Upper Pines Campground
The Quick Take
Upper Pines is the biggest campground in Yosemite Valley, and that comes with everything you'd expect — convenience, crowds, and a location that's genuinely hard to beat. You're a short walk or bike ride from Curry Village, the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, and the Valley shuttle loop. The Merced River runs nearby, and the views of granite walls from camp are the real deal. The trade-off is obvious: this is not a wilderness experience. You'll hear your neighbors, the sites are packed tight, and summer weekends feel more like a small town than a backcountry escape. There are no showers or flush toilets on-site, which surprises people given the price tag. But if your goal is to maximize trail time in the Valley without driving anywhere, Upper Pines is the logical base camp — especially for families and first-timers who want everything within reach.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 235 sites are reservable.
Book at Yosemite LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. Maximum length: 35 feet. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
6 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. Upper Pines: sites 6, 7, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 39, 42, and 43 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 on the 15th of each month, five months in advance, at 7 AM Pacific on Recreation.gov. Set a reminder and be logged in early — summer dates sell out in minutes, not hours. Midweek arrivals are slightly easier to snag.
Sites along the river on loops closer to the back of the campground tend to be more spacious and quieter. The first two loops (which stay open in winter) are the most exposed. If you can request a specific site, aim for the 200s near the river.
There are no showers at Upper Pines, but you can pay for showers at nearby Curry Village — bring quarters and flip-flops. Stock up on groceries at Yosemite Village rather than Curry Village for better selection and slightly lower prices.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
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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