Tamarack Flat Campground
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California

Tamarack Flat Campground
Yosemite National Park


Tamarack Flat Campground

Tamarack Flat Campground is tucked away 3 miles off Tioga Road (Highway 120) about 45 miles north of Yosemite Valley. The small array of tent-only campsites is spread along Tamarack Creek.

There is a surprising charm to this often-overlooked little campground, away from the busier areas of the park. Since tap water is not provided, creek water needs to be filtered, treated, or boiled before use. Food and other scented items must be stored in the bear-proof boxes.

Many of the 52 campsites at Tamarack Flat Campground are well separated, offering an unusual amount of privacy. The road into the campground used to be very rough, but paving late in 2014 has made for a smooth ride the whole way. Trailers and RVs are not permitted at the campground.

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Tamarack Flat Campground Basics
Tamarack Flat Campground Location: 3 miles off Tioga Rd., Yosemite
Elevation: 6,300 feet
Distance & Driving Time from gateway cities: Stockton - 109 miles, 2:14
Fresno - 118 miles, 2:38
Number of Sites: 52 tent-only sites
Campground Season: Usually open June to mid-October, depending on weather
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park: (209) 372-0200
Campground Inquiries - (209) 372-8502

Reservations for Tamarack Flat Campground
Reservations Required: "All campgrounds [in Yosemite] will require a reservation from approximately April through October. First-come, first-served camping is not available during this time. Any canceled reservations will be available on Recreation.gov until the arrival date."
Booking Window: Campsites are available up to 2 weeks in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST. For example, on May 15, arrival dates from June 15 to July 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full potential arrival window would be from season opening to July 14.
Peak Season Camping Limit: 14 nights from May 1 to September 15
Max. RV/trailer size: RVs and trailers are not recommended
Accessible Sites: 21, 22, 23, 24, 38
Fees: $24
Check-in, check-out: Noon
Note: No potable water, treat or filter creek water

Tamarack Flat Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, bear-proof food locker, fire ring
Campground: Restrooms with vault toilets
Showers: Showers may be available in Yosemite Valley at Curry Village or Housekeeping Camp.
Campground Map Tamarack Flat Campground Map
Dump station: Dump stations are available near Tuolumne Meadows Campground or in Yosemite Valley at Upper Pines Campground.
Attractions near Tamarack Flat Campground: Tamarack Creek, hiking trails, Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias


Key Tamarack Flat Campground Regulations

  1. Bears: Store all food and similar items in bear-proof lockers, not in vehicles.
  2. Generators may only be operated from 7 AM to 9 AM, Noon to 2 PM, and 5 PM to 7 PM.

    Check Yosemite National Park - Tamarack Flat Campground for a complete list of regulations and any campground updates.
    Check Yosemite National Park - Current Conditions for up-to-date park information.

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.



Tamarack Flat Campground, Yosemite National Park

Tamarack Flat Campground

Yosemite National Park
Attractions and Activities

For those camping at Tamarack 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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