first visit in November last year (which is expected as it’s the beginning of Summer and most people camp in the Summer. Nice campground, has all the amenities such as flushed toilets, hot shower ( $0.25/2 minutes), most sites have outlets and water spigot, and laundromat.
There’s museum on site and events so you can visit with the kids. You can also go down to the picnic area for swimming and fishing and clean at the near fish cleaning station.
It’s a bit overpriced since it has electricity but you can pick a large site and have a group to split the cost so it won’t be too bad
TravelerWe had a great time here! It’s definitely not super quiet or secluded here. There were a few families with young children visiting at the same time as us. If you tolerate kids you’ll be fine, they go to bed early enough, it was nice to hear them having fun:) There’s also not a lot of privacy between sites depending on what site you get which makes using the bathroom difficult if you’re using a tent. There was also an impressive amount of glass spread out around our site. I have no idea who had a rage room here but I was picking up glass all weekend, it became a hobby. Most of it was pretty dull but I’d wear shoes and watch out for your pets and kids feet.
TravelerBrown’s Owens River Campground is a great spot if you’re looking to spend a few days in the Eastern Sierra.
It’s hard to beat for fishing, birdwatching, or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery. The staff is friendly, the facilities are clean, and the river access is excellent.
The only downsides are that it can get pretty windy, and there’s very little shade, so it gets hot during the summer. Bring sunscreen and maybe a pop-up canopy if you have one.
Overall, it’s an easy place to recommend and one I’d happily stay at again.
TravelerAbout 30 minutes from the park entrance, there were tons of spots. We got there mid day on a Monday and easily found a great spot for the tent, hammock and fire ring. 10/10 would go again
GuideWe had a wonderful week-long stay and wanted to give a special thank you to camp hosts Patty and Mike.
We originally reserved Site 86, but after arriving we found it was extremely uneven for our 25-foot Airstream. One side of the trailer was nearly 10 inches lower than the other. In our opinion, Site 86 is much better suited for tent camping or very small trailers.
Patty and Mike went above and beyond to help us find a more suitable site and get settled in. Their friendly attitude, local knowledge, and willingness to help turned what could have been a frustrating start into a great camping experience.
The campground is beautiful, well-maintained, and surrounded by tall pines. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and are very grateful for the outstanding support from Patty and Mike.
Thank you for making our visit such a memorable one!
ScoutVery friendly staff. The sites are rather narrow but even. Restrooms are far away. Propane is available.
TravelerOverall great experience. Lots of tree coverage, with a beautiful lake just a walk away. If you want a more secluded area, I’d recommend getting a site closer to the 100’s area. Not a fan of how close our campsite at 79 was to another site. I felt guilty being outside past 10, with them going to sleep. There was no firewood for sale at the time we went ( early June ) and our campsite host was “off” for the duration of our stay which made getting a trailer out of our parking a bit difficult initially. We also found out they don’t allow amplifying speakers ( any speaker ) as we had a complaint made against us for having the music on. Which in our defense, in the morning when we played it, we didn’t believe it to be too loud. Other than a few hitches, it was an overall good experience, and I’d highly recommend it if you want a wooded camping experience!
Yosemite Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet, surrounded by granite cliffs that tower up to 3,000 feet above the valley floor. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-90°F during the day and dropping to 40-70°F at night. Most camping sites near Yosemite Valley, California require advance planning, with reservation windows opening exactly 5 months in advance and filling within minutes for peak summer dates.
Climb to breathtaking viewpoints: The Camp 4 area provides direct access to several popular climbing routes and hiking trails. "Camp 4 is literally in the middle of the trail to upper Yosemite Falls so the view of Yosemite Falls is better than in any other campground," notes a visitor. The iconic granite formations around the camp attract climbers from around the world.
Cool off in swimming holes: During summer months, seek relief from the heat in designated swimming areas. "The creek that runs by Upper Pines is very popular for swimming and rafting," explains a camper. Several campgrounds offer access to swimming spots along the Merced River, providing natural cooling on hot days.
Explore less-visited meadows: For fewer crowds, head to Tuolumne Meadows Campground at higher elevation. "Sick of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of the Yosemite Valley at peak times? Head to the high country and stay at Tuolumne Meadows Campground," recommends a camper. The campground sits at 8,600 feet elevation, offering alpine meadows, granite domes, and significantly fewer visitors than valley floor locations.
Evening campfire programs: Many campgrounds offer ranger-led evening activities. "Rangers and/or camp hosts are available at the kiosk from about 9-5, camp hosts usually do a night rove too and there is an after hours number you can call for a ranger after 10pm," reports a camper from Upper Pines Campground.
Creek access for cooling off: Riverside sites provide natural cooling during hot summer days. At North Pines Campground, "The river is close to the campgrounds and are refreshing on a hot day," explains a visitor. These water features provide both recreational opportunities and relief from summer heat.
