Yosemite Valley Camping Visitor’s Guide - North Pines Campground
Hi friends! Over the years I’ve posted so much of what Yosemite National Park has to offer, including some of my favorite hotels and vacation rentals found in and around the park...however, today I’m super excited to share what camping is like in the Yosemite Valley! Join me this week for an unforgettable overnight adventure at the base of Half Dome as we tent camp along the Merced River in Yosemite’s North Pines Campground.
Tenaya Creek flowing into the Merced River with Yosemite Falls in the distance seen from North Pines Campground
North Pines Campground
North Pines Campground is nestled in the eastern end of Yosemite Valley along Happy Isles Loop Road, offering a prime location for exploring the park’s most famous sights. Situated along the banks of the Merced River, the campground provides campers with stunning waterfront views and easy access to a variety of recreational activities. The campground features 80 unique campsites, 13 of which are RV only, and advanced reservations are required on Recreation.gov. North Pines is a seasonal campground which is typically open from mid-April through mid-October, depending on winter weather. Each site features 2 parking spots, a fire pit ring, picnic table, and a bear-proof food storage locker, which is incredible important to use (there were multiple black bear encounters in the camp during our stay). The grounds have restrooms with flushable toilets, drinking water, and bear-proof trash receptacles. There are even camp hosts available 24 hours per day to assist campers with anything they might need...we were so blessed to have the Coe’s as hosts, who were so kind and a wealth of helpful information.
North Pines Campground is just a short walk from Curry Village, where you can find dining options, shops, and rental facilities. Stoneman Meadow is also close by, which is a beautiful spot to take a boardwalk stroll surrounded by Half Dome, Glacier Point, and the Royal Arches while seeking for wildlife. For those looking to start their adventures right from the campground, the Happy Isles Loop provides direct access to popular hikes like the Mist Trail and Mirror Lake Trail.
North Pines Campsite 504 with tent setup
How to Book
Booking a spot at North Pines Campground (or for any Yosemite campground) can be a competitive process, especially during peak seasons. To secure your site, you’ll need to visit Recreation.gov, the official reservation website for U.S. National Parks. Reservations typically open five months in advance on the 15th of each month...so on February 15th, for example, you can book your stay from June 15th to July 14th. Plan ahead and you'll be all set to immerse yourself in Yosemite's splendor from the season's start until mid-July. Occasionally sites will open up due to cancellations, but this is rare.
A quick tip for securing your Yosemite adventure: these campsites are hot commodities and often get booked within minutes! Make sure you're logged into your recreation.gov account before 7:00 a.m. PST on the release date. If you don't have an account yet, create one ahead of time. Remember, you can only add reservations to your cart and complete the process if you're logged in. The Recreation.gov call center won't have any additional information or sites beyond what's available online, so be prepared and act fast to make your dream Yosemite camping trip a reality!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your reservation process smooth and stress-free:
Visit Recreation.gov: Log in at the Recreation.gov website, or create an account if you don’t already have one.
Search for the Campground: In the search bar, type “North Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park” or whichever campground you’re hoping to stay at.
Select Your Dates: Browse through the availability calendar and find your preferred dates.
Choose Your Site: Browse the available sites and select the one that best suits your needs. North Pines Campsite 504 is a great choice (more on this below). I’d recommend looking at a camp map prior to the release date so you have an idea of which sites suit you best. Once you find a spot you like on your preferred date, promptly add it to your cart before it disappears. Once your selection is in your cart, you have 15 minutes to finish the booking process before the selection gets released back to the public.
Complete Your Reservation: Follow the prompts to enter your details, which include payment information, party size, vehicle measurements, and camping equipment.
Confirmation: Once your reservation is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Print this out or save it on your phone to present at the park entrance gate, as well as at the campground entrance booth.
Tenaya Creek with North Pines Campsites 502 & 504 to the left
North Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley, Campsite 504
North Pines Campsite 504
If you're looking for a Yosemite campsite that offers a blend of tranquility and stunning natural surroundings, Campsite 504 is an excellent and highly-desirable choice. Situated at the far end of North Pines Campground, this site is nestled where Tenaya Creek gracefully flows into the Merced River, providing a great view of Upper Yosemite Falls. The soothing sounds of the creek and river create a peaceful ambiance that's perfect for relaxation. Early in the morning and during evening hours, the location provides a bit more seclusion compared to other sites, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter camping experience. However, Campsite 504 guests should be aware that the convergence of the Tenaya Creek & Merced River is a popular spot for other campers to enjoy. Guests here should expect large crowds on the banks and in the water behind the site during midday, especially during the busy & hot Summer months.
Tenaya Creek flowing into the Merced River with Upper Yosemite Falls
Nearby Activities & Food
Yosemite National Park is a treasure trove of activities that cater to all interests and skill levels. From North Pines, Lower Pines, and Upper Pines Campgrounds, you can easily access several iconic trails and attractions. And while camping meals have their own charm, sometimes you crave a meal you don’t have to cook. Fortunately, there are several dining options nearby as well.
Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls: This moderately strenuous hike offers spectacular views of waterfalls and is a must-do for avid hikers. See my full Mist Trail blog post for more info.
Lower Yosemite Falls Trails: One of the tallest waterfalls in North America, this trail provides breathtaking vistas and a challenging climb. See my full Lower Yosemite Falls blog post for more info.
Mirror Lake Hike: This relatively easy hike leads to a beautiful, reflective lake that offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and forests. See my full Mirror Lake blog post for more info.
Valley Loop Trail: Perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride, this loop gives you a comprehensive view of the valley's most famous landmarks.
Water Activities on the Merced River: Enjoy inner-tubing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding right from the shores near the campground. The gentle flow of the river during Summer and Fall makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing float.
