Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Of the park’s 13 campgrounds, Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, and Camp 4 campgrounds are in Yosemite Valley.
- Reservations are required year-round for all Yosemite Valley campgrounds.
- Outside the valley, reserve ahead for summer and fall campsites at Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, and half of the sites at Tuolumne Meadows.
- Make online reservations up to five months in advance on the 15th day of each month beginning at 7am Pacific. Competition is fierce for campsites between May and September. Don’t dawdle!
- Bridalveil Creek, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, and Porcupine Creek campgrounds are first-come, first-served. These campsites typically fill by noon from April through September.
When to Go
Everything is open in summer, but crowds may bum you out, especially in Yosemite Valley. Wildflowers bloom at higher altitudes in summer too. Spring is the best time to see the waterfalls, which are usually surging from snowmelt as temperatures warm. Colorful foliage is a highlight in fall. Tioga Road typically closes in November, reopening in late spring. Glacier Point Road remains groomed and opens up to the Badger Pass Ski Area from mid-December through early April, but the stretch to Glacier Point is closed until spring. Yosemite Valley is quite pretty in winter after a light snow.
Know Before You Go
- Campers are required by law to store all food overnight inside food lockers, which are found at every campsite. Food includes scented items, canned goods, bottles, and toiletries. Do not store these items in your car or truck overnight.
- Although the recreational use of small amounts of marijuana is legal across most of California with certain restrictions, don't possess or partake of cannabis in the federally run park.
- Cell service is best in eastern Yosemite Valley. Access is unreliable in Tuolumne Meadows. Free wifi is available at Degnan’s Kitchen in Yosemite Valley.
Nearby Attractions
- Experience the tranquility of riverside camping near the Merced River. With its clear waters, abundant fishing opportunities, and scenic surroundings, the Merced River camping experience blends adventure and relaxation in California's serene wilderness.
- Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting and relaxing fishing sessions when camping near Tuolumne River. With ruggedly beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, the Tuolumne River camping experience is truly one for the outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list.
Yosemite National Park
Pros know Yosemite camping is either a feat of advanced planning or a willingness to wing it.
Yosemite Valley smashes into your sightline with a big hello from the Tunnel View parking lot. Soaring Half Dome. Plummeting waterfalls. Forested greenery as far as the eye can see. Is this real life? Elbow-to-elbow crowds quickly confirm its reality, but escaping the valley hordes is easy if you follow one of the many hiking trails leading into the wilds. The Mist Trail, which climbs the Granite Staircase past thundering waterfalls in spring, is especially worthy. Outside the valley, alpine lakes and lush meadows along Tioga Road are the stunning backdrop for High Sierra campsites.
Yosemite Valley smashes into your sightline with a big hello from the Tunnel View parking lot. Soaring Half Dome. Plummeting waterfalls. Forested greenery as far as the eye can see. Is this real life? Elbow-to-elbow crowds quickly confirm its reality, but escaping the valley hordes is easy if you follow one of the many hiking trails leading into the wilds. The Mist Trail, which climbs the Granite Staircase past thundering waterfalls in spring, is especially worthy. Outside the valley, alpine lakes and lush meadows along Tioga Road are the stunning backdrop for High Sierra campsites.
Activities in the park
14 campgrounds in Yosemite National Park
North Pines has an awesome location with Merced River on one side and Tenaya Creek on another. Mirror Lake is close by and the Yosemite Valley Stable is located here. Set up camp right by the water and breathe in that sweet pine air!Read more...
Bridalveil Creek runs throughout this spacious campground and a beautiful meadow is only a few steps away for laying in the sun or setting up a game with the kids. Fall asleep to the sound of water running through the rocks!Read more...
North of Yosemite Valley, this sprawling campground is based around the burbling Tamarack Creek. This site is ideal for those seeking a quieter space among the trees. It’s guaranteed to refresh your mind and soul. Read more...
This circular campground is surrounded by the towering mountains, the Seasonal Creek, and lush green plants. Harden Lake and Lukens Lake are nearby for some amazing scenery and relaxation. Read more...
Ten Lakes trail is only 2 miles away and tents can be set up all along the winding Yosemite Creek in this amazing campground. Dip your toes in the creek, hug a tree, and embrace the beauty all around you!Read more...
This massive campground has 304 spots-- some even for horses and a handful of group and backpacking sites. Here you can find Mountaineering School, and the Grill, Post Office, and Store. The huge Tuolumne River forks off here and there are springs, lakes (Dog Lake, anyone?), and canyons nearby. Read more...
Yosemite isn’t all about the valley. Just an hour and a half’s drive up the road is one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada. As you wind up Tioga Road (Hwy 120) from Tenaya Lake, the pines open up and you catch sight of the first granite dome and a meadow that seems to go on forever. The amount of trails that leave from th Read more...
