The best camping near Yosemite National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Yosemite National Park adventure.

The best camping near Yosemite National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Yosemite National Park adventure.
97% (1537 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Yosemite National Park adventure.

Pros know Yosemite camping is either a feat of advanced planning or a willingness to wing it.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Yosemite National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Yosemite National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Yosemite National Park

96%
(896)

Diamond Gulch

44 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents824 acres · Groveland, CA
CLOSE TO YOSEMITE! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We are 35 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite. There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport. When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful! This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds. Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite. A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night
98%
(209)

Musick Creek Falls

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Shaver Lake, CA
Musick Creek Falls spans 40 acres just south of Shaver Lake, at 4,800 feet elevation. The land, in vibrant regrowth after the Creek Fire, showcases unique wildflowers like Sierra Manzanita, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush, and cedars. The rugged terrain features three stunning cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, rock climbing, mountain biking, and exceptional stargazing opportunities. With proximity to Shaver Lake and China Peak Ski Resort, guests can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, skiing, and more. While the access road is dirt and gravel with some potholes, it is maintained by the community. The property provides pristine spring water, naturally filtered through granite aquifers to a high pH of 9—ideal for re-hydrating and detoxing. On-site amenities include a composting outhouse, trash receptacles, and free use of kayaks. Spare camping gear, tents, and blankets are available upon request. Most cell phones have good reception, ensuring you can stay connected as needed. The property borders the Musick Creek Confluence, a protected Nature Conservancy area. To preserve this ecosystem, we emphasize a strict “leave no trace” policy. Trash bins are conveniently located, and respecting the environment and our downstream neighbors is crucial. Weather is mild year-round, with cool evenings and comfortable days. While wildlife like timber rattlers and bears may be present, encounters are rare. As always, caution is advised around water and after dark. Please note that there is no host on-site during winter months (December–April), and access depends on weather conditions. Visit musickcreekfalls.com for updates and additional details. We’re proud to share this special place with the Hipcamp community. Your visit supports conservation efforts and helps maintain the beauty This property holds profound historical significance, having witnessed pivotal events like the California Gold Rush, the timber and mining booms, and the rise of early electric companies. Once located along the first and main road in the area, it served as a center stage for these developments, inspiring stories in Louis L’Amour novels. It has also borne witness to more somber chapters in history, including acts of genocide. More about its remarkable past can be explored at musickcreekfalls.com
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$63
 / night
100%
(125)

Squirrel Rock RV Campground

2 sites · RVs8 acres · Columbia, CA
Private gated RV campground in the Gold Country. Located in the historic townsite of Columbia known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines". There is 1 site so you'll have the campground to yourselves. There are 2 electrical panels so you can bring your family or friends if you like. If there are 2 RV's you can reserve the campground as a double site. WE ONLY ACCEPT FULLY SELF CONTAINED RV'S ONLY. NO TENTS Campsite has 2 electric pedestals 50/30/110. Water hookups at each site. NO SEWER. NO DUMP NO RESTROOMS AVAILABLE. Includes picnic table, camp fire ring, Weber BBQ, doggie station, horseshoe pit, corn hole, walking trails, and garbage/recycle bins. Winter camping dates subject to weather conditions. Located 0.6 mile to Columbia State Historic Park, parking and entrance is free and open year around. It is about a 15 minute walk. Close to Murphys, New Melones lake and Tuttletown recreation area, Moaning Caverns, Downtown Sonora, Mother Lode Escape Rooms, Columbia Airport, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Black Oak Casino, Chicken Ranch Casino, Indigeny Reserve, Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp with other wineries and breweries nearby. About a 50 minute drive to Big Trees State Park and Pinecrest Lake. Yosemite National Park is about 1-1/2 hour drive to the Yosemite valley floor. Check for YARTS for transportation from downtown Sonora to Yosemite valley. There are several rafting outfitters in the area. Restaurants in the immediate vicinity include Mandy's Breakfast-Lunch, Columbia Frosty, El Jardin, St. Charles Saloon Pizza. Gas, diesel mini mart, market store nearby.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$65
 / night
97%
(191)

