12 Best Camping Spots In Yosemite National Park, California

camping in yosemite
Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 4 min read

Located in the Sierra Nevada in California, Yosemite National Park is a gorgeous natural park with beautiful lush greeneries, scenic views, and fantastic campsites. Tall Sequoia trees are scattered throughout the place adorning it. Here, you will find the Porcupine Flat, the El Captain, the Half Dome, and other attractions and recreational areas. For a convenient and pet-friendly stay, consider booking a pet-friendly Airbnb near Yosemite National Park to explore the wonders of nature with your furry companions. In Yosemite Village, you can try out excellent restaurants, shop in local stores and souvenir shops, visit museums, and enjoy the comfort of cabins with a hot tub. If you are interested in some reconnection with nature and camping with your family and friends, keep reading for a list of the best camping spots in Yosemite National Park, California.

1. Wawona Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Looking for an amazing base to explore the wonders of Yosemite National Park? Look no further than Wawona Campground! Nestled in the southern part of the park, it’s a perfect spot near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Pioneer Yosemite History Center, and Wawona Golf Course. This year-round gem offers 97 sites for tents, RVs, and trailers, each equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and food locker. You’ll find all the amenities you need, including flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station.

Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, horseback riding, or just chilling under the pine trees, this place has it all! Plus, the Chilnualna Falls Trail leads to a breathtaking waterfall. Beat the crowds and make your reservation in advance, especially during peak season (April to September).

Wawona Campground

Address: California 95389, United States

Website: Wawona Campground

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2. Tamarack Flat Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Tamarack Flat Campground in Yosemite National Park offers a serene and rustic camping experience away from the crowds. Nestled in a wooded area near Tioga Road, it provides 52 first-come, first-served sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and food lockers. Though lacking hookups, showers, and potable water, the campground offers vault toilets and trash bins.

Open from late May to early October, it’s an excellent base for nearby hiking trails, such as Tamarack Creek Trail and the North Rim of Yosemite Valley Trail, which beckon adventure-seekers.

Tamarack Flat Campground

Address: Tioga Pass Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, United States

Website: Tamarack Flat Campground

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3. Lower Pines Campground


Located in Southside Drive of Yosemite National Park, Lower Pines Campground is one of the best places to camp in Yosemite Valley. It showcases breathtaking views and marvelous landscapes. It has lots of amenities such as public toilets, parking spots, fire rings, storage lockers, and an amphitheater. Each campsite in Lower Pines Campground can comfortably accommodate up to six people, and each campsite is wheelchair accessible and has a nearby public toilet. Enjoy camping experience with your family in Lower Pines Campgrounds.

Lower Pines Campground

Address: 9000 Southside Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA

Website: Lower Pines Campground

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4. Porcupine Flat

Violet 05
Source: Photo by Flickr user Tom Hilton used under CC BY 2.0

Located within an hour and 15 minutes’ drive from the Yosemite Valley, Porcupine Flat is on an elevated area of 8,100 feet (2,500 m) in Tioga Road. Some of the inclusions in each campsite in Porcupine Flat are a picnic table, a fire ring, and a food locker. Each campsite is also located close to a vault toilet for convenience. There is an available grocery store in Crane Flat where campers can buy their supplies. Imagine nights at Porcupine Flat gazing at the starry skies, such a wonderful experience.

Porcupine Flat

Address: Tioga Rd, Mariposa, CA, USA

Website: Porcupine Flat

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5. Curry Village


Formerly known as the Half Dome Village, Curry Village is a charming campground in the Yosemite National Parks. It has a total of 14 cabins with a central bath, 18 standard motel rooms, 319 Canvas Tent Cabins, 499 Guest Accommodations, 56 Cabins With Private Baths, and an Amphitheater. ATM machines are also available in the campgrounds. Also, there is a coffee corner, gift shops, an ice cream stand, an ice skating rink, and more. There are lots of activities that campers can do and enjoy in Curry Village aside from staying in their tents.

Curry Village

Address: Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California

Website: Curry Village

Price: From 85 USD

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6. Summerdale Campground


Planning an exciting camping trip with your friends? If so, you might want to try camping at the best campground in Yosemite. It is located close to the Yosemite National Park. Cottonwood, cedar trees, and wildflowers adorn the area and add charm to it. Plus, it has an excellent fishing spot at Big Creek where guests can share fishing activities with their loved ones. Campsites in Summerdale Campground have a grill, a campfire ring, a picnic table, and a parking area. There are also vault toilets for campers’ added convenience. Enjoy marvelous mountain views and fascinating landscapes in this charming campground.

