North Pines Campground

Overview

North Pines sits right in Yosemite Valley at about 4,000 feet, tucked between the Merced River and Tenaya Creek with granite walls (and even Half Dome peeking in places) as the backdrop. It’s one of the Valley’s reservation campgrounds, so you’re sleeping in the middle of the action—wake up and you’re already where everyone else is trying to drive.

Campsites & Amenities

There are 80 campsites total, including some RV-only pads and plenty that handle tents, trailers, and smaller rigs. Expect paved loops and spurs, a picnic table, fire ring, and a steel bear locker at each site. The campground has flush toilets and drinking water. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at any site, but you’ll find a free dump station with potable water just up the road at Upper Pines. Showers are not in the campground; use the pay showers at Curry Village.

Location & Getting Around

You’re on the free Yosemite Valley shuttle route, with a stop near the entrance, and within easy walking or biking distance of trailheads, meadows, and services. Curry Village and Yosemite Village cover the basics—groceries, food, and gear—so you can travel light and still be set.

Reservations: How to Actually Get One

This place is fiercely competitive. Yosemite uses a five‑month rolling window with releases on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PT, and sites disappear in minutes. For 2025, the park also piloted an Early Access Lottery; any leftovers go back into the regular on‑sale drops. Log in ahead of time and have multiple site options ready. Double‑check each site’s length limits—some fit motorhomes up to about 40 feet and trailers up to about 35 feet, but not all.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring can bring high water from Tenaya Creek and the Merced; some sites are more flood‑prone than others. The Pines campgrounds may close on short notice during forecasted high winds or heavy snow in the Valley. Buy and burn firewood locally to protect the forest.

Wildlife & Food Storage

Bears are active here. All food and scented items must stay in the steel locker 24/7 (roughly 43" W x 28" H x 35" D). Don’t leave food in vehicles, and use the bear‑proof dumpsters for trash. Rangers enforce these rules—expect a warning at best and a citation at worst if you ignore them.

Nearby Activities

From the campground you can walk or bike to many Valley highlights. Easy options include Mirror Lake/Meadow; bigger days range up to Half Dome with a permit. When flows allow, the Merced is popular for rafting. Evenings are great for a slow stroll along the river with golden light on the cliffs.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring and fall offer cooler temps and (usually) thinner crowds.
• Summer is peak season—arrive midweek and early in the day for a calmer vibe.
• For photography, early morning and late afternoon light make the granite sing.
• If you’re booking, be online before the 7:00 a.m. PT on‑sale time on the 15th.