Camping in Yosemite National Park is a magical experience and one that should not be missed if you get the chance. There is just something special about sleeping outside surrounded by thousand foot high granite walls and tall pine tree’s.

However, getting a campsite in Yosemite is not as easy as you think it would be. With over 2 million visitors annually the competition to camp in Yosemite Valley is fierce.

There are only four campgrounds in Yosemite Valley and they usually fill up within minutes of becoming available online.

The other campground options inside the park boundaries are only open seasonally and are a good 45 minute drive from Yosemite Valley. Therefore, planning ahead is essential for getting that coveted spot.

Firstly, decide which campground you are interested in reserving. Then check the online reservation system for availability.

Lastly, have a back up plan. This means either trying for a first come first serve campground or looking at other accommodation options such as lodging in Yosemite Valley or somewhere to stay outside the park.

Campgrounds That Accept Reservations In Yosemite

As mentioned previously campgrounds in Yosemite fill up fast! I’m talking sites are booked months in advance and the moment they are released online. This is especially the case between the months of May through September.

Reservations are required year-round for campgrounds in Yosemite Valley including campgrounds along Tioga Pass in the summer months.

Reservations are made available on the 15th of each month and sites are released in one month blocks. You may reserve a site up to 5 months in advance.

To make a booking you need to visit Recreation.gov to check availability of each campground for your requested dates.

You can scroll down on this page to see a summary of each campground and click on the links to learn more about each one.

Campgrounds That Are First-Come, First-Served

Bridalveil Creek Campground + Horse Camp: 110 sites available (plus 2 group sites & 3 horse sites)
White Wolf Campground: 74 sites available
Tamarack Flat Campground: 52 sites available
Yosemite Creek Campground: 75 sites available
Porcupine Flat Campground: 52 sites available
Camp 4 Campground: 35 walk-in tent only sites available

YOSEMITE GUIDE BOOKS

List Of Campgrounds In Yosemite National Park

The campgrounds listed below have been grouped according to their location i.e. Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point and Tioga Pass (view map provided below).

You can see a short description of each campground along with the nightly fee. For further information on each campground click on the read more links.

YOSEMITE VALLEY CAMPGROUNDS

Upper Pines Campground - Located in Yosemite Valley near Half Dome Village. This campground is open year round and takes reservations. Caters for tents and RV's. $26 per night. Read More

Lower Pines Campground - Located in Yosemite Valley and may be reserved in advance. Sites are available for tents and RV's. Open from April - October. Sites here are $26 per night. Read More

North Pines Campground - Located in Yosemite Valley and may be reserved in advance. Open from March - October. This campground has flush toilets, picnic tables & fire rings. Read More

Camp 4 - Located in Yosemite Valley, this is a first come first served campground. No reservations are available. Open year round and only $6 per person per night. Read More

Housekeeping Camp - Located in Yosemite Valley. This campground is perfect for those who don't want the hassle of setting up a tent. Units sleep up to 6 guests. Read More

GLACIER POINT CAMPGROUNDS

Bridalveil Creek - Located on Glacier Point road. No reservations available, only first come first served. Open approximately July - October. Tent or RV sites at $18 per night. Read More

Wawona Campground - Located on Wawona road. Open year round. Reservations required. $26 per night. Read More

TIOGA PASS CAMPGROUNDS

Crane Flat Campground - Located on Highway 120. Reservations are required. Tent and RV sites available. Open approximately July - October and $26 per night. Read More

Porcupine Flat - Located on Highway 120. Open approximately July - October. No reservations available, first come first serve only. Tent sites only, no RV's. $12 per night. Read More

White Wolf - Located on Highway 120 and open approximately July - October. Sites available for tents and RV's. No reservations available, first come first serve only. $18 per night. Read More

Yosemite Creek Campground - Located on Highway 120. Open approximately July - October. First come first serve only. Tents only. $12 per night. Read More

Camping Tips:

Campground reservations are highly competitive. If you find your dates are booked at first glance, keep checking the online reservation system as people do cancel sometimes. Alternatively, you can try for a first come, first-serve campground or look into booking a stay at one of the hotels inside the park.
First come, first serve campgrounds are also taken very quickly. Especially during the summer months. We recommend lining up as early as possible to enhance your chances of snagging a site.
The only showers available in Yosemite Valley are at Half Dome Village (formerly Curry Village) and Housekeeping Camp.
Dump stations are available at Upper Pines Campground year-round, near Wawona Campground (summer only), and near Tuolumne Meadows Campground (summer only).
Don’t forget Yosemite is bear country! Each campsite comes with a bear locker to store your food and scented toiletries. Make sure you follow all rules regarding bear safety.