Upper Pines Campground, nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 4,000 feet, is the largest of the three reservation-based campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, offering 238 single-family campsites. Open year-round, it’s a prime choice for campers seeking proximity to iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Its central location, surrounded by the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada landscape, makes it a popular base for exploring the park’s natural wonders. However, its popularity comes with trade-offs, including crowded conditions and limited privacy. Below is a detailed review based on its setting, amenities, accessibility, and overall experience, along with a vivid description of the Yosemite Valley floor.
Yosemite Valley Floor
Yosemite Valley, where Upper Pines Campground is situated, is a geological masterpiece carved by glaciers over millennia. At approximately 4,000 feet elevation, the valley floor spans about 7 miles long and 1 mile wide, cradled by towering granite cliffs and lush forests. The Merced River meanders through the valley, its gentle flow providing a serene soundtrack to the campground. Visitors are greeted with breathtaking views of iconic formations: Half Dome’s sheer face dominates the eastern skyline, while El Capitan’s monolithic presence looms to the west. Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, cascades dramatically in the spring, visible from various points in the valley.
The valley floor is a vibrant mix of ecosystems, featuring Ponderosa pine, California black oak, and white fir trees that create a fragrant, shaded canopy over much of Upper Pines. Open meadows, like Cooks Meadow, burst with wildflowers in spring and early summer, attracting mule deer and other wildlife. The valley’s flat terrain is crisscrossed with 12 miles of paved bike paths and hiking trails, making it ideal for exploration by foot or bike. Landmarks like Glacier Point, accessible by a short drive, offer panoramic vistas of the valley, Half Dome, and distant peaks like Clouds Rest. The valley’s beauty is ever-changing, with golden light bathing the cliffs at sunset and misty mornings adding a mystical quality to the landscape. However, its popularity draws large crowds, especially in summer, leading to bustling trails and busy shuttle stops.
Campground Details
Location and Accessibility
Upper Pines Campground is located near the end of Southside Drive, close to Curry Village (now called Half Dome Village) and the Happy Isles trailhead, providing easy access to major trails like the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. The campground is reachable via Highway 41 from Fresno, Highway 140 from Merced, or Highway 120 from Manteca, with clear signage directing visitors to Yosemite Valley. A free shuttle bus stops near the campground entrance, connecting campers to key valley attractions, reducing the need to drive.
The campground features paved roads and parking spurs, with designated wheelchair-accessible sites (6, 7, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 39, 42, and 43) 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 check-in the next morning to avoid cancellation.
Amenities
Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker (35”D x 43”W x 28”H). The campground provides flush toilets, drinking water, and a free dump station near the entrance, though no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups are available at individual sites. Showers and laundry facilities are accessible at Curry Village or Housekeeping Camp, about a 10-minute walk or short shuttle ride away. A general store, restaurants, and an activities desk at Curry Village cater to additional needs.
Campsite Layout and Privacy
Upper Pines is organized into six one-way loops, with sites closely spaced in a heavily forested setting. While the Ponderosa pine forest offers shade, privacy is limited due to the campground’s high density. Sites like 8, 9, 10, 21, 46, 62, 69, 99, 108, 137, 156, 172, 179, 182, 197, 202, 204, 206, 207, 208, 210, 211, 216, 220, 222, 226, 228, 230, 238, 239, and 240 are noted for better privacy or scenic views, often located along the perimeter or near natural features like streams. For example, site 222 is praised for its proximity to a small stream, adding ambiance. However, many campers describe the layout as feeling like a “parking lot,” with little space between sites, making it challenging to escape noise from neighboring campers.
RV and Tent Camping
The campground accommodates tents, RVs up to 35 feet, and trailers up to 24 feet, though not all sites can handle maximum lengths, so checking site details on Recreation.gov is essential. Two vehicles are allowed per site (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 nearby.
Reservation and Cost
Reservations are required from March 15 through November, 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. From December to mid-March, a limited number of sites (about 50 in the first two loops) are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Demand is high, especially in summer, and sites often sell out within minutes. A waitlist is available in person at the campground office near Half Dome Village, with 10–20 spots typically released daily due to cancellations.
Activities and Attractions
Upper Pines’ location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby trails include the easy 2-mile roundtrip to Mirror Lake and the strenuous 14–16-mile Half Dome trek (permit required). The Mist Trail, leading to Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the Yosemite Falls Trail are within walking distance. Biking is highly recommended, with 12 miles of paved paths offering a car-free way to explore the valley. Rafting on the Merced River is popular in summer when water levels permit. Ranger-led programs, museums, and an art center provide educational and cultural experiences. Curry Village offers guided bus tours and a climbing school for those interested in Yosemite’s world-renowned rock climbing.
