How much does camping cost at Porcupine Flat Campground?

Camping fees at Porcupine Flat Campground range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Porcupine Flat Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Porcupine Flat Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Porcupine Flat Campground before I book?

Yes! Porcupine Flat Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Porcupine Flat Campground?

Porcupine Flat Campground is open July 15 to October 11. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Porcupine Flat Campground?

Porcupine Flat Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Porcupine Flat Campground have?

Porcupine Flat Campground has 52 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Porcupine Flat Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Porcupine Flat Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Porcupine Flat Campground?

Porcupine Flat Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Porcupine Flat Campground?

Popular activities at Porcupine Flat Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Porcupine Flat Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Porcupine Flat Campground?

Fire policies at Porcupine Flat Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.23

148 reviews

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Top 11%Fall

Scenic Views

Featured in:Camping Near Yosemite National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,100 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Porcupine Flat Campg...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Yosemite National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,100 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Porcupine Flat Campg...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Yosemite National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Porcupine Flat Campground

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tent or RV: $24.00; Tent: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$24.00

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209-379-2123null

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Porcupine Flat Campground

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Nearby places

Yosemite Valley – 38 miles (70 minutes)

Tuolumne Meadows – 30 minutes west.

Driving directionsThe Porcupine Flat Campground is located off the Tioga Road 24 miles west from Tioga Pass, the park’s east entrance (35 minutes). From Yosemite Valley, take the Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road 38 miles (approximately 70 minutes). From Hwy. 120 west/Big Oak Flat Road, take the Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road 31 miles (45 minutes). You’ll find the campground north of the Tioga Road.

Weather at Porcupine Flat Campground

Current alerts(9)

Bears and wildlife live here! Food and toiletries must be stored 24 hours/day. o Food storage lockers are provided in all campsites (45" wide x 18" high x 33" deep) o Absolutely NO food stored in vehicles o Dispose of garbage immediately in bear-proof dumpsters.
Bring proof of your reservation (screen shot or paper version). There is no internet access, cell service or public phone at Porcupine Flat. You must sign in at the entrance of the campground or you will be considered a no show and your reservation cancelled.
Help Yosemite be a Zero Landfill park! Leave excess packaging at home. Use refillable water & propane bottles, food containers and travel mugs. Place all of your recyclable waste in designated recycling containers. For more information go to: www.nps.gov/yose/getinvolved/
If arriving one or more days late , call (209) 379-2123; your reservation will be cancelled if we do not hear from you within 24 hours of your arrival date.

Best Time to Camp at Porcupine Flat Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp, clear weather, dramatically reduced crowds, and the best window for exploring Tioga Road access before winter closures. Daytime highs in September and early October are often in the mid-40s to mid-60s °F (7–18 °C) with chilly nights that can drop near or below freezing, making for comfortable hiking, wildlife viewing, and excellent photography of granite features. Fishing and mellow backcountry hikes are at their peak as alpine wildflowers fade and aspen pockets and understory Peak months: September, July, August, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in US

Fall delivers best conditions; crowds thin after Labor Day and mid-Oct offers great weather and colors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 15 to October 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Porcupine Flat Campground is closed from mid-October through mid-July. It typically opens in late June and closes in mid-October depending on the opening of Tioga Road.

About Porcupine Flat Campground

Porcupine Flat Campground sits at high elevation along Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park, offering budget-friendly access to alpine terrain and granite climbing routes. Operated by the National Park Service, this mid-sized campground provides primitive tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and bear-proof food lockers. Visitors hike, fish, swim, and climb during the seasonal operating window, with fall bringing the best combination of clear weather and reduced crowds before winter road closures.

Porcupine Flat Campground primarily caters to tent campers and offers a primitive camping experience. There are no group sites, RV-only sites, or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp, clear weather, dramatically reduced crowds, and the best window for exploring Tioga Road access before winter closures. Daytime highs in September and early October are often in the mid-40s to mid-60s °F (7–18 °C) with chilly nights that can drop near or below freezing, making for comfortable hiking, wildlife viewing, and excellent photography of granite features. Fishing and mellow backcountry hikes are at their peak as alpine wildflowers fade and aspen pockets and understory Peak months: September, July, August, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests on ancient granite at 8,100 feet, surrounded by lodgepole pines and red firs. Porcupine Creek runs through the area, providing a water source for those willing to treat it. The elevation puts you in Yosemite's high country, where granite domes and peaks dominate the skyline. Wildlife includes mule deer, chipmunks, and various Sierra birds. Summer brings wildflowers to nearby meadows; winter buries the area in snow. The forest provides some shade, though the primitive layout means you're camping among the trees rather than in manicured sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or other accommodations are available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesYosemite National Park offers various ranger-led activities, educational programs, and historical tours, though none are directly tied to Porcupine Flat.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityFour campsites (Sites 15, 16, 17, and 33) are wheelchair accessible and include picnic tables with extended tops. Restrooms nearest to these sites are also wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeSites vary but are generally primitive. Some users found specific sites small, like Site 24, which was noted as a bit cramped.

PrivacyThe campground's sites are relatively close together, with some users commenting on the lack of privacy. For example, one user noted their neighbors were just 25-30 feet away at Site 27.

Total Campsites52 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Campsite 038 for privacy and proximity to restrooms. Campsite 039 is ideal for experiencing the creek. Avoid site 027 if you seek privacy.

Best CampsitesSite 038 gets mentioned for seclusion and proximity to vault toilets. Site 039 sits near the creek. Site 014 earns praise for quiet and cleanliness. Avoid Site 27 if you value privacy. Neighbors reported being 25-30 feet away. Site 24 runs small and cramped according to reviews. Arrive early for the best selection since the campground operates first-come, first-served.

Need help booking Porcupine Flat Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

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Amenities available

Porcupine Flat Campground is categorized as a highly primitive camping experience located off Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park. Basic amenities include seasonal vault toilets, bear-proof food storage lockers, fire rings, and picnic tables. Notably, there is no potable water available on-site, and campers are required to treat or boil water from a nearby seasonal creek before consumption. There is no electricity, internet connectivity, or cell phone service available. Trash and recycling collection services are provided seasonally, and wood and charcoal fires are allowed when the campground is open. "Vault toilets were very clean and surprisingly, completely odorless," remarked one user.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Porcupine Flat Campground is ideal for nature lovers seeking a remote and primitive experience. Popular activities include hiking, backpacking, birding, and stargazing. The campground serves as a base for exploring Yosemite's numerous trails and scenic landmarks.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Swimming

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available. Only seasonal vault toilets are offered.

Food Storage RequiredAll campsites have bear-proof lockers measuring 33" deep x 45" wide x 18" high.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling collection services are provided seasonally. Visitors are required to dispose of their waste in bear-proof dumpsters immediately to prevent wildlife attraction.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

148 reviews

Satisfactory

Porcupine Flat Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Porcupine Flat Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.18 for campground-specific experiences. Users appreciate its quiet, primitive nature and proximity to Yosemite trails. However, some expressed concerns about privacy and noise from other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 148 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the campground's cleanliness, the serene environment, and the availability of bear-proof food lockers. "Beautiful campground in a great location right off Tioga Rd," commented one...

Based on 148 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include the lack of privacy between sites, noise from other campers, and the absence of potable water. "The sites are pretty close to each other," noted a reviewer, while another mentioned,...

Based on 148 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 27 was noted for its lack of privacy, while Site 38 was described as secluded and close to restrooms without any odor issues. Sites 15, 16, 17, and 33 are wheelchair accessible.

Based on 148 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Come prepared with sufficient water, as there is no potable water available. Plan hikes to nearby trails like North Dome and ensure to arrive early for the best campsite selection.

Based on 148 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as peaceful and clean during its open season (July-October). However, late-season snowfall may limit site availability, as noted by one user who found half the campground...

Based on 148 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Vault toilets were very clean and surprisingly, completely odorless." 2. "Campground is at high elevation, so it gets chilly at night. Be prepared and bring your woolies!" 3. "Camp site was great...

Based on 148 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible sites are available, and restrooms near these sites are also accessible. One user shared that these sites include picnic tables with extended tops.

Based on 148 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pet-specific reviews are limited but note compliance with park-wide policies.

Based on 148 reviews

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Yosemite Creek Campground

PO Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Yosemite Creek Campground sits at 7,700 feet in Yosemite National Park, accessible only during mid-summer when the high-elevation road opens. Operated by the National Park Service, this primitive campground offers tent sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a quiet alpine setting away from the valley crowds. Campers hike granite trails, wade in the creek, and watch wildlife between warm days and cold nights.