Red Tail Ranch at Yosemite

10 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Groveland, CA
Only 25 minutes from Yosemite's entrance gate, come stay at stunning Red Tail Ranch and avoid the crowds of the big campgrounds. With fast wifi, abundant hot water for showers, clean/flush toilets and inside space for cooking with a commercial sink for dishes, all the necessities for a comfortable stay are on site. Use Red Tail Ranch as an ideal launching off point for Yosemite or stay on the property and enjoy all that it has to offer. Red Tail Ranch is a beautiful 90 acre property in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Among the oak woodlands, meadows and coniferous forest, there are numerous trails to explore the property and direct riding access to a developed mountain biking area nearby. Great birding, botanizing and wildlife watching opportunities abound. We have RV sites with hookups, a five site drive-in campground and one walk-in campsite- all with clean, flush toilet bathrooms, hot outdoor showers, indoor camp kitchen and gathering space. Whether your pitching a tent, parking a campervan or rv, there are opportunities for everyone. New additions to the campground include cornhole, darts and a ring toss game for all to enjoy. We are 10 minutes from the small town of Groveland with a market and restaurants and just down the road from the put in for rafting on the Tuolumne river. Our pricing is a little higher than other places nearby and this is due to the property's great locations, incredible beauty, and all of the amenities added for a great experience. If wanting more information about Yosemite or the surroundings, host Robb Hirsch is a biologist and professional nature photographer with 25 years of experience in the area. He also is connected with all the local guides for any outdoor adventure referrals. Concerned about getting into Yosemite with the new summer reservation requirements? We know all the details, including how to navigate and get through or around the system. Stay with us and we will show you how to access the park with or without reservations.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$59.50
 / night
98%
(839)

Yosemite Colfax Spring

11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Groveland, CA
Welcome to Yosemite Colfax Spring! Home to a basecamp for river rafting trips during the summertime, we are located 15 minutes driving distance to the entrance to Yosemite National Park. If you are staying with us between May - September and want to come rafting, ask us about our river trips! Our camp sits on a ridge with views down into the Tuolumne River Canyon. The Tuolumne River begins at 13,000 feet of elevation in the High Country of Tuolumne Meadows and provides drinking water for over 2.7 million people in San Francisco. With cedar and pine trees, manzanita bushes, and wildflowers in the spring, enjoy the Sierras' flora and fauna. Our family has been operating our river rafting company for over 50 years, the last 11 of those years being here at Colfax Spring. Conveniently located off Highway 120, we are in close proximity to swimming holes, hikes, and more. Enjoy the privacy of our campsite and getting world-class views to yourself, with all of the amenities (flushing toilets, wi-fi, showers.) Make sure to check the Yosemite National Park website for information about reservations to visit the park!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$81
 / night
90%
(1108)

Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · CA
Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A 35 minute drive on highway 120 will take you to the Tioga Pass Gate of Yosemite National Park. This gate is a great start to several different areas inside of the park that you may want to visit beyond that gate. Off-road enthusiasts would not have enough time in one visit to explore all of the 4x4 trails, abandoned mines, and sites in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate and Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal. Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night
98%
(96)

Willow Springs Resort

29 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Bridgeport, CA
Welcome to Willow Springs Resort Please come stay with us when you are visiting the beautiful Eastern Sierras. For Your Convenience, an Online Booking System is Now Available! www.willowspringsresort.com Willow Springs Resort is located five miles south of Bridgeport, California, in the heart of the Eastern Sierra premiere outdoor recreational region. Although you’re sure to unplug with all there is to do around here, our guests have access to some of the best Wi-Fi in the area. The facility is a small 50’s era motel and RV park with all the amenities one normally expects. We are a pet-friendly facility. We love pets and welcome them in our RV park but not in our motel rooms (with the exception of service animals). Willow Springs Resort was built 70 years ago and is still owned and operated by the same family. That family prides itself on operating a peaceful, beautiful, and clean vacation destination. The fish at the left was caught in Virginia Creek, which is just across the highway from Willow Springs! There are a host of activities to enjoy in the "big backyard" of this Sierra Nevada paradise. Whether you enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, swimming, or 4-wheeling, or want to take a photo class or tour of Bodie Ghost Town, the area offers it all. If you prefer to read a book or catch a falling star, meet new people, and share stories at the campfire, Willow Springs Resort is here to welcome you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
92%
(18)

Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping

37 sites · Lodging36 acres · Mariposa, CA
Wildhaven Yosemite offers glamping tents and cabins on a beautiful property with mountain views in Mariposa, CA, just outside Yosemite National Park. Our glamping experience provides the comfort, cleanliness, and customer service of a hotel while keeping everything you love about a night outdoors in nature. Our extra-large, safari-style tents feature comfortable beds with linens, electricity, heaters, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Looking for a little more structure in your night outdoors? Our larger glamping cabins provide a kitchenette, bathroom & shower, AC and heating, improved sound insulation, upgraded views, large windows, and a private patio to get you the fresh air you need. Your stay includes more than just a comfortable place to sleep. Guests are treated to hiking trails, communal spaces to socialize, trip planning help, Wi-Fi, and on-site activities such as yoga, wine tasting, and live music (spring through fall). The 36-acre hillside property is the star attraction, providing sweeping views towards the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, down onto scenic Mariposa, and across miles of rolling hills.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$119
 / night

The best camping near Yosemite National Park guide

Overview

About

Yosemite Valley smashes into your sightline with a big hello from the Tunnel View parking lot. Soaring Half Dome. Plummeting waterfalls. Forested greenery as far as the eye can see. Is this real life? Elbow-to-elbow crowds quickly confirm its reality, but escaping the valley hordes is easy if you follow one of the many hiking trails leading into the wilds. The Mist Trail, which climbs the Granite Staircase past thundering waterfalls in spring, is especially worthy. Outside the valley, alpine lakes and lush meadows along Tioga Road are the stunning backdrop for High Sierra campsites.    

Yosemite cabin rentals

Stay in a traditional or canvas cabin in the heart of this beloved national park. As one of the oldest national parks in the US, Yosemite has been welcoming visitors for generations. While it’s a popular place to camp, those looking for a little comfort may prefer a cabin stay. There are plenty of private cabins in the area as well as hundreds right inside the park. Curry Village offers both traditional cabins as well as heated and unheated canvas tent-cabins that toe the line between cabins and glamp sites. ADA options are available in all three categories. You'll find an additional 69 non-electric canvas cabins at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, available seasonally, and a mix of 24 canvas-tent cabins and four wood cabins at the remote White Wolf Lodge. A ski hut is also available at Glacier Point, though getting there requires taking a guided 10.5-mile-long cross-country ski trip.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for rock cimbers: Long popular with climbers, Camp 4 is near Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley.
  • Best launchpad: Crane Flat Campground sits between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows.
  • Best for hikers: Tuolumne Meadows Campground connects with the John Muir Trail.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Of the park’s 13 campgrounds, Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, and Camp 4 campgrounds are in Yosemite Valley.
  2. Reservations are required year-round for all Yosemite Valley campgrounds.
  3. Outside the valley, reserve ahead for summer and fall campsites at Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, and half of the sites at Tuolumne Meadows.
  4. Make online reservations up to five months in advance on the 15th day of each month beginning at 7am Pacific. Competition is fierce for campsites between May and September. Don’t dawdle!
  5. Bridalveil Creek, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, and Porcupine Creek campgrounds are first-come, first-served. These campsites typically fill by noon from April through September.

When to go

Everything is open in summer, but crowds may bum you out, especially in Yosemite Valley. Wildflowers bloom at higher altitudes in summer too. Spring is the best time to see the waterfalls, which are usually surging from snowmelt as temperatures warm, while colorful foliage is a highlight in fall. Tioga Road typically closes in November, reopening in late spring. Glacier Point Road remains groomed and opens up to the Badger Pass Ski Area from mid-December through early April, but the stretch to Glacier Point is closed until spring. Yosemite Valley is also quite pretty in winter after a light snow, and February brings the awe-inspiring Yosemite firefall.