Wildlife and Safety
Yosemite Valley is home to black bears, mule deer, bobcats, and other wildlife, necessitating strict food storage protocols. All food, toiletries, and scented items must be stored in bear lockers, not vehicles, to prevent bear incidents. Campers report frequent bear activity, especially at night, and rangers enforce compliance with citations for violations. Trash must be disposed of in bear-proof dumpsters, and the park encourages zero-landfill practices with recycling stations. Altitude awareness is advised due to the 4,000-foot elevation, and weather can vary from snowy winters to hot summers, so checking forecasts is crucial.
Campground Map
Camper Feedback
Positives
- Location: Campers consistently praise Upper Pines for its unbeatable proximity to Yosemite’s major attractions. “The location cannot be beat. You are in the valley with all the adventures right there!” (Hipcamp, November 2025). The campground’s access to trails and the shuttle system makes it a convenient base.
- Scenery: The views of granite cliffs and the forested setting are highlights. “The view up the valley walls is amazing” (The Dyrt, September 2020). Sites along the perimeter, like 222, offer scenic touches like streams.
- Amenities: Clean flush toilets and accessible drinking water are well-maintained, with campers noting, “The women’s bathrooms were surprisingly clean all 5 days” (Yelp, 2025). The dump station and proximity to showers at Curry Village are appreciated.
- Staff: Rangers and camp hosts are responsive, quickly addressing issues like noisy campers (X post, May 10, 2025). A camper highlighted a ranger named Judy who accommodated a trailer issue, ensuring a positive experience (PerfectCamp, May 4, 2025).
Negatives
- Crowding and Noise: The campground’s size and density lead to a lack of privacy. “Probably the most crowded campgrounds I’ve ever been to. Felt more like a refugee camp” (The Dyrt, 2020). Noise from neighboring sites, especially large groups, can disrupt sleep, with quiet hours (10 PM–6 AM) not always enforced effectively.
- Bathroom Conditions: While women’s restrooms receive positive reviews, some campers report issues with men’s facilities, citing litter and poor maintenance during peak times (Campendium, 2013).
- Reservations: Securing a site is challenging, with availability selling out quickly. “It took over a year and a half to reserve 4 consecutive sites” (The Dyrt, 2020). Checking Recreation.gov daily for cancellations is advised.
- Bear Activity: Frequent bear visits require vigilance. “There is HEAVY BEAR ACTIVITY. Keep all food/toothpaste/sunscreen in the bear bin” (The Dyrt, 2020).
Tips for Campers
- Book Early: Reserve exactly five months in advance at 7:00 AM PST on Recreation.gov, as sites sell out quickly. Monitor for cancellations if you miss the initial window.
- Bring Bikes: Bikes are a game-changer for navigating the valley’s trails and avoiding crowded shuttles. “My number one recommendation is: BIKES, bring bikes” (Tripadvisor, 2016).
- Bear Precautions: Use bear lockers for all scented items, including canned goods and toiletries. A padlock for the locker is recommended to deter theft (Yelp, 2025).
- Site Selection: Choose perimeter sites (e.g., 21, 156, 222) for slightly more privacy or scenic features. Check site dimensions on Recreation.gov to ensure RV or trailer compatibility.
- Plan for Crowds: Visit in May for waterfalls or September for fall colors to avoid peak summer crowds. Wake up early to beat crowds on popular trails.
- Weather Prep: Pack for variable weather, especially in spring or fall, as the valley can be cold in the shade of cliffs.
Overall Experience
Upper Pines Campground is a fantastic choice for those prioritizing location and convenience over solitude. Its setting on the Yosemite Valley floor immerses campers in one of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes, with easy access to trails, biking, and park amenities. The trade-off is a crowded, sometimes noisy environment with limited privacy, akin to a “parking lot” campground. For many, the chance to sleep under the stars surrounded by Half Dome and El Capitan outweighs these drawbacks. “The natural beauty of this place forgives every shortfall” (The Dyrt, November 2020). With proper planning—early reservations, bikes, and bear safety adherence—Upper Pines offers an unforgettable Yosemite experience.
Rating: 4/5 stars. The unparalleled location and solid amenities earn high marks, but crowding and occasional maintenance issues prevent a perfect score.
Sources: Recreation.gov, Yosemite.com, NPS.gov, The Dyrt, Yelp, Tripadvisor, Hipcamp, Campendium, PerfectCamp, CampsitePhotos.com