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Yosemite/Upper Pines
Overview
Upper Pines Campground serves as the premier destination for travelers seeking an immersive experience within the heart of Yosemite Valley. As the largest of the three reservation-based campgrounds in the valley, it offers a classic national park atmosphere under a thick canopy of ponderosa pines and incense cedars. Because the park is open year-round, it provides a rare opportunity for RVers to witness the seasonal shifts of the Sierra Nevada, from the lush greens of spring to the quiet snows of winter, all from the comfort of their own rig.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at the eastern end of the valley floor, the park is surrounded by some of the most iconic granite monoliths in the world. From many sites, you can catch glimpses of Half Dome towering above the trees, providing a constant sense of scale and wonder. The Merced River flows nearby, offering a soothing soundtrack to your stay and a convenient place to cool off during the summer. The level terrain makes the campground easy to navigate, even though the sheer canyon walls remind you of the vast wilderness just beyond the site markers.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a traditional national park facility, meaning it focuses on preserving the natural environment rather than providing resort-style luxuries. There are no hookups available at the sites, so RVers should arrive prepared for a dry-camping experience. However, the park maintains essential infrastructure to support self-contained travelers including:
- A seasonal dump station located near the campground entrance
- Mandatory bear-proof food lockers at every site for safety
- Potable water spigots and restrooms with flushing toilets
- Paved parking pads and communal fire rings for evening gatherings
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The location is unbeatable for those who want to be in the center of the action. The trailhead for the famous Mist Trail, which leads to Vernal and Nevada Falls, is just a short walk or bike ride away. For those who prefer to leave the RV parked, the Yosemite Valley Shuttle stops frequently near the campground, offering easy access to various landmarks.
- Mirror Lake trail for stunning reflective views
- The Ansel Adams Gallery and Yosemite Village
- The Happy Isles Art and Nature Center
Who This Park Is Best For
Upper Pines is ideal for the self-contained RVer who prioritizes proximity to world-class scenery over modern conveniences. If you enjoy the rustic charm of woodsmoke and starlit nights without the hum of high-voltage electronics, this is your place. It is a perfect fit for active families and nature photographers who want to be the first on the trails at sunrise, bypassing the long morning entry lines at the park gates. While it requires a bit of planning and self-sufficiency, the reward is a front-row seat to one of the most beautiful valleys on earth.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Uncle Sal
Upper Pines campsite was outstanding! The location is breathtaking, with easy access to mountain streams, rivers, and stunning views. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the bathroom was well enough kept. If you can burn there is a fairly short window of time to burn; 5pm to 10pm available for campfires, and the Village store was well-stocked, for necessities, a decent walk away, drive if your getting supplies. There are numerous biking and hiking trails accessible from the site. Curry village is also close by full of essentials and novelties. Even with all the neighboring camps full, everyone was friendly and approachable. The night sky through the trees was easy to take in and enjoy its beauty! The ranger made his rounds, ensuring everything was safe without being intrusive. Plus, it was super convenient to catch the shuttle within walking distance to explore the rest of the park. Highly recommend this campsite for an amazing outdoor experience!
S Delfin
I absolutely loved my stay at Upper Pines Campground! The park ranger who checked us in was incredibly kind and welcoming, which set the tone for a wonderful experience. The campground itself has everything you need, and the sites are very flat—perfect for setting up a tent with no hassle. Even though the campground was full, I never had issues with the bathrooms. There are always two or three nearby, and they were usually empty when I went. The location is unbeatable. Being so close to the Mist Trail and right in Yosemite Valley makes it a truly magical experience. Waking up surrounded by the beauty of Yosemite is something I’ll never forget. Highly recommend Upper Pines if you want to experience the heart of Yosemite!
Klaus Schniedergers
Great campground with lots of space for each site, most are shaded. Bathrooms are plenty and kept very clean. A few annoying RVs with generators (to be turned off after 10pm), but otherwise mostly tent camping, and thus more quiet and social. The whole campground is quiet as there's not much traffic allowed close by. Not much cell phone signal. Firewood and ice is expensive.
Tim Hofmann
Yosemite valley is my favorite place on our trip and possibly on planet earth. The campsite has stunning views, nice personal/rangers and acceptable restrooms, but no showers! Rangers make sure it's silent at night. We all loved it.
John Liberty
The campground offers a stunning view of the cliff and a shortcut through the woods to the Mist Trail and John Muir Trailhead, as well as shuttle stops #15 and #16. It's the cleanest campground I've ever visited—no ants, no bugs, and no tiny flying insects in the evening either. There are many well-maintained, clean bathrooms throughout the campground. While there are no showers, I soaked in the nearby river instead.