Upper Pines Campground

About

Upper Pines Campground occupies a prime location in the heart of Yosemite Valley at 4,000 feet elevation, surrounded by the park's signature granite cliffs and towering waterfalls. The 236 sites are spread across several loops in a forest of ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, and California black oak, providing a mix of sun and shade. The gentle Merced River flows nearby, offering summer rafting opportunities when water levels permit. Each campsite features a paved parking spur, picnic table, fire ring, and bear-proof food storage locker (35" x 43" x 28"). The campground has flush restrooms, potable water spigots, and a free dump station with fresh water. Showers are not available on-site but can be accessed for a fee at nearby Curry Village, which also offers a general store, restaurants, and tour services. The free Yosemite Valley shuttle stops at the campground entrance, providing easy access to trailheads including the routes to Half Dome, Mirror Lake, and Vernal Fall. Reservations are required year-round and are released five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. Pacific time. Sites typically sell out within minutes of release. Maximum stay is 7 nights between May 1 and September 15, and 14 nights the rest of the year. The campground accommodates tents, RVs up to 35 feet, and trailers up to 24 feet, though not all sites can handle maximum lengths.

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. From Highway 120 west/Big Oak Flat Entrance, drive 23 miles on Big Oak Flat Road. In Yosemite Valley, follow Southside Drive and signs for Valley campgrounds.