Discover the best Yosemite campgrounds with this guide to the top sites. Here’s where to pitch up at one of our favourite national parks in the USA.
Camping is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Yosemite National Park. There are plenty of spots to choose from – the park boasts hundreds of pitches across its 759,000+ acres.
These sights make for the perfect base to marvel at iconic landmarks such as Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point. And, while the vast majority of campgrounds will be open between June and October, a fair few stay open all year round. Stick around until the end of the article to discover our top tips for camping in Yosemite, including how you can keep yourself safe from bears.
Explore this Guide
Camping in Yosemite: Yosemite Valley
North Pines Campground
Open Dates: April – November • Price: $36
Convenience is key at North Pines Campground, as the entrance is located along Yosemite’s complimentary shuttle bus route.
This charming village offers a range of amenities, including a general store, restaurants, a bar, an amphitheatre, plus tours and an activities desk. Should you need any supplies or crave a delicious meal, the historic Curry Village is just a stone’s throw away (though you’ve got a fire ring to rustle up your own meal if you fancy).
Well-maintained paved roads, parking spurs, and modern facilities such as flush toilets and drinking water are available. This means you can enjoy a comfortable stay – in terms of Yosemite camping grounds, this is one of the more sophisticated spots.
All of this comes at a price though; North Pines Campground operates on a lottery system that you’ll need to enter months in advance. It’s well worth the effort, though.
Read Next: Unmissable Things to do in Yosemite National Park (+Map)
Upper Pines Campground
Open Dates: All Year • Price: $36
Looking to stay in the biggest and most popular campground in Yosemite National Park? The Upper Pines Campground should be your go-to. Each pitch at Upper Pines Campground has plenty of amenities, including a fire ring and food storage locker to keep your things secure. As well as this, there are a number of accessible campsites to cater to various needs.
With the Yosemite Valley Shuttle making regular stops at the campground, transportation within the park is a breeze. In fact, one of the reasons that this campground is so popular is because of its location. Embark on unforgettable hikes to iconic landmarks like Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, or simply meander along the picturesque trails, taking in the awe-inspiring vistas.
Camp 4
Open Dates: All Year • Price: $10pp
Calling all thrillseekers! Camp 4 is nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley, just a stone’s throw away from the majestic granite cliffs and the iconic Yosemite Falls. This camp holds a special allure for rock climbers. With its prime location near the base of the imposing granite cliffs, it serves as a base camp for those eager to conquer the vertical challenges that Yosemite National Park is famous for.
For your basic needs, nearby Yosemite Valley Lodge and Yosemite Village offer a range of food and grocery services, ensuring you have everything you could possibly need to rustle up something tasty (and replenish those aching muscles).
Curry Village
Open Dates: All Year • Price: Varies
If you’re after an experience that’s a little less rustic, camping in Curry Village is an ideal option. Not only can you find this neighbourhood camp spot in an incredible location just below Half Dome and Glacier Point, but it’s ridiculously scenic.
Founded by David and Jennie Curry in 1889, Curry Village was also known as Half Dome Village between 2016 and 2019. The village offers a little something for everyone – from cabins with private bathrooms, both unheated and heated tents, and The Stoneman’s cosy motel rooms.
Hungry? There are multiple convenient dining options for you to choose from in Curry Village so it’s easy to find a hearty meal to fuel your adventures.
Read Next: 10 Easy Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Lower Pines Campground
Open Dates: March – November • Price: $36
When it comes to the best Yosemite campgrounds, Lower Pines Campground is a true gem. In terms of amenities, expect well-maintained paved roads and parking spurs, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. The campground also boasts flush toilets, drinking water, and even an amphitheatre for entertainment.
You’ll also find a picnic table where you can enjoy meals surrounded by nature’s beauty, a fire ring to gather around and toast marshmallows, and a food storage locker to keep your supplies secure.
Camping in Yosemite: South Yosemite
Wawona Campground
Open Dates: All Year (Reservations between April – October) • Price: $28 – $36
Wawona Campground sits along the scenic South Fork Merced River, near the charming historic town of Wawona. This campground offers a peaceful retreat in the southern region of Yosemite National Park, approximately 27 miles and a gorgeous 45-minute drive from the bustling Yosemite Valley (we promise, the views are worth the drive).
The nearby Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a major reason as to why you should stay here. Or, if you’re eager to delve into the park’s rich history, a visit to the Yosemite History Center in nearby Wawona is a must. Here you can admire some of the park’s oldest structures and gain insights into the captivating past of Yosemite.
Bridalveil Creek
Open Dates: Mid July – September • Price: $36
The bad news? Bridalveil Creek is a tent-only spot. The excellent news? Prepare to be awe-struck by the breathtaking vistas awaiting you at Glacier Point nearby.
If you’re a fan of exploring Yosemite’s natural wonders, and you just so happen to be heading into the park during summer, Bridalveil Creek is a majestic option. Better yet, numerous hiking trails along the Glacier Point Road offer opportunities to explore the area further, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the wilderness.
While the campground offers a serene escape, it’s important to note that there are no services available nearby, so it’s a pretty rustic experience, and you will need to bring plenty of supplies along with you.
Camping in Yosemite: North Yosemite
Yosemite Creek
Open Dates: Mid July – September • Price: $24
Fancy a primitive camping experience with no designated campsites? Yosemite Creek Campground is where you should head. We’ll warn you, though – it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a camping spot, especially during peak seasons when demand is high.
