What to expect when camping in Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite National Park, California. Campsite photos, rules and regulations, Campground map and more

Here are my top finds for Yosemite National Park:
🏨Hotels: Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge (In the park), The Pines Resort
📍Tours: Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad, Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

Upper Pines Campground

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.

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 Map

Campground Reservations

Are campground Reservations Available? Yes

Phone Number? 1-877-444-6777

Online? Yes, campsite reservations are available at Recreation.Gov

How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Individual sites at Upper Pines Campground are block released on the 15th. of each month.

Campground Information

Season: Open 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

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

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

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

Food Storage Lockers/ Bear Boxs Available? 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.

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

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.

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.

Best Yosemite National Park Tours & Activities

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1-3.5 Hours | 🚂 Check Rates and Availability

Step back in time on this historic narrow-gauge railroad where powerful locomotives once hauled massive log trains through the Sierra National Forest, just 10 minutes from Yosemite's south entrance. The conductor-narrated rides (1 to 3.5 hours) take you through majestic woods while sharing the area's logging history, with options ranging from the classic steam train to special themed trips like the Moonlight Special and Yosemite Jazz Train. Perfect for families and multi-generational groups, the experience includes gold panning, a logging museum, and the Kids' Depot Toy Store, all wheelchair accessible with leashed dogs welcome on board.

Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (803+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 9 hours | 🚐
Check Rates and Availability

This is the tour for first-time visitors who want to see everything without the stress of figuring it out on their own. Operated by Discover Yosemite, a TripAdvisor Travelers Choice award winner for two years running, this small-group tour covers the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley, and all the major viewpoints in one very full day. Lunch is included along with snacks and water.

Semi-Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability

This is an 8-hour tour that begins with a pick-up at your hotel or the meeting point.

The tour includes stops at Glacier Point(April-November), depending upon the weather, and several stops in the Yosemite Valley. The valley stops include Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Bridge, Chapel, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and more!

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

Things to do When Camping at Upper Pines Campground

🏔️ Hike to Half Dome from the Happy Isles trailhead, a short walk from the campground, one of the iconic hikes in American national parks
🌊 Walk the Mist Trail past Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall for some of the most spectacular waterfall scenery in Yosemite
🥾 Walk the Mirror Lake Loop for Half Dome reflections and quiet eastern valley scenery
🧗 Watch world-class rock climbers on El Capitan and the valley walls from the open meadows west of the campground
🚌 Catch the free valley shuttle from stops at the campground edge to reach all major valley destinations without driving
🦌 Watch for mule deer, black bears, and Steller's jays throughout the campground at dawn and dusk
🍽️ Walk to Curry Village's dining options, pizza patio, and outdoor bar directly from the campground
🌲 Drive or shuttle to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias for a half-day trip to the park's finest ancient tree grove

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.

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

Nestled beneath Glacier Point since 1899, Curry Village tents offers an authentic lodging experience. 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.

Lodges near Yosemite National Park

There are several great lodging options near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Check out my Oakhurst Lodging Guide.

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

The only lakeside resort in the Yosemite area, sitting right on the shores of Bass Lake just 17 miles from Yosemite National Park's South Gate with a private beach, full marina, and some of the best sunsets in the Sierra Nevada!

Choose from lakeside suites with log-burning fireplaces, wet bars, and lake-view decks, two-story chalets with full kitchens, or a romantic Honeymoon Suite with an oversized jetted tub. Ducey's on the Lake serves farm-to-table cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with stunning water views, and the poolside beach bar is perfect for after-hike refreshments. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool with pool hoist, hot tub, full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center, yoga classes, boat and kayak rentals, two tennis courts, billiards room, convenience market, live entertainment, coin-operated laundry, free WiFi, and free parking. Pet friendly and open year-round!

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

A Forbes Five Star, AAA Four Diamond Provence-inspired castle tucked in the Sierra Nevada foothills just 20 miles from Yosemite's South Gate, widely regarded as the finest luxury hotel in the entire Yosemite region!

The 11 individually designed rooms and suites feature working fireplaces, pillowtop mattresses, down comforters, hypoallergenic bedding, separate soaking tubs and showers, Moulton Brown toiletries, slippers, robes, and private balconies overlooking nine acres of terraced French gardens. A bottle of local rosé awaits you on arrival, and a full gourmet breakfast is included each morning with fresh-squeezed orange juice. The legendary Erna's Elderberry House restaurant is one of California's most celebrated dining destinations, drawing food lovers from across the state for its tasting menus and wine pairings. Additional amenities include a full-service spa, seasonal outdoor pool, bocce court, concierge, valet parking, room service, free WiFi, and free parking. No children under 10. Pet friendly with a fee, open year-round!

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

https://www.stay22.com/embed/61f07d51cbb4390015c70b0f

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.