Upper Pines Campground

Sleep on the floor of Yosemite Valley, all year.

The largest of the three Pines campgrounds on the floor of Yosemite Valley, among pines and black oaks near the Merced River, with the free Valley shuttle stopping at the entrance. The Mist Trail and the walk to Mirror Lake start nearby, and Curry Village’s paid showers, store and restaurants are a short stroll away. It stays open all year, but sites are packed close together and summer dates sell out within minutes of release.

At a glance

Sites

236, no hookups

Reservations

Required all year; released 5 months ahead on the 15th at 7 am PT

Nightly

$36

Max RV / trailer

35 ft / 24 ft

Elevation

4,000 ft

What’s here

• Tent sites
• Open in winter

Gear, rentals and guides

• Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service

  Climbing lessons and guided climbs and hikes, based in the Valley.

• Yosemite Valley bike rentals

  First-come bike rentals for the Valley’s 12 miles of flat bike paths, plus tag-alongs and child trailers at Curry Village. Early April to late October.

• Merced River raft rentals

  Self-guided raft floats on the Merced in summer, when water levels allow.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• FestivalFour sessions, Nov 8–20

  Vintners’ Holidays

  California winemakers lead tastings and seminars at The Ahwahnee, with a paired gala dinner at the end of each session. Seminars are open to the public.

• ChristmasEight evenings, Dec 8–22

  The Bracebridge Dinner

  A seven-course holiday feast with Old English pageantry and music in The Ahwahnee dining room. Several dates are already sold out.

Where to stay

• cabinCurry Village

  Canvas tent cabins, wood cabins and motel rooms below Glacier Point, with a pool and several places to eat.

  Short walk
• hotelYosemite Valley Lodge

  Motel-style rooms near the base of Yosemite Falls, on the shuttle route.

  5 min drive
• hotelThe Ahwahnee

  The park’s grand 1920s hotel, for a splurge night with a real bed.

  5 min drive

Nearby

• Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada falls · Walk from camp

  Steep granite steps beside two big waterfalls; Vernal Fall footbridge makes a shorter goal.

• Mirror Lake · Walk from camp

  An easy two-mile round trip on a paved path to a seasonal lake below Half Dome.

• The Ansel Adams Gallery · Shuttle ride

  Photography gallery and shop in Yosemite Village, with prints and books.

These themes are our summary of recent reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) · about 2 hr 30 min drive
• San Francisco · about 4 hr
• Los Angeles · about 6 hr

Directions in Google Maps