Ultimate Yosemite Camping Guide

If you are looking for an epic adventure, look no further than this Ultimate Yosemite Camping Guide!

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🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
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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

Map showing location of all 13 campgrounds in Yosemite National Park Photo Courtesy of NPS

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

Campground at Camp 4 in Yosemite National Park

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

campsite in Hogdon Meadows Campground Yosemite National Park — campsite in Hogdon Meadows Campground

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.

Toulumne River next to the Toulumne Campground in Yosemite National Park — Toulumne River next to the Toulumne Campground

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!

photos of 5 campsites in Yosemite National Park with text "Yosemite National Park Camping guide by ParkRangerJohn.com"

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.