Know before you go

  • Campers are required by law to store all food overnight inside food lockers, which are found at every campsite. Food includes scented items, canned goods, bottles, and toiletries. Do not store these items in your car or truck overnight.
  • Although the recreational use of small amounts of marijuana is legal across most of California with certain restrictions, don't possess or partake of cannabis in the federally run park.
  • Cell service is best in eastern Yosemite Valley. Access is unreliable in Tuolumne Meadows. Free wifi is available at Degnan’s Kitchen in Yosemite Valley.

Nearby attractions

  • Experience the tranquility of riverside camping near the Merced River. With its clear waters, abundant fishing opportunities, and scenic surroundings, the Merced River camping experience blends adventure and relaxation in California's serene wilderness.
  • Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting and relaxing fishing sessions when camping near Tuolumne River. With ruggedly beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, the Tuolumne River camping experience is truly one for the outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are black bears in Yosemite National Park, and they are sighted quite frequently. To keep both themselves and the bears safe, Yosemite visitors must use designated bear lockers and bear-safe containers for food, scented items, and trash, especially when camping.

No, you cannot camp anywhere in Yosemite National Park. Camping in Yosemite is allowed only in designated campgrounds and specific backcountry sites with a wilderness permit. The park has 13 campgrounds, some of which require reservations, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Some popular campgrounds in Yosemite include Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows. Dispersed camping is not allowed in Yosemite National Park, and you must follow the rules and regulations to protect the park's natural resources and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. To learn more about camping options in Yosemite, visit Hipcamp.

The cost of renting a campsite in Yosemite National Park varies depending on the campground and the season. Generally, prices range from $12 to $26 per night for tent and RV sites, and up to $50 per night for group sites. Some campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others require reservations. You can learn more about Yosemite camping options on Hipcamp.

It is difficult to get a campsite in Yosemite National Park due to its popularity and limited capacity. Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. The park has a limited number of campsites, and many of them are only open seasonally. As a result, demand often exceeds supply, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays. To secure a campsite, it is recommended to make reservations well in advance.

The best months to camp in Yosemite are typically May through September, when the weather is warmer and most campgrounds are open. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and slightly cooler temperatures, consider visiting in late May or September. Keep in mind that some campgrounds may require reservations, so plan your trip accordingly. For more information about camping in Yosemite, you can visit the National Park Service's Yosemite camping page.

Yosemite campsite reservations open 5 months in advance at 7am PT. This method is incredibly competitive, however, and campsites fill up quickly. To skip the craze (and early wake-up call), try getting a Yosemite campsite reservation by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Yosemite campground, such as Upper Pines or Lower Pines. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

Most Yosemite campsite reservations open up on a rolling basis 5 months in advance, typically on the 15th of each month, at 7am PT. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Yosemite campsite reservation even if you plan ahead. Hundreds of hopeful campers all log on at 7am trying to book a campsite, and only a few are lucky enough to succeed, as the campsites are booked up within seconds.

To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Yosemite campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

Yes, you can go camping in many national parks during the fall. Acadia National Park, Yosemite National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Shenandoah National Park are some of the best national parks for fall camping. Just check the specific park's regulations, availability, and weather conditions before planning your trip.

The original Yosemite firefall was a summer tradition in which a bonfire's smoldering embers were pushed over the edge of Glacier Point, entertaining thousands of visitors below in Yosemite Valley.

The last artificial Yosemite firefall occurred at Glacier Point on January 25, 1969, when it was decided that the tradition was too unnatural for a national park. The natural firefall—as it’s known today—was documented for the first time in 1973 by photographer Galen Rowell.

The original, artificial Yosemite firefall was officially extinguished in 1968 after Yosemite National Park director George Hertzog declared that the tradition was too gimmicky and artificial for a national park. Herzog was also concerned about the environmental impact of the enormous crowds that came to behold the firefall.

The conditions for Yosemite firefall start in mid-February and generally last for a couple of weeks. During this window, the firefall begins about 5 to 15 minutes before sunset and can last for up to 10 minutes.

Yes, the Yosemite firefall cascades down Horsetail Fall on the eastern side of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

Yes, the Yosemite firefall is a rare natural phenomenon that occurs for only a few weeks each year. It's one of Yosemite National Park's most magnificent events and a popular sight for photographers and nature lovers.

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.