Yosemite National Park Camping

Best Yosemite National park camping sites. Go tent or RV camping in Yosemite California for your next vacation. Yosemite National Park offers a number of campgrounds for camping. Some require advance reservations, while others are first-come, first served. For other lodging such as hotels, cabins and Bed and Breakfast, see Yosemite lodging.

Updated December 18, 2024 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures

Camping in Yosemite

Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley

Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places in the world! I think the best way to enjoy this outdoor wonderland, is to experience it by camping in Yosemite.

There is a 30 night camping limit in Yosemite National Park each calendar year. During the popular season from May 1 - September 15, camping stays in Yosemite is limited to maximum of 14 nights, and only seven of those nights can be in Yosemite Valley or Wawona.

Note: Each year, the dates vary, so these are approximate dates in the table below. If there is a lot of snow, that may delay the opening of some of the campgrounds.


Frequently Asked Questions about Camping in Yosemite

1. How many people are allowed per camp site? A maximum of 6 people (including children) and 2 vehicles are allowed per campsite. Additional free parking is available near each campground.

2. Can I sleep in my car? Unless stated otherwise for a particular campground, sleeping in vehicles is not permitted at any Yosemite campground, a never anywhere else in the park.

3. When can I check into my Yosemite campsite? Check-in time is noon.

4. Are bears a problem for Yosemite National Park camping? How do I store my food to keep it away from bears? Food must be stored properly to keep away from bears, 24 hours a day. During the day it may be stored in a locked car out of sight, but at night it must be stored in a locked food locker, which are provided at the campsites.

5. How much does it cost to camp at Yosemite? The Yosemite camping fee is approximately $12 - $26 per night, depending on the campground, except for camp 4, which charges a small fee per camper.

6. Are the roads open? - Yosemite roads may be closed due to the weather, snow conditions, renovations or storm damage. Access varies by season. Always check before you plan your trip. Tioga pass is closed during the winter.

7. Where is Yosemite? - Yosemite is located in northern California, about 165 miles east of San Francisco, 280 miles north of Los Angeles, and 400 miles north of San Diego California. For more details see map of Yosemite.

8. Are reservations required? - Reservations are strongly recommended, as the campgrounds fill up during the busy season, typically April through October. Below you will find the specific requirements for each campground.

Reservations open months in advance, see Yosemite Camping Reservations.


Camping in Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Campground Map

Yosemite Campground Map

Yosemite Valley is the most popular location for Yosemite National Park camping. There are 3 campgrounds for tent and RV camping that require reservations during the summer months. One of these, Upper Pines campground, is open all year (weather permitting). Camp 4 is a first-come, first-served walk-in campground, popular with rock climbers and backpackers.

Where is Yosemite? See additional Yosemite National Park Maps.

Yosemite Campground Dates RV/Trailers Reservations Pets Comments
Upper Pines All Year Yes Yes ~Feb - Nov Yes 238 sites
Lower Pines ~Mar - Oct Yes Yes Yes 60 sites
North Pines ~Apr - Oct Yes Yes Yes 81 sites
Camp 4 All Year No No No First come first served, Small fee per person, fills up most mornings spring through fall
Yosemite Campground Dates RV/ Trailers Reser-vations Pets
Upper Pines All Year Yes Yes ~Feb - Nov Yes
Lower Pines ~Mar - Oct Yes Yes Yes
North Pines ~Apr - Oct Yes Yes Yes
Camp 4 All Year No No No


Camping South of Yosemite Valley

There are two campgrounds south of Yosemite Valley for more great camping in Yosemite.

The Wawona campground is located near the Wawona area and Mariposa Grove of Big Trees.

Bridalveil Creek campground is located along Glacier Point Road off highway 41.

Yosemite Campground Open RV/Trailers Reservations Pets Comments
Wawona All Year Yes Yes ~Apr – Oct Yes 93 sites
Bridalveil Creek ~Jul – Sep Yes No Yes 110 sites
>
Yosemite Campground Open RV/ Trailers Reser-vations Pets
Wawona All Year Yes Yes ~Apr – Oct Yes
Bridalveil Creek ~Jul – Sep Yes No Yes


 Camping North of Yosemite Valley

There are 7 Yosemite National Park camping locations north of Yosemite Valley. Only Hodgdon Meadows campground is open year around. Note that Tioga Pass on highway 120 going over the Sierras is closed in the winter due to snow. These Yosemite National Park camping sites are further away from the crowds in Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite Campground Open Days RV/Trailers Reservations Pets Comments
Hodgdon Meadow All Year Yes Yes ~Apr – Oct Yes 105 sites
Crane Flat ~Jul – Oct Yes Yes Yes 166 sites
Tamarack Flat ~Jul - Oct No No No 52 sites; creek water must be boiled
White Wolf ~Jul – Sep Yes No Yes 74 sites
Yosemite Creek Campground ~Jul – Sep No No Yes 75 sites; creek water must be boiled
Porcupine Flat ~Jul - Oct Yes No Yes 52 sites; creek water must be boiled
Tuolumne Meadows Campground ~Jul – Sep Yes 50% Yes 304 sites

For updates to these dates, see the National park Service website at www.nps.gov.

Yosemite Campground Open Days RV/ Trailers Reser-vations Pets
Hodgdon Meadow All Year Yes Yes ~Apr – Oct Yes
Crane Flat ~Jul – Oct Yes Yes Yes
Tamarack Flat ~Jul - Oct No No No
White Wolf ~Jul – Sep Yes No Yes
Yosemite Creek Campground ~Jul – Sep No No Yes
Porcupine Flat ~Jul - Oct Yes No Yes
Tuolumne Meadows Campground ~Jul – Sep Yes 50% Yes

For updates to these dates, see the National park Service website at www.nps.gov.


Yosemite Camping Reservations

Reservations may be required when camping in Yosemite National Park, based upon the campground and in some cases, the season.

To make Yosemite camping reservations, call 877.444-6777 or visit their website at www.recreation.gov

Reservations should be made well in advance of your arrival date. Check the schedule below to see when is the first day that you can make reservations (starting 7 AM Pacific Time)

Note the Wawona group site has additional reservation due dates for the winter months between December and March.

Arrival Date First Day to Make Yosemite Reservations
March 15 – April 14 November 15
April 15 – May 14 December 15
May 15 – June 14 January 15
Jun 15 – July 14 February 15
July 15 – August 14 March 15
August 15 – September 14 April 15
September 15 – October14 May 15
October15 – November 14 June 15
November 15 - December 14 July 15

Arrival Date First Day to Make Yosemite Reservations
March 15 – April 14 November 15
April 15 – May 14 December 15
May 15 – June 14 January 15
Jun 15 – July 14 February 15
July 15 – August 14 March 15
August 15 – September 14 April 15
September 15 – October14 May 15
October15 – November 14 June 15
November 15 - December 14 July 15

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