Upper Pines Campground
Inside the park · Yosemite Valley floor
The largest of the Yosemite Valley campgrounds, Upper Pines sits under ponderosa pine within walking distance of Happy Isles and the Mist Trail. Sites are close together but the location is unmatched.
Price
$36
per night
Booking
Books early
Type
Campground
You'll book on Recreation.gov. We don't handle reservations.
Score breakdown
Weighted from seven categories.
Why it scores this way
Upper Pines earns its high overall score almost entirely on view and value — you camp under El Capitan and Half Dome for $36 a night. Comfort is solid but sites are packed close together, and the booking score is low because reservations open five months out and disappear within minutes for peak season.
See methodology →Best for
- First-time Yosemite visitors
- Families who want valley access
- Photographers chasing golden hour
- Hikers starting Mist Trail
Good to know before booking
- Reservations open exactly 5 months in advance on Recreation.gov and go fast
- Sites are close together — do not expect quiet
- Bear boxes required for all food storage
- Generators allowed 7–9 am, noon–2 pm, 5–7 pm only
Best time to camp here
- Best months
- May – early June, September – October
- Higher demand
- June through August, all weekends
- Weather note
- Valley heat peaks in July; shoulder seasons trade crowds for cooler nights.
Amenities
Essentials
- Toilets
Site features
- Firepits
- Picnic tables
Comfort & connectivity
- Camp store
Access & activities
- Trailhead access
- Ranger programs
Tags
Location
Yosemite Valley, CA
Inside the park · Yosemite Valley floor
37.740° N, 119.566° W
Open in Google MapsNearby alternatives
Three campgrounds close by, each with a different trade-off.
Data note. Scores are editorial estimates from published park data, amenity lists and seasonal booking patterns — not live availability. Booking availability shown on partner sites is authoritative.
Disclosure. CampingPoints may earn a commission when you book through some partner links. This never affects a campground's score or ranking.
Last reviewed: January 2026
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