Best Yosemite Campground – Yosemite National Park Complete Guide
We loved our Yosemite visit, from watching climbers on El Capitan to taking a blanket and picnic to Glacier Point for sunset. Our camping base was Mariposa Fairgrounds RV Park, outside the national park. This guide compares campgrounds inside Yosemite and explains what to check before booking; we haven’t stayed at every campground listed.
Before reserving an RV site
There are no electric, water or sewer hookups at Yosemite campsites. Check RV and trailer lengths separately and confirm that your exact equipment fits the booked site. We enjoyed our outside-park camper stay, so compare both options if hookups are important to your trip.
Choosing a campground inside Yosemite
Start with your travel dates, equipment size and preferred area. Staying inside the park and staying near an entrance are different plans. For our outside-park options, see campsites near Yosemite. Verify current openings and reservation releases on the NPS campground page.
Bridalveil Creek Campground –
Bridalveil Creek is along Glacier Point Road. It requires reservations in its operating season. NPS reports an early closure on August 14, 2026 after a lightning strike damaged infrastructure. Check the campground details and current opening updates before planning a stay.
Yosemite Creek Campground –
Yosemite Creek is a seasonal Tioga Road-area option. Do not rely on the old first-come, first-served advice: check current reservations, road access and water arrangements on the NPS Yosemite Creek page.
Upper Pines Campgrounds-
Upper Pines is in Yosemite Valley and is listed for year-round operation. Tent and RV campers should check the specific site’s equipment limits. Compare the Pines campgrounds before reserving.
Upper Pines requires reservations. Check the current release calendar rather than assuming every Yosemite campground uses the same booking window.
White wolf campground –
White Wolf is a seasonal campground along Tioga Road. Check NPS White Wolf details for current services, access and site limits; the 2026 campground listing notes no water.
Tuolumne Meadows campground –
The old 2024/2025 reopening forecast is no longer useful. NPS lists Tuolumne Meadows for the 2026 season, July 1–September 27. Check next season’s dates before booking and read the Tuolumne Meadows campground information for equipment and facility details.
Wawona campground –
The Wawona Campground is located along the South Fork Merced River close to historic Wawona. At an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,219 m), this campground in Yosemite National Park offers visitors stunning views and plenty for them to do all year long! The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias can be found just a short drive away. As well as Pioneer History Center where you’ll see some amazing old structures dating back over 100 years ago when people first began coming into California’s Gold Rush territory. They offer tent, RV, group, and horse sites. You will need reservations. Click here for more information.
North Pines Campground –
North Pines is a seasonal Yosemite Valley campground. Its 2026 reservations used an early-access lottery, with remaining inventory released on regular sale dates. Check the current Pines booking information for your travel year.
Hodgdon Meadow Campground –
Hodgdon Meadow is near the Big Oak Flat entrance, outside Yosemite Valley. Check your actual route to the places you want to visit rather than treating it as a Valley campsite.
Check the Hodgdon Meadow site details and current reservation calendar for your dates and equipment.
Lower Pines Campground –
Lower Pines is inside Yosemite Valley. Check the Pines campground information for seasonal availability and the limits of the exact site you reserve.
Lower Pines requires reservations. It is a separate campground from Upper Pines and North Pines, so confirm the name and site number on your booking.
Mariposa Fairgrounds RV Park
This is outside Yosemite National Park, and it was where we stayed. We loved the peace and quiet that Mariposa Fairgrounds RV Park offered. It was so relaxing sitting outside our camper and just stargazing. Sites include electric and water hookups, restrooms and showers. Dump stations are located in easy access areas. During inclement weather, paved, graveled and sheltered areas are available. Click here for more information.
Is Yosemite Dog Friendly – Where to Hike and What to Do
When we asked a ranger where our dogs could go, she told us “Paws on pavement.” That was a helpful starting point for our visit, but posted restrictions still matter. NPS allows pets on many fully paved roads and paths, including Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, while most hiking trails are off limits. Keep dogs attended on a leash no longer than six feet and check the official Yosemite pet rules before choosing walks.
