Best Tent Camping near Yosemite Valley, CA

Tent campsites near Yosemite National Park range from established campgrounds to remote backcountry locations, offering varied experiences for tent campers. Housekeeping Camp provides walk-in tent sites with electrical outlets and community bathrooms, while Hardin Flat Road offers more primitive tent camping with fewer amenities. Backcountry options include Sunrise Lakes, Glen Aulin, and Merced Lake High Sierra Camp, all requiring permits and offering a more secluded tent camping experience within Yosemite National Park boundaries.

Most tent camping areas require advance planning, especially during peak summer months when permits for backcountry tent sites are in high demand. Bear boxes are provided at established campgrounds like Housekeeping Camp and Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground, while dispersed tent campers must carry approved bear canisters. Vault toilets are available at most established tent campgrounds, but backcountry tent sites typically lack facilities. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months. Water sources exist at some locations but filtering is recommended for all backcountry water. According to one visitor, "We filtered water from the creek for meals and hydration. Meal prep was done on a nearby boulder."

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hikes or longer backpacking trips. The backcountry tent sites offer exceptional stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing, with mule deer, ground squirrels, and songbirds commonly spotted. Higher elevation tent camping areas like Upper Lyell Canyon provide cooler temperatures during summer heat but may present altitude challenges for some campers. Sites along creeks and rivers offer natural white noise but may have more mosquitoes, particularly in early summer. Areas farther from Yosemite Valley generally provide more solitude and fewer crowds. One camper noted that "the rhythmic gurgle of the mountain creek produced a mountain melody that relaxed the soul and brought peace to the mind."

Best Tent Sites Near Yosemite Valley, California (76)

    1. Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park

    8 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    0 miles
    Website

    "Bunk beds, electrical outlets, private patio with awning and round picnic table, even curtains for your shared sleeping quarters. Near by clean restrooms running hot water."

    "Some campsites are considered “river-front” but all campsites are pretty close to the river."

    2. Hardin Flat Road

    15 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    18 miles

    "There’s enough space for you to distance yourself from others.

    No bear boxes or bathrooms but very safe and easy to access."

    "We had a lot of space, good amount of tree cover when I rained. There’s a bunch of different spots to choose from, the one by the creek would have been nice."

    3. Sunrise Lakes Backcountry Camp — Yosemite National Park

    1 Review
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    9 miles
    Website

    "Campground Review

    Although it requires one heck of a climb to get to, Sunrise Lakes might be my favorite campsite in Yosemite National Park."

    4. Sunrise High Sierra Camp — Yosemite National Park

    1 Review
    Yosemite National Park, CA
    9 miles
    Website

    "If you are planning a backpacking trip through this area, I'd plan to spend one night here. There are toilets and drinking water available."

    5. Merced Lake High Sierra Camp — Yosemite National Park

    1 Review
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    9 miles
    Website

    "Tent cabins with basic sleeping set up and a nice spot to sit around a group fire. The ranger talks can be a little much but easy to sneak off and enjoy the quiet."

    6. Vogelsang High Sierra Camp — Yosemite National Park

    2 Reviews
    Yosemite National Park, CA
    13 miles
    Website

    "We went off season so the cabins were not set up but you can camp all around where the cabins would be. It was quiet, peaceful and ridiculously gorgeous!"

    "No toilets or showers at this backpacking campground - but it’s the best! We usually see a few marmots and haven’t seen any bear activity in the 4+ times we’ve been there."

    7. Upper Lyell Canyon Footbridge Backcountry Campsite — Yosemite National Park

    3 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    "RANGER REVIEW: MOUNTAIN HOUSE BEEF STEW AT UPPER LYELL CANYON FOOTBRIDGE BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITE

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW: UPPER LYELL CANYON Backpackers Campground, Yosemite National Park, CA."

    "Was coming from thousand island lake heading to tuolumne meadows. Found it by accident, was in a rush to find a spot before it got dark. Place was amazing."

    8. Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp — Yosemite National Park

    2 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    "The concept behind these camps is that you can walk 6-10 miles each day with only a day pack, and spend the night in these supported camps where tents, water, and food are provided by concessionaires.  "

    "Went up to Glen Aulin last week for a backpacking trip and stayed there 2 nights. There were 30 sites that were in varied types of environments."

    9. Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park

    5 Reviews
    Mather, CA
    19 miles
    Website

    "The sites were just a quick walk in from the parking lot and featured picnic tables, bear boxes, bathrooms and established fire rings."

    "When visiting Yosemite, the camping and lodging options can be overwhelming: from free nearby National Forest land to $500/night hotels, Yosemite provides a little something for everyone."

