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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Dec 25, 2019 · Updated: Sep 21, 2026 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    Yosemite Creek Campground - Yosemite National Park

    Campsite at Yosemite Creek Campground in Yosemite National Park

    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

    Yosemite Creek Campground

    Yosemite Creek Campground is a smaller campground off of the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park. You will need to drive down a narrow windy road to reach the campground.

    The park does not allow any trailers or RVs into the campground which makes sense when you traverse down the windy road. 

    The road is partly paved and then dirt towards the campground. You will want to be careful on the drive. We found people all over the place driving a bit crazy on the dirt road. 

    When choosing a site you will want to know the clearance under your vehicle. Some sites have large rocks as you drive into the sites. 

    You will want to make sure that you arrive during the daylight to traverse through the rocks and safely park in the campground.

    Yosemite Creek Campground Map

    Campground Reservations

    Are campground Reservations Available? Yes

    Phone Number? 1-877-444-6777

    Online? Yes, campsites can be reserved online at recreation.gov

    How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Individual sites at Yosemite Creek Campground are released two weeks in advance on a rolling daily window.

    Campground Information

    Season: approximately July through early September

    Number of Sites:  75

    Location in the park: On the Tioga Road (Highway 120), about one hour north of Yosemite Valley

    Campsite Cost: Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees

    Campground Address: 

    Latitude/Longitude:
    Latitude: 37.8264° N
    Longitude: -119.5957° W

    Elevation: 7,700 feet (2,300 m) elevation

    Accessible Sites: Site 5

    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 Amenities

    Flush Toilets: No, vault toilets 

    Payphone: Yes

    Is wifi Available? No

    Is cellular Phone Service Available? No

    Is camp host available on site? Yes

    Is firewood available for purchase? No

    Fire pit in the site? Yes

    Picnic Table in the site? Yes

    Bear Box 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? No, All water must be boiled

    RV Camping at Yosemite Creek Campground

    No RV's or trailers are allowed in the campground 

    How to get to Campground

    Located on the Tioga Road (Highway 120), about one hour north of Yosemite Valley

    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.

    Check-out time: 12 noon

    Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am

    Maximum Stay: 7-day maximum stay limit.

    Site 1

    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 Yosemite Creek Campground

    🚗 Drive east on Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and Olmsted Point for the park's finest high-country scenery and hiking
    🔭 Stop at Olmsted Point on Tioga Road, just a few miles east, for one of the most unusual and dramatic perspectives on Half Dome available anywhere in the park
    🌲 Drive west to the Tuolumne and Merced Giant Sequoia Groves near Crane Flat for a half-day trip to ancient big trees
    🌊 Hike the Yosemite Creek Trail from the campground down to the top of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet, for a perspective on the falls that almost no valley visitors ever see

    Site 22

    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.

    Site 23

    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.

    Site 28

    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
    Site 29

    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 California National Parks along with neighboring Arizona National Parks, Oregon National Parks, and National Parks in Nevada

    Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok

    Photos of Yosemite Creek Campground

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    • Thunderbird Lodge Grand Canyon National Park
      Thunderbird Lodge Grand Canyon National Park

    Filed Under: Camping, US National Parks

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