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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Apr 3, 2019 · Updated: Aug 9, 2025 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    North Pines Campground - Yosemite National Park

     North Pines Campground is one of the popular campgrounds in Yosemite Valley.

    Campsite in North Pines Campground Yosemite National Park

    TL;DR Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
    🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
    📍Tours
    🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

    North Pines Campgrounds - Yosemite National Park

    Located in the heart of Yosemite Valley, you have access to Mirror Lake, Tenaya Creek, and Yosemite Bus Stops.

    One of the best parts about camping in Yosemite Valley is how close you are to everything in the park. You can easily hop on a Yosemite Shuttle Bus and reach most of the top attractions in the park without having to worry about parking your car.

    You can wake up with a view of the epic Yosemite mountain views and the Merced River. Spend the day reading by the river, hiking one of the valley trails, or checking out the climbers on El Capitan.

    This campground is surrounded by large trees providing wonderful shade in the summer. Be prepared for warm days and cool nights. The campground sits at 4,000 feet elevation so that you can guarantee a temperature swing. 

    If you are not used to being above sea leve,l make sure you drink lots of water and give your body time to acclimate to the higher elevation.

    Check out all of the Yosemite Camping options! There are 13 campgrounds within Yosemite National Park! 

    Season: April  - October

    Number of Sites:  81

    Location in the park: Yosemite Valley

    Campsite Cost: Make sure to check with the park for the most up-to-date camping fees

    Reservations: Yes, reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov

    Latitude/Longitude: 

    • Latitude:
    • 37.7419444
    • 37° 44' 30.9998" N
    • Longitude:
    • -119.5655556
    • 119° 33' 56.0002" W

    Elevation: 4,000 feet

    Accessible Sites: 111, 113, 119, 125, and 129

    Pets Allowed:  Pets are allowed but they must be on a leash less than 6 feet long. 

    Pets are not allowed inside park buildings or on specific trails.

    Campground Reservations

    Are campground Reservations Available? Yes

    Phone Number? 1-877-444-6777

    Online? Recreation.Gov

    How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m (ET).

    First Come, First Served? No!

    First-night rent plus a one-time transaction fee of $4.50 will be charged at the time of reservation and is non-refundable.

    Campground Amenities

    Flush Toilets: Yes

    Payphone: yes

    Is Wi-Fi available? No

    Is cellular Phone Service Available? yes, depending on your cell phone carrier. We have spotty service with T-mobile in Yosemite Valley 

    Is camp host available on site? Yes

    Is firewood available for purchase? Yes, in Curry Village/Half Dome Village or at the Yosemite Village store 

    Amenities at each campsite:

    Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, close access to the Yosemite Shuttle Bus and near the Merced River. 

    Fire pit in the site? Yes, there are fire rings at each campsite. 

    From May through September, campfires in Yosemite Valley are only allowed between 5 pm and 10 pm.

    Picnic Table in the site? Yes

    Bear Box in site/area? Yes, 

    You are required to store food properly in order to protect Yosemite's bears. 

    Food storage lockers are provided in all campsites 35"(D)x43"(W)x28"(H)

    Potable Water? Yes, There is drinking water available in the campground

    Don't forget to pack these camping essentials

    • Camping Chairs
    • First Aid Kit
    • Collapsible Dish Tub
    • Camping Dishes
    • Camping Tarp
    • Lantern
    • Camping Games

    RV Camping at North Pines Campground

    RV Length: RVs up to 40 feet

    Trailers up to 35 feet

    Not every site can accommodate equipment of these lengths. Be sure to read the site details when making a reservation on recreation.gov to ensure your equipment will fit into the site you're reserving.

    Dump Station: Yes at the entrance to Upper Pines

    Generators: Yes during the following time periods - 7 am to 9 am, 12 pm to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm.

    Hookups: No, There are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups at this facility

    How to get to North Pines Campground

    Follow the main road through Yosemite Valley. There are signs leading to the Pines Camping area. 

    North Pines Campground Regulations

    The maximum number of people in a campsite: A maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite. There is no limit on the number of tents (as long as they all fit into the campsite).

    The number of cars per campsite: Two motorized vehicles per campsite. A valid campground car pass must be displayed.

    Check-out time: 12 noon

    Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am

    Maximum Stay: 7-day maximum stay limit.

    North Pines Campground Map

    Photos of North Pines Campground

    North Pines Campground Site 30
    North Pines Campground Site 32
    North Pines Campground Site 113
    North Pines Campground Site 119
    North Pines Campground Site 306
    North Pines Campground Site 316
    North Pines Campground Site 520
    North Pines Campground Site F
    North Pines Campground Site G

    Additional Yosemite National Park Information & Resources

    Lodges In Yosemite National Park

    Ahwahnee Hotel
    🏨Ready to Book the Ahwahnee Hotel -> Click Here

    The Ahwahnee Hotel is located in Yosemite Valley and is known throughout the world as one of the most luxurious National Park Lodges.

    Yosemite Valley Lodge
    🏨Ready to Book the Yosemite Valley Lodge -> Click Here

    The Yosemite Valley Lodge is located in the heart of Yosemite National Park and is located close to Yosemite Falls making it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.

    Wawona Hotel
    🏨Ready to Book the Wawona Hotel -> Click Here

    (Currently Closed for repairs). Built in 1856 the Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center in Yosemite National Park.

    Curry Village Tent Cabins
    🏨Ready to Book the Curry Village Cabins -> Click Here

    The Curry Village Tent Cabins are a great option for staying in Yosemite Valley.

