Upper Pines Campground Yosemite National Park California
Upper Pines Overview
Upper Pines Campground is open year-round and has 238 campsites set in a beautiful Ponderosa pine forest and is the largest of three campgrounds in the Yosemite Valley. The other two campgrounds are Lower Pines and North Pines. The campground has a dump station, flush toilets and drinking water. There is a maximum of 2 vehicles and 6 people per site. Click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to access the Rec.gov site to check specific sizes for each campsite and make reservations. Also, tent (only) camping is not allowed in campsites designated as an ‘RV site’.
Campsites are suitable for tents, trailers and RVs (up to 30 feet). Each campsite has a table, fire ring/grill and food storage locker. Generator use at Upper Pines campground is allowed only from 7 am to 9 am, noon to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm.
The campground is also a short walk to Curry Village where you can get a hot shower and some eats at restaurants. Curry Village has also Wifi access, a grocery store, laundromat and cross-country ski rentals.
Upper Pines – Yosemite National Park Area Recreation
World famous Yosemite National Park offers spectacular scenery and amazing wonders that boggle the imagination. Outdoor recreation includes hiking, backpacking, biking, kayaking, photography, climbing, rock climbing, fishing, nature exhibits, museums, camping and wildlife viewing. There are also many historic sites and museums to visit throughout the Park. Horse stables are also located near Upper Pines campground with trail rides available to the public. You can also rent a raft and float the Merced River.
Other campgrounds in Yosemite National Park include Crane Flat, Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow and Tuolumne Meadows.
Make a Reservation for Upper Pines
Amenities
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Equestrian trail
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Food Storage Locker
- Grills
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
Activities
- Archeological Sites
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Boating (non motorized)
- Canoeing
- Climbing
- Creek
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Horseback riding
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Programs
- Nature Trails
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Rafting
- River
- Rock Climbing
- Snowshoeing
- Stargazing
- Tubing
- Visitor Center
- Walking Trails
- Wilderness Area
- Wildlife Viewing
Upper Pines sold out? Get an alert when a campsite becomes available at Upper Pines!
Create AlertBest Campsites
8, 9, 10, 21, 46, 62, 69, 99, 108, 137, 156, 172, 179, 182, 197, 202, 204, 206, 207, 208, 210, 211, 216, 220, 222, 226, 228, 230, 238, 239, 240
Regions
- National Forest
- National Forest Campgrounds
- Northern California
- River
- Rocky Mountains
- Sierra Nevada
- Yosemite National Park
Campsite Types
- ADA
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
4,000
# of Campsites:
238
Upper Pines Photos & Video
Upper Pines Comments & Reviews
Visited Upper Pines Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Upper Pines?
Officially, one of my California favorites. Very few are on a slope, and of those the slope is very mild. Fires in the rings are limited to between 5pm and 10pm, May through September. Definitely the cooler of the campgrounds in September as the cliffs put the campsites in shadow after 2-3pm; while the North and Lower pines campsites are in the sun until 5:30-6:30. Makes a big difference on the 90+ degree days. 2 shuttle stops are close by, #19 at front and #16 at back. Even got to meet Greg while walking the campgrounds, too!
Site 500 is amazing and off to the side. I highly recommend this site. It is large and fit our 31 foot travel trailer easily!
Upper Pines #s only go up to 240 – did you mean to review North Pines?
Hi David Blue, Are you saying site 500 in Yosemite Upper Pines campground was great for your 31 foot trailer?
Hi Ginny Murray, are you asking whether site 500 in Yosemite Upper Pines was great for David Blue’s 31 foot trailer?
Hi Peter Seesall, are you asking Ginny Murray is she is asking whether site 500 in Yosemite Upper Pines was great for David Blue’s 31 foot trailer?
Hi Ceara Wilford, are you asking Peter Seesall if he is asking Ginny Murray if she is asking whether site 500 in Yosemite Upper Pines was great for David Blue’s 31 foot trailer?
Booked upper pines site 112 for June. Our rv is 27 foot but it says max vehicle length 24 foot. Does anyone know of site 112 will fit a 27 foot rv?
Those sites are tight. When the say 24′ max, it is.
Keep your generators at home!
I got site 220 but don’t have an RV. Will I be OK with just tents?
Hi Hailey,
Yes – just tents in Upper Pines #220 is fine/allowed.
Thanks! Do you know approximately how many tents I can pitch at that site?
