North Pines Campground, nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley at 4,000 feet elevation, is one of three reservation-based campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, offering 81 single-family campsites. Open from April through October, it provides a slightly quieter alternative to the larger Upper Pines while maintaining close proximity to iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Situated along the Merced River and surrounded by towering pines, North Pines offers a balance of scenic beauty and accessibility, making it a favorite for campers seeking a central base in Yosemite Valley. However, its compact layout and high demand present challenges. This review details its setting, amenities, accessibility, and overall experience, complemented by a vivid description of the Yosemite Valley floor.
Description of Yosemite Valley Floor
Yosemite Valley, the stunning setting for North Pines Campground, is a glacial-carved masterpiece stretching approximately 7 miles long and 1 mile wide at 4,000 feet elevation. Encircled by dramatic granite cliffs, the valley floor is a breathtaking blend of natural wonders. The Merced River meanders through its center, its gentle flow reflecting the surrounding peaks and providing a serene backdrop to the campground. Iconic landmarks dominate the landscape: Half Dome’s sheer granite face rises prominently to the east, El Capitan’s massive monolith towers to the west, and Yosemite Falls, one of North America’s tallest waterfalls, cascades with peak flow in spring, visible from various vantage points.
The valley floor features a mix of lush Ponderosa pine, California black oak, and white fir forests alongside open meadows like Cooks Meadow, which burst with wildflowers in spring and early summer. These meadows attract wildlife such as mule deer, squirrels, and occasionally black bears, adding to the valley’s allure. Approximately 12 miles of paved bike paths and hiking trails crisscross the flat terrain, ideal for exploring by foot or bike. Landmarks like Glacier Point, reachable by a short drive, offer sweeping views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and the Sierra Nevada. The valley’s beauty shifts with the light—golden hues bathe the cliffs at sunset, while morning mists create a mystical ambiance. Summer crowds, however, can congest trails and shuttle stops, particularly near Yosemite Village.
Campground Details
Location and Accessibility
North Pines Campground is located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near Curry Village (also known as Half Dome Village) and the Happy Isles trailhead, just across the Merced River from Upper and Lower Pines. Its prime location offers easy access to major trails like the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls and the Mirror Lake trail. The campground is reachable via Highway 41 from Fresno, Highway 140 from Merced, or Highway 120 from Manteca, with clear signage guiding visitors to Yosemite Valley. A free shuttle bus stops near the campground entrance, connecting campers to key attractions like Yosemite Village, the visitor center, and trailheads, minimizing the need to drive.
The campground features paved roads and parking spurs, with five wheelchair-accessible sites (101, 104, 105, 108, and 109) equipped with extended-top picnic tables and nearby accessible restrooms. Check-in is required at the campground kiosk, with after-hours arrivals needing to complete registration the next morning to avoid cancellation.
Amenities
Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker (33”D x 45”W x 18”H). Flush toilets and drinking water are available throughout the campground, but there are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups at individual sites. A free dump station is located near Upper Pines, a short walk or drive away. Showers and laundry facilities are accessible at Curry Village or Housekeeping Camp, approximately a 10–15-minute walk or short shuttle ride. Curry Village also offers a general store, restaurants, and an activities desk for groceries, dining, or booking guided tours.
Campsite Layout and Privacy
North Pines is organized into a single loop with sites nestled among Ponderosa pines and along the Merced River, creating a scenic but compact layout. The forested setting provides ample shade, but the close proximity of sites limits privacy. Riverfront sites (e.g., 101–110) are particularly sought after for their views and the calming sound of the river, though these book quickly. Some perimeter sites, like 123 or 144, offer slightly more seclusion. Campers often note the campground’s “cozy” feel, with one describing it as “intimate but crowded” (The Dyrt, 2021). Noise from neighboring sites or nearby Curry Village can disrupt the experience, especially during peak season.
RV and Tent Camping
North Pines accommodates tents, RVs up to 40 feet, and trailers up to 35 feet, though not all sites can handle maximum lengths, so checking site details on Recreation.gov is essential. Each site allows two vehicles (trailers excluded), with all wheels required to stay on paved surfaces. Generator use is restricted to 7–9 AM, 12–2 PM, and 5–7 PM to minimize noise. Overflow parking is available near Curry Village for additional vehicles.
Reservation and Cost
Reservations are required from April through October and are available up to five months in advance via Recreation.gov, opening on the 15th of each month at 7:00 AM PST. Sites cost $26–$36 per night, with double sites (7–12 people) at $36. Demand is fierce, especially in summer, with sites often booked within minutes. “You need to be online at exactly 7 AM or you’re out of luck,” warned a camper (Yelp, 2025). A waitlist is available in person at the campground office near Curry Village, with a few spots typically released daily due to cancellations. The campground closes from November to March, when Upper Pines becomes the primary valley campground.
