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Yosemite/North Pines
Overview
North Pines Campground is one of the most coveted spots in Yosemite Valley, offering a true immersion into the high Sierras. Open seasonally, this park provides a scenic riverside setting where the sound of the Merced River serves as a constant backdrop. Unlike modern RV resorts, this is a traditional national park experience where the focus remains entirely on the surrounding natural beauty and the granite cliffs above.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at the far eastern end of Yosemite Valley, the park is sheltered by towering Ponderosa pines and incense cedars. From many sites, you can catch glimpses of the valley's granite walls, including the base of Washington Column. The proximity to the Tenaya Creek and Merced River creates a lush, shaded environment that stays cooler during the peak of summer, making it a prime location for those who appreciate crisp mountain air.
Amenities & Park Features
As a federal facility, North Pines offers a rustic experience without hookups for RVs. Each site is equipped with a heavy-duty food locker, a fire ring, and a picnic table. While there are no showers on-site, they are available within walking distance at Curry Village. The park maintains flush toilets and potable water stations throughout the loops. An RV dump station is conveniently located just across the road at the entrance to the neighboring Upper Pines area.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Staying here places you steps away from some of the park’s most iconic trails. The Mirror Lake Trailhead is practically at your doorstep, offering spectacular views of Half Dome’s face from the valley floor. You are also a short bike ride or shuttle trip from Yosemite Falls and the Mist Trail, which leads to Vernal and Nevada Falls. The nearby shuttle stop provides easy, car-free access to the entire valley floor and its various visitor centers and museums.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RV travelers who prioritize location and atmosphere over luxury amenities. If you enjoy falling asleep to the sound of flowing water and waking up under a canopy of ancient trees, you will find this setting unmatched. It is perfect for active families and photographers who want to be first on the trails before the day-use crowds arrive from outside the park gates to explore the valley.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Barbara Pritchard
We were lucky to get a spot at North Pine when someone cancelled and were happy with #400. One thing to know about the campgrounds in Yosemite Valley is that they are packed! You're there for the convienience of being close to it all, but don't expect privacy. Our night included crying babies and neighbor lanterns shining in our window until 1am. That said, it was great to be right there and our site had a view of Half Dome that was an unexpected treat.
Diego Rodríguez
This cramping has a premium location, you can do many hikes right from here , the views are amazing. It is really hard to get a space on this campsites and I am really disappointed to see many spots empty every day. I am not sure if it is because they do not want to sale all the spots for a reason or because people reserve and do not show up. If that is the case, there should be a sistem where people should confirm the visit the day of the reservation or the spot will be available for last minute visitors. Just an idea, but definitely those empty spots should be occupied every night. This park is beautiful and people travel alot to get there, just because there is not campsites available.
Steve Olds
Amazing location next to Merced, nice views of half dome, plenty of shade. Bear box has plenty of room. Most spots are right next to each other.
R Esparza
Amazing place to camp. There is no way to visit Yosemite Valley and not be amazed. All kids should be able to see this place once in their lives.
Craig Sizemore
Campground right next to a heavy flowing river where if you’re fortunate enough to get a camping site will be either right next to the river or within short walking distance to the river. Some of the views from the campsite are The Dome, The Bridalveil Fall and the River.
JD Hogan
The North Pines campground is super nice. The individual sites are well placed and the sites are very roomy. The water and dump are easy to access and overall a great site.
Leigh Fitz
I've been going to Yosemite for years and this was my favorite campsite. Great views all the way around, we were right on the Merced and the camp host was very good at keeping things quiet.
Chris Schnaufer
My family, friends and I Usually spend time in Yosemite a couple times or more each year. That said, we usually stay in Upper Pines campground as is typically easier to get a reservation. So, staying in North Pines was a welcome treat. Very clean facilities. No load, late night parties. Mostly larger than average, Yosemite valley size camp sites. It was a very pleasant stay, looking to spend more nights at North Pines!🤙
Teal DuPré
Beautiful campground, great for families. Clean bathrooms but bring your own hand soap, no showers available but you can use pay showers at Curry Village. Dog friendly but even on Labor Day weekend people were good about keeping their dogs under control. Fire pits are available but can only be used from 5pm-10pm. The river was low and slow, great for small kids playing safely, but still had plenty of deep spots if you wanted to get fully submerged on a hot day. Quiet hours were better observed at North Pines than across the river at Lower Pines where they were having a raucous time and big fires even at midnight. Despite the very large crowds for the holiday, it was still an enjoyable stay.
Randy Kielan
Always an absolute joy and amazing experience. Every year we try to get reservations for at least a few days of camping in Yosemite Valley but as soon as they release the campsites we try to grab them but they are taken within minutes of the release. This year we were blessed with a week stay in North Pines Campground in July, which is a total miracle. We always have a great time sharing our camping experiences with my wife’s family. This year was so great having our campsite for those with tents and my Sister in law had an RV at their site. We had the Grill and Upright Stove which worked best for some of the meals and the RV accommodated the other venues. We enjoyed swimming in the Merced River for refreshment. The Trams were running from Curry Village to Yosemite Village and the rest of the normal Valley Destinations. They were still working on construction for the Campground destinations. Curry Village and Yosemite Village always have any grocery items that you would want if you forgot them or just simply ran out. There are plenty of hiking trails for all levels of hiking that you and your family and friends can enjoy. I recommend having All Trails App and the preloaded trails to assist you in navigating your hiking along with bringing plenty of water please. Already missing Yosemite and looking forward to our next trip.