Upper Pines Campground is located in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Open year-round, this campground is close to hiking trails, Half Dome Village, and the Merced River.
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🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
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The campground is filled with Ponderosa Pines, though many of them had to be cut after huge winter storms.
Upper Pines Campground is the largest campground in Yosemite National Park! The campground is set up with six one-way loops. Each loop has a restroom nearby, along with garbage and recycling areas.
This is a super busy campground, especially during the summer. You will want to make a reservation as soon as you can!
Upper Pines Campground
Season: Year Round
Number of Sites: 238
December to mid-February, only the first two loops are normally open (about 50 campsites)
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:
- 37.7361111
- 37° 44' 10.0000" N
- Longitude:
- -119.5625
- 119° 33' 45.0000" W
Elevation: 4,000 feet
Accessible Sites: 6, 7, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 39, 42, and 43
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?
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, near the entrance/ranger station
Is Wi-Fi available? No
Is cellular Phone Service Available? Depends on your carrier. We have spotty coverage with T-mobile in Yosemite Valley.
Is camp host available on site? Yes
Is firewood available for purchase? Yes, at the Yosemite Village Store
Amenities at each campsite:
Fire ring in the site? Yes
From May 1 to Sept 30th, wood fires are only allowed between 5 pm and 10 pm nightly.
Fires must be attended at all times and extinguished fully with water so coals are cold and no smoke is visible.
There is no wood gathering in Yosemite Valley including pine cones and needles.
Picnic Table in the site? Yes
Bear Box/ food storage in site/area? Yes,
You are required to store food properly in order to protect Yosemite's bears. Bear storage lockers are provided in all campsites 35"(D)x43"(W)x28"(H)
Potable Water? Yes
Curry Village offers a general store, restaurants and bar, amphitheater, showers, and tours and activities desk.
Don't forget to pack these camping essentials
RV Camping at Upper Pines Campground
RV Length: RVs up to 35 feet
Trailers up to 24 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
Important Dates for Campground
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.
Checkout time: 12 noon
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am
Maximum Stay: 7-day maximum stay limit.
Camping is permitted in designated assigned sites only.
Upper Pines Campground Map
Photos of Upper Pines Campground
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.
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 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 Campgrounds
Yosemite National Park Camping Guide - Guide to all of Yosemite National Park's campgrounds, including a map showing their location within the park. Campgrounds include the North Pines Campground, Upper Pines Campground, Lower Pines Campground, Camp 4, Wawona Campground, Housekeeping Camp, Hodgdon Meadow Campground, Porcupine Flat Campground, Bridalveil Creek Campground, Crane Flat Campground, Tamarack Flat Campground, Tuolumne Meadows Campground, and Yosemite Creek Campground.
Additional Information on Oakhurst/Bass Lake, California
Guide to exploring Oakhurst, California, the southern entrance to Yosemite
Bass Lake Camping Guide, including the Lupine Campground and the Cedar Bluff Campground.
Check out all of the National Parks in California and neighboring National Parks in Oregon, National Parks in Nevada, and National Parks in Arizona.
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