How much does camping cost at Crane Flat Campground?

Camping fees at Crane Flat Campground are $36 - $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Crane 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 Crane Flat Campground before I book?

Yes! Crane 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 Crane Flat Campground?

Crane Flat Campground is open May 21 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 Crane Flat Campground?

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

How many campsites does Crane Flat Campground have?

Crane Flat Campground has 60 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Crane Flat Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Crane 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 Crane Flat Campground?

Crane Flat Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Crane Flat Campground

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

Fire policies at Crane 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.

4.26

719 reviews

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

CReport Card

Featured in:Yosemite Camping Near Yosemite National Park

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Crane Flat Campground

$36.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double sites: $60.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $36.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $36.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

(209) 379-2123 OR (209) 372-8502eric_bissmeyer@nps.gov

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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

Nearby places

Yosemite Valley (17 miles, 30 minutes), Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (23 miles), Tuolumne Meadows (39 miles via Tioga Road).

Weather at Crane Flat Campground

Current alerts(10)

Bears and wildlife live here! Food, scented items and toiletries must be stored 24 hours/day. Absolutely NO food stored in vehicles! Food lockers are provided in all campsites and measure 35 inches deep x 43 inches wide x 28 inches high.
Bring proof of your reservation (screen shot or paper version). There is no internet access, cell service or public phone at Crane Flat. You must sign in at the entrance of the campground or you will be considered a no show and your reservation cancelled.
Crane Flat campground will open on Thursday, May 21. Reservations release on a two-week rolling window. The first release will occur on Thursday, May 7 at 7:00AM Pacific Time.
For additional park information, call (209)372-0200 or visit www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit

Best Time to Camp at Crane Flat Campground

Best season: summer. Summer gives you the warmest, most reliable weather and full campground services — expect daytime highs around 78–85°F and cool nights near the upper 40s–mid 50s (roughly 50–57°F). Trails, bike routes, and the campground are fully accessible, making hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing easiest; flush toilets and food lockers are staffed/maintained. Be prepared for crowds and reservation windows (June 20–July 3 is busiest), but early summer and late summer weekdays still offer a classic Yosemite, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best season: full services, warm days, easy access to trails; highest demand and full campground services.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21 to October 11. 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.

About Crane Flat Campground

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.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer gives you the warmest, most reliable weather and full campground services — expect daytime highs around 78–85°F and cool nights near the upper 40s–mid 50s (roughly 50–57°F). Trails, bike routes, and the campground are fully accessible, making hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing easiest; flush toilets and food lockers are staffed/maintained. Be prepared for crowds and reservation windows (June 20–July 3 is busiest), but early summer and late summer weekdays still offer a classic Yosemite, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySugar pines, red firs, lodgepole pines, and western junipers shade the campground, with Jeffrey pines adding their vanilla scent to the air. Hidden meadows nearby fill with wildflowers each summer, changing as different blooms cycle through the season. The forest provides a gentler landscape compared to Yosemite's famous granite cliffs, though you're camping in the same Sierra Nevada range that glaciers and volcanic activity shaped over millions of years.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is provided within the campground. Accommodations are limited to campsites for tents and RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesThe 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Capacity varies by site type
standard sites can accommodate tents and RVs.

Groups

No designated group campsites are detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or app.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible campsites, flush toilets, and other basic amenities. However, the terrain may be challenging for some due to uneven ground and slopes.

Site SizeCampground sites vary in size, with most able to accommodate standard tents and RVs. Some sites are spacious, but others, especially in certain loops, are on slopes and less suitable for larger setups.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Some sites are spacious and feel secluded, while others are closely spaced, offering little privacy. Many users report that sites in the 400 and 500 loops are particularly close together.

Total Campsites60 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid steeply sloped sites, particularly in 400-series loops. Site 228 has been noted for its spaciousness and proximity to natural features.

Best CampsitesSites near boulders in the outer loops offer better privacy and scenery. Avoid the 400 and 500 loops if you want space between neighbors. Those sites sit particularly close together.

Need help booking Crane Flat Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No electric, water, or sewer hookups are available at this facility, however, a dump station is located in Yosemite Valley, as are showers.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Crane Flat Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Hiking is a primary activity; trails lead to Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias and access to Yosemite Valley.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing is a highlight; deer and bears frequently spotted near campsites and ranger programs support viewing.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Mid-elevation Yosemite forest, limited lighting (no electricity) and national-park dark skies favor stargazing.

Photography4.0/5Wildflowers, sequoia groves, scented pines and wildlife provide many photo opportunities nearby.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

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 facilities are available but are located on the main road outside of each loop. Campers are advised to dispose of their waste immediately and use the bear-proof dumpsters provided.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is inconsistent at the campground, with some users reporting 1-2 bars of LTE depending on their provider and location within the campsite.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

719 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 719 reviews.

Site 523Loved
Site 523 is noted for its partial tree cover and spacious layout.
Site 434Issues noted
Site 434 is described as steep and difficult to use.

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Crane Flat Campground

$36.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double sites: $60.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $36.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $36.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(209) 379-2123 OR (209) 372-8502eric_bissmeyer@nps.gov

Go if

You want National Park Service camping near Yosemite Valley with full summer services and don't mind dusty conditions.

Skip if

You need level sites or want to avoid crowds during peak summer months.

Nearby Campgrounds

Highly Popular

3.9

(1098)

Hodgdon Meadow Campground

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

Hodgdon Meadow Campground sits at mid-elevation forest along the Big Oak Flat Road entrance to Yosemite National Park, operated by the National Park Service. The large campground serves as a base for exploring both Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, with tent, RV, and group sites set among ponderosa pines and incense cedars. Visitors come for fall color, wildlife viewing, and access to trailheads without the congestion of valley-floor campgrounds.

Crane Flat Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Crane Flat Campground

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Crane Flat Campground

Planning Tips

About Crane Flat Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Crane Flat Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Crane Flat Campground

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Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Crane Flat Campground

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Need help booking Crane Flat Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Crane Flat Campground

Policies & Safety

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns