Yosemite National Park – Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Nationwide Park is so breathtakingly lovely, it virtually seems surreal in particular person. From the scenic overlook at Tunnel View to the various sights of Half Dome and the majestic falls all through the park, it’s simple to fall head over heels for Yosemite. Tenting in Yosemite Valley is among the finest methods to discover the park as a result of it’s thought of the center of Yosemite Nationwide Park. If you may get a reservation at Higher Pines Campground or one of many different campgrounds, take it!

Higher Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley

There are 4 campgrounds in Yosemite Valley: Higher Pines, Decrease Pines, North Pines and Camp 4 (no trailers/RVs, no pets). Higher Pines campground is open all yr and accepts on-line reservations. Additionally it is the biggest campground with 235 particular person websites. Some websites can accommodate RVs as much as 35 ft and trailers as much as 25 ft.

Whereas camping at Kings Canyon, I was capable of ebook a final minute reservation at Upper Pines on recreation.gov. From our expertise, reservations appear to open up within the afternoons and on days with rain within the forecast. We had been joyful to go to Yosemite rain or shine so it didn’t make a distinction to us.

Having the ability to camp in Yosemite Valley made our expertise all of the extra fulfilling. Every time we stepped out of the camper van, we had been greeted by the park’s iconic granite dome. The Ahwahnee Yosemite Hotel, Yosemite Valley Customer Middle and Half Dome Village are all strolling distance from Higher Pines Campground. We even walked to Mirror Lake Path and the John Muir Vernal Falls Trail Head.

Greatest Campsites at Higher Pines Campground

Our campsite (#222) was within the final loop that backed into the woods. We predict it was among the finest campsites at Higher Pines together with websites 202, 204, 206, 207, 208, 210, 211, 216, 220, 226, 228, 230, 238, 239 and 240. The max automobile size does fluctuate from web site to web site, so double test if you make the reservation. One advantage of RV tenting in a 21 feet camper van is we will simple slot in any of those websites.

Campground Facilities

With the excessive quantity of snow soften, just a few websites had been partially flooded and the mosquitos had been out in full power. Fortunately, we had been capable of preserve them at bay with the mosquito repellent lantern.

Much like Crystal Creek Campground, every web site has a fireplace ring, picnic desk and bear proof field. Firewood gathering just isn’t permitted in Yosemite Valley, however wooden is accessible on the market. Somebody in a truck drove by each afternoon with packing containers of firewood and baggage of ice on the market.

The loos at Higher Pines are clear with flushing bathrooms and operating water. Even with the campground being full, the workers did an awesome job of protecting the loos clear and effectively stocked with bathroom paper.

The closest bathe facility is at Half Dome Village. For $5 (money solely), you get a towel, entry to particular person bathe stalls and limitless water. The showers are open 24/7 besides when closed for cleansing. In keeping with the bathe facility workers, 7-9pm is the busiest time.

We spent three unforgettable nights tenting at Yosemite Nationwide Park. With a lot to see and do, it could be simple to spend a month tenting in several components of Yosemite. Staying at Upper Pines Campground now ranks as one among our favourite tenting experiences.

Notes:
$36/evening no hookups, dump station at campground
Reservations extremely really helpful
35 ft most RV size
25 ft most trailer size
Lavatory with flushing bathrooms and operating water
Bear field at every web site
Canine pleasant
LTE Verizon cell service – knowledge could be extraordinarily gradual to unusable throughout prime hours on the campground when all of the campers are again, finest knowledge from 5-7am

Video: Camping at Upper Pines Campground