🏕 Campground
Upper Pines Campground (Yosemite Valley)
About This Permit
Upper Pines is the largest campground in Yosemite Valley and one of the hardest recreation.gov reservations in the country. Situated at the base of Glacier Point with views of Half Dome and Sentinel Rock, it serves as base camp for day hikes to the Valley's most iconic destinations. Sites open 5 months in advance and vanish within seconds for peak summer dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Yosemite Valley campsite reservation?
Reservations open exactly 5 months before arrival at 7:00 AM Pacific on recreation.gov. For a July 4th site, that means opening in early February. Be logged in before 7 AM. Sites are gone within seconds for peak dates. PermitAlert can catch cancellations throughout the season.
What are the differences between Upper, Lower, and North Pines campgrounds?
Upper Pines (238 sites) is the largest and most central. Lower Pines (73 sites) sits right on the Merced River. North Pines (81 sites) is nearest the stables with the least traffic. All require recreation.gov reservations.
Can I drive my RV into Upper Pines?
Yes — most sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet (some sites have length restrictions). No hookups; a dump station is provided. A Yosemite timed entry reservation is also required separately from the campsite.
Key Facts
- State
- CA
- Season
- Year-round (first two loops only in winter — ~50 sites available December – mid-February)
- Sites
- 238 sites (tent and RV; no hookups; most sites up to 35 ft RV, trailers typically limited to 24 ft)
- Access
- Yosemite Valley via Hwy 140, 41, or 120; Valley Drive to Pines area
- Reservation Window
- Reservations open on the 15th of each month, up to 5 months in advance, at 7:00 AM PT on recreation.gov
- Difficulty to reserve
- 5/5(Nearly impossible)
Get an SMS the moment a cancellation opens — we scan every 60 seconds.
Set an Alert for This Permit