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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Dec 25, 2019 · Updated: Aug 5, 2025 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    Porcupine Flat Campground - Yosemite National Park

    Located off of the Tioga Road the Porcupine Flat Campground in Yosemite National Park is a first come first serve campground only open for a few months out of the year.

    The campground normally opens by July depending on the snowpack and weather. 

    Campsite 26 Porcupine Flat 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

    Porcupine Flat Campground - Yosemite National Park

    The campground is off a dirt road. You will need to boil all the water in the campground. The sites are pretty shaded with bear boxes, fire rings, picnic tables. 

    Season: approximately July through October 15

    Number of Sites:  52 sites

    Location in the park: On the Tioga Road (Highway 120), about one hour and fifteen minutes north of 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: 37.8085° N, 119.5664° W

    Elevation: 8,100 feet (2,500 m)

    Accessible Sites: Site 33 is accessible

    Pets Allowed:  Permitted (must be on a leash at all times)

    Campground Reservations

    Are campground Reservations Available? No 

    First Come, First Served? YES

    Campground Amenities

    Flush Toilets: No, Vault toilets 

    Is wifi Available? No

    Is cellular Phone Service Available? No

    Is a camp host available on site? No

    Is firewood available for purchase? No

    Amenities at each campsite:

    Fire pit in the site? Yes

    Picnic Table in the site? Yes

    Bear Box in site/area? Yes, 

    Potable Water? No, Water must be boiled. 

    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 Campground

    RVs and trailers are not recommended

    How to get to Campground

    On the Tioga Road (Highway 120), about one hour and fifteen minutes north of Yosemite Valley

    Campground Regulations

    The maximum number of people in a campsite: a maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite.

    The number of cars per campsite: A maximum of two motor vehicles are allowed per campsite. 

    Checkout time: checkout time is noon

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

    Maximum Stay: 30-night camping limit within Yosemite National Park in a calendar year; however, May 1 to September 15, the camping limit in Yosemite is 14 nights, and only seven of those nights can be in Yosemite Valley or Wawona.

    Porcupine Flat Campground Map

    Photos of Campground

    Site 4
    Site 26
    Site 31
    Site 32
    Site 34
    Site 35

     

    Site 37
    Site 38
    Site 42
    Site 44
    Site 53 and 54
    Site 55

    Additional Yosemite National Park Information & Resources

    Lodges In Yosemite National Park

    ⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Ahwahnee Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.

    The Ahwahnee stands as Yosemite's most iconic lodge, a National Historic Landmark that has hosted royalty and presidents while offering unmatched views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. This architectural masterpiece blends historic elegance with modern comfort, featuring fine dining, a heated outdoor pool, and artisan shops right at your doorstep. After a day exploring the valley's waterfalls and granite cliffs, you'll appreciate the world-class hospitality and luxurious amenities that make this more than just a place to stay.

    ⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Yosemite Valley Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.

    Yosemite Valley Lodge sits right at the base of Yosemite Falls, offering 245 rooms including family rooms and bunk rooms perfect for groups exploring the park together. The lodge's glass-and-wood architecture frames incredible views while keeping you close to trailheads, with shuttle access, multiple dining options, and seasonal bike rentals right onsite. After hiking to Vernal Fall or exploring the valley floor, cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool or grab a meal before heading to the outdoor amphitheater for evening ranger programs.

    ⭐️ 4.0 of 5 Stars - Wawona Hotel - Currently Closed for Renovations

    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.

    ⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Curry Village Tent Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.

    Nestled beneath Glacier Point since 1899, Curry Village offers authentic Yosemite lodging with options from classic tent cabins to wood cabins and hotel rooms. This historic base camp puts you right in the heart of Yosemite Valley with multiple dining options, an outdoor pool, and easy shuttle access to trailheads and waterfalls. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly tent cabin experience or more traditional accommodations, Curry Village delivers that classic national park stay with all the amenities you need after a day on the trails.

    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:

    ⭐️ 4.8 of 5 Stars - Chateau du Sureau  - Click here for Rates and Availability.

    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!

    ⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The Pines Resort at Bass Lake  - Click here for Rates and Availability.

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

    ⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite - Click here for Rates and Availability.

    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

    Click on this link or the map below to see additional lodging options near Yosemite NP.

    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

    New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yosemite National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

    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)

    $40.00-$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

    $20.00 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 free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

    Yosemite National Park No Longer Requires Peak Hours Reservations

    Yosemite National Park will not require advance reservations in 2026, including during peak summer months and the February-March firefall period. The park will rely on real-time traffic management measures, including temporary traffic diversions when parking areas reach capacity and deployment of additional seasonal staff to manage high-use areas.

    Additional Yosemite Resources

    Yosemite Camping Guide - Check out all of the campgrounds in Yosemite. 

    Yosemite Lodging Guide - Check out all of the lodges in Yosemite

    Yosemite Falls - Complete guide to hiking and exploring Yosemite Falls

    Yosemite Valley Lodge - Room photo and tours of the Yosemite Valley Lodge. 

    Top things to do in Yosemite - All of the epic things you do not want to miss during your trip to the park. 

    Devils Postpile National Monument - Located near Mammoth this is a great park to visit near Yosemite and the Tioga Road.

    Sierra Vista Scenic Byway - Explore the road less traveled near the park. Less crowds and gorgeous views you don't want to miss. 

    Housekeeping Camp - A great option for staying in the Yosemite Valley. 

    Bass Lake Camping - Camp near the southern entrance to the park on a gorgeous lake! 

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

     

    More US National Parks

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      Off the Beaten Path National Park Road Trip Ideas
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      Yellowstone Self-Driving Audio Tours: Explore the Park at Your Own Pace
    • Delicate Arch at Arches National PArk in Utah
      See Arches National Park Without the Crowds: The Tours That Actually Deliver
    • Collage of Oakhurst Restaurant photos with a burger, enchiladas, arancini and tacos
      Best Restaurants in Oakhurst, California: Your Complete Yosemite Dining Guide

    Filed Under: Camping, US National Parks

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