Crane Flat Campground

Star4.27
719 reviews
PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, USA

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$36 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Open May 22 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Crane Flat Campground
$36.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by season and site type. Peak season rates range from $36 to $60 per night depending on the site type (RV Nonelectric, Tent Only...
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Standard Site Fee$36.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(209) 379-2123 OR (209) 372-8502sheri_ogden@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 719 reviews

148 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

Some mention

dusty

"Crane Flat Campground receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights its proximity to Yosemite Valley, spacious campsites, and opportunities for viewing wildlife. Negative feedback focuses on sloped and uneven ground, cleanliness of restrooms, and a lack of amenities like showers and electricity."

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Campground Map

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

Crane Flat Campground

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

Driving directionsTake Highway 41 north from Fresno, Highway 140 east from Merced, or Highway 120 east from Manteca into Yosemite National Park. Crane Flat Campground is located 8 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station (Hwy 120 from the west), and is 17 miles (30 minutes) northwest of Yosemite Valley.
Crane Flat Campground is accessible via paved roads, located 8 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station and 17 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley. Seasonal closures and road maintenance may affect accessibility.
Nearby places
Yosemite Valley (17 miles, 30 minutes), Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (23 miles), Tuolumne Meadows (39 miles via Tioga Road).
Nearby supplies
Gas station and small general store located nearby
larger supplies available in Yosemite Valley.

Best Time to Camp at Crane Flat Campground

Mountain mornings at Crane Flat greet you with crisp, invigorating air that gradually warms to pleasant summer highs around 82°F—ideal for exploring nearby trails and attractions. As evening shadows lengthen, temperatures drop to a refreshing 57°F, perfect for gathering around the campfire with fellow adventurers. Come autumn, the campground transforms into a golden wonderland, though wise campers pack extra layers as nighttime temperatures can dip below freezing, adding a sparkle of frost to dawn's first light.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with pleasant highs (~82°F), easy trail access, but heavy use can strain facilities.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler temps and fewer crowds make fall appealing; campground remains open into October.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens late May; pleasant spring weather early but opening date limits full spring season use.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 22–Oct 13, so winter camping not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22, 2025 - October 13, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 22 to October 13, with reservations available during peak season from June 20 to July 3. Closed outside these dates.
  • Current Alerts: Recently reopened following a four-year renovation. Campers are advised to protect new vegetation by avoiding off-pad parking.

About Crane Flat Campground

Nestled among towering evergreens, Crane Flat Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Yosemite experience without sacrificing essential comforts. This peaceful mountain retreat features thoughtfully designed sites with paved parking spurs and secure food storage lockers—essential in this wild landscape where curious bears and graceful deer frequently wander through camp. While you won't find electrical hookups or shower facilities here, the campground's flush toilets and welcoming atmosphere make it perfect for both tent campers and RV travelers who appreciate the simple pleasure of falling asleep to the whisper of pine boughs overhead.
Crane Flat Campground provides a variety of campsites accommodating both tents and RVs. Sites are primarily non-electric, with no hookups available. Group campsites are not explicitly mentioned, though several loops are noted for their layout and spacing.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in at 14:00 to avoid cancellation of reservations.
Check-out
Check-out by 11:00 am.
Stay Limit
Up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Crane Flat Campground offers access to a range of activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, auto touring, and nearby locations for fishing and other recreational opportunities. The campground is situated between the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, each requiring a 2.5-3 mile roundtrip hike.
HikingHiking is one of the primary activities, with trails leading to the nearby Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias. The White Wolf area on Tioga Road also offers additional hiking options. Difficulty levels range from moderate to challenging.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
BikingBiking is possible within Yosemite National Park. However, no specific trails or biking facilities are mentioned in connection with Crane Flat Campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with deer and bears frequently spotted near campsites. Campers are advised to use bear-proof storage lockers and exercise caution.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground hosts ranger-led activities and educational programs, such as campfire talks at the amphitheater. Topics often include the natural and cultural history of Yosemite.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential encounters with wildlife such as bears and mountain lions. Sloped campsites require caution for tent and vehicle setup. Dusty soil conditions can affect comfort.
Active AlertsRecently reopened following a four-year renovation. Campers are advised to protect new vegetation by avoiding off-pad parking.
Food Storage RequiredProvided at each campsite; dimensions are 35" Deep x 43" Wide x 28" High. Essential for storing all food and scented items due to bear activity.

Weather at Crane Flat Campground

Reviews

4.3
719 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Crane Flat Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Crane Flat Campground receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights its proximity to Yosemite Valley, spacious campsites, and opportunities for viewing wildlife. Negative feedback focuses on sloped and uneven ground, cleanliness of restrooms, and a lack of amenities like showers and electricity.
Review Summaries
Based on 719 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the proximity to Yosemite Valley, the natural beauty of the surroundings, and large campsites in certain loops. Wildlife sightings, such as deer and bears, add to the outdoor...
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Based on 719 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include unlevel campsites, dirty or poorly maintained restrooms, lack of electricity and lighting in facilities, and noise due to closely spaced sites. Some visitors also find the bear...
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Based on 719 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a flashlight or headlamp for nighttime restroom visits due to the lack of lighting. Selecting sites carefully to avoid slopes is advised. Bring sufficient supplies,...
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Based on 719 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with high demand for reservations, but also the time when restrooms and bear boxes can become overused. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it...
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Based on 719 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms are flushable, clean, and they provide toilet paper only. No showers but there is a water spigot." "Watch out for the 400 series campsites. You may end up with a very rocky, slippery...
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Based on 719 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campers have noted that sites in the 400 and 500 loops are particularly sloped and less desirable. Site 434 is described as steep and difficult to use. Site 523 is noted for its partial tree cover...
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Based on 719 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility experiences, but general feedback suggests challenges for those with mobility difficulties due to uneven terrain and slopes.
Based on 719 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and some reviews mention dog-friendly experiences. However, campers should be cautious to store food and scented items properly to avoid attracting wildlife.
Based on 719 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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