
240
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Upper Pines Campground
Overview Upper Pines remains on reservations during the winter season (11/3/24 through 4/14/25) with only the first two loops open (sites 1-94). Upper Pines campsites are available to reserve up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST. For example, on January 15, arrival dates for the period May 15 to June 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full arrival date window would be from January 15 to June 14. Reservation Tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov. Upper Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more. Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates 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, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14- to 16-mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Both of these trails begin near the Pines Campgrounds, and there are many additional trailheads within Yosemite 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. 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, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14- to 16-mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Both of these trails begin near the Pines Campgrounds, and there are many additional trailheads within Yosemite 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. Natural Features Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, Ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, White fir, and Whiteleaf Manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliffs peek through, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby. Nearby Attractions Glacier Point offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes and granite domes. Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads. Charges & Cancellations Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged (Exception: 1 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.
- 240 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (240).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes Upper Pines Campground special
There is no campground in America quite like Upper Pines. Set on the floor of Yosemite Valley beneath the soaring granite walls of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls, this 240-site campground places you at the heart of one of the world's most celebrated landscapes. Towering ponderosa pines and incense cedars shade spacious sites along the banks of the Merced River, where the sound of rushing water blends with the calls of Steller's jays. From your tent or RV, iconic trailheads are minutes away on foot, including the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls and the challenging route up Half Dome. The free Yosemite Valley shuttle stops nearby, connecting campers to visitor centers, shops, and dining without the hassle of driving. Upper Pines is the largest of the Valley campgrounds and the only one that remains partially open through winter, with loops one and two (sites 1 through 94) available year-round for those seeking the magic of a snow-dusted Valley. Competition for summer reservations is fierce. Booking windows open five months in advance and sites sell out within minutes, so mark your calendar and be ready. Spring offers thundering waterfalls, while autumn rewards patient campers with golden light, thinner crowds, and crisp Sierra air.
Campsite Inventory
240 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
12:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Condition Rating
Poor
Double Driveway
No, Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway Grade
Moderate, N/A, Severe, Slight
Driveway surface
Paved
Location Rating
N/A
Max guests
6
Max vehicle length (ft)
18, 24, 27, 30
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Shade
No, Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
(209)372-8502
Getting There
Take Highway 41 north from Fresno, Highway 140 east from Merced, or Highway 120 east from Manteca into Yosemite National Park. Follow signs to Yosemite Valley and the campgrounds.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Upper Pines Campground.
How do reservations work for Upper Pines Campground?
Reservation availability for Upper Pines Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Upper Pines Campground?
Upper Pines Campground currently lists Unknown (240).
Where is Upper Pines Campground located?
Upper Pines Campground is in California near Yosemite National Park. Coordinates: 37.7361, -119.5625.
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