Notice: "Yosemite National Park will release campground reservations for Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow, and sites 1-124 in Upper Pines on the following schedule:
June 15 through July 14 arrivals: March 24
July 15 through August 14 arrivals: March 31
These reservations will release at 7 am PDT on Recreation.gov.
Yosemite National Park may release further sites if operational capacity allows. The park will again provide at least seven days advance notice via the park's website and social media if additional reservations are released.
Existing reservations are not currently affected."
Upper Pines Campground located amid stately pines in the heart of Yosemite Valley, is one of the most sought-after camping destinations in the country. The campground offers easy access to all the popular attractions in the valley. 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.
Upper Pines Campground visitors, as in all campgrounds in Yosemite, 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 cars. Visitors who follow Yosemite's guidelines usually have no problems with bears.
Upper Pines Campground has 238 campsites. Of those, 32 are designated for RVs or trailers only and 5 for tents only. The remaining 201 sites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. 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.
Notice: "Upper Pines remains on reservations during the winter season (11/3/24 through 4/14/25) with only the first two loops open (sites 1-94).
Upper Pines will be closed from March 31 through April 11, 2025 for hazardous tree removal. Sites will be released as work is completed."
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.
Reservations Tips
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
Upper Pines Campground
Reviews from Previous Campers
2022 - 2024
Some spacious sites with room between sites, but no privacy.
Bathrooms are clean.
Park rangers were super friendly.
Food and scented items must be kept in bear box, not in your cars.
Yosemite National Park Attractions and Activities
Visitors camping at Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley 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 Upper Pines Campground Regulations
Campfires from May through September are only allowed from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
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
2022 - 2024