Upper Pines Campground – Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park

Upper Pines Campground is the largest and most popular campground on the floor of Yosemite Valley, offering the best combination of availability, convenience, and proximity to major attractions. Surrounded by towering pines and dramatic granite walls, this campground provides easy access to waterfalls, hiking trails, shuttle stops, and iconic viewpoints, making it one of the most sought-after basecamps in the entire national park.

Location & Access

Located near Curry Village on the east end of Yosemite Valley, Upper Pines sits along the main loop road and provides quick access to trailheads for the Mist Trail, John Muir Trail, Mirror Lake, and Happy Isles. Many of the valley’s most famous features—Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls—are easily reached by walking, biking, or using the shuttle system. Despite its central location, the campground remains surrounded by forest and feels tucked beneath the towering granite cliffs that define the valley’s landscape.

Campground Overview

With roughly 230+ sites, Upper Pines is the largest of the Yosemite Valley campgrounds and accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs up to approximately 35 feet. The campground is divided into several loops, each offering a mix of wooded, meadow-adjacent, and more open sites. Because of its size and layout, Upper Pines typically offers the most reservation availability in the valley, though it still fills quickly during spring, summer, and fall. Many sites feature views of surrounding cliffs and are just a short walk from the Merced River and several trail corridor paths.

Amenities

Campsites in Upper Pines include picnic tables, fire rings, and mandatory bear-resistant food lockers at every site. Restrooms with flush toilets are located throughout the loops, and potable water is available seasonally. Showers are not inside the campground itself but are available nearby at Curry Village, an easy walk or bike ride away. There are no electrical hookups, but a dump station is located at the entrance to the valley campgrounds. Paved paths link Upper Pines to shuttle stops, visitor services, and recreational areas throughout Yosemite Valley.

Activities & Nearby Trails

Upper Pines is one of the best-positioned campgrounds for accessing Yosemite’s most iconic hikes. The Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, the John Muir Trail, and the Mirror Lake Trail are all within walking distance. Biking paths connect the campground to Yosemite Village, Yosemite Falls, and meadows throughout the valley. The Merced River offers summer swimming and wading areas, while the nearby Happy Isles Nature Center and ranger programs provide education and family-friendly activities. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer, coyotes, and a variety of birds often exploring the surrounding forest and meadows.

Summary

Upper Pines Campground is the most flexible and accessible place to stay in Yosemite Valley, offering a wide range of campsites and unmatched convenience for exploring the park’s most famous features. Its central location, classic valley scenery, and easy access to trails and services make it a top choice for both first-time visitors and returning Yosemite adventurers. For those who want to immerse themselves fully in the heart of Yosemite, Upper Pines delivers an excellent and unforgettable camping experience.