Distance from crowds: Campgrounds outside the valley offer more space and quiet. "Wawona is different. The sites are large, well-spaced, and idyllic. Many of them are situated along the South Fork of the Merced River. It's quiet there - and peaceful," says a camper who appreciates the alternative to valley camping.
Early arrival essential: For first-come, first-served campgrounds, plan to arrive very early. "We got there at 6:00 in the morning and there was already a line. Campers were lined up outside with their chairs and blankets," shares a visitor about the Camp 4 experience.
Bear safety strictly enforced: Rangers actively monitor food storage compliance. "Like all other campgrounds in Yosemite, food and all other scented items must be stored in the bear locker at all times," advises a camper. Bear sightings are common throughout the park, and improper food storage can result in warnings or fines.
Winter camping limitations: Only select campgrounds remain open year-round. A visitor to Curry Village notes, "We stayed in the heated tent cabin during a major snowfall and stayed toasty-warm." Winter visitors should check operating schedules and come prepared for cold conditions, as temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
Consider tent cabins: For families new to camping or traveling without gear, tent cabins offer a convenient alternative. "The bed frame, mattresses, pillows and Rumpl blankets were a nice surprise," shares a family who stayed at Curry Village, though they recommend bringing additional clips to keep the tent windows open for ventilation.
Plan for campsite spacing: Many valley campgrounds have closely spaced sites. "The sites are small, noisy, and close together, but if you lean in to that, you're bound to make some friends," notes a regular at Upper Pines Campground. Families seeking more privacy should consider campgrounds outside the valley floor.
Bring entertainment for wait times: Traffic and popular attractions often involve waiting. At Goat Meadow, a camper advises, "If it's a holiday weekend and you leave camp headed into town be prepared for at least an hour in traffic due to backup from the park entrance." Pack activities to keep children entertained during peak times.
Generator hours limited: RV campers should note strict generator usage policies. "Generators are allowed during limited hours, but the noise wasn't overwhelming, since they were few and far between," reports a camper at North Pines. Most campgrounds restrict generator use to specific daytime hours.
Size restrictions vary: Valley campgrounds accommodate limited RV lengths. "Sites are tight would not recommend a rig over 30," cautions a visitor to Upper Pines. Larger rigs should consider campgrounds outside the valley with more spacious sites and easier access.
Dump station availability: RV services are limited but available. "There is a spot to RV dump and fill water. This was free when I was there (FEB) but it was clearly being renovated so might be pay in future," notes a camper at Upper Pines Campground. Check seasonal availability as some facilities close during winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are offered at Yosemite Valley campgrounds?
Yosemite Valley campgrounds typically provide basic but essential amenities. Crane Flat Campground offers clean facilities in a wooded, semi-private setting, though no showers are available. The campground is near a market and hiking trails. Tamarack Flat Campground, while more remote, provides a beautifully scenic setting. Most Yosemite Valley campgrounds include potable water, flush toilets, food storage lockers (required for bear safety), fire rings, and picnic tables. Shower facilities are available at Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp but not within most campgrounds themselves. Cell service is limited, and electrical hookups are not available at standard valley campgrounds.
What campgrounds are available in Yosemite Valley?
Yosemite Valley offers several campgrounds for visitors to enjoy. Upper Pines Campground is conveniently located close to Happy Isles and Mirror Lake/Meadow, making it ideal for day hikers. Lower Pines Campground is another popular option, especially for those planning to hike Half Dome. North Pines completes the trio of main valley floor campgrounds. For those seeking alternatives, Camp 4 is a walk-in campground popular with climbers, while the Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground serves hikers with wilderness permits. All valley campgrounds fill quickly due to their prime location amid Yosemite's iconic scenery.
When is the best time to reserve camping spots in Yosemite Valley?
Reserve Yosemite Valley campgrounds as early as possible—typically 5-6 months in advance. Wawona Campground can sometimes accommodate last-minute visitors if you check with the camp office for same-day openings. For the popular valley floor campgrounds, reservations open in blocks on the 15th of each month at 7:00 AM Pacific Time for stays five months in advance. Summer spots often fill within minutes of release. If you miss valley reservations, consider Hodgdon Meadow Campground or other alternatives outside the valley. September to mid-October offers a good balance of pleasant weather and slightly better availability than peak summer months.
How much does camping in Yosemite Valley cost?
Camping fees in Yosemite Valley typically range from $20-36 per night depending on the campground and season. White Wolf Campground offers backpacker sites that may be more economical for those hiking through. For budget-conscious travelers, Summerdale Campground near the South entrance provides a more affordable alternative while still offering access to the park. All campgrounds require an additional park entrance fee ($35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass). Some campgrounds have different pricing tiers based on amenities or location, with premium riverside sites sometimes commanding higher rates. Reservations also incur a non-refundable booking fee of approximately $10 per site.
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