Summerdale Campground

Address: CA-41, Fish Camp, CA 93623, USA

Website: Summerdale Campground

Price: 32 - 34 USD

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7. Hodgdon Meadow Campground

Christine vanquishes the fire
Source: Photo by Flickr user Elaine with Grey ... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Located within a 45-minute drive from the Yosemite Valley, Hodgdon Meadow Campground nests close to the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station. There are approximately 105 campsites in this vast campground. The nearest grocery is located in Crane Flat. Showers are in the Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp. What’s more lovely about this camping site near Yosemite is that pets are allowed to camp with you. Each campsite can only accommodate up to six people.

Hodgdon Meadow Campground

Address: Big Oak Flat Rod, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, United States

Website: Hodgdon Meadow Campground

Price: 26 USD

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8. Camp 4

Camp 4
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dawn Endico used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Located close to Yosemite Valley Lodge on an elevated grounds by 4,000 ft (1,200 m), Camp 4 has a total of 36 campsites, and all of those are for tents only. There is a designated parking area for campers who are traveling in their cars. Campsites in Camp 4 are equipped with four common shared lockers, a fire pit, and a picnic table. There is a nearby toilet in each campsite. Potable water isn’t available in the area so, it is suggested that campers bring their own. Only six campers are allowed on each campsite in Camp 4.

Camp 4

Address: Northside Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA

Website: Camp 4

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9. Yosemite Creek


Yosemite Creek Campground is located north of Yosemite Valley in Tioga Road. Campsites at Yosemite Creek have a picnic table, a food locker, a fire ring, and a nearby toilet. For drinking water, either the campers bring their own potable water or they treat the available stream water by boiling or refilling. Nearby grocery stores are located in Crane Flat, Yosemite Valley, and Tuolumne Meadows. Disabled guests must not worry for each campsite is accessible by wheelchair.

Yosemite Creek

Address: California 95389, USA

Website: Yosemite Creek

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10. White Wolf


Another fantastic campground near the Yosemite Valley is White Wolf. It is situated off the Tioga Road. Boasting gorgeous lush greeneries, scenic views, and marvelous landscape, you will surely get your dose of relaxation and peace in White Wolf. Each campsite is equipped with delightful amenities such as a picnic table, food lockers, and a fire ring. Toilets are available close to each campsite for added convenience to the campers. Each site can only accommodate up to six campers.

White Wolf

Address: Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA

Website: White Wolf

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11. Upper Pines Campground

Upper Pines camp ground
Source: Photo by Flickr user Woodlouse used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Be reconnected with nature and marvel at the beauty of God’s creation through an exciting camping activity with your friends and family. If you like the idea, you might want to check out Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite National Park. Imagine stargazing at night and waking up in the cool tropical breeze. Things like these are what await you at Upper Pines Campground. This campground has parking spots, drinking water, and flush toilets scattered throughout the area, and paved roads for campers’ convenience.

Upper Pines Campground

Address: Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, United States

Website: Upper Pines Campground

Price: From 26 USD

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12. North Pines Campground


Thinking of a fantastic activity to do on a boring weekend? Invite your friends for an exciting camping experience at the North Pines Campground. North Pines Campground is located in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite’s National Park’s most notable attractions and historic sights are within an hour’s ride from North Pines Campground. Aside from campsites, there are hiking trails, fishing spots, rivers, and cliffs in this fantastic campground. Each campsite includes a food locker, a picnic table, a fire ring, and a nearby flush toilet.

North Pines Campground

Address: Yosemite National Park, 9024 Southside Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA

Website: North Pines Campground

Price: From 26 USD

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Camp in the beautiful Yosemite National Park

Camping
Source: Pixabay

Yosemite National Park is a fantastic tourist destination for people who like reconnecting with nature and enjoying the peace and quiet. Imagine waking up to the cool morning breeze, the warmth of the sun, and the serene and gorgeous surroundings; these are what await you in Yosemite National Park. It is a popular area with lots of wonderful campsites. If you are planning to go camping with your family and friends, use this list of the best campgrounds in Yosemite National Park as your guide. May you have a delightful camping experience ahead.

Frequently asked questions about camping spots in Yosemite National Park, California


  • What is the best month to go camping in Yosemite National Park?

    The best month to go camping in Yosemite National Park is September. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant, with mild daytime temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. It allows for a more serene and enjoyable camping experience amidst the park’s stunning natural beauty.

  • Which campsites in Yosemite National Park have stunning views?

    There are several campsites in Yosemite National Park that offer stunning views. Among them are Lower Pines Campground, Summerdale Campground, and White Wolf Campground. Each of these sites provides unique and breathtaking vistas of the park’s natural wonders, making them ideal choices for a memorable camping experience surrounded by scenic beauty.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

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