Notice: "For the 2025 season, North Pines campground utilized a one-time Early Access Lottery which allowed successful applicants to make a reservation within the entire 2025 season. Additional information may be found on North Pines Campground Early Access Lottery. Any remaining availability will be released during normal on-sale dates beginning with the February 15 on-sale."
North Pines Campground is located at the confluence of Tenaya Creek and the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. From this centrally located campground visitors can catch the valley's free shuttle to popular sites such as Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Village, Mirror Lake, and Happy Isles. A paved bike/walk trail leads around the valley. Some sites are situated along the bank of the Merced River. All sites are among mature conifers offering at least partial if not full shade. The campground has 81 campsites. Of those, 13 are designed for RVs or trailers. The other 68 can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. From the campground visitors can catch the valley's free shuttle to popular sites such as Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Village, Mirror Lake, and Happy Isles. A paved bike/walk trail leads around the valley.
Lower Pines Campground visitors, as at all Yosemite campgrounds, are required to follow strict guidelines about storing food and scented items in bear-proof lockers provided at each campsite. Food may not be stored in vehicles. Visitors who follow Yosemite's guidelines rarely have problems with bears.
Not all sites will accommodate the maximum trailer and RV lengths shown below. Read vehicle limitations on the reservation site carefully before making a reservation.
A Backpackers' Camp is located across the creek from the north end of North Pines Campground. A footbridge connects to the site.
| North Pines Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| North Pines Campground Location: | Yosemite Valley near Curry Village |
| Elevation: | 4,000 feet |
| Distance & Driving Time from gateway cities: | Stockton - 115 miles, 3:15 Fresno - 94 miles, 2:15 |
| Number of Sites: | 81 |
| Camping Season: | Usually open mid-April through mid-October, weather permitting |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by | Yosemite National Park |
| Campground Office: | (209) 372-8502 |
| Reservations for North Pines Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations Required: | "Reservations are required seasonally when North Pines is open (mid-April through late October). Campground reservations are available in blocks of one month at a time, up to five months in advance, on the 15th of each month at 7 am Pacific time" |
| Peak Season Camping Limit: | 7 nights from May 1 to September 15 |
| Maximum RV/Trailer Length: | RVs 40 feet Trailers 35 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | #111, 113, 119, 125, 129 |
| Favorite Campsites: | Along the river: #101 - 109 and 506, 520, 522, 524, 526
Other favorites: #215, 502, 504, 506 |
| Fees: | $36 per site per night |
| Online Reservations: | North Pines Campground Reservations |
| Winter camping: | None |
| Check-in, check-out: | Noon, Noon |
| North Pines Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, bear-proof food locker, fire ring |
| Campground: | Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | Showers are available in nearby Curry Village or Housekeeping Camp. |
| Dump station: | A dump station is available at Upper Pines Campground. |
| Campground map: | North Pines Campground Map |
| Note: | A free shuttle service to stops at North Pines Campground and connects to sites all around the valley.
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
| Updates | Last Updated January 2025 |
Backpackers' Camp next to North Pines Campground
The Backpackers' Camp is designated for those with wilderness permits to have a place to camp the night before or the night after a wilderness trip. There is a loading area in the North Pines Campground, but afterwards vehicles must be parked at the trailhead or at the Curry Village parking lot. Fee is $6 per person.
Reservations open in blocks of one month at a time, 5 months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 AM Pacific Time.
Prime reservations fill within minutes. To improve your chances of obtaining a reservation, be poised online, already on the reservation website (linked above) at precisely 7:00 AM. Begin filling in the form before 7:00 AM. If you have 6 or fewer in your party, leave the Occupants space blank. You may only make 2 reservations per call or online visit. For more reservations, call or link again.
Yosemite makes these suggestions: "Another approach is to try to get different campsites each night (rather than one campsite for your entire stay). To do this, change the arrival date to your first desired night, the departure date to the next day, and specify that you're flexible for the next two weeks. With this method, you can search campgrounds in and near Yosemite all at once. Once you've chosen a specific campground, click on the date range availability choice to see if some of your nights are available. If you don't find availability using these methods, it's worth checking back as often as possible: cancellations will appear on the website immediately."
Phone reservations: (877) 444-6777, or (877) 833-6777 for TDD, or (518) 885-3639 from outside the US & Canada.
Recorded campground availability message: (209) 372-0266
North Pines Campground
Visitors camping at North Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley can take advantage of the free shuttle to deliver them to almost all the favorite attractions in the valley.
Check Yosemite National Park - North Pines Campground for a complete list of regulations and any campground updates.
Check Yosemite National Park - Current Conditions for up-to-date park information.
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on snow conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the website when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate For visitors who are temporarily disabled or do not have their permanent accessible parking placard with them, pick up a temporary placard at the entrance station or a visitor center.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2022 - 2024