If you are looking for an epic adventure, look no further than this Ultimate Yosemite Camping Guide!
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Yosemite Camping
There are 13 frontcountry campgrounds in Yosemite National Park; four are located in Yosemite Valley, five more are located along Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows, while the remaining four campgrounds are located along Highways 120 and 140.
One thing to know is that Yosemite National Park Camping is crazy popular! If you plan on camping during the busy summer months, you will want to be prepared to make a reservation ahead of time.
There are tent cabins available for rent in Half Dome Village and Housekeeping Camp.
All of the campgrounds located on the Tioga Road are seasonal due to the amount of annual snowfall.
One thing to remember is that all the campgrounds in Yosemite are on the reservation system in 2020 to help manage visitor capacity.
If you are looking for an adventure, check out the highly coveted High Sierra Camps! If you are planning on backcountry camping, make sure you have a wilderness permit. The National Park Service limits the number of campers in each area of the park.
This guide will list out each of the thirteen campgrounds and provide general information about each, along with a map of Yosemite showing the location of each campground within the park.
You will want to check the historical opening and closing dates of each campground for the high-elevation campgrounds. Notice that the opening dates are approximate, as nobody can determine the weather and snowfall, especially over Tioga Pass.
Yosemite Camping Reservation Tips
Reservations go quickly!!!! You will want to know your dates, preferred campground, and backup campground ahead of time, especially if you are looking to camp in Yosemite between May and September or on a weekend.
How to Make a Yosemite Camping Reservation
- Visit www.recreation.gov (recommended)
- Call 877-444-6777
or 877-833-6777 for TDD
or 518-885-3639 from outside the US & Canada
You may only make two reservations per phone call or website visit
If you are camping with a trailer or RV, you will want to know the size of the equipment you plan to camp in. RVs are not allowed in tent-only campsites.
If you are planning to camp with a trailer, make sure to look at each campground description to confirm the length of the campsite.
You will want to do as much research as possible days before trying to make a reservation. The more prepared you are, the better chances you have of making a reservation for camping in Yosemite.
Terms you will want to know when you make your reservation
Standard non-electric site = suitable for both tents and RVs (or a combination of both)
RV non-electric = campsite is best suited for RVs and trailers; generally, they do not have adequate or level space to pitch a tent
Yosemite Valley Campgrounds
One thing to remember when camping in Yosemite Valley is that the campgrounds are at 4,000 feet. Be prepared for cool nights and warmer days. If you're accustomed to sea level and not higher elevations, be sure to drink plenty of water.
Upper Pines Campground
Location: Yosemite Valley, near Curry Village
Elevation: 4000 ft/1200 m
Open: All year
Number of sites: 238
Accessible Sites: Yes, campsites 6, 7, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 39, 42, and 43 are Accessible campsites.
Cost per night: 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
Up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m (ET).
Campground amenities: Tap water, restrooms, fire rings, bear food storage boxes, and easy access to the Yosemite Shuttle Bus.
RVs allowed: Yes
Maximum RV Length - 35 feet
Maximum Trailer Length - 24 feet
For more information and photos, check out our post on Upper Pines Campground
Lower Pines Campground
Location: Yosemite Valley, near Curry Village
Elevation: 4000 feet
Open: Open approx. April to October each year
Number of sites: 60
Accessible Sites: 5
Cost per night: 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
Up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m (ET).
Campground amenities: Tap water, restrooms, fire rings, bear food storage boxes, and easy access to the Yosemite Shuttle Bus.
RVs allowed: Yes
Maximum RV length - 40 feet
Maximum Trailer Length - 35 feet
For more information and photos, check out our post on Lower Pines Campground
North Pines Campground
Location: Yosemite Valley near Half Dome/ Curry Village
Elevation: 4000 feet
Open: Approx. April to October 30 each year
Number of sites: 81
Accessible Sites: 5
Cost per night: 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
Up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m (ET).
Campground amenities: Tap water, fire pits, toilets, located near the Merced River and Tenaya Creek.
RVs allowed: Yes
Maximum RV length - 40 feet
Maximum Trailer Length - 35 feet
For more information and photos, check out our post on North Pines Campground
Camp 4 Campground
Location: Yosemite Valley near the Yosemite Valley Lodge
Elevation: 4000 feet
Open: All year
Number of sites: 61
Accessible Sites: 2
Cost per night: 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
Campground amenities: Tap water, bathrooms, bear boxes, fire rings
RVs allowed: No RVs Allowed
Additional info: Pets are not allowed in this campground
For more information and photos, check out our post on Camp 4 Yosemite
Yosemite Campgrounds south of Yosemite Valley
Wawona Campground
Location: Near the Wawona Hotel ( Formerly the Big Trees Lodge) in South Yosemite.
Elevation: 4000 feet
Open: Year-round
Number of sites: 93
Accessible Sites: 2
Cost per night: 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
Up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m (ET).
