Porcupine Flat Campground

Pros & cons

PROS

Handy base for North Dome, Olmsted Point, and Tenaya Lake
Bear lockers, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site
Seasonal creek runs through—bring a filter

CONS

No potable water or hookups; no cell service
Not RV- or trailer-friendly (24 ft max; trailers not allowed)
Sites can feel tight and noisy in peak season

Overview

Porcupine Flat is Yosemite’s no-frills, high-country campground on Tioga Road—about 30 minutes west of Tuolumne Meadows. At roughly 8,100 feet, it’s rustic, quiet between waves of weekenders, and perfectly placed for exploring the granite domes and viewpoints along the Tioga corridor.

Season and Reservations

The campground generally opens when Tioga Road opens (often late June) and closes around mid-October, weather and road work permitting. Recent policy changes mean you should expect reservations to be required during the operating season; first-come, first-served is no longer the norm.

Campsites and Facilities

This is a limited-development campground: vault toilets, bear-proof food lockers, picnic tables, fire rings, and trash/recycling are provided. There’s no drinking water. Porcupine Creek runs seasonally through the campground—filter, treat, or boil anything you draw, and don’t count on it late in a dry season. There’s no electricity, hookups, showers, or connectivity.

RVs and Trailers

RVs are allowed but not recommended; narrow roads and spurs make maneuvering tricky. The maximum RV length is 24 feet, and trailers aren’t allowed. If you need a dump station, you’ll find one over at Tuolumne Meadows Campground.

Why Camp Here

Location, location, location. You’re minutes from the Porcupine trailheads (including the route to North Dome), and a short drive from Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, and Tuolumne Meadows. It’s an ideal launchpad for Tioga Road’s big views and classic granite scenery. Expect a forested setting, the sound of a creek in season, and—on cooperative nights—great stars.

What to Expect from the Scene

Peak weekends can feel packed, sites are close together, and quiet-hours etiquette varies. Midweek tends to be calmer. Earplugs are a smart backup if you’re sensitive to noise.

Best Time to Visit

Midweek in July–September for the best balance of open facilities and lighter crowds.
Dawn and dusk are serene for camp vibes and wildlife spotting; nights are cold even in midsummer, so bring layers.
Shoulder periods right after Tioga Road opens or just before it closes are quieter, but nights can be very chilly.

Wildlife

This is active bear country—use the food lockers and follow all storage rules. Around camp you may spot small critters like gophers; along Tioga Road keep an eye out for high-country birdlife and, of course, those sweeping granite landscapes.