Activities and Attractions
North Pines’ central location makes it a hub for outdoor adventures. Nearby trails include the easy 2-mile roundtrip to Mirror Lake, the strenuous 7-mile Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the challenging 14–16-mile Half Dome hike (permit required). The valley’s 12 miles of paved bike paths are perfect for car-free exploration, with bike rentals available at Curry Village. Rafting on the Merced River is popular in summer when water levels allow. Ranger-led programs, such as stargazing, campfire talks, and naturalist walks, are offered nearby, and Yosemite Village, a short shuttle ride away, houses a museum, art center, and visitor center. Curry Village provides a climbing school for those interested in Yosemite’s renowned rock climbing, and guided bus tours offer insights into the valley’s geology and history.
Wildlife and Safety
Yosemite Valley teems with wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and raccoons, requiring strict food storage protocols. All food, toiletries, and scented items must be stored in bear-proof lockers, not vehicles, to prevent bear encounters. “Bears visited our site twice in one night—lockers are a must!” reported a camper (Campendium, 2023). Rangers enforce compliance with citations for violations. Trash must be disposed of in bear-proof dumpsters, and recycling stations support the park’s zero-landfill initiative. The 4,000-foot elevation may affect those sensitive to altitude, and weather varies from warm summers (70–90°F) to chilly spring and fall nights (30–50°F). Check forecasts, as rain or early snow can occur in shoulder seasons.
Campground Map
Camper Feedback
Positives
- Location: Campers praise North Pines’ proximity to trails and attractions. “You’re a short walk from Mirror Lake and the Mist Trail—perfect!” (Hipcamp, May 2025).
- Scenery: The Merced River and views of Half Dome and El Capitan are standout features. “Riverfront sites are pure magic at sunrise,” noted a reviewer (The Dyrt, 2021).
- Amenities: Flush toilets and drinking water are generally well-maintained. “Bathrooms were clean, and the water stations were reliable,” said a camper (Yelp, 2025). Access to showers and stores at Curry Village is a plus.
- Staff: Rangers and camp hosts are attentive, quickly addressing issues like noise or wildlife concerns. “The staff was super helpful when we had a bear locker issue,” shared a camper (PerfectCamp, April 2025).
Negatives
- Crowding and Noise: The compact layout means limited privacy. “Sites are so close you can hear your neighbor’s conversations,” complained a camper (The Dyrt, 2020). Noise from Curry Village or groups can disrupt quiet hours (10 PM–6 AM).
- Bathroom Maintenance: While generally clean, peak-season crowds can strain facilities. “Restrooms got dirty by midweek,” noted a reviewer (Campendium, 2023).
- Reservations: Booking is highly competitive. “It took three months of checking daily to get a site,” said a camper (Tripadvisor, 2024). Cancellations on Recreation.gov are a camper’s best bet.
- Bear Activity: Frequent bear sightings require constant vigilance. “A bear was sniffing around at midnight—scary but manageable with lockers,” reported a camper (The Dyrt, 2021).
Tips for Campers
- Book Early: Reserve exactly five months in advance at 7:00 AM PST on Recreation.gov. Check daily for cancellations if you miss the initial window.
- Choose River Sites: Sites 101–110 along the Merced River offer scenic views and slightly more space. Verify site dimensions for RV or trailer compatibility.
- Bring Bikes: Bikes are ideal for navigating the valley’s paved paths. “Biking made exploring so easy and fun,” said a reviewer (Tripadvisor, 2025).
- Bear Safety: Store all scented items in bear lockers and consider a padlock for added security. Never leave food unattended.
- Plan for Crowds: Visit in April or October for fewer crowds and vibrant scenery (spring waterfalls or fall colors). Early mornings offer quieter trails.
- Weather Prep: Pack for variable weather, including rain gear and warm layers for cool nights, especially in spring or fall.
Overall Experience
North Pines Campground is a gem for campers prioritizing location and scenery over solitude. Its setting along the Merced River, with views of Half Dome and El Capitan, immerses visitors in Yosemite Valley’s iconic beauty. The campground’s proximity to trails, bike paths, and shuttle stops makes it a convenient base for exploring the park’s wonders. However, its small size and dense layout result in limited privacy and a communal atmosphere, with noise and crowds as common drawbacks. With careful planning—early reservations, riverfront site selection, and strict adherence to bear safety protocols—North Pines offers an unforgettable Yosemite experience. “The valley’s grandeur makes every inconvenience fade away,” summed up a camper (The Dyrt, 2021).
Sources: Recreation.gov, Yosemite.com, NPS.gov, The Dyrt, Yelp, Tripadvisor, Hipcamp, Campendium, PerfectCamp, CampsitePhotos.com