Pets are also allowed in all campgrounds except walk-in campgrounds and group sites. Make sure to pay attention to the weather conditions. You and your pet can get dehydrated easily with the heat and the altitude. Also remember the asphalt on the parking lot can be hot for your pets paws even for a short walk.
Here is the Yosemite pet policy
Beautiful Views & Hiking Trails:
There are so many hiking trails in Yosemite Valley that it’s pretty easy to find one to for your skill level. We are novice hikers and just like being out in nature. There were no shortage of trails for us hike. One of our favorites was Lower Yosemite Falls Trail. It’s a developed trail so pets are allowed. It winds its way through the pines and you gives you some amazing views along the way.
El Capitan
We didn’t hike along any trails around El Capitan when we visited. But just hiking in the meadows around El Capitan is amazing. If you have a spotter scope make sure you bring it with you. If not some good binoculars will work as well. We loved watching climbers make their way up El Cap. In the picture of El Cap above there are 5 climbers. Yeah it’s kinda big. On our way home from Glacier Point at night we even saw climbers that were “camping” on El Cap! It was crazy to see lights on El Cap at night.
No matter where you choose to hike, make sure to take some time and look around. We saw wildlife everywhere. Deer were just walking along the hiking trails. Make sure you aren’t just looking for the “big” wildlife. There are all kinds of beautiful animals in Yosemite. We loved seeing all the different species of birds as well!
Picnic at Glacier Point
This is a must do in my opinion. It’s really hard to describe how beautiful it is to watch the sunset at Glacier Point. We decided to bring a blanket and had a picnic while waiting for the sun to go down. We got there about an hour before sunset and didn’t have any problems finding a spot.
If you wanted to get to Glacier Point early you could explore the area. There are plenty of viewing areas that give you a great view of Half Dome. So make sure you take the time to explore! It’s a good idea to check road closures here. There are construction projects planned that may affect your route.
Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventure
The perfect way to experience Yosemite is by horseback. Take a one hour or two-hour ride around the beautiful park, and learn about its history from your guides. Or you can join them for an exclusive trail ride to Grizzly Giant, one of the largest giant sequoias in the world. The 2 hour ride was perfect for us. It was amazing riding a horse through the giant pines. We even got to cross a couple of creeks on our horses! The staff is amazing and goes above and beyond to make sure your experience is the best it can be. Click here for more information.
Yosemite Restaurants – Where to Eat
Savoury’s –
Savoury’s Restaurant is the perfect destination for a cozy getaway with friends or when you just want to relax and enjoy yourself. The menu has a broad range of choices that will suit any palate including great steak options as well seafood pasta dishes & signature cocktails! Plus they are conveniently located right off State HWY 140 in Mariposa! Click here for their menu.
Sierra Cider –
This is a great place to hang out and relax. You can take a tour of their 800 apple trees while you learn a little bit about the history and cider-making process. Then you can enjoy their tasting camp in the middle of the orchard! Of course you are invited to stay and enjoy the beautiful scenery while playing games like giant Jenga, corn hole, and many more. Click here for more information.
1850 Restaurant & Brewery –
This restaurant is truly amazing. Have you ever had something while you are on vacation and can’t stop thinking about it? This place did it to me! I had a pork chop with a bacon apple onion jam that was life changing. So much so that when I got back home I went on a mission to figure out how to make it! Enjoy their spin on burgers and salads at lunch and at night 1850 has more of a steakhouse vibe. Make sure to enjoy some of their local wines and spirits that they offer! They also have patio dining so you can bring your pet if you want! Click here for their menu.
Deli Delicious –
If you are looking a good deli sandwich to grab on your way to Yosemite, Deli Delicious is a perfect place. We got our sandwiches to go and had a picnic in Yosemite National Park! They have premium hot and cold deli sandwiches, salads, wraps, French fries, hot and cold beverages. Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options available. Click here for their menu.
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I really want to go here!!
It’s such a beautiful place!
Gorgeous. I haven’t been to Yosemite in probably 10 years and now this has me itching to go! We recently hit up the Redwoods, but Yosemite is something else entirely!
Agreed!