How much does camping cost at Tamarack Flat Campground?

Camping fees at Tamarack 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 Tamarack Flat Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Tamarack 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 Tamarack Flat Campground before I book?

Yes! Tamarack Flat Campground has 11 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 Tamarack Flat Campground?

Tamarack Flat Campground is open June 22 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 Tamarack Flat Campground?

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

How many campsites does Tamarack Flat Campground have?

Tamarack 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 Tamarack Flat Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tamarack 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 Tamarack Flat Campground?

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

Tamarack Flat Campground

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

Fire policies at Tamarack 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.

4.38

289 reviews

Top 2%Fall

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Yosemite National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Tamarack Flat Campgr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Tamarack Flat Campgr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Tamarack Flat Campground

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-379-2123

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Tamarack Flat Campground

37.7517, -119.7362

Nearby places

Yosemite Valley (25 miles, approx. 45 minutes), Crane Flat (5 miles, approx. 10 minutes)

Driving directionsWhen entering Yosemite from west of the Sierras - Take Highway 41 north from Fresno, Highway 140 east from Merced, or Highway 120 east from Manteca into Yosemite National Park. When Tioga Pass is open, Tamarack Flat can be accessed from the east side of the Sierras - Take HWY 120 east/Tioga Rd. The Tamarack Flat access road is 36 miles west of Tuolumne Meadows. The Tamarack Flat Campground access road is located 5 miles east Crane Flat along the Tioga Rd. The access road itself is 3 miles long and is narrow, single lane and windy. Tamarack flat is 28 miles (45 minutes) northwest of Yosemite Valley.

Weather at Tamarack Flat Campground

Current alerts(9)

Bears and wildlife live here! Food and toiletries must be properly stored 24 hours per day. Food storage lockers provided in all campsites (43" Wide x 28" High x 35" Deep) Absolutely NO food storage in vehicles. Dispose of garbage immediately in bear-proof receptacles.
Bring proof of your reservation (screen shot or paper version). There is no internet access, cell service or public phone in Tamarack Flat. You must sign in at the entrance of the campground or you will be considered a no show and your reservation cancelled.
For additional park information, call (209)372-0200 or visit www.nps.gov/yose
Help Yosemite be a Zero Landfill park! Leave excess packaging at home. Use refillable water 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/

Best Time to Camp at Tamarack Flat Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable weather, thinner crowds, and excellent hiking conditions — days are typically cool and sunny (50–70°F) with crisp nights (25–45°F) that make campfires and stargazing especially pleasant. Trails and Tioga Road views are clear after summer smoke and before winter snow; wildlife is active as animals forage for winter and alpine meadows take on late-season golds. Expect far fewer visitors than peak summer, particularly after Labor Day, making this the ideal Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in US

Reviews and notes state fall offers best conditions: cool days, crisp nights, fewer visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 22 to October 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Tamarack Flat Campground is closed for the winter. The campground typically opens in mid-June and closes in early October. Opening date for the Tamarack Flat Campground varies depending on the opening of the Tioga Road and related seasonal facility and road work.

About Tamarack Flat Campground

Tamarack Flat Campground sits in a mid-elevation forest within Yosemite National Park, operated by the National Park Service. This primitive, tent-only site attracts visitors seeking quiet and dark skies, with well-spaced sites that keep generators and RVs out of the mix. The campground serves as a trailhead for routes to El Capitan and other backcountry destinations, drawing hikers who value solitude over amenities.

Tamarack Flat Campground offers tent-only, primitive camping. It is not designed for RVs, trailers, or group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable weather, thinner crowds, and excellent hiking conditions — days are typically cool and sunny (50–70°F) with crisp nights (25–45°F) that make campfires and stargazing especially pleasant. Trails and Tioga Road views are clear after summer smoke and before winter snow; wildlife is active as animals forage for winter and alpine meadows take on late-season golds. Expect far fewer visitors than peak summer, particularly after Labor Day, making this the ideal Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas firs and pines create a thick canopy overhead, with granite formations visible through the trees. A seasonal creek runs nearby when snowmelt feeds it, typically through early summer. The forest feels enclosed and cool even on warm days. Trails lead to Cascade Creek and out toward El Capitan, though the latter is a serious undertaking from here. The elevation keeps temperatures moderate and nights cold.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available within the campground. Tamarack Flat is strictly a tent camping site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are offered within the campground, though Yosemite Valley provides ranger-led activities and educational workshops.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6people maximum (including children) per site.