Per Yosemite website:
“People per site: A maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite. There is no limit on the number of tents (as long as they all fit into the campsite).”
Do all Upper Pines sites accommodate RVs? Ours is 28′.
Hi Joan,
Yes all Upper Pines campsites will accommodate RVS at least 30 feet. Some campsites are larger.
Hello, when I booked my sites, it said the max length was 27 ft for an RV. Mine is 29.5, will it fit? When I applied the filters in my search, there was only one site that would accommodate anything larger than 30 ft. Will my 29.5 fit in site 194 and 192?
Hi Emily,
The final call will be up to the camp host. If your vehicles/trailer/RV is extended into the road, the camp host may not allow it and ask you to vacate.
Is there some information available to find out which campsites accommodate RVS that are larger than 30 feet? Ours is 32 feet and we have site 187. Thank you.
Hi Patty,
Click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to access the Rec.gov. Once on Rec.gov, click on ‘Show Sites’ and then the specific campsite number to see details (including maximum vehicle length, etc.). For Upper Pines campsite 187, it shows that the maximum vehicle length is 24 feet (RV) and the maximum trailer length is 12 feet.
I have a campsite reserved in Upper Pines at site 022. I am going to be renting a motor home. The problem i have is that the site says RV24 maximum. The company I am renting from can not promise me an exact size of motor home. They have listed that you will get a 25 or 27 foot. If it was a 25 foot it probably will fit, but not sure if it will fit on the site if it is a 27 foot. Can anyone tell me if a 25-27 foot motor home will fit on site 022. Thanks Rick
Hi Rick,
According to the Rec.gov, Upper Pines campsite 22 has a maximum RV length of 27 feet, and a maximum trailer length of 18 feet, and/or a total maximum length (two vehicles) of 27 feet. With that said, site 22 will fit a 27 foot motorhome/RV. If you’re renting a trailer of around 25-27 feet, that too should fit, but might be a bit snug up against the fire grate. We’ve seen people fit larger trailers in smaller sites by also parking their truck/vehicle diagonal (or at a bit of an angle) across the front of the parking pad. You should be good to go – have a great trip and enjoy all the big water this year!
I have stayed in Upper Pines a few times and today I got a reservation for Labor Day, site 216. I didn’t want to cancel this site and missing out on getting a space but I realize this site is for RVs/Trailers. Will I be ok tent camping at this spot? I really do not like the new recreation.gov website. Before the filters were easier to use.
Hi Leslie,
Yes, you can tent camp in campsite 216 at Upper Pines. Have a great time!
Leslie from April 15, 2019. Correction, Site 216 is a “RV” site only. I had the same problem after booking site and called to ask same question. Click on #216 link and scroll down to information where it clearly states RV only. You will not be able to stay there without RV. Camp ranger will turn you away no questions asked
Thanks for the clarification James! We made a note of it in our overview – no tent camping allowed in campsites designated for ‘RVs’.
which is the prettiest site – Upper Or Lower Pines?
Hi Joan,
A good question! Upper Pines is the largest campground in Yosemite Valley and most campsites are fairly small and close together. All are situated in a beautiful Ponderosa forest. Lower Pines campground has few campsites that are larger in size and there’s more room in between campsites. It is also closer to the Merced River. We’d say (on average) that Lower Pines has prettier campsites compared to Upper Pines campground.
I get the #238 but it says rv nonelectric. Can i use tent at this campsite?
Hi Oyundari,
Yes, you can use a tent at Upper Pines campsite #238. Have fun!
Hi, I was able to rent site 223 in the Upper Pines for this July. The site states 18 foot max. The van I have rented is a ford transit 19.8 feet in length. Do you think if I back up as much as possible and park a little sideways on my pad I should be fine? Thank you!
Hi Ryan,
Way to go on scoring a campsite at Upper Pines! Yes, your van/size should work in site #223. There should be enough overhang in the back so that your van will fit and still have all wheels on the paved area of the parking spur. Remember though – the Yosemite / Upper Pines camp hosts/rangers are fairly strict and do patrol on a regular basis.
I have site #179 reserved. Will two or three small tents fit in this site?
Hi Linda,
You’ll be able to find room for 3 small tents at Upper Pines campsite #179.
Have fun!
I’ve heard that Upper Pines campsite 8 is a great spot and would like to book, but our RV is a bit longer than the listed max. Any input on parking at an angell? It seems as though the only limiting factor is the tree just behind the barrier.
