Camping in Yosemite, CA
50 campgrounds · 3 areas · Best May through October
Yosemite National Park is a crown jewel of American camping, with towering granite cliffs, ancient giant sequoias, and thundering waterfalls as your backdrop. Whether you pitch a tent in the iconic Yosemite Valley floor or find solitude in Tuolumne Meadows, this park delivers a camping experience that has inspired generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Why Camp in Yosemite
- ✓Camp beneath the towering walls of El Capitan and Half Dome
- ✓13 campgrounds ranging from walk-in tent sites to RV-friendly loops
- ✓Access to world-class hiking including the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail
- ✓Tuolumne Meadows offers high-country camping at 8,600 feet elevation
Where to Camp in Yosemite
Yosemite Valley
Valley floor, forestedThe heart of the park with four campgrounds surrounded by iconic granite walls. Upper Pines is the most popular, offering easy access to trailheads, shuttle stops, and the Merced River. Sites are shaded by ponderosa pines.
Tuolumne Meadows
Subalpine meadowsHigh-elevation camping along the Tuolumne River with spectacular subalpine meadow views. Less crowded than the valley with excellent access to backcountry trails. Open July through September.
Wawona & Glacier Point
Mixed forest, riversideSouthern Yosemite camping near the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. Wawona Campground sits along the South Fork Merced River in a quieter, more relaxed setting than the busy valley floor.
Top Campgrounds
Tamarack Flat Campground
California · 7.8 mi
White Wolf Campground
California · 9.1 mi
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
California · 15.4 mi
Wawona Campground
California · 12.5 mi
Crane Flat Campground
California · 13.8 mi
Wawona Horse Campsites
California · 14.6 mi
Lower Pines Campground
California · 1.5 mi
North Pines Campground
California · 1.6 mi
Local Tips for Yosemite
- 1.Valley campground reservations open 5 months in advance on Recreation.gov and sell out within minutes. Set alerts and be ready at 7 AM PT on release day.
- 2.Bears are extremely active in Yosemite. All food must be stored in bear-proof lockers provided at every campsite — no exceptions.
- 3.Yosemite Valley can be very hot in summer. The high country at Tuolumne Meadows is 15-20 degrees cooler and far less crowded.
- 4.Tioga Road (Highway 120) to Tuolumne Meadows typically opens late May to mid-June and closes with the first heavy snowfall in November.
- 5.Consider camping outside the park in El Portal, Groveland, or Mariposa if park campgrounds are full — shuttles and easy access are available.
Activities
Experience Levels
Gear for Yosemite
Make sure you have the right equipment for camping in Yosemite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book Yosemite camping?
Five months ahead is the standard booking window for reservable sites. First-come, first-served campgrounds like Bridalveil Creek and Tamarack Flat fill by early morning in summer. Winter camping in the valley is easier to book.
Can I camp in Yosemite without a reservation?
Some campgrounds are first-come, first-served, but arrival before 8 AM is essential in summer. Camp 4 (walk-in, tent only) uses a daily lottery system during peak season. Backcountry permits are available for wilderness camping.
Is Yosemite good for RV camping?
Yes, but with limitations. Upper Pines and several other campgrounds accept RVs up to 35 feet. There are no hookups in the park. RV-friendly sites fill quickly, so book early.
What are the best family campgrounds in Yosemite?
Lower Pines and Upper Pines in Yosemite Valley are ideal for families, with flush toilets, easy trail access, and proximity to the Valley shuttle. Hodgdon Meadow near the Big Oak Flat entrance is another family-friendly option.