We’ll be honest, Yosemite Creek Campground is pretty basic compared to other campgrounds in the park. Toilets are available, though there’s no potable water available within the campground.
The best bit? Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings, allowing you to gather around the warm glow of the fire and enjoy the classic camping experience. While Yosemite Creek Campground may offer fewer amenities, it more than compensates with its secluded and natural setting.
Hodgdon Meadow Campground
Open Dates: All Year • Price: $28 – $36
Hodgdon Meadow Campground is a little bit of a hidden gem, tucked away near the Big Oak Flat Entrance of Yosemite National Park. While the other campsites fill up quickly during peak season, you’re almost certainly guaranteed to snag a spot here.
Nearby, you’ll discover a visitor centre where you can gather information, maps, and guidance for your Yosemite explorations. There’s also a picnic area nearby, providing a scenic spot to enjoy a meal amidst the stunning natural surroundings.
The campground offers a range of campsites suitable for tents, RVs, and trailers. And, when it comes to facilities, Hodgdon Meadow doesn’t disappoint; expect clean and well-maintained flush toilets, plenty of drinking water, fire rings, and a picnic table at each site.
Tamarack Flat Campground
Open Dates: June – October • Price: $24
Tamarack Flat Campground provides a primitive setting with no designated campsites, allowing campers the freedom to choose a suitable spot within the campground area. The campground is enveloped by a captivating forest of towering red fir and lodgepole pine trees, creating a tranquil ambiance and providing shade during the warmer months.
While the facilities at Tamarack Flat Campground are more basic compared to some of the other campgrounds in Yosemite, we think this simplicity adds to its charm. Don’t worry, though – fire rings and vault toilets are available throughout the campground, however, it’s important to note that there is no potable water on-site.
Crane Flat Campground
Open Dates: August – October • Price: $36
Crane Flat Campsite is an adorable summer-only spot. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, so you can chow down whilst admiring the picturesque surroundings. As well as this, food storage lockers are provided at each site – and you must use them.
This is a fairly backcountry spot, though there is a gas station and minimal convenience items located nearby at Crane Flat. That said, the main reason people love this Yosemite campsite is because the trailheads for both the Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are located within a short drive of the campground.
Camping Near Yosemite
Pine Mountain Lake, Groveland
Open Dates: All Year • Price: $32 – $46
While it’s not directly lakeside (we know that name is a little confusing), Pine Mountain Lake campsite guests still have convenient access to the beauty of Pine Mountain Lake and its surrounding area.
The campground features 44 spacious campsites, each equipped with cooking fireplaces and a picnic bench. There are also 11 RV hook-up sites available, providing power and water connections for a comfortable camping experience. And, for the RV campers, there is also a dump site located onsite.
The PML Campground has three nearby restrooms, all equipped with running water. One of these facilities even offers hot showers – a true luxury when camping near Yosemite.
Recreation Point Group Campground, Bass Lake
Open Dates: All Year • Price: $20 – $40
Nestled along the shimmering shores of Bass Lake, Recreation Point Campground is one of our favourite places to go camping near Yosemite National Park. It truly is the perfect setting for water-based adventures, whether you fancy swimming, boating, kayaking, or fishing. Sounds dreamy, right?
The campground accommodates both tents and RVs, while each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, allowing for cosy outdoor meals and evening gatherings around the crackling fire. The campground also provides restroom facilities, with plenty of water stations available throughout the campground, too.
Tioga Lake Campground, Tioga Lake
Open Dates: All Year • Price: $20 – $40
Another epic spot for camping near Yosemite National Park is the Tioga Lake Campground. Suitable for both tents and small RVs, one of the highlights of this spot is its picturesque lakeside location.
While swimming and boating activities are often limited, you can enjoy the stunning vistas of the lake and take part in fishing for trout. Those who love hiking (our hands are firmly in the air) will adore the chance to explore the alpine landscape on foot, with pristine meadows, towering peaks, and vibrant wildflower displays nearby.
TRAVEL TIP ✈️
Tioga Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a campsite.
Yosemite Campgrounds Map
Yosemite Campgrounds: What to Know Before You Go
When to Go Camping in Yosemite
Generally, we recommend you go camping at the start or end of summer when all the sites and facilities are available (but the crowds are slightly thinner than mid-summer).
Our advice? Book your park reservation and accommodation as soon as possible, before it sells out. Some campsites are open all year but will be hard to access in the winter months when road closures can occur.
Booking a space at the Best Yosemite Campgrounds
We’ll warn you, Yosemite is always busy. You need to book campgrounds in advance (or head there early to secure your spot). You’ll also need to prebook entry into the national park – this is $35 per vehicle, or you can purchase an annual pass to all US national parks for $80.
Upper Pines is the most popular place to stay in Yosemite National Park. Why? Its central location within Yosemite Valley, along with its beautiful surroundings and abundance of amenities, make it a highly sought-after camping destination.
Whichever campground you opt to stay at, it’s vital that you help look after the park. Take any trash home with you (or bin it at a suitable spot) and do not approach any wildlife.
Bear Safety
We want you to stay safe. And a big part of this in Yosemite means taking bear safety seriously. It’s crucial to follow the proper protocols while camping in Yosemite.
When camping in bear habitat areas, it’s essential to store food and toiletries properly. Food and scented items must be stored at all times, even when you’re not at your campsite. Fortunately, each campsite in Yosemite is equipped with food storage lockers.
A strict rule enforced throughout Yosemite is the prohibition of storing food in vehicles. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can easily detect food in cars, leading to potential damage to the vehicle or harm to the bears.
