Upper Pines Campground
Description
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Biking
If you prefer to travel on a two wheeled vehicle, then you’re in luck! Why is that? Well there are over 12 miles of paved bike ...Read more
Fishing
There is a plethora of fishing options in Yosemite and the surrounding areas. The season for stream and river fishing begins on...Read more
Hiking
Yosemite has unbelievable amount of goodness to offer the hiker. Just simply walking around the park is one of the best ways to...Read more
Horseback riding
Why not see Yosemite... via a mule or on horseback !? Guided mule rides, both pack and saddle trips, overnight boarding facili...Read more
Paddling
Within Yosemite’s vast natural wonder are many places to go kayaking . Visitors can enjoy the park by water on the Merced Rive...Read more
Climbing
We don’t often use the words “world renowned” unless it is something truly deserving. Which brings us the the world renowned cl...Read more
Snow sports
Yosemite can definitely be a winter wonderland. During certain parts of the year, the park is available for a variety of winte...Read more
Swimming
You could go swimming at one of the outdoor pools available during the summer time at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge , howev...Read more
Whitewater paddling
A popular activity is rafting along the Merced River. It is a great way to cover a lot of ground in little time and is very rel...Read more
Wildlife watching
Part of what makes Yosemite so epic is it’s year round inhabitants of the furry nature . Yosemite National Park supports more...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Upper Pines Campground.
The vibe at Upper Pines Campground
Upper Pines: not for getting away from people. You are crammed in. People will walk through your campsite. But it really can't be beat location wise. You can shower at Curry Village. Bring a bike! And something to float on in the river. And cold beer.


November is a perfect time to camp in Yosemite. The weather is moderate, the bugs & tourists are gone, campfires are more enjoyable & most roads are still open.

Easily accessible to Curry Village, Mirror Lake (albeit a bit of a walk) and a multitude of hiking trails makes Upper Pines a fantastic site to pitch a tent and call home.
If solitude, peace and quiet is what you want, this is not the campground. However, it is conveniently positioned near major trail heads. Though the spaces are small and cramped, the other campers are respectful and obey quiet hours. Bathrooms are clean!
I try to get this site every time we go to Yosemite (at least annually). Such a great spot location-wise. Definitely not a ton of privacy, but it's much quieter than the rest of Yosemite's sites. Mild winters make for great off-season camping
Five of us stayed in Upper Pines campground this weekend (November 11-13). Although it is the "off season" it seemed like every spot was full, but it is Yosemite. We were in site number 70. It was on the inside of the loop, which I think gave us a smaller campsite. We had three tents and were pretty close to other campers. We didn't spend too much time in the campsite, because we were in Yosemite and wanted to explore! It was pretty cold in our site, and that side of the valley. The sun is often hidden behind the cliffs. But the location cannot be beat. You are in the valley with all the adventures right there! If you want a less crowded campsite you might want to camp elsewhere.
Woke up at 7am on wed and thinking about the mountains and 15mins later packed and drove 310miles to Yosemite to see this beauty. Didn't know the weather was going to drop 26-29degrees for 2 nights but I survived the cold and the hike. You just have to be there to see the valley and the pine trees 🌲. Telling you how gorgeous Yosemite is just won't cut it.




Don't come on a three-day weekend! Its already a crowded spot.
Cute and homey. The combination of people camping in actual tents and the retro bicycles everyone is renting and the smell of wood smoke make for a surreal scene straight out of that kind, magical woodland world you're nostalgic for but that never really existed, except here in Yosemite Valley: one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The campground was full but we let a random Asian kid share our site with us, because everyone should get to experience this place.
Definitely rent a bike and ride the trails around the campground. And walk over to Awahnee Lodge to check out the awesome decor.




- Park
- Yosemite National Park
- State
- California
- Phone Number
- (209) 372-0200
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 37.736° N, 119.564° W
- Unknown price
- Tent Only: 5 Sites (Up to 6 people per site)
- Unknown price
- RV / Trailer: 44 Sites (Up to 6 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 191 Sites (Up to 6 people per site)