Camping in Yosemite offers an experience unlike any other. Most of the best campgrounds are located in the Yosemite National Park, nearly 1,200 square miles of wilderness. Visitors will find a vast wilderness area, great meadows, deep valleys, ancient giant sequoias, and much more. With so many options available for the Yosemite campground, it may leave your head spinning. Hence, we’ve made you this list of the best camping site Yosemite.
People flock to have the Yosemite experience all year round, especially during summer. It offers plenty of activities for those who want to get away from crowds, especially camping. The best places to camp in Yosemite are perfect to see the backcountry.
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Summerdale Campground
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Let’s start our list of the best camping sites Yosemite has with Summerdale Campground. Located in the Highway 41 Corridor of the Bass Lake Ranger District, Summerdale Campground is only 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of Yosemite National Park. It’s also near Big Creek. As a result, the campground is surrounded by cedar trees, fir, and cottonwood. Not only for camping, but the place is also great for fishing and hiking. Don’t forget to take your best backpack for day hiking with you!
Campers can enjoy trips to nearby attractions, including Yosemite National Park and Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to walk among giant sequoias in Nelder Grove.
As one of the best camping spots in Yosemite, Summerdale Campground has 29 campsites for tents, RVs, and trailers located in a scenic meadow. Each camp has a campfire ring, paved parking spur, picnic table, and grill. Other amenities, such as drinking water, vault toilets, and water, are also available. Pets are allowed to stay in the campground. Need camping supplies? Get them in the nearby community of Fish Camp.
Railroad Flat Campground
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Railroad Flat Campground is located at the end of Briceburg River Road, along the Merced River. The Merced River Trail is perfect for walking with a spectacular wildflower and incredible scenery. While camping in this one of the best camping spots in Yosemite, campers can do many activities, including fishing and swimming.
The campground is surrounded by pine and oak trees that provide shade. With nine campsites in total, it has three walk-in campsites and six R.V.s/vehicle campsites. Basic camping amenities are available at each site, such as a picnic table, food storage, and fire grill. If you’re looking for one, check our recommendation for the best portable grills for camping. However, there’s no drinking water available in the campground. You can get drinking water across the Briceburg Bridge.
There are also recycling collection cans in the campground. Besides, a vault toilet is available at each campsite. All campsites are accessible to the river, only 200 feet (61 m) away. It opens year-round, making it one of the best camping sites Yosemite has. However, it serves first come, first served only. A maximum of eight persons are allowed in each site, and leashed dogs are permitted.
Yosemite Creek Campground
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Yosemite Creek Campground offers the best camping at Yosemite for campers who seek a quiet, peaceful, and secluded place. It’s located away from the crowds and deep in the forest along Yosemite Creek at an elevation of 7,700 feet (2,347 meters). The location makes the campground is considered the best camping site Yosemite has.
Many things can be done while camping, such as cool off in the creek and visit a swimming hole. Some visitors may also prefer to climb nearby rocks or wander through the trees. Don’t miss having a picnic by driving to Tenaya Lake. Pack some food and grab your picnic basket for family along with you!
You can set up the tent along the campground, which is often less busy and less dusty than other rustic campgrounds. First come, first served, the 75 campsites are available for tents only. The campground opens around July until early September.
Campers wouldn’t find potable water and should treat the water, either using a filter, boiling, or applying iodine. Basic amenities include a ring fire, food locker, and picnic table. Each campsite is allowed for a maximum of six people, including children. Also, pets are permitted on a leash at all times.
Camp 4
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Next on our best camping sites Yosemite has is Camp 4. It’s a popular campground in Yosemite National Park among rock climbers. It’s located in Yosemite Valley and is close to the base of granite cliffs at an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,200 m). The 11-acre (4,047 square meters) campground is easily accessed from all park roads and accessible shuttle routes. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s the only campground not allowed for RVs and trailers.
The campground has 61 tent-only sites and is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Up to six people are allowed per site, and pets aren’t permitted. Each campsite contains a picnic table, four shared food lockers, and a fire pit. Visitors can have wood fires all year but are limited between 5 pm to 10 pm from May through September. From October to April, campfires are allowed at any time.
