Top 7 Yosemite National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks Worth Visiting

Yosemite National Park is one of America’s most iconic natural treasures, drawing millions of visitors from all over the globe each year with its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and vast wilderness area. And, for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the park’s beauty, camping is the ultimate way to experience everything on offer.

But, whether you’re an RV camper or a traditional tent camper, there are a variety of campgrounds both within and near Yosemite that cater to different needs. So, where should you stay? This guide will walk you through some of the top campgrounds to consider, with insights on amenities, seasonal considerations, nearby activities, and more.

Are you ready? Join us as we explore the best campgrounds in Yosemite National Park.

The Pines Campgrounds (Upper Pines Campground, Lower Pines & North Pines)

The three “Pines” campgrounds are located in Yosemite Valley, which makes them one of the most popular due to their proximity to the park’s famous landmarks, including El Capitan and Half Dome.

Collectively, Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines have over 300 campsites to choose from, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof storage lockers. Drinking water is also available, along with flush toilets, but there are no RV hookups or showers on-site.

Of the three, Upper Pines is open all year round, while Lower and North Pines are seasonal and only open from spring through fall. The summer months are by far the busiest in all the Pines campgrounds, and reservations can be hard to come by, often requiring booking up to five months in advance, so keep this in mind when you’re planning your trip. Winter camping in Upper Pines is a quiet experience, but the weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you’re prepared for cold weather and have winter vehicle essentials like snow chains.

In terms of activities, from the Pines campgrounds, you’re just a stone’s throw away from some of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic hikes, including the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls and the strenuous yet rewarding trek up Half Dome. You can also easily access the Yosemite Falls trailhead, where a short hike takes you to views of the tallest waterfall in North America. Or, if you’re looking for more of a relaxed outing, you can take the scenic Valley Floor Tour, where you can soak in the grandeur of Yosemite’s cliffs and meadows.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Located at 8,600 feet in elevation, Tuolumne Meadows Campground is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a more remote and alpine camping experience compared to the Valley campgrounds. There are 300 sites here, and vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables are available, as well as a small nearby store that offers basic supplies. Campfires are also allowed in the designated fire rings, but restrictions may be in place, so check first.

Open from late June through September, reservations are recommended if you want to camp here, but a few sites are offered on first-come-first-serve basis, so don’t worry too much if you’ve forgotten to book. One thing you do need to keep in mind, however, is because of the campground’s high elevation, temperature here can get very cold at night, even during the summer, so you’ll need to pack accordingly.

One of the best things about camping at Tuolumne Meadows is that it is the starting point for several spectacular hikes in Yosemite National Park, including the trail to Cathedral Lakes and the challenging ascent of Mount Dana. The John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail also pass through the area, making it a very popular base for long-distance hikers. You don’t need to be super-adventurous to camp here, though, and the Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge Trail offers an easier stroll with beautiful views of the meadows and the surrounding granite domes.

Wawona Campground

Wawona Campground sits near the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park and, with just 93 campsites to choose from, offers a quiet atmosphere. Each site here includes a picnic table, fire ring, and food locker, flush toilets and potable water, and dump stations are available during the summer months.

This campground is open all year round, but it is far less crowded in the winter months, where the snow also adds an extra layer of beauty to the surroundings. Campground reservations are required during the busier summer months, but you can usually find a space pretty easily in the off season on a first-come-first-served basis. One thing to know, however, is no matter what time of year you’re planning to camp at Wawona, there is a strict bear safety regulation in place, and you must use the provided food lockers to store all your food items in at all times.

When it comes to your surroundings, you’ll be really close to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, which is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees on Earth. There are easy trails around the grove, which are a must for all visitors here, and the historic Wawona Hotel and Pioneer Yosemite History Center are also nearby and offer you a glimpse into the park’s past. And, after all that exploring, you can cool off with a dip in the nearby Merced River and swimming holes.

White Wolf Campground

One of the lesser-known campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, White Wolf is another good choice if you’re hoping to find a secluded spot to get some peace and quiet away from the busier Yosemite Valley sites. There are just 74 campgrounds here and the amenities are basic, with flush toilets, picnic tables, and drinking water, and dump stations are available to use during the summer, which is ideal for RV camping.

While you may be drawn to White Wolf Campground because of the seclusion and privacy it offers, it’s important to note that it is only open from July to September, and as it sites an an elevation of 8,000 feet, the nights can be pretty chilly. As such, you’ll need to make sure you pack some warm clothing. Reservations are also required here, but it’s often less competitive than trying to make a reservation for a site in Yosemite Valley.

