If you are looking for an epic adventure, look no further than this Ultimate Yosemite Camping Guide!
Here are my top finds for Yosemite National Park:
🏨Hotels: Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Pines Resort(Bass Lake)
📍Tours: Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad, Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
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
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
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
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 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
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: Yes, reservations can be made online at recreation.gov
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: 289
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!
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/61f07d51cbb4390015c70b0fBest 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!
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 Resources
- Complete Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias - The grove is outside of the valley on Highway 41 next to the southern entrance to the park.
- Things to do in Yosemite
- 1-Day in Yosemite guide
- Yosemite Winter Guide
- Yosemite Lodging Guide
- Yosemite National Park Camping Guide
Things To Do Near Yosemite National Park
- Oakhurst, California, the Southern Entrance to Yosemite
- Bass Lake Travel Guide
- The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
- Wassama Round House State Historic Park
- Oakhurst Lodging Guide
- Oakhurst Restaurant Guide
- Madera Wine Trail
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
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