Guide to Camping in Yosemite National Park

Established in 1864, Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular and visited parks in the country, and for good reason. In 2015, just over 4 million visitors explored some portion of Yosemite's 800 miles of trails or stayed in one of the 13 campgrounds within the park. With its iconic scenery and mountains, including Half Dome and El Capitan, there are really no other parks like it. 

There's a lot of competition for campsites in the peak summer months, and it's vital to make reservations ahead of time or to arrive early for the first-come, first-served sites. There are a number of backpacking and backcountry options within the park that will allow for a bit of solitude and a deeper experience of all the beauty Yosemite has to offer. 

Here's a breakdown of the campgrounds in Yosemite, a few backcountry options, and some alternate camping areas located outside the park.

Campgrounds That Accept Reservations

Reservations are required March 15 through November for Yosemite Valley's car campgrounds and summer through fall for Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, Wawona, and half of Tuolumne Meadows. Reservations are made available each month on the 15th at 7 a.m. PST in one-month blocks up to five months in advance.

• Crane Flat Campground: 166 tent/car sites
• Upper Pines Campground: 238 tent/car sites
• Lower Pines Campground: 60 tent/car sites
• North Pines Campground: 81 tent/car sites
• Wawona Campground: 93 tent/car sites, 1 group site, 2 horse-stall sites
• Hodgdon Meadow Campground: 105 tent/car sites, 4 group sites
• Tuolumne Meadows Campground: 304 tent/car sites, 10 tent/walk-in sites, 7 group sites, 4 horse-stall sites, 50% is available for reservation, 50% is first-come, first-served

Campgrounds That are First-Come, First-Served

• Bridalveil Creek Campground + Horse Camp: 110 tent/car sites, 2 group sites, 3 horse sites
• White Wolf Campground: 74 tent/car sites
• Tamarack Flat Campground: 52 tent/car sites
• Yosemite Creek Campground: 75 tent/car sites
• Camp 4 Campground: 35 walk-in tent sites
• Porcupine Flat Campground: 52 tent/car sites

High Sierra Camps

Unique in the Sierra to Yosemite is a group of five outfitted "High Sierra Camps," each spaced approximately 5 to 10 miles apart along a scenic 50-mile loop. The High Sierra Camp loop explores some of the most beautiful terrain in Yosemite's high country and is open to hikers and riders in horseback. The camps offer a catered backcountry experience and come equipped with wall-tent style accommodations, and breakfast and dinner are provided. The High Sierra Camps allow hikers to travel the loop with less weight, leaving tents, food, and cookware behind. Booking any or all of the High Sierra Camps requires advance reservations.

• Vogelsang High Sierra Camp
• Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp
• May Lake High Sierra Camp
• Sunrise High Sierra Camp
• Merced Lake High Sierra Camp

Backcountry Camping

One of the best ways to really experience the heart of Yosemite is to backpack into the wilderness areas and spend a night or two away from the roads and crowds of visitors. About 95% of Yosemite is designated wilderness area, 1,100 square miles. You must obtain a wilderness permit if you want to spend the night in the backcountry. Some are available by reservation and can be booked 24 weeks in advance. Unreserved permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll need to obtain your permit for the trailhead where you'll be starting your backpacking trip. 

Read our overview on Yosemite National Park for more adventures and information on visiting the park.