    10. Dirt Flat

    4 Reviews
    El Portal, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3212

    $41 - $43 / night

    "You’re really out in the middle of nowhere on a side street off of the highway. At night it is pitch black, you can’t even see your hand in front of your face."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Yosemite Valley, CA

1493 Reviews of 76 Yosemite Valley Campgrounds


  • T
    Jun. 17, 2019

    Tamarack Flat Campground — Yosemite National Park

    A Hidden Gem!

    I know that you don’t know me but trust me! Tamarack Flat is an awesome campground and definitely worth being a short 30 minutes away from Yosemite Valley. It is first come first serve but I have never had any problem acquiring a campsite. While it is remote, it is beautifully scenic and with many campers nearby, you don’t feel like you’re out in the wilderness alone. There are bear boxes at every site as well as a fire ring/pit. I would highly recommend camping here if you are tent camping or have a small unit. You will not be disappointed.

  • Anna C.
    Sep. 28, 2017

    Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Hetch Hetchy Walk-in Established Sites

    We stayed the night at one of the Hetch Hetchy reservable sites (first come, first served) before our trek through the backcountry of Yosemite. The sites were just a quick walk in from the parking lot and featured picnic tables, bear boxes, bathrooms and established fire rings. A permit is required to stay in the area as well as a $6 per person fee and you're able to check-in with your reservation right at the Hetch Hetchy entrance. The sites are well maintained and do feature scenic vistas, though it appears that the best views offered by Hetch Hetchy are found farther in the backcountry and we wish we had the time to really explore the area. The campground served as an easy spot to hike in, set up and prepare for a long trek ahead, although, if you're not pressed for time or resting up for a big hike, I'd recommend continuing on past the established sites into the more scenic backcountry. One major advantage of Hetch Hetchy is that you'll avoid the major crowds in Yosemite Valley which can't be beat in my book.

  • B
    Jun. 29, 2016

    Crane Flat Campground — Yosemite National Park

    out of the way

    site: wooded. semi-private. large. quiet campground. cooler temps than in Yosemite Valley. amenities: clean. no showers at campground. attractions: near to a market. Hiking trails. 40 minutes from Yosemite Valley. Wildlife. I would go camping here again- nice quiet place.

  • Erin S.
    Nov. 1, 2019

    North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Ranger Review: Wenzel Grand Basin 10 tent at North Pines

    North Pines is one of three campgrounds on the floor of Yosemite Valley. Across the Merced River from the other two campgrounds and adjacent to the horse stables, it is relatively isolated with no major roads running by it. Nevertheless, it is well connected to the rest of the valley amenities, with a quick walk to the bus station, a longer walk (1 mi) to the visitor center via the Valley Loop Trail, or a drive (if you don't mind braving traffic and searching for parking spaces). 

    The sites are not well defined. You have a place to park and besides that, it is a little of a free-for-all with the adjacent sites as to where you set up your gear. Despite that, we had plenty of room to set up our large 10 person tent, without feeling crowded or that we were overspilling our space. We were there the last weekend it was open (Oct 26/27) and all sites were booked. There are no hook-ups, and the comfort stations only have toliets and sinks (no showers), a fresh water faucet, and a disposal "toliet" for dish water. All dishes must be washed at camp. The facilities were fairly clean, though the disposal toilet often backed up.  Being late October, I was expecting very cold conditions. But the weather was great! 70s during the day and 40s at night. Clear skies. Absolutely beautiful. 

    Our site was located right next to the comfort station, and in hindsight I wish we had found a place a little farther away. But besides the proximity, our site was nice with a fire pit and picnic table. Quiet hours are from 1000-0600, and we had to remind our neighbor campers who came back drunk at midnight to shut it, but that seems to be more the normal than abnormal these days. There were mostly tents in the campground, with a few small RVs and trailers. Generators are allowed during limited hours, but the noise wasn't overwhelming, since they were few and far between.

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. This weekend I got to test the Wenzel Great Basin 10 tent (https://wenzelco.com/great-basin-10/). Overall, my impression of this tent is that it is a solid and reliable tent. Yes, it has a few design items that could be improved for ease of use, but overall it served us well and I look forward to using it again. The tent is a domed center-opening design, with two side "rooms" that can be separated by zipped curtains, making three interior spaces total. My husband and I filled up on room with two large cots facing length wise (we had them oriented along center line and still had enough room to move along the sides). The other side has more than ample room for my daughter's small cot, which ran the width of the tent along the side window. Very comfortable for three people. 

