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Yosemite/Upper Pines
Overview
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.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Dine & Dash
Upper Pines isn’t the campground you come to for privacy. It’s the campground you come to because you want to spend every waking minute exploring Yosemite. The sites are definitely closer together than your average campground. Think apartment complex, not suburban backyard. Even so, everyone was respectful, camp stayed surprisingly quiet, and the constant shade made it a comfortable place to relax after long days on the trail. Every site has a picnic table, fire ring, and generously sized bear locker. The crows, however, believe the picnic table belongs to them and will happily supervise every meal in hopes of collecting a tax. Oddly, we saw far fewer squirrels here than elsewhere in the park. One thing that really stood out was the restroom maintenance. Bathrooms were plentiful and seemed to be cleaned constantly. My only suggestions would be to add soap, fix the hand dryers, and give the dishwashing stations a little extra attention. The location is hard to beat. We walked to Curry Village for the $5.75 showers and pool (worth every penny after Half Dome), rode bikes throughout the valley, and used the shuttle without ever needing to move the car. Having your vehicle parked right at camp while the rest of Yosemite is accessible by foot, bike, or shuttle makes for a wonderfully low-stress visit. If you’re looking for solitude, this probably isn’t your campground. If you’re looking for the perfect home base for experiencing Yosemite Valley, it’s hard to imagine a better location.
Sophie Gullett
Really lovely campsite in the heart of the park. Walking distance to Curry village so you can hit the general store or restaurants over there. Lots of bathrooms and water spigots. Our campsite (141) was right next to a little creek which was lovely. Can be a little noisy since you're near a walking trail but we weren't bothered by that. Easy access to happy isles as well.
Rob V.
Beautiful location but site 229 and the sites around it have ZERO shade, so be sure to bring something to make shade. The site is full of tripping hazards like tree stumps and rocks, so be careful at night. Restrooms were clean, but no soap, and the toilet paper is that cheap stuff that tears instantly, so bring your own. Overall, we had a great time because we had an EZ-up to make shade, would've been miserable without it.
Beto N. Filho
Camp with my family with RV, the spot was enough to stop the rented RV (24feet) that was more bigger than the spot (for parking 12 ft), even this worked. Was amazing experience sleep there. The dump station were closer to the campground. Really recommend this camp in Yosemite.
Gagik Virabyan (Gavi)
I’ve had the opportunity to stay at the Upper Pines Campground. Location is amazing. Restrooms were clean. Campground was very nice and with bear proof boxes. Everyone around also were very respectful. And I want to thank the campground employee who went above and beyond to help us to have the best stay. Thanks again. Definitely coming back.