Family Camping Yosemite: What to Know

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon
• Pinterest

We love a Yosemite family camping trip. I wish I had all the secrets in the world to help my followers get campsites in Yosemite Valley. Since 2020, it seems even more difficult to get campsites, as more and more people found that they love being outdoors. That being said, I do have some tips to share, along with some must-dos in the park if you do get so lucky to visit it.

And if you don’t score a campsite at first, check out this app that will scan for cancellations for you. It’ll even add it to your cart for you!

It’s no wonder why Yosemite is such a popular destination. Visitors to Yosemite will find deep valleys, dramatic granite cliffs, and ancient sequoias, showcasing the park’s diverse topography and breathtaking natural beauty. Pair that with waterfalls and wildlife, and you’ll never want to leave. Thanks to human foresight, Yosemite National Park was preserved for future generations to enjoy its wonders.

Visiting Yosemite

First of all, you don’t have to camp in the valley to be able to visit it. Plenty of people go for day trips and stay outside of the park. That’s not a bad alternative. However, if you can score a stay in the valley, do it. Nothing comes close to beating that experience.

And don’t forget that you can get into Yosemite for free if you have a 4th grade student thanks to the free National park pass they get. This just includes the entrance fee, not the camping or lodging fees. Check out this list of the best national parks for kids to see where else you can use your pass!

There are many ways you can stay in the valley. You can camp or stay in the lodges. There are also many campgrounds located in Yosemite, but outside of the valley. In fact, Yosemite National Park has 13 campgrounds within its boundaries, with four in Yosemite Valley, two in the southern part, and seven in the northwestern and High Sierra areas. This post will focus only on the ways to camp in the valley.

Campgrounds in Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley has 4 campgrounds to choose from for your Yosemite family camping trip: Lower Pines, Upper Pines, North Pines and Camp 4.

All of these campgrounds have bathrooms and running water. These campgrounds also offer views of iconic features like Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. They also have a bear box on each campsite, and using the bear boxes to store food in strongly enforced. Campgrounds in Yosemite vary in elevation, which can affect evening temperatures.

RVs and trailers are not permitted in Camp 4, and some campgrounds have specific rules or restrictions for RV and trailer camping.

Permits may be required for certain activities or overnight stays in Yosemite National Park.

Camp 4

Camp 4 is a walk-in, first-come, first-served campground during the off-season (from October 21 to May 21) and is open year-round. Between May 21 and October 21, you can reserve a spot two weeks in advance. From April 13 to October 27,

Camp 4 reservations are released one week in advance on a rolling daily window, so it’s important to plan ahead and book as soon as sites become available. These are tent-only sites and can accommodate up to 6 people. Camp 4 is especially popular among climbers.

Upper Pines, Lower Pines and North Pines

Plan ahead: Reservations are required for most Yosemite campgrounds from approximately April through October, and it is essential to book as early as possible due to high demand. Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines are all located in close proximity to one another, and these are my absolute favorite campgrounds to camp in. In the spring and summer, these campgrounds are extremely difficult to reserve, as there is a ton of competition.

Lower Pines and North Pines are just across the river from one another, and Upper Pines is adjacent to Lower Pines.

The largest of the 3 campgrounds is Upper Pines, with 238 sites. North Pines has 81 sites, and Lower Pines has 60 sites. Because of the number of sites Upper Pines has, and because it is not as close in proximity to the river, this campground would seem to be your best bet at getting a campsite in Yosemite Valley. However, it is still far from guaranteed.

Making Reservations at Upper, Lower and North Pines Campgrounds

These Yosemite Valley campgrounds—Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines—have specific reservation windows. Reservations for Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow are released five months in advance, one month at a time, at 7 am PST. During the busy season of May–October, campsites are often fully booked within minutes of release. For example, on February 15, you will have access to book campsites from June 15 through July 14. Then on March 15, you can try for dates from July 15 to Aug. 14.

During the peak season (June to September), campgrounds are extremely popular and often fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. It is highly advisable to make reservations as early as possible, ideally 5–6 months in advance, to secure your spot. If you don’t succeed, use this app to scan for cancellations for you!