Hi Sanford,
Upper Pines campsite #8 does have quite a bit of room beyond the paved parking pad area. It should be able to fit an RV larger than the indicated 18′ maximum, but the Camp Host will make the final call. Remember all wheels must be on the paved parking surface.
Hello! We booked site #8 @ Upper Pines based on the general campground length restrictions that said RVs up to 35’. We have an RV that is 24’ and not until we were checking final details did we see that its one of the few (10 or so out of 240) that have limits that are quite a bit shorter, 18’. I know the final call is the hosts, but the site seems to be on a flat area not need turnaround capacity, so the one limiting factor is likely the tree just beyond the parking barrier. Does anyone have personal knowledge of this site and the likelihood we could fit by parking at an angle.
Hi Andrea,
I would venture to guess that your 24′ RV will fit in Upper Pines campsite #8. The wheels must remain on the paved parking pad though. Anyone else have any thoughts?
Hello, we booked 127 and 128, I noticed that the maximum trailer length is 14′ but RV is 24′. Can I park my 21′ travel trailer in 127 and my truck in 128? Any information is appreciated.
Hi Chris,
You are correct – your truck and trailer (21 feet) are longer than the allowed limit (combined) in Upper Pines campsites 127 and 128. However, you can park your truck in one site and your trailer in another.
Hello, campsite #079 says RV nonelectric. Can i use tent at this campsite?
Hi Dovydas,
Some campsites at Yosemite National Park campgrounds (like Upper Pines) are listed on recreation.gov as “RV nonelectric.” This means the campsite is best suited for RVs and trailers. While you aren’t required to use an RV in one of these campsites, they are listed as RV only because they generally do not have adequate or level space to pitch a tent. If you arrive and find that the campsite doesn’t work for you and/or your tent, the camp host / rangers will not be able to move you to another campsite. With that said, the photo of Upper Pines campsite #79 does show that there would be room for a small tent.
Hello, we have booked Upper Pines site 147 and 166 (they are adjacent sites). Both sites have max RV non electric length of 27’. We are wondering, if we rent one RV of 29’6”, would it fit into any one site? If not, is it possible to park one 29’6” vehicle across these two sites? Thanks
Hi George,
It’s our experience that the final call is up to the campground host at Upper Pines campground. We have seen where people have parked their vehicles across the opening of one site, but not sure if we can recall someone doing it on two adjacent sites. That may not be allowed. Chances are, one of the sites will have enough overhang/room to accommodate a few extra feet.
Hello, we have booked Upper Pines site #137 and will have a tent plus two vehicles, one of which is a 20′ camper van (the other is a minivan). Is this OK for a “tent only” site?
Hi Cathy,
On a rare occasion the camp host/manager may allow a ‘camper van’ in a ‘tent only’ campsite at Upper Pines. This is the policy for Upper Pines tent only campsites:
“RVs are not allowed in tent-only campsites. These sites only have space for tents and, in many cases, the parking is a short distance away from the campsite (and you’re required to camp in the campsite). You should always read the site alerts and book a site that is appropriate for the equipment you will be camping in. If you arrive with different equipment than allowed in the site you reserved, we will not be able to accommodate you.”
Thank you!
When will Lower Pines be released for an April 13th, 2020 booking? Should it too be November 15th, 2019?
Hi Amy Jo,
You are correct. For an Upper Pines campsite arrival starting April 13, the first day you can try to make a reservation is on November 15 at 7:00am PT. I recommend you be all ready to click the ‘check availability’ button right at 7:00am. Best of luck!
We booked Upper Pines site #194, which mentions leveling devices are recommended. We are renting an RV and it doesn’t look like it comes with leveling device. Anyone know how bad this site slops? Is there a place nearby we could pick up some leveling blocks if needed?
Hi I booked sited 149 and 166 for differnt nights with the expectation of renting a trailer. I did not realize one camp site, i think 149 is RV only. Now i definitely need to rent one but it also says max trailer 18ft and RV 27 ft. First question, can i definitely not have a tent in that site? my kids really want to set one up. And also, can i have a longer trailer if i unhitch it from the SUV and have them parked side by side?
Hi Amy,
The camp hosts and rangers that patrol Upper Pines (and other Yosemite Valley) campgrounds are pretty strict regarding the designation and use of campsites. With that said, if you do have an RV or trailer in the ‘RV Only’ site – they may give you a pass on setting up a small tent that is within the boundaries of your site. If you just had a car and tent(s) in an RV Only site, they’d probably ask you to leave or issue a citation. You are permitted to unhitch your trailer and park your towing vehicle side-by-side in the parking spur of your campsite. However, all wheels must be on the pavement. They’re strict about that too.
Hope it works out for you!
I reserved site 164 in Upper Pines with some confusion about trailer lengths. I rented a trailer (22′) and truck. Will both fit in the site? Is there somebody at the campground I could discuss with? Or maybe my only option is to rent an RV instead.
Hi Chris,
Upper Pines campsite #164 won’t work for side-by-side, but it will fit a trailer 18 feet + the vehicle nose-to-nose. It shows that an RV size of 27 feet, so a vehicle + a 22 foot trailer (nose-to-nose) may not work. I think it should actually fit, but the issue is that the camp host / ranger are fairly strict. They won’t measure or anything, but your trailer and vehicle must fit and have all wheels on the pavement.
I have a reservation with rvfunrental with a luxury rv – Length 32’🚍 RV
for Aug 1-15th. Do you think it will fit in the park and campgrounds? Are there any campgrounds available around the park? Maybe even private campgrounds?
Hi Scott, The campsites at Upper Pines campground can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. There may be a few that fit a 32 foot RV, but the ultimate call would be from the camp host. North Pines and Lower Pines campgrounds are about the same with the maximum size. Although Yosemite National Park is closed (Covid 19), campgrounds will be reopening in mid June. Those include North and Upper Pines. Both campgrounds are sold out through the summer. The other Yosemite campgrounds are also sold out, but it remains to be seen if they will reopen this year. You can also try our Campsite Assist tool to get notified when a campsite becomes available (through cancellation).
Hi,
I was able to reserve site 140 in Upper Pines but do not have an RV. Is it possible to pitch a tent on this site? If not, can we sleep in the car even though it is not an RV? Thank you.
Hi Zairel,
The campground hosts/rangers are pretty strict at Upper Pines/Yosemite and generally will not allow tents in RV designated (only) campsites. With that said, sleeping in your vehicle should be fine
Hello, we booked site 27 that just became available today. We were so excited something popped up since our May reservation was cancelled. It says a 24 foot RV, but doesn’t mention trailer. I thought all sites fit 30 foot RV. Would a 28′ trailer fit in this site? Fingers crossed that the answer is yes 🙂
Hi Susie,
Way to go on getting a campsite at Upper Pines. It’s going to be tough this year with the 50% capacity rule and (so far) it’s the only campground open in Yosemite.
Anyway – the camp host will make the ultimate call on whether your 28′ trailer is okay in campsite #27. You’re correct, that the maximum size for an RV in that site is 24 feet. However, you can park two vehicles (side-by-side) in that site (towing vehicle and your trailer). And there appears to be room toward the back of the parking area where your trailer can overhang into the dirt area. If your trailer’s tires are on the paved area of the parking spur and the tailer tongue is not extended into the camp road I would say our chances are very good that the camp host would allow it. From the picture, you should be able to do it.
Is campsite #54 for RVs only? We just managed to reserve #54 for two nights, but we wanted a site for tent camping. 🤞🏽
Yes – Upper Pines campsite #54 allows for tents, RV, pickup camper, camper van. The RV/camper van need to be less than 24 feet. You are good to go with your tent(s)! Have a great time.
I am planning on camping in Yosemite in May and definitely want to camp in upper pines. We have rented an 18 ft camper van and am confused if we can stay in a “tent only” spot or not. The tent only spots say you can have a vehicle less than 27 ft so I am assuming that is okay, right? Or do I have to get an RV spot for this? Would hate to take an RV spot from someone who needs it!
Hi Jordan,
Great question. You should be fine in a tent-only site with your 18-foot camper van. The camp host ultimately makes the final call, but if your vehicle is les than 27 feet, you’re good.
I plan to get online Friday morning, Jan 15, to try to get a site in Upper Pines for early June. We have a 29′ travel trailer (30′ 5″ bumper to tongue) and a 19′ pickup. It is unclear to me which sites will work. When I enter a 29′ trailer on Recreation.gov, it shows 64 campsites, yet they all have a note showing a 24′ trailer limit. Which sites, if any, will work with my trailer?
