Best Camping Near Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Camping

By Alex Murphy

Yosemite National Park is known for its sweeping views, thick forest with giant waterfalls, and massive rock walls.

One of the first official National Parks and made famous by the writings of John Muir, the Yosemite Valley in California has been attracting visitors for more than 100 years, and for a good reason.

However, with its popularity, finding campgrounds and other spots to stay can be tricky for visitors. In many spots, reservations are required, and in the summer months, shuttles are often needed to get visitors around the park. That's why planning ahead is key for anyone looking to visit.

Here's a look at some of the most popular campsites anyone traveling to Yosemite National Park can check out.

Map of all Yosemite National Park Camping

Yosemite National Park Camping

There are several campgrounds to choose from within the park, but reservations are recommended, so visitors should plan ahead.

On Campendium, the Upper Pines Campground is the most popular destination in the park. Both Upper Pines Campground and North Pines Campground are popular for tent camping and RV camping. Although neither provides hookups, there are basic amenities like a picnic table and fire ring at each site.

Another campground in the park that is popular is Lower Pines Campground. This campground is known for its views of Half Dome; the massive rock wall made even more famous when Alex Honnold climbed it without a rope in the movie Free Solo.

Camping Near Yosemite

There are plenty of campgrounds and camping options outside the park that have quick access to Yosemite Valley.

This includes sites in National Forest like Sweetwater Campground in Stanislaus National Forest and Dry Gulch Campground in Sierra National Forest. Both areas have great views and are good alternatives to Yosemite camping.

There are other unique options near Yosemite National Park like Willow Placer Campground, a BLM campground located on a river, or Mariposa Fairgrounds, a county park with campsites an hour from the park. This location has water and electricity available for RV campers, making it a popular stop, so it's a good idea to get a reservation.

Yosemite RV Parks

The beauty of Yosemite National Park spills over to plenty of campgrounds nearby with flowing rivers and thick forests.

Visitors can find some of the most popular campsites at RV parks like Yosemite Ridge RV Resort and Indian Flat RV Park. Both have full amenities at each campsite, plus public showers and other options.

Yosemite Lakes Thousand Trails just outside the park is another option for RV campsites. Finding an available campsite can be difficult, so you'll make to make a reservation well in advance.

Free Camping Near Yosemite

If free tent camping in Yosemite is your goal, you'll need a wilderness permit to make that happen. However, if you're in an RV, there are some great camping options in the surrounding National Forests. It's important to note that some of these areas have closed due to wildfires and other issues so it's good to check with the National Forest Service for updates on where and when you can camp.

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Recent Yosemite National Park Campground Reviews

El Portal, CA

Indian Flat RV Park

Mar 16, 2024

"Small RV Park close to Yosemite NP"

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We camped here on January 26, 2024 before entering Yosemite National Park. It's a small RV Park. I reserved a spot about one week in advance via campspot.com and paid $41.25 (Fall/Winter Rate) +$2 (service fee). When we arrived I checked in at the Cedar Lodge Office because the campground office was not open. I received a card key for the indoor...
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Yaz
11 reviews
Yosemite Village, CA

Upper Pines Campground

Nov 14, 2023

"Awesome Experience!!"

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After a couple years of trying to get a spot here in the Fall, I landed a spot in the farthest loop for mid October 2023. Upon entry, I stopped at the dump station before the check in gate and did a complete fresh water fill and clean out of my tanks. The entry was easy with no one in line on a Monday. I had spot 222, which was easy to get to...
Read More

Surf2Trails
14 reviews
Yosemite Village, CA

Upper Pines Campground

Nov 14, 2023

"Awesome Experience!!"

active staractive staractive staractive staractive star
After a couple years of trying to get a spot here in the Fall, I landed a spot in the farthest loop for mid October 2023. Upon entry, I stopped at the dump station before the check in gate and did a complete fresh water fill and clean out of my tanks. The entry was easy with no one in line on a Monday. I had spot 222, which was easy to get to...
Read More

Surf2Trails
14 reviews
Yosemite Village, CA

Upper Pines Campground

Nov 10, 2023

"Great location but crowded"

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Upper Pines CG is the only one open to RV during off-season in Yosemite Valley. It's right next to Curry village with easy walk to Mirror Lake and Misty Trail and served by the shuttle bus through the valley. It is very crowded in layout. I can't find the path to the nearest restroom and had to walk between campsites (the best I can figure...
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love_camping
8 reviews
Yosemite Village, CA

Yosemite Valley Dump Station

Oct 13, 2023

"easy access"

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No problems

camper-871654
2 reviews