    Lodges near Yosemite National Park

    There are great options for lodging near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Here is a few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst:

    Chateau du Sureau
    🏨Ready to Book the Chateau du Sureau -> Click Here

    Exceptional 5-star luxury accommodations south of Yosemite National Park. Includes breakfast, feww WIFI, pet friendly, air conditioning and much more! Also has an incredible restaurant o-site and a spa!

    The Pines Resort at Bass Lake
    🏨Ready to Book The Pines Resort -> Click Here

    Bass Lake Beachfront Resort with lots of amenities, including Spa services, gym, two restaurants, bar/lounge, Airconditioning and more!

    Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn 
    🏨Ready to Book the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn -> Click Here

    At Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn, you can look forward to a terrace, a playground, and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs.

    Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite 
    🏨Ready to Book The Tenaya Lodge -> Click Here

    4-star eco-friendly resort near Yosemite. You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and shopping on site at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at this resort. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment, and aromatherapy at Ascent Spa, the onsite spa

    Yosemite National Park Tours

    California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
    ⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

    With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours,  you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:

    • Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
    • Death Valley's Unique Geology
    • Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
    • Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters

    Private Full-Day Fly Fishing for Beginners and Experienced Anglers
    ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours |  🎣 Check Rates and Availability

    Here is your chance to enjoy fly fishing in Yosemite with your private guide! This full-day adventure (Approx. 8 hours) is where you can fish the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Golden Trout on the catch-and-release excursion. The tour includes:

    • all fly fishing gear, fishing license, Peak Season Reservation, and entrance fees
    • round-trip transportation from Yosemite Valley or Groveland
    • snacks/lunch

    Private Family Hike in Yosemite
    ⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4-6 Hours |  🥾Check Rates and Availability

    Experience the monumental scenery of Yosemite on a guided, half-day hike designed especially for families. Choose from a beginning to moderate hike to suit your family's experience level, and embark on a series of trails that wind through the famous natural attractions of either Yosemite Valley or the high country. Enjoy Spectacular views from on of America's favorite National Parks, and stop for a scenic picnic near a stream, lake, or meadow.

    4 Days Guided Yosemite Half Dome Tour
    ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 Days |  🥾Check Rates and Availability

    Ready to turn your bucketlist into a brag list? This 4 day Yosemite adventure takes you from secret swimming holes to the iconic half-dome cables without the crowds or the chaos. Every detail is covered, from wilderness permits to those elusive Half Dome Spots. Just bring your personal camping gear including a tent, sleping bag & pad, and headlamp. A full packing list will be provided after you register. With expert guides, chef-style meals, and starry skies, you'll hike, relax, and conquer like a pro!

    Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!

    Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee

    Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

    Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

    Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

    $0.00 for Education/Academic Group

    $300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

    $45.00-$125.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

    $125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

    $200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

    $300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

    Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

    $80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

    2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

    Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

    National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

    Yosemite National Park Peak-Hours Reservation Required

    A reservation is required to drive into Yosemite between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM on dates in 2025 listed below:

    • May 24 - May 26 (Saturday-Monday)
    • June 15 - August 15 (Daily)
    • August 30 -September 1) (Saturday - Monday)

    During the dates listed above, visitors can enter Yosemite with either of the following:

    • Peak Hours Reservation are available through Recreation.gov
      • (Click here to get your Peak Hours Reservation) or by calling (877)444-6777
    • Wilderness or Half Dome permit
    • In-Park camping including Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Camp 4, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, Hogdon Meadow, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows campgrounds.
    • In-Park Lodging including Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and High Sierra Camps.
    • In-Park Vacation Rental in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta.
    • Regional transit ot tour group

    Additional Peak Hours Reservation information:

    • Reservations for all dates were released on May 6, 2025
    • Additional Reservations are available on recreation.gov seven days before the arrival date at 8:00 AM PDT.
    • There is a $2.00 Non-Refundable fee (This does not include the park's entry fee requirement)
    • Each visitor can make one reservation for each three day period. The reservation holder must be in the arriving vehicle and show photo ID at the entrance station.
    • Peak Hours Reservations are good for three consecutive days (Including arrival date)
    • You can visit the Hetch Hetchy area of the park when it is open (sunrise to sunset) without a reservation.

    Additional Yosemite National Park Resources

    Complete Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park - A Complete guide to exploring Yosemite National Park.

    Make sure also to check out my articles on  Things to do in Yosemite, 1-Day in Yosemite guide, Curry Village, Yosemite Winter Guide, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Valley Guide, Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Midnight Yosemite Valley Floor Tour, and Bracebridge Dinner - which I have selected as one of my top 100 Experiences in the U.S. National Park!

    Yosemite National Park Camping Guide - Guide to all of Yosemite National Park's campgrounds, including a map showing their location within the park.

    Check out all of our articles on Yosemite National Park!

    You don't want to miss the best things to do in Yosemite during your visit.

    If you are looking for Yosemite Travel Tips this post has everything you may be looking for. 

    Check out all of the National Parks in California and neighboring National Parks in Oregon, National Parks in Nevada, and National Parks in Arizona.

    Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok

    More US National Parks

    • Yellowstone National Park Tours
    • California Black Bears alsong Bass Lake on our California National Parks Road Trip
      California National Parks Road Trip to Sequoia, Kings Canyon, & Yosemite
    • campsite in Sunset Campground in Kings Canyon National Park
      Sunset Campground Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks
    • Lodgepole Campground Sequoia National Park
      Lodgepole Campground Sequoia National Park

    Filed Under: Camping, US National Parks

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