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Yosemite/Upper Pines
Overview
Overview
Upper Pines Campground stands as the premier destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Operated by the National Park Service, this massive campground offers a quintessential national park experience, nestled under a canopy of towering pines. It is widely considered the most accessible spot for RV travelers seeking a true wilderness feel without sacrificing proximity to the valley floor's primary landmarks. Staying here means you are steps away from the iconic granite cliffs.
Location & Surroundings
Situated along the Merced River at an elevation of 4,000 feet, Upper Pines places you in the center of the park's most famous scenery. The campground is surrounded by soaring peaks and lush meadows, offering easy access to the valley’s shuttle system. You will find that being located in Yosemite Valley allows for quick transitions from your campsite to the trailhead. The landscape is dominated by massive trees, providing a sense of seclusion despite the popularity of the location.
Amenities & Park Features
While this is a rustic experience rather than a luxury resort, Upper Pines provides the essential facilities for a comfortable stay. Each site includes a fire ring and a picnic table, perfect for evening fires under the stars. The campground features potable water spigots and flush toilets conveniently located throughout the loops. Please note that there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available at individual sites, so RVers must be prepared for dry camping while enjoying the beautiful forest environment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The campground acts as a perfect base for exploring the park. You are within walking distance of the Mist Trailhead and Happy Isles, which lead to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country. Nearby, the Curry Village area offers dining and retail options, while the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center provides deep historical context. Whether you are interested in rock climbing on El Capitan or simply relaxing by the river, the central location makes daily excursions incredibly efficient and rewarding.
Who This Park Is Best For
Upper Pines is ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize accessibility to major sights over high-end resort amenities. It is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy tent and RV camping in a communal, natural setting. If you value waking up surrounded by dramatic granite walls and wish to maximize your time hiking and exploring, this park offers an unparalleled experience that truly captures the spirit of Yosemite National Park.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Shery Lady
The location is 10/10, but only if you’re going for the hiking—not for the camping itself. Otherwise, there are too many people walking around and cutting through your campsite. We booked two separate campsites for our large group: #76 and #37. I don’t recommend Site 37 because it’s very narrow and extremely close to the neighboring campsites. However, I highly recommend Site 76. It’s close to the restroom, has plenty of space, and offers lots of shade. Campfires were allowed from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Please leave no trace. Unfortunately, we found lots of tiny pieces of plastic around the campsite. We didn’t spot any bears—just a couple of harmless bugs in the restroom. The restrooms aren’t the cleanest, which is understandable with so many visitors, but there was always toilet paper. The water station is located behind the restroom. Hot showers are available at Curry Village, about a 3-minute drive away. They cost $6 and are open until 10:00 PM. If you’re visiting in the summer, consider bringing a tube. We had so much fun floating down the river!
Callum Walsh
This is the perfect campsite if you are doing Yosemite. Right next to the start of the Mist Trail. Camp staff were friendly and helpful. Our RV site was perfect for our 24ft RV. Clean toilets with drinking water refill stations. Had two separate sites within Upper Pines over three nights and were able to move straight to our new site once the previous guests had left - staff were helpful with regards to this process and we did not need to check out and check back in. Situated right next to the Merced River. Would highly recommend.
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.