Hi Brett, I checked Upper Pines out on Rec.gov, and used just the ‘trailer’ filter. It showed 194 campsites and the detail was a little inconsistent. I recommend just using the ‘trailer’ filter and browse all sites. Look for the ones that indicate the same maximum size – like in Site #4 (35 feet and 35 feet) and disregard those sites that have different maximum sizes (like site #3 / 24 feet and 35 feet).
We are going to upper pine campground this summer and would like to know if they allow generators. If so what are the hours? Also do you need permits for certain hikes in the park?
Hi Russell,
Very exciting that you were able to get a campsite at Upper Pines this summer! Generator use at Upper Pines campground is allowed only from 7 am to 9 am, noon to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm.
As for hiking – you do not need a permit for day hiking, with the exception of Half Dome. You can hike up to the sub-dome without a permit, but can not climb the cables w/o a permit. Any overnight hiking within Yosemite National Park also requires a wilderness permit and those are very competitive / hard to come by.
Wonder if anyone has any first hand knowledge of getting a 27” trailer into sites 152 or 110 in upper pines? They are both restricted to 24” due to access. We are experienced campers but don’t want to have to head home in disappointment!
Camp site 146 at Upper Pines says “small tent”. Any idea what the dimensions are for a “small tent”? Thanks!
HI R,
There’s room for a 10×10 sized tent (maybe a tad larger), and also a smaller one at campsite #146.
We have campsite #24 and #133, which is the better of the two to fit 2 small tents and one large.
Thank you!
Hi Sharon,
Good job on getting two campsites at Upper Pines. You can fit a large and 2 small tents in either site, but I’d lean toward #24 as being a bit better (more room and privacy). You’re next to the restroom at site #133. Maximum capacity for both is 2 vehicles and 6 people. Have a great time!
Hi,
I have upper pines #43, the trailer I have is 32 feet total, 28 feet. The site says it fits a 35 foot RV and 24 foot trailer. From the photos I found it seems I can maneuver in there with the trailer?
I also have another campsite, Where I can park my truck. Thoughts?
Hi Huy,
Here is the policy/notice regarding having a RV or trailer larger than the recommended size at Upper Pines campground:
RV and trailer length listed for each campsite indicate the maximum length of an RV and/or trailer the campsite can easily accommodate. In many cases, the maximum lengths for RVs and trailers are different because the campsites are not pull-through sites. Factors limiting RV/trailer length include access roads into some campgrounds and the turning radius required to maneuver into the site. In any case, if you reserve a campsite for an RV or trailer that is longer than specified for the campsite and can park all of your RV’s or trailer’s wheels onto the parking pad without obstructing traffic, you can use the campsite. However, we do not recommend taking this risk. If you’re unable to get your RV or trailer into the campsite, we won’t be able to find another campsite for you. You can call the campground office at the phone number listed in your reservation if you have questions about a specific campsite.
Also:
Up to two motorized vehicles are allowed in each campsite (not including trailers), as long as all the wheels on both vehicles (and trailer, if any) can fit on the parking pad without obstructing traffic. Each campground in Yosemite Valley has overflow parking available either at the campground (usually near the campground entrance) or nearby.
Hi, I have a reservation for site 163, which is a standard non-electric ok for RV up to 24 feet and it does not list “tent” as allowable equipment. I have 2 small (1-2 person) tents. However, according to https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campingfaq.htm, it seems to suggest that I *may* use a tent if there I can find adequate or level space to pitch my tent (see quote below). Will I be turned away if I only have a tent?
According to https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campingfaq.htm (quoting):
“I made a reservation for an RV nonelectric campsite but only have a tent. Can I still use the campsite?
Some campsites are listed on recreation.gov as “RV nonelectric.” This means the campsite is best suited for RVs and trailers. While you aren’t required to use an RV in one of these campsites, they are listed as RV only because they generally do not have adequate or level space to pitch a tent. If you arrive and find that the campsite doesn’t work for you and/or your tent, we will not be able to move you to a different campsite.”
HI JC,
Per the policy you’ve referenced – you can pitch a tent if there is space to do so in the campsite. Also, they won’t kick you out of the site and/or not let you occupy it. If for some reason there is absolutely no way you can pitch a tent (which is very unlikely), you’ll need to sleep in your car – in your campsite. They will not move you to another site even if one becomes available.
And – BTW, campsite #163 does have room in your campsite for a small tent (or two). Have a great time!