California / Mariposa County / Yosemite National Park

Lower Pines Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically opens mid-April and operates through late October. Reservations open up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST and typically sell out within minutes. The campground will be closed June 9 through June 19, 2026 for internal road construction.

About

Lower Pines Campground is situated along the Merced River in the heart of Yosemite Valley at 4,000 feet elevation, offering visitors prime access to some of the park's most iconic features. The campground contains 73 reservable sites that can accommodate tents, RVs up to 40 feet, and trailers up to 35 feet, though not every site can fit equipment of these maximum lengths. The area is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and whiteleaf manzanita, providing a pleasant combination of sun and shade with views of Yosemite's famous granite cliffs. The campground's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Yosemite Valley. Trailheads for both the easy Mirror Lake/Meadow walk and the challenging Half Dome hike begin nearby. The campground is within biking and walking distance of services at Curry Village and Yosemite Village, and is located on the free shuttle route. Rafting on the Merced River, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, and photography are all popular activities accessible from the campground. Ranger-led programs, museums, and an art center are available in Yosemite Valley. Reservations are extremely competitive and typically sell out within minutes when released. Campsites become available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST through Recreation.gov. The campground operates seasonally from mid-April through late October. Five wheelchair-accessible sites are available with extended picnic table tops and nearby accessible restrooms.

Directions

From Highway 140/Arch Rock Entrance, continue west on El Portal Road 8 miles to Yosemite Valley. From Highway 41/South Entrance, drive 33 miles north on Wawona Road to Yosemite Valley. From Highway 120 west/Big Oak Flat Entrance, drive 23 miles on Big Oak Flat Road to Yosemite Valley. In Yosemite Valley, follow Southside Drive and signs for Valley campgrounds.

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