Groups

No group sites are available at Tamarack Flat Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through Recreation.gov, either online or via their app.

AccessibilityThe campground has designated wheelchair-accessible sites (21, 22, 23, 24, 38) featuring extended-top picnic tables and accessible vault toilets nearby.

Site SizeThe campsites are tent-only and vary in size. Many are spacious and offer ample room for tents and other camping setups.

PrivacyUser reviews mention that sites are well-separated, providing more privacy compared to valley campgrounds. However, the level of seclusion varies between sites.

Total Campsites52 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, site 1; for proximity to creek, site 30; for stargazing, site 32.

Best CampsitesSites 3, 11, and 52 are accessible and preferred by visitors. Site 1 offers the most privacy. Most sites are spacious enough for multiple tents, though reviewers recommend arriving early for the best selection.

Need help booking Tamarack Flat Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Tamarack Flat Campground is a primitive camping area located in Yosemite National Park, featuring 52 tent-only sites. Seasonal facilities include vault toilets, trash and recycling collection, food storage lockers, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. No potable water is available, and campers must bring their own or treat/boil creek water. The campground lacks cell phone reception, Wi-Fi, showers, a camp store, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Access is via a narrow, single-lane road with hairpin turns, making it unsuitable for RVs or trailers.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Tamarack Flat Campground offers a variety of recreational activities directly from the site, including hiking and backpacking trails. Nearby Yosemite Valley and Tioga Road provide additional opportunities for fishing, biking, photography, and exploring natural attractions like giant sequoia groves.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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 ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground. Vault toilets are the only option for restroom facilities.

Food Storage RequiredLockers measure 45"Wide x 18"High x 33"Deep and are mandatory for food storage to prevent bear encounters.

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 is available, and bear-proof receptacles are provided. Campers are required to dispose of garbage immediately to protect wildlife.

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

4.4

289 reviews

Recommended

Tamarack Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise Tamarack Flat Campground for its secluded and peaceful environment, spacious sites, and proximity to trailheads. Common complaints include the lack of potable water, strong toilet odors, and the primitive nature of facilities. The campground's remote location and challenging access road are also frequently mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 289 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 289 reviews.

Site 3Loved
Site 3 is frequently praised for its proximity to bathrooms and the entrance, but also for its privacy and spaciousness.
Site 13Mentioned
Site 13 is noted for being flat and open, while some sites like 41 are described as sloped.
site 38Mentioned
Sites near vault toilets (e.g., site 38) may experience odors.

What Campers Love

Reviewers highlight the campground's tranquility, well-separated sites, stargazing opportunities, and proximity to trails like the one leading to El Capitan. Many appreciated the lack of RVs and...

Based on 289 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaints include the absence of potable water, odors from vault toilets, and difficulty finding campsites at night due to poor signage. Some reviewers also noted the...

Based on 289 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to select a good site, bringing ample water, and preparing for cold nights, especially later in the season. Some advise using the creek as a water source after proper...

Based on 289 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer weekends tend to be crowded, and the creek may dry up later in the season. Fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, but nights can be very cold. The campground is inaccessible in...

Based on 289 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely loved this area of Yosemite. Only 52 camp sites total, off the beaten path just enough. Very quiet and camp ground overseer is cool." - James Hill Real Estate; "Vault toilets and no...

Based on 289 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campsites 21, 22, 23, 24, and 38 are noted as wheelchair accessible, with extended-top picnic tables and nearby accessible vault toilets.

Based on 289 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. No specific amenities for pets are mentioned, and users did not provide substantial feedback on pet experiences.

Based on 289 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a tranquil, generator-free base camp for hiking El Capitan trails and don't need running water or flush toilets.

Skip if

You require potable water on-site, RV hookups, or well-lit facilities after dark.

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4.3

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Crane Flat Campground

PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, USA

Crane Flat Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Yosemite National Park, operated by the National Park Service. The moderately priced campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a camp store, plus ranger programs and wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers use it as a base for exploring Yosemite Valley and surrounding trails during the summer season.