    Yes, this is a huge tent. Can it be set up by one person? Probably, if that person is patient and tenacious. Two people work much better. A few design items we found annoying were the pole connections, which would frequently catch on the tent pole sleeves and center strap. Also, the zipper flap on the tent's door would frequently get caught in the zipper, making it almost a necessity to use two hands to open and close the tent. Besides these two small inconveniences, the tent worked great. The rain fly fits snug against the tent roof. The construction felt sturdy and we liked the design of the three interior rooms. 

    Overall, we had a fun two nights in Yosemite. We might make a tradition out of going for the closing weekend each year.

  • K
    Jul. 11, 2016

    North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Convenient for exploring Yosemite

    On the east side of Yosemite Valley, it offers a convenient spot to rest after exploring and enjoying all the activities the area has to offer. Is crowded, but each spot is equipped with fire ring, food storage, picnic table, parking spot and flat, shaded spots for your tent.

    Advantages: car camping, good for families, pets are allowed, bathroom and potable water nearby. Shuttle bus is pretty close too.

    Disadvantages: Crowded, have to book a lot of time in advanced, distance between campsites is short.

  • J
    Oct. 13, 2023

    Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Great campground

    I really recommend this campground. I can come here and play online games with my family. The campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. The sites are relatively spacious and provide a mix of shade and sun. Each campsite typically includes a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage locker. It provides basic amenities such as restrooms with flushing toilets and drinking water. However, it does not offer showers or hookups for RVs. There are no electrical or water connections at individual campsites. The campground's location provides access to various outdoor activities. Nearby attractions include the Mariposa Grove, where you can explore giant sequoias, and the Wawona Golf Course. Additionally, there are hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for wildlife viewing in the area.

  • Amanda M.
    Oct. 3, 2018

    Crane Flat Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Crane Flat - Yosemite National Park

    In the summer of 2015, my (now) boyfriend and I decided to plan a very last-minute hike up Half Dome. We finalized the decision to go about six weeks before our trip in the third week of September, therefore had missed the window of opportunity to reserve a valley campsite by about 5 months. The only available campgrounds in Yosemite were the ones outside the valley, and we decided to try out Crane Flat campground.

    The Crane Flat Campground is about 19 miles outside Yosemite Valley off highway 120 - it takes around 35 minutes or so to travel by car from Yosemite Valley to Crane Flat. Crane Flat is a nice and peaceful campground surrounded by trees, and at the time was at less than half capacity. While camping in Yosemite Valley would have been more convenient for us on the day of our Half Dome hike, we enjoyed the peace and quiet of the nearly empty Crane Flat campground.

    The campsites in Crane Flat have bear bins, fire rings, and picnic tables. The toilets were plumbed but there are no showers available. I imagine Crane Flat fills up during the peak seasons, but the sites seem to be more spread out than the sites in the Valley. If you want to avoid camping in the Valley, Crane Flat or Wawona campgrounds are both great options!

    We spent our first day doing easy hikes around the valley floor, swimming in the Merced River, and keeping our fingers crossed that we would win the lottery to hike Half Dome. We did, so we climbed it the next day.

    We were exhausted the day after our Half Dome hike, so we decided not to drive to the Valley. We swam in Tenaya Lake which was still FREEZING in September, but it felt good as it was hot out. We drove past the Big Oak Flat Entrance and out to Groveland, where we had lunch and drinks at the Iron Door Saloon. The Iron Door Saloon is a family friendly restaurant and bar that is apparently the oldest continuously operating saloon in California. It’s a little tourist-trappy, but I’ve enjoyed it the couple times I’ve been there, and they have good burgers and drinks for cheap.

    CAUTION: be extremely aware of bears while camping in Yosemite National Park! Each campsite in Crane Flat has a bear bin - USE YOUR BEAR BIN! Bears are known to break into cars to snack from coolers or any food or toiletries are left out. The bear bins are quite large, so coolers do fit inside - bears can still smell food in coolers inside of cars, and apparently recognize a cooler when they peak into your car windows. If you have to leave your cooler in the car, it is suggested that you cover it up with towels or gear to hide it from site. On the same note, do not leave any of your toiletries or snacks inside the tent with you. In general it seems that the rangers seem to have good control over the bears that have been tagged and are constantly monitored, but not all bears are tagged, and even the tagged bears will make their way into Yosemite campgrounds. Be smart and safe in bear country!

