The Best Yosemite Camping Sites: An Insider's Guide

You probably have an idea of what your perfect Yosemite camping trip would look like - relaxing under ancient giant sequoias after a day of wilderness exploring, making s’mores while telling funny camping stories, and waking up to stunning sunrise scenes. 

In short, camping in Yosemite is phenomenal. And it doesn’t matter if you prefer pitching a tent, RV camping, or glamping, as there’s something for everyone in the 13 Yosemite campgrounds. 

To simplify your selection process, we’ve created an ultimate guide with everything you need to know about Yosemite National Park camping. 

Key Takeaways

• There are 13 campgrounds and over 2000 camping sites in Yosemite National Park (not including backcountry sites). 
• The summer months of June, July, and August are the best time for camping in Yosemite Valley if you don’t mind the crowds. Otherwise, you should consider the months of late May, September, and October.
• You must make Yosemite camping reservations well in advance if you plan to visit from late May through October.
• Camp 4, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow campgrounds are open on a first-come, first-served basis from November through March. 
• Camp 4 is the only Yosemite camp available on a first-come, first-served basis between early April and mid-May. 

What to Know Before Your Yosemite Camping Trip 

When to Go

The best time for camping in Yosemite National Park is in the summer months of June through August. If you want to avoid the crowds, late May, September, and October are other good times for camping at Yosemite National Park. The weather is mildly cool, wildlife is still active, and there are fewer visitors. 

Yosemite Valley camping reservations fill up within minutes of being released. It’s advisable to book your spot up to five months in advance, especially for summer camping. 

How Long to Stay

We recommend spending 2-4 days in Yosemite or even more if time permits. This is enough time to explore some prominent Yosemite attractions, including Half Dome and Tunnel View, see sunrise and sunset, and enjoy its amazing hiking trails. 

Top Yosemite National Park Camping Spots

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Tuolumne Meadows is a massive campground 1.5 hours north of Yosemite Valley along Tioga Road. This is the largest campground in Yosemite National Park, with 304 sites with space for tents, RVs (35 ft.), and trailers (35 ft/). This campground includes a handful of equestrian, group, backpackers, and ADA sites.

• Elevation: 8600 ft.
• Sites with ADA access: 7
• Fee: $36/night
• Operating seasons: closed until 2024 (or 2025) for renovations

North Pines Campground

North Pines is one of the four campgrounds in the heart of Yosemite Valley. It’s located on the banks of the Merced River close to Tenaya Creek, giving it premium waterfront access. North Pines Campground has 81 single-family sites for tents, trailers (up to 40 ft.), and RVs (up to 35 ft.). Due to the high demand, North Pines campground sites are available on a lottery system or via reservation (five months ahead). 

• Elevation: 4000 ft.
• Sites with ADA access: 5
• Fee: $36/night
• Operating seasons: mid-April to late October

Wawona Campground

Wawona is one of the best Yosemite campgrounds that remains open year-round. It’s located in the southern part of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 4000 ft. This campground gets its name from its proximity to Wawona village along Wawona Road. Wawona Campground has 93 sites, a group camp, and a horse camp. Of these sites, forty-seven are tents-only, four are designated for RVs and trailers of up to 35 ft. only, while the rest are mixed-use sites.

• Elevation: 4000 ft.
• Sites with ADA access: 2
• Fee: $36/night
• Operating seasons: All-year

White Wolf Campground

White Wolf Yosemite campsites are tucked in a forest between Middle Tuolumne River and White Wolf Road. This campground is about one mile off Tioga Road and approximately one hour from Yosemite Valley. Its location makes it one of the best Yosemite National Park campgrounds for those aiming to hike Harden Lake, Lukens Lake trails, and other wilderness areas. White Wolf Campground has 74 sites and accommodates RVs up to 27 ft. long and trailers up to 24 ft. long. 

• Elevation: 8000 ft.
• Sites with ADA access: 0
• Fee: $30/night
• Operating seasons: July to late September

Camp 4 Campground

Camp 4 is located on the floor of Yosemite Valley along Northside Drive. This is one of the most popular campgrounds in Yosemite, and for good reason. It’s open year-round and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Plus, a giant rock in the middle of the campground makes it a popular spot for rock-climbing enthusiasts. There are 61 sites at Camp 4 campground, all of which are walk-in and tents only.

• Elevation: 4000 ft.
• Sites with ADA access: 2
• Fee: $10/person
• Operating seasons: All year round 

Bridalveil Creek Campground

Bridalveil Creek Campground is the only campground along Old Glacier Point Road. As such, it’s a perfect staging area if you are looking for easy access to Glacier Point- a must-see overlook that boasts some of the best views of the park, including Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest. Plus, multiple trailheads are nearby with everything from short day trips to longer backcountry excursions. There are 110 single-family sites plus five reservable equestrian and group campsites at Bridalveil Creek Campground. Single-family sites can fit 35-foot RVs and 24-foot trailers. 

• Elevation: 7200 ft.
• Sites with ADA access: 0
• Fee: $36/night
• Operating seasons: Mid-July through September 

Hodgdon Meadow Campground

Hodgdon Meadow Campground is located on the western side of the park along Big Oak Flat Road. Its sites are a little tight, meaning privacy is limited. But this campground is a good alternative for camping near Yosemite Valley. Its “no-frills” nature also makes it less crowded than most Yosemite campsites inside the valley. Hodgdon Meadow Campground has 105 single-family sites with space for 35-foot RVs and 27-foot trailers. It also has four group sites. 