Other amenities include a bathroom with flushing toilets and drinking water near each site. You can go to nearby places, like Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp, if you want to shower. Groceries are available at Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge. If you’re planning to come in the summer, make sure to check availability. Since it’s one of the best camping spots in Yosemite, the campsites are available only by daily lottery.
Porcupine Flat Campgrounds
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Next on our list of best camping site Yosemite has is Porcupine Flat Campgrounds. You’ll find many secluded camping sites in this place, which is located along Tioga Road. The scenic campground highlights cool weather and various activities at 8,100 feet (2,500 m).
You can take the easy drive for hiking, fishing, site-seeing, and take some photos to Tuolumne Meadows. Besides, campers are offered breathtaking views of waterfalls, deep valleys, ancient giant sequoias, and vast wilderness areas within Yosemite.
The opening date for the campground varies depending on the opening of Tioga Road. Also, it depends on related road work and seasonal facilities. Hence, we recommend you check their schedule before deciding to visit this best camping at Yosemite.
The campground has 52 sites, which are close to Porcupine Creek. Each site is spacious and has plenty of shade. You’ll find some basic amenities at each campsite, including a picnic table, ring fire, and food locker. Pets are permitted on the grounds, but they must be on a leash at all times. There’s also a vault toilet nearby. Unlike other best camping spots in Yosemite, tap water is not available at the campground. Campers should boil, filter, or treat water before use. Choose the best water filter and have no worry while you’re camping!
The dump station is available near Tuolumne Meadows Campground (summer only). The one in Yosemite Valley (in Upper Pines Campground) is available all year. Campers who need to shower can have it in Yosemite Valley (Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp). You can buy groceries at Yosemite Village Store, Curry Village Store, Yosemite Valley Lodge Store, and a small grocery store at Crane Flat.
Wawona Campground
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If you’re looking for the best camping spots in Yosemite that open all year round, Wawona Campground can be your choice. Located one mile (1,6 km) north of Wawona, it sits at 4,000 feet (1,219 m). You can make an online reservation in advance from April to September for loops A, B, and C. The campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the A loop from October to March.
This campground has 93 sites scattered throughout looming pine trees for tents and RVs. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and food locker for your camping food. Besides, the location is near a bathroom with flushing toilets and drinking water.
You’ll find that the three campsite loops in this secluded campground are located on the South Fork Merced River. Loop A is located closest to the campground entrance and is open all year round. The campsite is relatively open. Meanwhile, Loops B and C open from spring until fall. The two grounds in this best camping at Yosemite offer more privacy and a nicer setting with a peaceful and spacious area.
Whitewolf Campground
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Whitewolf Campground is one of the most popular places and best camping site Yosemite. The campground highlights good campground amenities and Backpacker’s Camp. It makes a perfect base for hikers who like to explore nearby lakes and wilderness areas.
The campground is located along Tioga Road at 8,000 feet (2,400 m). The weather is cool and can get colder at night. So, don’t forget to bring your best jacket for cold weather. Visitors don’t require a rough road to the campground since it’s directly off the road. While experiencing this best camping at Yosemite, campers can gaze upon the amazing view of deep valleys, grand meadows, waterfalls, and much more.
Having 74 campsites, it’s allowed for tents, RVs, and trailers. The campground opens seasonally approximately from July to September. There’s no reservation as it serves a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll find standard amenities, such as a ring fire, picnic table, and food locker. Tap water and restrooms with flush toilets are also available. Campers could get showers in Curry Village.
Bridalveil Creek Campground
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If you’re planning to camp in one of the best camping sites Yosemite has with a breathtaking view, Bridalveil Creek Campground should be on top of your list. The campground offers a spectacular view of Yosemite National Park. It’s located near the scenic Glacier Point lookout at 7,200 feet (2,200m). Here, campers will have impressive views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome.
Bridalveil Creek Campground is the only campground along Glacier Point Road. This campground is a great place for day trips and hikes, thanks to its many trailheads nearby. It has three campground loops and a horse campsite. Each campsite is provided with a picnic table, fire ring, drinking water, and flushing toilets. Besides, food locker and trash/recycling collection are available.