Wawona Campground lies next to the Merced River, at an elevation of 4000 ft. Wouldn’t it be nice to camp right next to that babbling brook? Well if river camping is your thing (how can it not be your thing?), then you will surely enjoy Wawona. There are 93 sites in total and the camps are large. They are relatively close to each other, but it's Read more...
As with most things in Yosemite, bigger is better. Upper Pines Campground is no exception, boasting 240 campsites. It very well may be the most popular campground in Yosemite Valley, due, in part, to the views of surrounding icons, like El Capitan and Half Dome. Each site features a fire ring, food locker, and picnic table, and costs $26 per night Read more...
Lower Pines is equally as cool as Upper Pines Campground. The site is smaller with 60 spots, but the relaxed vibe and convenient amenities remain the same. Some of the spots are wheelchair accessible, so don’t let that stop you from getting outdoors!Read more...
Camp 4 definitely stands out with a giant rock in the middle of the campground. Maybe not a rock as big as Half Dome (is anything that big?), but a decently sized chunk for some cool rock climbing. Read more...
Crane Flat is a popular campground northwest of Yosemite Valley. Wake up to the sunlight filtering through the branches, and stop by the amphitheater right across from this huge campground, which might have some events going on!Read more...
Hodgdon Meadow Campground is definitely a “no-frills" experience. The sites are rather vanilla, a little tight, and privacy is limited. It’s also a bit out of the way from the main attractions, but this is also part of the appeal. If you are hoping to be right in Yosemite Valley, then this isn’t the site for you. With that said, it tends to be l Read more...
This campground offers many more secluded camping sites. Porcupine Creek forms a semicircle around this gorgeous patch of woods and it is a great spot to go exploring!Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Everything is open in summer, but crowds may bum you out, especially in Yosemite Valley. Wildflowers bloom at higher altitudes in summer too. Spring is the best time to see the waterfalls, which are usually surging from snowmelt as temperatures warm. Colorful foliage is a highlight in fall. Tioga Road typically closes in November, reopening in late spring. Glacier Point Road remains groomed and opens up to the Badger Pass Ski Area from mid-December through early April, but the stretch to Glacier Point is closed until spring. Yosemite Valley is quite pretty in winter after a light snow.
Know Before You Go
Nearby Attractions
Frequently asked questions
Are there bears in Yosemite?
Yes, there are black bears in Yosemite National Park, and they are sighted quite frequently. To keep both themselves and the bears safe, Yosemite visitors must use designated bear lockers and bear-safe containers for food, scented items, and trash, especially when camping.
Can you camp anywhere in Yosemite?
No, you cannot camp anywhere in Yosemite National Park. Camping in Yosemite is allowed only in designated campgrounds and specific backcountry sites with a wilderness permit. The park has 13 campgrounds, some of which require reservations, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Some popular campgrounds in Yosemite include Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows. Dispersed camping is not allowed in Yosemite National Park, and you must follow the rules and regulations to protect the park's natural resources and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. To learn more about camping options in Yosemite, visit Hipcamp.
How much does a campsite cost in Yosemite?
The cost of renting a campsite in Yosemite National Park varies depending on the campground and the season. Generally, prices range from $12 to $26 per night for tent and RV sites, and up to $50 per night for group sites. Some campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others require reservations. You can learn more about Yosemite camping options on Hipcamp.
Why is it so hard to get a campsite in Yosemite?
It is difficult to get a campsite in Yosemite National Park due to its popularity and limited capacity. Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. The park has a limited number of campsites, and many of them are only open seasonally. As a result, demand often exceeds supply, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays. To secure a campsite, it is recommended to make reservations well in advance.
What is the best month to camp in Yosemite?
The best months to camp in Yosemite are typically May through September, when the weather is warmer and most campgrounds are open. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and slightly cooler temperatures, consider visiting in late May or September. Keep in mind that some campgrounds may require reservations, so plan your trip accordingly. For more information about camping in Yosemite, you can visit the National Park Service's Yosemite camping page.
How do I get a campsite reservation at Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite campsite reservations open 5 months in advance at 7am PT. This method is incredibly competitive, however, and campsites fill up quickly. To skip the craze (and early wake-up call), try getting a Yosemite campsite reservation by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Yosemite campground, such as Upper Pines or Lower Pines. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
When should I reserve camping in Yosemite?
Most Yosemite campsite reservations open up on a rolling basis 5 months in advance, typically on the 15th of each month, at 7am PT. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Yosemite campsite reservation even if you plan ahead. Hundreds of hopeful campers all log on at 7am trying to book a campsite, and only a few are lucky enough to succeed, as the campsites are booked up within seconds.
To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Yosemite campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
Can I go camping in national parks during fall?
Yes, you can go camping in many national parks during the fall. Acadia National Park, Yosemite National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Shenandoah National Park are some of the best national parks for fall camping. Just check the specific park's regulations, availability, and weather conditions before planning your trip.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —