North Pines Campground
The Quick Take
North Pines sits in the sweet spot of Yosemite Valley camping — right along the Merced River, close enough to everything that matters, but tucked just far enough east to feel a half-step removed from the Valley's busy core. It's the smallest of the three reservable Valley campgrounds, which means fewer neighbors and a slightly more intimate feel than the sprawling Upper Pines next door. The trade-off? No flush toilets, no showers, and no dump station, so you're roughing it a bit more than the name 'developed campground' might suggest. The riverside sites are the real draw here — falling asleep to the sound of the Merced is worth the booking headache. This is the campground for people who want Valley convenience without feeling like they pitched a tent in a parking lot. Best suited for experienced campers who prioritize location over amenities.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 80 sites are reservable.
Book at Yosemite LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. Maximum length: 40 feet. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
111 ADA-accessible campsites. The following campsites are suitable for wheelchairs and include picnic tables with extended tops. The closest restrooms to these campsites are also wheelchair accessible. These campsites are limited to people with disabilities. North Pines: sites 111, 113, 119, 125, and 129 Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Rules to Know
- Fires:<b>Pets:</b> Permitted (must be on a leash at all times) <b>Fires:</b> Wood and charcoal fires are permitted all year.
- Bear Safety:<b>You are required to store food properly in order to protect Yosemite's bears.</b> Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/bears.htm">bears</a>, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm">proper food storage</a>, and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/lockers.htm">food lockers</a>.
- Occupancy:<b>People per site:</b> A maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite.
Pro Tips
Reservations open five months in advance on Recreation.gov at 7 AM Pacific on the 15th of each month. Set a reminder and be logged in early — North Pines sells out in minutes for summer weekends. Midweek stays in September and early October are your best bet for snagging a spot without the scramble.
Request a riverside site on the Merced River side of the loop if you can. The sites along the water have a completely different character than interior sites — more shade, better views, and natural white noise that drowns out your neighbors. The campground is also a short walk from the Mirror Lake trailhead, which is spectacular in spring when snowmelt fills the lake.
Bear canisters or the provided food lockers are non-negotiable here — Yosemite Valley bears are smart and persistent. Every scrap of food, cooler, and even toiletries must go in the locker when you're not actively eating. Stock up at Curry Village before settling in, since there's no camp store on-site and you won't want to break camp for forgotten supplies.
Photos
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
From Hwy. 140/Arch Rock Entrance, continue driving west on the El Portal Road 8 miles to Yosemite Valley. From Hwy. 41/South Entrance drive 33 miles north (approximately 1 hour) on the Wawona Road to Yosemite Valley. From Hwy. 120 west/Big Oak Flat Entrance, drive 23 miles (approximately 45 minutes) on the Big Oak Flat Road to Yosemite Valley. From Hwy. 120 east/Tioga Pass, Yosemite Valley is approximately a two-hour drive. In Yosemite Valley follow Southside Drive and signs for Valley campgrounds.
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