There’s no reservation needed for the loop options (A, B, and C). The tent or RV sites are on a first-come, first-served basis for RVs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 24 feet. Meanwhile, campers should make a reservation for the group campsites (not allowed for RVs and trailers) and horse campsite up to five months in advance. For those making horse campsite reservations, make sure you don’t forget to bring gear for horseback riding.
High Sierra Camps
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If you’re planning to camp but want the luxury freedom from carrying food and cooking gear, High Sierra Camps in Yosemite is the perfect option. Enjoy breakfast and hot dinner during your stay in this best camping site Yosemite. Moreover, campers can order box lunches to take for their next day’s adventure.
The campground offers dormitory-style with steel-framed beds on each canvas tent cabin. They provide pillows, mattresses, and wool blankets or comforters. Of course, feel free to bring your wool blanket for camping! Also, there’s a wood-burning stove to keep you warm. These services and amenities make High Sierra Camps is popular camping destination in Yosemite National Park.
High Sierra Camps are located in the wilderness near a loop trail northeast of Yosemite Valley. Visitors can only reach the campground by hiking or horse riding. Each day, campers can head out to explore the wilderness of Yosemite. There are also guided hiking and mule trips available, perfect for those new to the outdoors.
This best camping at Yosemite has five camps near the alpine magic of Tuolumne Meadows offered for visitors. The five campsites are Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise, Merced Lake, and Vogelsang. May Lake is the most easily reached of the five campsites. Merced Lake is the most remote of the High Sierra Camps but is accessible earlier and later compared to other campsites. Each camp has restrooms, while showers are available at three of the camps. Please note that reservation for High Sierra Camp is available only through the lottery system.
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
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Tuolumne Meadows Campground is located at 8,600 feet (2,600 m), making it so cool at night, even in the summer. Hence, it’s considered one of the best camping sites Yosemite has. The campground has 304 tent and RV sites, making it’s the largest campground in Yosemite National Park. Also, Tuolumne Meadows Campground is popular among campers for its amenities.
It’s near a general store, a restaurant, a post office, and a mountaineering school. There’s also a visitor center nearby. Lyell Canyon and Elizabeth Lake are very close to the campground. The tent and RV sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet. Meanwhile, the seven group sites are not allowed RVs or trailers.
There are also four-horse sites with space for trailers up to 27 feet. However, make sure to check the site details if you make a reservation since not every site can accommodate RVs or trailers of these lengths. Looking for RVs to rent but not sure what types you should choose? You could check our list of the best RVs to rent.
Amenities in the sites include a fire ring, food locker, and picnic table. Besides, a bathroom with drinking water and flushing toilets are nearby. The dump station is available on Tioga Road, west of the campground. Though it’s considered the best camping at Yosemite, you’ll find no hookups in the campsites.
North Pines Campground
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North Pines Campground is located in the Yosemite Valley along the Merced River. It’s set amid the towering pines and granite cliff. At an elevation of 1.219 meters, it boasts a fantastic location and beautiful setting. No wonder North Pines Campground has become the best camping site Yosemite has.
Not only located on the complimentary shuttle route, but the campground is also within biking and walking distance from hiking trails. North Pines Campground opens from early April to late October and is available by reservation only. It can accommodate RVs up to 40ft, 81 tent sites, and trailers up to 35 ft. However, you should check length limits and site types when making the reservation. It’s because not every site can accommodate these lengths.
Most of the tent sites are large and well-spaced, making it one of the best camping spots in Yosemite. You’ll find the place is quiet and offers privacy. We recommend you book on the riverside sites for their scenic view. Check our recommendation of the best tents for stargazing to help you admire the night sky. Also, there are grocery and food services at Yosemite Village and Curry near the campground if you need to buy some supplies.
Each campsite allows for a maximum of six people, including children. However, there’s no limit on the number of tents in the campsite as long as they fit. Meanwhile, only a maximum of two motor vehicles are allowed per campsite and must be parked on a parking pad.
For amenities, you’ll find a picnic table, fire ring, and food locker at each campsite. Besides, there are bathrooms with drinking water and flushing toilets nearby.
