Choose a Suitable Site in Yosemite's Campgrounds

For those in the know, Yosemite National Park's campgrounds can provide fabulous places to stay. This article reviews how to find the most ideal sites in three different campgrounds, suggesting possible sites to ensure a better camping experience. The perspectives offered here include advice for how to seek quieter locations with little extras, such as great views or proximity to amenities.

Steps

Valley Floor

North Pines Campground

North Pines campsite is ideally located on the Valley floor near Curry Village with a beautiful view of Washington's Column soaring above and the Merced River found directly below. While extremely crowded, North Pines is one of Yosemite's most popular campsites.

  1. Note that the campsites at North Pines Campground are packed very closely together. If you are looking to spread out and enjoy some privacy in the great outdoors, North Pines is not the campsite for you.
  2. Pick the best campsites for your needs:<p>
    • For the single best campsite, try site 506. It is a shady site located near a bubbling rapid section of the river and sits in relative isolation from the other sites. It cannot hold an RV.
    • Other good shady sites on the Merced river include sites 502, 504, 526, 524, 522 and 520.
    • Sunny sites that are pleasant include sites on the river, such as site 113. Other sunny sites situated on the river but also located near the road, both in and out of the campground, are sites 101, 103 105, 107, 109 and 111.
    • One delightful spot is site 136. This is a shady, relatively isolated site within view of Tenaya Creek.
  3. Avoid the sites not mentioned in this guide if possible. They are the most crowded and do not provide riverfront access.

Lower Pines Campground

Lower Pines campground in Yosemite National Park is highly sought after. For this reason, it becomes very crowded due to its great location next to the Merced River. Yet, unlike North Pines campground, many sites in Lower Pines benefit from being sunny in the morning and early afternoon.

  1. Choose sites near the river. Suitable sites include sites 18, 37, 28, 39, 60 and 63. These are great when the weather isn't too hot. Be aware, however, that on a very hot summer's day, the lack of tree cover can make these campsites rather uncomfortable.
  2. Select shady spots if you prefer. These are located in the back of the campground. As such, they have some relative isolation and avoid the sun. Suggested good sites include 87, 88, 89, 69, 70, 71, 53, 4 and 2.
  3. Be aware that there are some acceptable good sites not mentioned in this how-to. However, many of them may be crowded and unappealing if you are seeking more solitude and space.

Higher Ground

Crane Flat Campground

This campground offers a fine alternative to the hot, tightly packed campgrounds on the Valley Floor. While still very crowded, this one is generally not as noisy as those located in the Valley.

  1. Pick one of the flat sites in Crane Flat. These include sites 209, 305, 316, 211, 213 and 2. Select site 308 if you'd like to have a sunny site with a pretty view of the meadow.
  2. Choose the most isolated site if you want the most peace. This is site 234, which is a delightful flat spot for one, will fit maybe two tents and sits near a meadow about a {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} walk from the parking area.
  3. Prefer site 207 if you want a tent site located near the bathroom but far from the noise.



Tips

  • North Pines is largely shady for most of the day. This makes the site enjoyable during the summer months.
  • Reservations are required at Crane Flat in the summer months.
  • Crane Flat is located at an elevation of {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. This means that it gets chilly at night. Pack appropriately (warm outer layers, good sleeping bag etc.).
  • Reservations are required year round to stay in the North Pines campground and Lower Pines campground. Reservations information is available from the National Park Service.

Warnings

  • While it's less packed than the Valley campsites, Crane Flat is still crowded. Campers seeking isolation should explore other areas such as the nearby Tamarack Flat.
  • There are areas where there are no flush toilets in Yosemite National Park.
  • Lower Pines is a very crowded campground. Campers seeking isolation should seek other destinations.

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