North Pines is now reserved through a lottery. You must enter the lottery between dates in November and December, and winners will get early access at booking sites for the following summer dates.

Curry Village & Housekeeping Camp

If camping isn’t exactly your thing, there are other options for your Yosemite family camping trip that are a good compromise. Two areas in Yosemite Valley are set up with canvas-style tents that you can rent: Curry Village and the Housekeeping Camp

Curry Village is located closest to Lower Pines campground, and has shower facilities and a pool. The Housekeeping Camp is located on the Merced River with a nice sandy beach and beautiful views of Yosemite Falls.

These tents come complete with cots to sleep on for up to 6 people. You can rent sleeping materials or bring your own sleeping bags and pillows. The Housekeeping Camp also includes a fire ring with each tent. Some cabins have their own bathrooms, others will share a bathhouse with other campers.

These units are all very popular as well and are reservable one year and one day in advance. So, 366 days out. The nice thing about that is that you can book one of these a year out. But then if you get lucky with a camping reservation, you can cancel your unit. You’d be out a small cancellation fee, but that’s it.

Safety and Regulations for Family Campers

When you’re camping in Yosemite National Park with your family, safety and respect for the park’s rules are key to a fun and worry-free adventure. Yosemite Valley campgrounds, including favorites like Upper Pines Campground and Lower Pines, have specific regulations designed to protect both visitors and the incredible natural environment. The National Park Service works hard to preserve Yosemite’s vast wilderness area, from its grand meadows and deep valleys to the ancient giant sequoias that make this park so special.

One of the most important rules when camping in Yosemite is proper food storage. Every campsite has a bear box. And it’s essential to use it for all food, snacks, and scented items. This helps prevent wildlife—especially bears—from wandering into campgrounds in search of a meal. Remind your kids to never leave food unattended. And always clean up after meals to keep your campsite tidy and safe.

Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings, and there are often restrictions depending on the season and fire danger. Be sure to check current fire regulations before your trip. Quiet hours are enforced in all Yosemite Valley campgrounds, so everyone can enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature (and get a good night’s sleep!). Generators have limited hours of use, and proper waste disposal is a must. Always use the provided trash and recycling bins.

By following these guidelines, you’re helping to protect Yosemite’s unique wildlife and the breathtaking landscapes that make camping in Yosemite such a memorable experience. Teaching your family to respect the park’s rules not only keeps everyone safe, but also ensures that future generations can enjoy the beauty of the park’s giant sequoias, grand meadows, and deep valleys.

Preparing for Your Yosemite Family Camping Trip

A successful Yosemite family camping trip starts with planning ahead. Especially when it comes to securing your spot at one of the park’s popular campgrounds. Yosemite camping reservations are in high demand, particularly for campgrounds like Tuolumne Meadows Campground, Hodgdon Meadow Campground, North Pines, and Wawona Campground. The National Park Service uses a reservation system that opens months in advance. So it’s important to mark your calendar and be ready to book as soon as your preferred dates become available.

If you’re hoping to visit during the extremely popular months of April through October, consider making your Yosemite campground reservation as early as possible. Some families find that visiting in early spring or late fall offers a quieter experience, with fewer crowds and the chance to see Yosemite Valley’s iconic sights—like Half Dome and Glacier Point—framed by the changing seasons. Always check the park’s website for the latest updates on trail conditions, road closures (such as Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road), and campground availability before your trip.

Packing wisely is another key to a smooth adventure. Bring layers for cool evenings, sturdy hiking boots for exploring the High Sierra, and plenty of water and snacks for your family. Don’t forget essentials like flashlights, rain gear, and a first aid kit. Check out the hiking recommendations here.

And remember, campground reservations in Yosemite National Park fill up fast, so reserve your campsite well in advance to avoid disappointment.

By preparing thoroughly and planning ahead, you’ll be ready to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Great Valley, the rolling meadows of Tuolumne, and the unforgettable moments that come with camping in one of America’s most beautiful national parks.

