Upper Pines Campground

Overview

Upper Pines is the biggest of the Valley’s Pines campgrounds, sitting at about 4,000 feet among pines and oaks with glimpses of granite cliffs and the Merced River nearby. It’s open year‑round and puts you right where you want to be—near major trailheads, the Valley shuttle, and services at Curry Village and Yosemite Village. Expect standard national park comforts (flush toilets and potable water) without the frills (no site hookups, no showers in-camp).

Why camp here

Location is the superpower. You can walk or hop the free shuttle from the campground entrance to reach trailheads like Mirror Lake/Meadow and the Half Dome area, and it’s a short stroll to Curry Village for paid showers, a store, and dining. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and a bear locker, and there’s a free dump station with potable water at the campground—great for RVers.

Campsites and rigs

There are 235 sites, a mix for tents and RVs (some are tent-only, some RV-only). Max lengths: RVs up to 35 ft and trailers up to 24 ft, but not every site fits the maximum—always check the individual site details when you book. No electric/water/sewer hookups at sites. Generator hours are limited to 7–9 a.m., 12–2 p.m., and 5–7 p.m. Two motor vehicles are allowed per site (trailers don’t count), and all wheels must stay on the paved pad; overflow parking is often nearby.

Reservations and check-in

This is one of the park’s hardest gets. Sites release on Recreation.gov five months out on the 15th at 7:00 a.m. Pacific and typically disappear in minutes. Create and log into your account beforehand. Check in at the campground kiosk on arrival; if you come in after hours, sign in and complete check-in the next morning. If you’re arriving late (next day), call the number on your reservation to avoid cancellation. Cancellation fees apply per Recreation.gov policy.

Wildlife and camp rules

Bears are active in the Valley. Store all food and scented items in the metal locker 24/7—never in vehicles—and use the bear‑proof dumpsters for trash. Buy and burn firewood locally to protect the forest from pests. Pets are allowed in the campground under standard park rules.

Nearby and what to do

From camp you can access easy Valley walks like Mirror Lake/Meadow or go big on permitted hikes like Half Dome. Raft the Merced when flows allow, bike the Valley’s paved paths, join ranger programs, or explore museums and the art center. Scenic heavyweights like Glacier Point (and nearby Sentinel Dome and Taft Point) are within Valley day‑tripping distance when that road is open for the season.

Best time to visit

Upper Pines is open all year. April–October is peak demand and the booking scrum is real; shoulder seasons and winter offer a quieter vibe if you’re prepared for conditions. Weekdays generally feel less frenetic than weekends. For a mellow camp experience, aim outside the highest summer crowds and use the shuttle instead of driving once you’re set up.

Practical notes

• Flush-toilet restrooms and drinking water are spread through the loops; no showers in camp (use paid showers at Curry Village).
• The free Valley shuttle stops at the campground entrance, making it easy to leave your vehicle parked.
• Road and weather conditions can change quickly—check Yosemite updates at 209‑372‑0200 (in-park) or 1‑800‑427‑ROAD (highways) before you roll.