White Wolf Campground serves as a great base for campers looking to enjoy some of the quieter hiking trails Yosemite National Park has to offer, too. The trail to Harden Lake and the trek to the top of Mount Hoffman can easily be accessed from this campground, and you’ll get incredible views with fewer crowds to worry about. This area is also an excellent choice for wildlife viewing, and the quiet atmosphere means you’re much more likely to spot deer, birds, and maybe even a bear or two (from a safe distance, of course) in their natural habitat.

Indian Flat RV Park

If you’re looking for a full range of amenities for RV camping, you can’t go wrong with Indian Flat RV Park. Located just outside the western entrance to Yosemite National Park, this campground offers full hookups, showers, and even cabins for those who prefer a little extra comfort without fully sacrificing the camping experience. There’s even a store on-site, which means you’ll have easy access to basic supplies throughout your stay, and there is a pool and restaurant at “The Lodge”, which is a five minute drive away.

Indian Flat RV Park is open all year round, which makes it a great choice for RV campers looking for a winter escape in one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Do keep in mind, however, that winters can be cold, but since it sits at a fairly low elevation, you won’t encounter the same heavy snowfall that hits the high-elevation campgrounds. You will need to make a reservation to stay here, but you can do that up to a year in advance, and it is highly recommended if you’re planning to visit during the summer.

You do need to remember that you are outside of Yosemite National Park at this campground, but it is just a short drive away, so you’ll still be able to explore all the classic hikes and landmarks quite easily. You can also take a drive to nearby historic mining towns to learn more about the local area, and the Merced River is right across from the campground, which offers both swimming and fishing opportunities.

Bass Lake RV Park

If you’re happy being a little further away from Yosemite National Park (a 90-minute drive, to be exact), Bass Lake RV Park is an excellent choice, particularly if you’re looking for amenities that include full hookups, WiFi, an outdoor pool, a food court, a children’s playground, and a clubhouse. In the nearby town, you can also find shops, restaurants, fuel, and boat rentals, and it’s one of the most convenient spots for RV campers who want a little more luxury with their camping experience.

Campground reservations here are a must, especially in the summer months, but you won’t need any special permits to camp here. The regulations regarding food storage are also less stringent than those inside Yosemite, mainly due to the distance from the park itself.

As its name suggests, Bass Lake is the main attraction here, and it offers a plethora of opportunities for swimming and water sports, as well as acting as a beautiful backdrop for those who simply want to kick back and relax on the shores. If you’re looking to head out on a hike, the Willow Creek Trail and Goat Mountain Trail are great choices for exploring the area’s natural beauty, and as the closest entrance to the park from here is the southern entrance, you’ll have relatively easy access to the park’s famed Mariposa Grove and Wawona areas.

Bridalveil Creek Campground

Head to Glacier Point Road, and you’ll find Bridalveil Creek Campground – another of the more secluded campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, with 110 sites. There are no hookups here, but each site includes a picnic table, fire rings, and food locker, and you’ll have access to flush toilets, vault toilets, and potable water throughout the campground.

Reservations are required here, especially in the peak summer season, and as the campground is only open from July to September, spaces can fill up quite quickly. So, if you’ve been dreaming of staying at this site, it’s a good ideal to make your campground reservation as early as possible! Also, since the campground sits a a high elevation of 7,200 feet, you’ll need to be prepared for cooler night temperatures and varying weather conditions.

When it comes to nearby activities, Bridalveil Creek Creek is perfectly situated for accessing Glacier Point, where you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the Sierra Nevada. You’re also close to the Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Trails, which offer shorter hikes through the national park. Or, for those looking for more challenging hikes, take the trailhead to the Panorama Trail, which descends into Yosemite Valley.

Final Thoughts

A camping trip to Yosemite National Park is the perfect way to embrace the full natural beauty of this bucket list destination, and whether you’re drawing to busier campgrounds or the remote alpine settings, there’s a perfect spot for every kind of camper. All it takes is a little planning and, of course, the perfect vehicle for exploring in!

Travellers Autobarn is your secret weapon for this, with reliable campervans and RVS, all of which come with unlimited miles as standard, making it easy to adventure through the national park and beyond without the worry of racking up extra costs.

So, what are you waiting for? The road ahead awaits! And, when you’re done exploring Yosemite National Park, why not extend the adventure with a trip to some other amazing California national parks.