Yosemite Campgrounds: Where to Stay, How to Book & What You Need to Know

Yosemite is incredible during the day — hiking, viewpoints, waterfalls, sunset, sunrise… all of that is amazing.

But honestly, one of the most underrated parts of Yosemite is what happens at night.

Once the crowds leave and everything gets quiet, the park feels completely different. No city lights, no noise — just you, the trees, and the sky. On a clear night, the stars here are unreal. It’s one of those moments that makes you stop and just look up for a while.

That’s why I always recommend camping in Yosemite if you can. It’s not just about saving money or staying close to the park — it’s part of the experience.

Waking up early in the valley, seeing the light hit the cliffs, or just sitting at your campsite after a long hike — it hits different compared to staying outside the park.

I didn’t personally stay at every campground on this list, but I’ve researched and gathered the most useful options around Yosemite Valley so you can figure out what works best for your trip — whether you’re looking for convenience, quieter spots, or something easier to book.

One thing you really need to know:

👉 Yosemite campgrounds fill up FAST.

Especially in late spring, summer, and early fall, reservations can disappear within minutes when they open. If you’re planning to camp here, try to book as early as possible — otherwise you might end up scrambling for a place to stay last minute.

This guide will help you understand:

  • which campgrounds are worth it
  • where to stay based on your trip
  • and what to expect before you go
Star-filled night sky over Yosemite with visible Milky Way and long exposure light patterns.

🏕️ About Yosemite Campgrounds

This guide focuses on where to stay in Yosemite — including campgrounds, booking tips, and what to expect.

If you’re planning your activities:
👉 See best hikes in Yosemite

If you’re new to the park:
👉 Check the full Yosemite guide

If you’re looking for 1-3 days itinerary:
👉 Check the full 1-3 days itinerary

Yosemite Campgrounds Map

Quick visual guide: valley campgrounds 🏕️, outside-valley campgrounds 🌲, and scenic higher-elevation stays ⛰️
Tap a campground to highlight it on the map + open directions in Google Maps.

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🏕️ Campgrounds Near Yosemite Valley

👍 Quick picks (if you don’t want to think)

  • Best overall: Upper Pines
  • Best quiet in valley: North Pines
  • Easiest to book: Hodgdon Meadow
  • Best backup: Crane Flat
  • Best scenic outside valley: Tuolumne Meadows

❌ Quick skips (when NOT to choose)

Don’t want to read everything? Here’s the simple version:

  • No dirt roads? → Skip Tamarack Flat
  • Avoid crowds? → Skip Upper Pines
  • Booking last minute? → Skip all Valley campgrounds (Upper / Lower / North Pines)
  • Don’t want shared camping? → Skip Camp 4
  • Hate driving? → Skip Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek
  • Want comfort? → Skip Yosemite Creek & Tamarack Flat
  • Visiting outside summer? → Skip Tuolumne Meadows & White Wolf

⚠️ IMPORTANT THINGS (applies to ALL)

  • ❌ NO hookups anywhere in Yosemite (no water/electric/sewer) 
  • ✅ Dump stations available (Upper Pines, Wawona, Tuolumne) 
  • 🐻 Bear country → food lockers mandatory
  • 🚫 Sleeping in car outside campsites is illegal 
  • ⚡ Reservations sell out in minutes
  • 📅 Most bookings open:
    • 5 months ahead (valley campgrounds)
    • 2 weeks ahead (many others)
Half Dome glowing at sunset in Yosemite National Park with visitors viewing from Glacier Point overlook.

1. Upper Pines Campground

  • Distance: Inside Yosemite Valley (0 min)
  • Type: Tent + RV (up to ~35 ft)
  • Hookups: ❌ None (dump station available)
  • Open: Year-round
  • Reservation: REQUIRED (5 months ahead, sells out fast) 
  • Size: ~238 sites 
  • Notes:
    • Best location in park
    • Flush toilets + water
    • Near Half Dome trailhead
    • Shuttle stop nearby
    • Bears → food lockers REQUIRED

2. Lower Pines Campground

  • Distance: Inside Yosemite Valley
  • Type: Tent + RV (up to ~40 ft)
  • Hookups: ❌ None
  • Open: ~April–October
  • Reservation: REQUIRED (5 months ahead) 
  • Size: ~60 sites 
  • Notes:
    • Smaller + quieter than Upper Pines
    • Some riverfront sites (best ones)
    • Very hard to book

3. North Pines Campground

  • Distance: Inside Yosemite Valley
  • Type: Tent + RV (up to ~40 ft)
  • Hookups: ❌ None
  • Open: ~April–October
  • Reservation: REQUIRED (lottery + 5 months) 
  • Size: ~81 sites 
  • Notes:
    • Along Merced River
    • One of the most competitive bookings

4. Camp 4

  • Distance: Inside Yosemite Valley
  • Type: Tent ONLY (walk-in shared sites)
  • Hookups: ❌ None
  • Open: Year-round
  • Reservation: Required (1 week ahead in peak season) 
  • Size: ~36 shared sites
  • Notes:
    • Famous climber campground
    • Shared campsites (not private)
    • Cheapest option
Yosemite National Park mountain landscape with snow-covered peaks, granite cliffs, and forest valley under blue sky.

