Lower Pines Campground

Lower Pines is a developed campground in Yosemite Valley, set along the Merced River at about 4,000 feet. Its 74 sites sit among pines and oaks, with granite cliffs showing through the trees. It makes a practical base for a Valley stay if you want to camp near services and trailheads.

The campground is on Yosemite Valley’s free shuttle route and within walking and biking distance of Valley services and trailheads. Settle in and use the shuttle or a bike for stops around the Valley.

Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and food-storage locker. The campground has flush toilets and drinking water, but Yosemite campgrounds have no electric, water or sewer hookups. Keep food and toiletries in the locker around the clock; don’t leave them in a vehicle.

Food and groceries are available at nearby Curry Village and Yosemite Village. Curry Village also has a general store, restaurants and a bar; its pool showerhouse offers paid showers. Those are useful nearby stops, separate from the facilities at your campsite.

California black oak, ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir and whiteleaf manzanita grow through the Valley’s forest. From camp, the river is close and granite cliffs appear between the trees.

Reservations are required, and Yosemite Valley campgrounds can be hard to book; NPS makes reservations available up to five months ahead. Lower Pines usually runs from mid-April into mid-October, though exact dates change by year. If you’re bringing a larger rig, check the site dimensions before booking: six Lower Pines sites fit RVs up to 40 feet or trailers up to 35 feet, while most sites suit smaller setups.