Campground amenities: Tap water, flush toilets. Located right on the South Fork Merced River, some sites have epic river views.
RVs allowed: Yes
Maximum RV length - 35 feet
Maximum Trailer Length - 35 feet
For more information and photos, check out our full post on Wawona Campground
BridalVeil Creek Campground
Location: On the Glacier Point Road
Elevation: 7200 feet
Open: Open approx. July 15 - August 31 Each Year
Number of sites: 110
Accessible Sites: 0 Accessible campsites
Cost per night: 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
Campground amenities: a fire ring, picnic table, and food locker [33"(D)x45"(W)x18"(H)], and is near a bathroom with drinking water and flushing toilets.
RVs allowed: Yes
Maximum RV length - 35 feet
Maximum Trailer Length - 24 feet
Check out our full post with site photos of Bridalveil Creek Campground.
Yosemite Campgrounds - North of Yosemite Valley
Hodgdon Meadow Campground
Location: 45 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley near the Big Oak Flat Entrance.
Elevation: 4900 Feet
Open: Year-Round
Number of sites: 105
Accessible Sites: 0
Cost per night: Make sure to check with the park for the most up-to-date camping fees
Reservations: Open approximately. April 8th - October 1
Campground amenities: Tap water, restrooms, fire ring, bear food lockers, picnic tables
Maximum RV length - 35 feet
Maximum Trailer Length - 30 feet
For more information and photos, check out our post on Hodgdon Meadow Campground
Crane Flat Campground
Location: On the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) just west of Crane Flat, about 30 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley
Elevation: 6200 Feet
Open: Late May through mid-October
Number of sites: 151
Accessible Sites: Yes, campsites 222, 505, 506, 425, 503-Double, 220-double, 423 are accessible sites.
Cost per night: 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
Campground amenities: A fire ring, picnic table, and food locker [33"(D)x45"(W)x18"(H)], and is near a bathroom with drinking water and flushing toilets.
RVs allowed: Yes
Maximum RV length - 35 feet
Maximum Trailer Length - 35 feet
For more information and photos, check out our post on Crane Flat Campground
Tamarack Flat Campground
Location: Tioga Road
Elevation: 6300 Feet
Open: approximately mid-June through mid-October
Number of sites: 52
Accessible Sites: Campsites 21, 22, 23, and 38 are accessible campsites.
Cost per night: 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
Campground amenities: Creek water that will need to be boiled. A fire ring, picnic table, and food locker [33"(D)x45"(W)x18"(H)], and is near a vault toilet.
RVs allowed: RVs/Trailers not recommended
For more information and photos, check out our post on Tamarack Flat Campground.
White Wolf Campground
Location: Tioga Road
Elevation: 8000 Feet
Open: The campground is open approximately. June 20-Sept 14, each year.
Number of sites: 74
Accessible Sites: Campsites 64, 65 are accessible.
Cost per night: 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
Campground amenities: A fire ring, picnic table, and food locker [35"(D)x43"(W)x28"(H)], and is near a bathroom with drinking water and flushing toilets.
RVs allowed?: Yes
Maximum RV length - 27 feet
Maximum Trailer Length - 24 feet
Yosemite Creek Campground
Location: Tioga Road
Elevation: 7700 Feet
Open: The Campground is open approximately from July 1 to August 31 each year.
Number of sites: 75
Accessible Sites: Campsite 5 is designated as an accessible campsite
Cost per night: 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
Campground amenities: Creek water that must be boiled, a fire ring, picnic table, and food locker [33"(D)x45"(W)x18"(H)], and is near a vault toilet
RVs allowed: RVs/ Trailers not recommended
See our Yosemite Creek campground post for site photos and more information on the great campground.
Porcupine Flat Campground
Location: Tioga Road
Elevation: 8100 Feet
Open: The campground is open approximately from July 15 to October 12 each year.
Number of sites: 52
Accessible Sites: Campsite 33 is designated as an accessible campsite
Cost per night: 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
Campground amenities: Creek water that must be boiled, a fire ring, picnic table, and food locker [33"(D)x45"(W)x18"(H)], and is near a vault toilet
RVs allowed: RVs/Trailers not recommended
Check out our full article on Porcupine Flat Campground with site photos and info.
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
Location: Tioga Road
Elevation: 8600 feet
Open: The campground is open approximately from July 15 to September 23 each year
Number of sites: 304
Accessible Sites: Tuolumne Meadows Campground has 13 accessible campsites
Cost per night: 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
Campground amenities: A fire ring, picnic table, and food locker [33"(D)x45"(W)x18"(H)], and is near a bathroom with drinking water and flushing toilets
RVs allowed?:
Maximum RV length - 35 feet
Maximum Trailer Length - 35 feet
Check out our full article on Tuolumne Meadows Campground for site photos and more info!
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.
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 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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