5. Crane Flat Campground

  • Close to Tioga Road
  • Distance: ~30 min drive
  • Type: Tent + RV (~35 ft)
  • Hookups: ❌
  • Open: Summer–fall
  • Reservation: REQUIRED (2 weeks ahead window) 
  • Size: ~160 sites
  • Notes:
    • Good central location

6. Bridalveil Creek Campground

  • Distance: ~45 min
  • Type: Tent + RV
  • Hookups: ❌
  • Open: Summer
  • Reservation: REQUIRED (2 weeks ahead) 
  • Size: ~110 sites
  • Notes:
    • Quiet forest
    • Near Glacier Point

7. Hodgdon Meadow Campground

  • Distance: ~45 min / 25 miles
  • Type: Tent + RV (~35 ft)
  • Hookups: ❌
  • Open: Year-round
  • Reservation: Required in peak season 
  • Size: ~105 sites
  • Notes:
    • Easier to book than valley
    • Good fallback option

8. Yosemite Creek Campground

  • Distance: ~45–60 min
  • Type: Tent + small RV
  • Hookups: ❌
  • Open: Summer
  • Reservation: REQUIRED (2 weeks ahead) 
  • Size: ~75 sites
  • Notes:
    • No drinking water (bring your own)
    • More primitive
Person taking selfie on wooden bridge over flowing creek in snowy Yosemite mountain landscape.

9. Tamarack Flat Campground

  • Distance: ~45 min
  • Type: Tent + small RV
  • Hookups: ❌
  • Open: Summer
  • Reservation: REQUIRED (2 weeks ahead) 
  • Size: ~50 sites
  • Notes:
    • Dirt road access
    • Quiet, less crowded

10. Wawona Campground

  • Distance: ~45 min / 27 miles
  • Type: Tent + RV
  • Hookups: ❌
  • Open: Year-round
  • Reservation: Required summer 
  • Size: ~93 sites
  • Notes:
    • Near giant sequoias (Mariposa Grove)
    • Has dump station nearby

11. White Wolf Campground

  • Distance: ~1 hour
  • Type: Tent + small RV
  • Hookups: ❌
  • Open: Summer
  • Reservation: REQUIRED (2 weeks ahead) 
  • Size: ~74 sites
  • Notes:
    • Higher elevation (cooler temps)
    • Good for hiking
Person sitting by river in snowy Yosemite landscape with mountains and pine trees under blue sky.

❓ Yosemite Campgrounds FAQ

1. Do you need reservations for Yosemite campgrounds?

Yes — most Yosemite campgrounds require reservations, especially from spring through fall. Campgrounds in Yosemite Valley (like Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines) typically open 5 months in advance and often sell out within minutes.

2. Are there campgrounds inside Yosemite Valley?

Yes — the main campgrounds inside Yosemite Valley are:

  • Upper Pines
  • Lower Pines
  • North Pines
  • Camp 4

These are the most popular options because they give you the best access to hikes, viewpoints, and shuttle stops.

3. Are there RV hookups in Yosemite campgrounds?

No — there are no full hookups (water, electric, sewer) in Yosemite campgrounds.

However, some campgrounds offer:

  • Dump stations (Upper Pines, Wawona, Tuolumne Meadows)
  • Drinking water
  • Basic facilities
Waterfall cascading down steep granite cliff in Yosemite National Park with pine trees and clear blue sky.

4. What is the best campground in Yosemite?

For most visitors, Upper Pines Campground is the best overall choice because:

  • It’s inside Yosemite Valley
  • Open year-round
  • Close to major attractions

If you want something quieter, North Pines is a great alternative.

5. How fast do Yosemite campgrounds sell out?

Very fast — in peak season, reservations can sell out within minutes of opening.

If you’re planning a trip in summer or early fall, you should:

  • Know your booking date
  • Be ready right when reservations open

6. Can you camp in Yosemite without a reservation?

Sometimes — but it’s very limited.

  • Camp 4 may have short-term availability
  • Some campgrounds open reservations closer to the date (2-week window)

👉 But in general, you should NOT rely on last-minute availability.

7. Is it safe to camp in Yosemite (bears)?

Yes — but you need to follow the rules.

Yosemite is active bear country, and all campgrounds require proper food storage.

👉 Important:

  • Use bear lockers
  • Never leave food in your car
  • Follow park guidelines
Sandy lakeshore in Yosemite National Park with clear blue water and granite dome under bright sky.

8. What is the closest campground to Yosemite Valley?

The closest campgrounds are:

  • Upper Pines
  • Lower Pines
  • North Pines
  • Camp 4

All of these are located inside Yosemite Valley, meaning you don’t need to drive long distances to reach hikes and viewpoints.

9. What is the easiest Yosemite campground to book?

Campgrounds outside the valley are generally easier to book.

👉 Good options:

  • Hodgdon Meadow
  • Crane Flat
  • Wawona

These are less competitive but still give good access to the park.

10. What should you bring when camping in Yosemite?

You should come prepared since Yosemite campgrounds are basic.

👉 Essentials:

  • Food storage containers (or use bear lockers)
  • Warm layers (even in summer)
  • Plenty of water
  • Headlamp or flashlight

Camping in Yosemite is more about nature than comfort, so preparation makes a big difference.

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