What to Do on Your Yosemite Family Camping Trip

If you choose to stay in Yosemite Village during your Yosemite family camping trip, you have access to so much that the park has to offer. There is a shuttle service that can get you to various points throughout the Valley, like Mirror Lake, Happy Isles, the Visitor Center, Yosemite Falls, and more.

Yosemite boasts over 750 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy loops to strenuous climbs. If the water levels aren’t too high, you can raft on the river.

Enjoy pizza in the village. Walk through the meadows and look for deer. Use binoculars to watch climbers scale the massive walls of El Capitan. The list goes on and on. Winter activities in Yosemite include ice skating at Curry Village and snowshoeing.

There are many hikes that have trailheads in the Valley, so you have easy access to those as well. Popular activities in Yosemite include hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing, with major attractions like Yosemite Falls and Half Dome.

Check out this list of the best hikes in Yosemite, or these more kid-friendly Yosemite hikes. If you’re looking for one of the most scenic waterfall hikes in Yosemite, check out the Panorama Trail. Tuolumne Meadows is ideal for alpine hiking, but it is closed during winter.

Booking Tips: How to Book Your Yosemite Family Camping Trip

Like I mentioned, there is nothing I can tell you to 100% guarantee you’ll get a campsite in Yosemite. But there are things you can do to help improve your chances. First, know when to book. Set alarms on your phone. The reservations begin at 7am and will be completely gone before 7:01am during those popular months. You need to be logged in and ready to go before 7am for your best shot. To improve your chances of securing a reservation, try using multiple devices and accounts to book at the exact reservation time.

Because I have only tent camped in Yosemite, my strategy has always been to try for smaller sites with the hope that those would be less popular. People with large motorhomes need bigger sites. So if I tried for the tent-only sites or the sites with a 20-ft. vehicle limit, I hoped there would be less competition.

Daily campground fees in Yosemite typically cost about $36 a night. Campground reservations become available between one week and five months in advance, depending on the campground. If you’re unable to secure a reservation, first served camping is an alternative option. But you must arrive early to claim a spot. I’ve never tried this because I’m too scared of making that drive with the kids and then not lucking out.

Lower Pines seems to be the most popular campground, with close river proximity and a nice meadow nearby, so trying for a campsite in Upper Pines instead will eliminate some of the competition.

North Pines has been piloting a lottery system for making reservations, so paying the $10 to join that lottery can also help increase your odds of getting a site. First-come, first-served camping is available in late fall, winter, and early spring, but is not available from late May through October in Yosemite.

Watch For Cancellations

Watch for cancellations nonstop. When I was up in the middle of the night with my newborn, I secured multiple nights that had been cancelled. I always leave the reservation pages open and just push refresh every time I open my phone. I’ve lucked out this way.

Now there are apps that will search for cancellations for you! You can even pay to have it automatically add the campsite to your cart.

Be willing to move.

I know it’s a pain, but if you can even get one night in the park, book it. Then watch for cancellations for that same campground. Book anything that opens. Keep watching and trying to move your sites closer together to make the move easier. One trip, I had 5 nights booked on 4 different campsites, and things kept opening up, so I ended up only having to move once and it was to a site just 3 sites down. Super easy! Most people pack up and leave first thing in the morning, so you can move to their site as soon as it’s empty.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t get a campsite in Yosemite Valley, there are many other great campgrounds in the Yosemite area that you can stay at and then drive to Yosemite for the day as a last resort. Oh Ridge at June Lake, Spring Cove at Bass Lake and Pinecrest Lake are my favorites.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out this list of awesome family campgrounds.

Note: Affiliate links on this page may earn me commission if used to make purchases. This doesn’t cost you a penny extra, and it helps to keep my website up and running for free.

Interested in more? Check out:

• Meeks Bay Campground on Lake Tahoe
• Types of Tents for Camping
• Glamping Resorts Near National Parks
• My Favorite Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds
• The Best Campgrounds at Bass Lake
• The Top Mammoth Lake Campgrounds