Crane Flat Campground is located on Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120), just northwest of the Tioga Road junction. The forested campground is 17 miles from Yosemite Valley.
Crane Flat Campground has 166 campsites. Seventeen are designated for RVs or trailers only and another 70 are for tents only. The remainder can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Not all sites will accommodate the maximum lengths for RVs and trailers shown below. Some campsites are on slopes, making it difficult to locate a level tent site. Read vehicle limitations on the reservation site carefully before making a reservation. Sites are fairly well spaced out.
Bear-proof food storage lockers are provided for all food and scented items.
Notice: "The season dates for this campground are subject to change based on a variety of factors. Updates will be posted here in advance of reservation releases."
Notice: "Crane Flat is reopening after a four year hiatus due to the pandemic and a complete overhaul and rehabilitation of the campsites. Please be mindful of young plants and shrubs by keeping all wheels on parking pads and camping equipment within established campsites. Thank you and welcome back!"
"Most campgrounds [in Yosemite, and including Crane Flat] will require a reservation from approximately April through October. First-come, first-served camping for those campgrounds will not be available during this time. Any canceled reservations will be available on Recreation.gov until the arrival date."
Merced Groves of Giant Sequoia, trail to Clark Range view (1½ miles)
Updates
Last Updated January 2025
General Camping Information for Yosemite
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.
Accessible Sites
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.
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
Crane Flat Campground
Reviews from Previous Campers
- 2024 -
Roomy campsites, well spaced out, with fairly good privacy.
Some level campsites, some not. Full views of sky at night.
Food and scented items must be kept in bear box.
Yosemite National Park Attractions and Activities
For those camping at Crane Flat Campground there are many wondrous sites to enjoy only a short drive away. Once visitors reach Yosemite Valley they can take advantage of the free shuttle to deliver them to almost all the favorite attractions in the valley.
Glacier Point offers spectacular views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.
Visit Happy Isles with a Nature Center and trails to Vernal and Nevada falls.
Take the short hike to Mirror Lake with close-up views of Half Dome,
Tour the Valley Visitor and Wilderness centers.
Enjoy easy scenic trails all around the valley and along the Merced River, connecting to viewpoints and picnic areas.
Experience Nature and History Programs - nature and photography walks, history tours, art classes, children's programs, and more. Most free, some with modest fees.
Experience Nature and History Programs - nature and photography walks, history tours, art classes, children's programs, and more. Most free, some with modest fees.
Join in Outdoor Adventures - nature and photography walks, history tours, art classes, children's programs, and more. Fees.
Set Out on Adventure
A Backpacker's Guide to California's Most Spectacular Sierra Nevada Destinations
Key Crane Flat Campground Regulations
Bears: Store all food and similar items in bear-proof lockers, not in vehicles.
Generators may only be operated from 7 AM to 9 AM, Noon to 2 PM, and 5 PM to 7 PM.
Reviews from Previous Campers
- 2024 -