• Elevation: 4900 ft.
• Sites with ADA access: 0
• Fee: $36/night
• Operating seasons: late May through mid-October 

Top Yosemite Backcountry Camping Spots

Merced Lake High Sierra Camp

Merced Lake High Sierra Camp is the most isolated of all High Sierra Camps. Located on the remote southeast edge of Yosemite National Park, it’s hard work getting to this camp. But it’s worth the effort for those seeking real wilderness solitude. The Merced Lake High Sierra Camp consists of 18 canvas tent cabins with a combined capacity of 60 guests. Mattresses, pillows, comforters, and woolen blankets are provided for each cabin. Plus, flush toilets, showers, and laundry basins are available on-site. 

May Lake High Sierra Camp

If you cannot manage the long hike to the Merced Lake HSC, this will be your Yosemite camp. The May Lake High Sierra Camp is located on the southeast corner of May Lake near Mount Hoffman. It’s barely a one-mile hike from Tioga Road, making it the easiest High Sierra Camp to access. There are eight cabins with enough space for 36 guests at May Lake High Sierra Camp. 

• Elevation: 9270 ft.
• Fee: $160/person/night
• Operating seasons: Early July to early September 

Sunrise High Sierra Camp

The hike to Sunrise High Sierra Camp in Yosemite National Park is not for the faint-hearted. But its unimaginably beautiful sunrise and sunset views over the distant mountain ranges make it a great spot for backpackers doing the John Muir trail hike to stop and enjoy. The Sunrise High Sierra Camp also offers an incredible launch point for exploring spectacular High Sierra scenery like the craggy Tresidder Peaks and Cathedral Peak. The Sunrise High Sierra Camp features nine tent cabins with enough space for 34 guests. Backpackers can pitch a tent nearby when the camp spaces are booked out. Note that a valid backcountry permit is required. 

• Elevation: 9400 ft.
• Fee: $159/person/night
• Operating seasons: June or July through September

Little Yosemite Valley Camp

Little Yosemite Valley is a large and incredibly beautiful campground set under trees alongside Sunrise Creek near the Merced River. The latter is a great source of potable water, particularly because drinking water is not available at the park. Remember to bring your backpacking water filter. This is one of the best campsites in Yosemite for backpackers exploring the Little Yosemite Valley and hiking up Half Dome. While it’s minimally developed, there are two communal campfire rings and camping food storage lockers. 

• Elevation: 6150 ft.
• Fee: -
• Operating seasons: June or July through September

Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground

Hetch Hetchy Campground has some of the best Yosemite camping sites for backpackers who dare go off the beaten path. This campground is located in the glacial Hetch Hetchy Valley. This is a less visited corner of Yosemite National Park, aptly regarded as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its breathtaking wilderness experiences. Expect stunning views, diverse wildlife, and numerous outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground in Yosemite National Park has 19 campsites, including two group sites. 

• Elevation: 3700 ft.
• Fee: - $6
• Operating seasons: All year round 

Yosemite RV Camping

Yosemite RV camping is a popular way of experiencing the natural wonders inside this park. Except for Camp 4, most Yosemite National Park campgrounds have a handful of RV/trailer sites. Don’t expect electric, water, and sewer hookups. But there are RV dump stations near Wawona Campground (summer only), Tuolumne Meadows Campground (summer only, when open), and Upper Pines Campground (all year).

Yosemite RV park sites can accommodate RVs and trailers ranging from 24 ft to 40 ft. The exact vehicle length for various sites varies. Confirm from the National Park Service website before reserving your spot. 

What to Do When Camping in Yosemite 

Yosemite National Park is one of the most stunning national parks in the US. Its beauty lies in having something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner backpacker looking for easy hiking trails, a world-renowned rock climber, or a family of outdoor enthusiasts, this park within the Sierra Nevada Mountains will keep you entertained for hours or days on end. 

These are ten must-visit Yosemite attractions and must-do things in this park: 

• Glacier Point
• El Capitan 
• Yosemite Falls
• Tunnel View
• Half Dome
• The Bachelor and Three Graces
• Horsetail Falls
• Tuolumne Meadows
• Hiking- Cathedral Lakes Trail, Mist Trail, Bridalveil Fall, and Clouds Rest, among others. 
• Yosemite horseback riding

Tips for Camping in Yosemite

• Book a spot as soon as reservations are released because they run out quickly. 
• Be sure to book as many camping days as possible, as extending even by a day is practically impossible. 
• Regularly check for cancellations if you didn’t snag a campsite site during the reservation window.  
• For first-come, first-serve camping, arrive as early as 6 AM to increase your chances of nabbing a site (and a decent one) from someone leaving. 
• Pack smart. Your Yosemite camping checklist, particularly what to wear, will be a big part of the experience. Also, remember to use this camping first aid checklist to stay prepared for emergencies and the usual scrapes, cuts, sprains, and insect stings. And if you're planning on doing some backpacking, make sure to check out our backpacking checklist to make the most out of your trip.

Final Thoughts

Remember that Yosemite National Park camping reservations fill up quickly. It takes adequate preparation and some luck to secure a campsite. But once you arrive, it immediately becomes clear why this park receives close to four million visitors annually! 

We hope this Yosemite camping guide helped you out! Have you experienced camping in Yosemite National Park before? How did it go?

Featured image by: Tom Gainor.