
Tamarack Flat Campground
54
Total Campsites
Campground
52
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
5
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Tamarack Flat Campground
Overview Tamarack Flat Campground is available by reservation only. No first come, first serve sites are available. The campground typically opens in mid-June and closes in early October. Opening date for the Tamarack Flat Campground varies depending on the opening of the Tioga Road and related seasonal facility and road work. Tamarack Flat Campground is located off the Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat. The campground is approximately 20 miles (45 minutes) from Yosemite Valley and is tucked away in the forest 3 miles off Tioga Road. RVs and Trailers are not recommended for this hard to access, primitive campground. At an elevation of 6,300 feet (1,900 m) elevation, the campground is near Tamarack Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). There is a gas station nearby at Crane Flat. For additional park information, call (209)372-0200 or visit www.nps.gov/yose Recreation Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park. A hiking and backpacking trail leaves from the campground and can be used to hike to areas such as Cascade Creek, El Capitan and other points along the North Rim of Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is a 25 mile drive from Tamarack Flat Campground. Many of Yosemite's most popular trails along with the Merced River, bike trails, beaches and picnic areas can be easily accessed in Yosemite Valley. Two of Yosemite's three groves of giant sequoias are located in the Crane Flat area (5-10 miles from Tamarack Flat). Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, both of which require a 2.5 to 3-mile roundtrip hike to view. The trailheads are accessible year-round, although trails may be snow-covered winter. Both short hikes lead downhill into sheltered areas with flowing water, dogwood, azaleas, and ancient sequoia trees. Many other hiking opportunities exist at trailheads along the Tioga Road and in Tuolumne Meadows. For additional park recreation information, visit www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ Facilities Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park. A hiking and backpacking trail leaves from the campground and can be used to hike to areas such as Cascade Creek, El Capitan and other points along the North Rim of Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is a 25 mile drive from Tamarack Flat Campground. Many of Yosemite's most popular trails along with the Merced River, bike trails, beaches and picnic areas can be easily accessed in Yosemite Valley. Two of Yosemite's three groves of giant sequoias are located in the Crane Flat area (5-10 miles from Tamarack Flat). Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, both of which require a 2.5 to 3-mile roundtrip hike to view. The trailheads are accessible year-round, although trails may be snow-covered winter. Both short hikes lead downhill into sheltered areas with flowing water, dogwood, azaleas, and ancient sequoia trees. Many other hiking opportunities exist at trailheads along the Tioga Road and in Tuolumne Meadows. For additional park recreation information, visit www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/ Natural Features Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles (3,100 square km) in the Sierra Nevada, with elevations ranging from about 2,000 feet (600 m) to 13,000 ft (4,000 m). Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May, and over 75% between November and March. Most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May. Tamarack Flat is situated along a seasonal creek which is it's only source of water. Creek water must be treated and/or boiled before consuming. Nearby Attractions Just 25 miles away is Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops. The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite peaks. Several trailheads line the road offering hikes to beautiful, secluded areas that can only be accessed and enjoyed by foot. Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, just 23 miles from Crane Flat, is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (209) 379-2123. Charges & Cancellations Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date will generate a refund, less a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged. One night reservations do not incur an additional $10 fee, but do not receive a refund. No-shows will be assessed a $20 service fee along with the loss of the first night's fee.
- 54 total campsites listed.
- 52 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 5 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard nonelectric (49).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes Tamarack Flat Campground special
Tamarack Flat Campground is one of Yosemite's quieter gems, offering a relaxed and rustic camping experience away from the park's more heavily visited areas. With 54 sites available by reservation only, the campground maintains a calm, unhurried character that devoted campers truly appreciate. The season here runs from mid-June through early October, capturing the heart of the Sierra summer and the first golden notes of autumn. Situated along a spur road off Tioga Road, Tamarack Flat sits at an elevation that keeps temperatures comfortable during the day and wonderfully cool at night. The surrounding forest of fir and pine creates a shaded, fragrant canopy that makes every site feel like its own private clearing. This is not the place for those seeking hookups or paved pull-throughs. Tamarack Flat embraces a simpler style of camping, and that simplicity is its greatest charm. From here, you can access trails that lead deeper into the Yosemite wilderness without the competition for trailhead parking that plagues the valley. The campground is especially popular with experienced campers who know that the best Yosemite experiences are often found in the places that require a little extra effort to reach.
Campsite Inventory
54 sites to choose from
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
49
Reservable
4
Accessible
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
3
Reservable
0
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
1
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
ACCESSIBLE CAMPSITES
Accessible Campsites
ACCESSIBLE VAULT TOILETS
Accessible Vault Toilets
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
CREEK ACCESS
Creek Access
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
12:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Driveway entry
Back-in, N/A, Parallel, Pull-through
Driveway Grade
Moderate, Severe, Slight
Driveway length (ft)
18, 27, 30
Driveway surface
N/A, Paved
Electricity Hookup
N/A
FOOD STORAGE LOCKER
Food Storage Locker
Hike In Distance to Site
20, 25
Max guests
6
Max vehicle length (ft)
18, 20
Minimum guests
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
209-379-2123
Getting There
When entering Yosemite from west of the Sierras - Take Highway 41 north from Fresno, Highway 140 east from Merced, or Highway 120 east from Manteca into Yosemite National Park. When Tioga Pass is open, Tamarack Flat can be accessed from the east side of the Sierras - Take HWY 120 east/Tioga Rd. The Tamarack Flat access road is 36 miles west of Tuolumne Meadows. The Tamarack Flat Campground access road is located 5 miles east Crane Flat along the Tioga Rd. The access road itself is 3 miles long and is narrow, single lane and windy. Tamarack flat is 28 miles (45 minutes) northwest of Yosemite Valley.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Tamarack Flat Campground.
How do reservations work for Tamarack Flat Campground?
Reservation availability for Tamarack Flat Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Tamarack Flat Campground?
Tamarack Flat Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (49), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (3), MANAGEMENT (2).
Where is Tamarack Flat Campground located?
See this page for location details and directions.
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