    CAMPSITE SPECS

    Fees: $26/night peak ($18/night non-peak)

    Plumbed Toilets: Yes

    Drinking Water: Yes

    Showers: No

    Picnic Table: Yes

    Firepit: Yes

    Cooking Grate: Yes

    Shade: Yes

    Cell Service: No

    Animal Bins/Food lockers: Yes

    Trash: Yes

  • Eric H.
    May. 31, 2019

    Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Visit in May

    Visited in May last year. Campground was very empty when we camped. 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. Use bear boxes, bears were active in the area while we visited.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Thousand Island Lake Backcountry

    Solitude, Splendor, Serenity!

    Thousand Island Lake is a backcountry camping area located at 9,839 feet elevation in Ansel Adams Wilderness within the Inyo National Forest, California.

    If you desire 360 degree mountain beauty, a cool lake to fish, float, swim or reflect by, epic sunrises and sunsets, star-filled night skies...or just desire the unearthly quiet of being unplugged and being a speck in rugged vastness...this is for you!

    This incredible dispersed backcountry camping area must:

    1. Be hiked into
    2. Possess a permit
    3. Use approved bear canisters
    4. Leave No Trace

    There are a few methods of getting to Thousand Island Lake...all involve backpacks and hiking. First, if you are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail NOBO or SOBO, you will at some point of your journey reach Thousand Island Lake. Second, if you are hiking the John Muir Trail NOBO or SOBO, you will reach Thousand Island Lake during your journey. Third, you can choose a beautifully scenic 14.3 mile out and back from Mammoth, CA...the shortest of the three options. Fourth, there are horseback/mule train options.

    We happened to reach Thousand Island Lake as part of our August 2018 SOBO John Muir Trail attempt.

    Choosing to hike in by any of the options takes planning and preparation. This is beautiful country, but it is also rough and unforgiving. The trails are wonderfully cared for, but not groomed and flat...know this and adequately prepare.

    Every hiking/camping group must possess a permit, which for a short hike directly into Thousand Island Lake is secured through the Inyo National Forest office. PCT and JMT permits are primarily lottery based (although several walk-in permits are granted each day on site...but that's a gamble).Inyo National Forest website page states: "Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use). Quota of 30 people permitted to start overnight trips each day from May 1 to November 1."

    This is active black bear country, so you must use approved bear canisters for food and odoriferous items (toothpaste, soap, lip balm, insect repellent, etc). Stiff fines by rangers (and they do backcountry patrols) await if you foolishly ignore this law...worse yet, you might receive a catastrophic visit from Yogi or Boo-Boo. We did not see any bear or evidence of their presence but I’m sure they saw us.

    Leave No Trace...pack it in...pack it out. Yes, that means everything. Know the rules and abide by them. Nothing more distasteful and damaging to pristine wilderness are those that believe they are the exception to this rule and leave trash...worse, waste and TP dotting the landscape. Unfortunately, I found myself burying selfish stranger's waste. So bring a small shovel (www.tentlab) and a Ziploc freezer baggie to pack out your TP.

    There is signage at Thousand Island Lake advising where to camp, which is far away from the main JMT trail. Again, abide by the rules and camp at least 40 feet away from the trail and 100 feet from the lake. Read and obey the list of rules on the website.

    We camped on the northwest area of the Lake. Numerous hikers were there, some groups that hiked in for a day or two, others were thru-hikers. I enjoy the "community" of backcountry backpacker's. Day hikers can bring "Fido."

    It is unnecessary to pack in hordes of water, as there seems to be streams and lakes aplenty. I'd recommend a reliable water filter or boiling the water to ensure a parasite free thirst quencher. We used a simple Sawyer Squeeze, which was both lightweight and effective.

    Once camp is set, hike around the trails of this pristine wilderness and soak it all in...or just pull out your sleeping pad and relax.

    I have read and been admonished to use 100% DEET for the mosquitoes on the JMT...particularly June-July, and though prepared, we experienced none in mid-August, nor at this elevation. The elevation should not be bothersome healthwise, as it is not above 10,000 ft. As Floridian Flatlanders, we had no adverse altitude maladies...other than being out of breath while climbing passes. June and early July hikers may experience snow at this elevation depending on the winter accumulations.

    Several notable peaks shadow Thousand Island Lake, Banner Peak being one of them.

    For those securing a day hike permit, search out several websites/blogs for the best starting locations (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/thousand-island-lake-pct).

    If you are looking for the best bang for your buck in backcountry short trips, file this one away as a "must do!" There are others in the eastern Sierra Nevadas...but that's for another post.


Guide to Yosemite Valley

Tent camping near Yosemite Valley offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of one of America's most iconic national parks. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you'll find options that cater to different needs and preferences.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tips for tent camping near Yosemite Valley

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Yosemite Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Yosemite Valley, CA is Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Yosemite Valley, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 76 tent camping locations near Yosemite Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.