Camping in Yosemite National Park
The best places to camp in Yosemite rank among the best on earth. Camping in Yosemite's gorgeous landscape is an American tradition that goes back to thousands of years of Indian life, John Muir's exploration, and even one of our U.S. Presidents who camped in the park for a few nights. NPS keeps a few campgrounds open right through the winter, so that the hard-corps campers can enjoy the quiet beauty of the off-season.
Yosemite Valley has three main campgrounds (all with Pines in the name), and two that are less traditional. Backpackers are privileged with their own walk-in sites across the creek from North Pines, but only with a Wilderness permit, for one night before or after a trip. Others who don't mind a short walk from the car can find the lively society of Camp Four. It's famed around the world as a rockclimbers' mecca, but anyone can stay there.
Beyond the Valley, Tuolumne Meadows has the biggest campground for summering in the cool high country; and White Wolf is favored by many for a quieter setting. Wawona and Hodgdon Meadows are popular spots near the south and northwest entrances, respectively. Some off-the-beaten-track campgrounds include Porcupine Flat, Tamarack Flat and Bridalveil Campgrounds; these are also not reserveable, but open to first-come, first-served.
Don't forget that all of the 1100 square mile Yosemite Wilderness is open for camping year-round. Camping in Little Yosemite Valley, on the way to Half Dome is the most popular place to drop the pack and set up the tent. Scour your topo maps, read a trail guidebook, reserve a permit, and get out there.
In all campgrounds, black bears want your food and campers need to secure ALL food in the steel lockers at ALL times.
Yosemite Valley has three main campgrounds (all with Pines in the name), and two that are less traditional. Backpackers are privileged with their own walk-in sites across the creek from North Pines, but only with a Wilderness permit, for one night before or after a trip. Others who don't mind a short walk from the car can find the lively society of Camp Four. It's famed around the world as a rockclimbers' mecca, but anyone can stay there.
Beyond the Valley, Tuolumne Meadows has the biggest campground for summering in the cool high country; and White Wolf is favored by many for a quieter setting. Wawona and Hodgdon Meadows are popular spots near the south and northwest entrances, respectively. Some off-the-beaten-track campgrounds include Porcupine Flat, Tamarack Flat and Bridalveil Campgrounds; these are also not reserveable, but open to first-come, first-served.
Don't forget that all of the 1100 square mile Yosemite Wilderness is open for camping year-round. Camping in Little Yosemite Valley, on the way to Half Dome is the most popular place to drop the pack and set up the tent. Scour your topo maps, read a trail guidebook, reserve a permit, and get out there.
In all campgrounds, black bears want your food and campers need to secure ALL food in the steel lockers at ALL times.
Upper Pines Campground
East Yosemite Valley
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley's largest campground...
Lower Pines Campground
East Yosemite Valley
near Curry Village, Yosemite National Park
Open Year-Round...
Porcupine Flat Campground
Tioga Road
Between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, 1 hour 15 minutes north of valley
Near a creek and lodgepole pines...