Yosemite Village: Learn about the park’s history, geology, and ecology at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, museum, and Ansel Adams Gallery. Here you can also grab a tasty bite to eat at Degnan's Kitchen or the Village Grill, as well as stock up on any supplies at the Village Store.
Curry Village: Curry Village is a short walk from the campground and offers all kinds of activities & food options, including The Pizza Deck, Coffee Corner, Taqueria @ The Meadow Grill, a gift shop, mountaineering school, and much more.
The Ahwahnee Hotel: For a more upscale dining experience, enjoy a meal at this historic Ahwahnee Dining Room, known for its grand architecture and gourmet cuisine.
Yosemite Valley Lodge: Visitors will find a variety of quick and casual dining options at the Yosemite Valley Lodge food court, including a Starbucks!
Pizza Deck pizza and cheese sticks from Curry Village
People enjoying the Merced River with North Pines Campground on the right
Other Yosemite Valley Campgrounds
There are over a dozen Yosemite National Park Campgrounds and four are located in Yosemite Valley. Along with North Pines, the nearby Upper and Lower Pines campgrounds make up the majority of valley campsites with over 370 individual sites between the three campgrounds. Only Upper Pines is open year round, while North and Lower Pines are closed between October and May. The other Yosemite Valley campground is Camp 4. Located off of Northside Drive, this is one of the park’s most famous campsites, known as the home base for many El Capitan climbers. In Winter, Camp 4 operates as a first-come first-serve campsite, while in the Summer months it operates on a lottery system. For something slightly more established (and expensive), both the Housekeeping Camp and Curry Village offer large fixed canvas tents, hot showers and laundry service.
Night Cat Pop-Up Tent and Hikenture Sleeping Pad
Camping Gear
The gear you bring on your camping trip can make a huge impact on your experience. Below are 5 items I was thrilled to have on my recent Yosemite camping adventure...
Night Cat Pop-up Camping Tent ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Night Cat Pop-up Camping Tent is an absolute game-changer for camping enthusiasts! Setting it up at North Pines Campground was a breeze—it literally pops open in seconds, making it perfect for those who want to maximize their time exploring Yosemite. The tent is spacious and well-ventilated, providing a cozy retreat after a long day of hiking. Although we had clear skies during our recent trip, Its waterproof material would hold up beautifully against an unexpected drizzle or morning dew. I highly recommend this tent for its convenience, durability, and user-friendly design! Click here to purchase.
Hikenture Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Hikenture Extra Thick Double Self Inflating Sleeping Pad made our Yosemite camping trip a dream! Although the pad is labeled as “thick”, it’s actually relatively thin at only 4”…but the comfort and support it provides makes it feel much thicker, giving us a luxurious night's sleep, even on the hard ground. It's super easy to inflate and deflate (even without a motorized pump), saving time and effort when setting up or tear down camp. The double size is perfect for couples, and it’s surprisingly compact when packed away. If you're looking for comfort and ease on your camping adventures, this sleeping pad is a must-have! Click here to purchase.
TETON Mammoth Double Sleeping Bag ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The TETON Mammoth Double Sleeping Bag exceeded all our expectations during our stay at North Pines. This sleeping bag is incredibly warm and roomy, perfect for snuggling up with a partner under Yosemite's starry skies. The soft flannel lining feels luxurious, and the durable exterior kept us protected from the chilly night air. For those who value comfort and warmth, the TETON Mammoth is the ultimate choice for camping trips. Click here to purchase.
Ultra-Light Headlamp with Bright White, Red & Green ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This Headlamp is an essential piece of gear for any camping trip, and it was a standout during our time at North Pines. With 1300 lumens, it provided incredibly bright illumination, making nighttime activities and navigating around the campground a breeze. The different light settings (white, red, green) are perfect for various tasks, from reading to setting up our cameras for astrophotography. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. A reliable and versatile headlamp that’s perfect for all your outdoor adventures! Click here to purchase.
CLIQ Portable Chair ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’ve been following along my adventures, you know I love our CLIQ Portable Chairs, and they are a fantastic addition to any camping experience. Setting up and packing away these chairs is incredibly quick and easy, making it perfect for impromptu breaks while exploring Yosemite. Despite its compact size, it offers impressive support and comfort, making it ideal for relaxing around the campfire. It’s sturdy, lightweight, and ultra-portable—everything you want in a camping chair. If you’re looking for convenience and comfort, the CLIQ Portable Chair is a top pick! Click here to purchase.
Exploring Tenaya Creek at Yosemite Valley’s North Pines Campground
Know Before You Go
Bear Safety: Yosemite is home to black bears, and due to its location, it’s not uncommon for North Pines campers to encounter them. Store all food and scented items in the bear-proof lockers provided at each campsite.
Weather: Weather can change rapidly in the mountains. Pack layers and be prepared for both warm days and cool nights.
Reservations: As mentioned, book early! Campsites can fill up quickly, especially during peak season (May through September). The current nightly rate is $36, but check the NPS website for the latest camping costs. You will not need park reservations in addition to your camping reservation. Simply present your reservation confirmation information to the rangers at the park entrance and you’ll be able to enter. Park entrance fees still apply if you don’t have an America the Beautiful Pass.
Leave No Trace: Practice responsible camping with the Leave No Trace Principles by packing out all trash and minimizing your impact on the environment.
Shower & Laundry: While not available at North Pines, you can access hot showers and laundry services for a fee at nearby Curry Village and Housekeeping.
Conditions: Make sure to check the official NPS website for the latest campground, road and trail conditions.
Yosemite Valley views from North Pines Campsite 504
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of my camping experience at the North Pines Campground, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Half Dome seen from North Pines Campground in Yosemite National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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