How much does camping cost at Yosemite Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Yosemite Creek 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 Yosemite Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Yosemite Creek 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 Yosemite Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Yosemite Creek Campground has 9 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 Yosemite Creek Campground?

Yosemite Creek Campground is open July 15 to September 06. 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 Yosemite Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Yosemite Creek Campground have?

Yosemite Creek Campground has 75 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Yosemite Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Yosemite Creek 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 Yosemite Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Yosemite Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Yosemite Creek Campground include Hiking, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Yosemite Creek Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Yosemite Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Yosemite Creek 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.

3.81

110 reviews

PO Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,700 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open mid-July throug...

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

7,700 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open mid-July throug...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Yosemite Creek 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

PO Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Yosemite Creek Campground

PO Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Nearby places

Yosemite Valley (approx. 1 hour by road)

Tuolumne Meadows (26 miles west)

Tioga Pass (approximately 40 minutes).

Driving directionsFrom Lee Vining, take Hwy 120 west to the Tioga Pass entrance of Yosemite National Park (YNP). Continue onto the Tioga Pass Road for approximately 30 miles, and the entrance to Yosemite Creek campground will be on your left. From Manteca, take Hwy 120 east to the Big Oak Flat entrance of YNP. Continue onto the Big Oak Flat Road for approximately 8 miles to Crane Flat, where you will make a left-hand turn onto the Tioga Pass Road. Continue on the Tioga Pass Road for approximately 14 miles, and the entrance to the campground will be on your right. From Yosemite Valley, follow the signs for Manteca/Hwy 120 until you reach Crane Flat, where you will make a right-hand turn onto the Tioga Pass Road. Continue on the Tioga Pass Road for approximately 14 miles, and the entrance to the campground will be on your right. From Mariposa, take Hwy 140 east to the Arch Rock entrance of YNP. Continue onto the El Portal Road for approximately 4 miles until you reach the first available left-hand turn onto the Big Oak Flat Road (watch for signs to Manteca/Hwy 120). Continue on the Big Oak Flat Road until you reach Crane Flat, where you will make a right-hand turn onto the Tioga Pass Road. Continue on the Tioga Pass Road for approximately 14 miles, and the entrance to the campground will be on your right.

Weather at Yosemite Creek Campground

Current alerts(10)

Bear Habitat! Food and toiletries must be properly stored in food storage lockers 24 hours per day. - Food storage lockers provided in all campsites (45"Wide x 18"High x 33"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 Yosemite Creek. 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: https://www.nps.gov/yose/getinvolved/zlf.htm

Best Time to Camp at Yosemite Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the only practical time to visit Yosemite Creek Campground because the site is open mid-July through mid-September and the high-elevation weather is reliably pleasant — daytime highs typically reach 70–80°F while nights drop into the 30s–40s°F at 7,700 ft. This window puts hiking, bouldering on the granite outcrops, creek-side swimming/wading, and wildlife viewing at their peak while keeping crowds lower than Yosemite Valley thanks to the rugged 5-mile dirt access road and the site’s 0 Peak months: August, July, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid-July to mid-September; daytime highs 70–80°F and many positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 15 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open mid-July through mid-September (dates vary). Closed from mid-September to mid-July.

About Yosemite Creek Campground

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.

Yosemite Creek Campground provides a primitive camping experience tailored for tent campers. It does not accommodate RVs, trailers, or large group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the only practical time to visit Yosemite Creek Campground because the site is open mid-July through mid-September and the high-elevation weather is reliably pleasant — daytime highs typically reach 70–80°F while nights drop into the 30s–40s°F at 7,700 ft. This window puts hiking, bouldering on the granite outcrops, creek-side swimming/wading, and wildlife viewing at their peak while keeping crowds lower than Yosemite Valley thanks to the rugged 5-mile dirt access road and the site’s 0 Peak months: August, July, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMassive granite boulders, carved by glaciers and volcanic activity, rise between campsites and provide natural windbreaks. Pines and the scent of sun-warmed needles fill the spaces between rocks. Yosemite Creek flows through the campground during summer, though it often dries to a trickle by September. Black bears forage at dawn and dusk. Chickadees and chipmunks work the campsites during the day. Coyotes call after dark.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or alternative accommodations are provided on-site. The campground focuses solely on a primitive camping experience.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or by phone.

AccessibilityTwo campsites, Sites 47 and 49, are wheelchair accessible and include picnic tables with extended tops. Nearby restrooms are also wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeSites accommodate tents only, with a maximum of two vehicles per site. Food lockers measure 33 inches deep, 45 inches wide, and 18 inches high.

PrivacyThe campground is described as a serene and secluded environment, providing a quieter alternative to the crowded Yosemite Valley campgrounds. However, privacy may vary by specific site.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors recommend bringing mosquito repellent, as early-season mosquitoes can be an issue. 4WD or high-clearance vehicles are advised for navigating the access road.

Best CampsitesSite 70 gets mentioned in reviews for privacy and creek access. Sites 47 and 49 are ADA-accessible.

Need help booking Yosemite Creek 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

Yosemite Creek Campground is a primitive campground with vault toilets and no drinking water. A seasonal creek runs through the campground but water must be boiled and/or treated before drinking. Do not rely on creek water being available; bring water!

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Yosemite Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities in a serene and natural setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, bird watching, rock climbing, and stargazing. The area is particularly popular for its proximity to Yosemite Creek and nearby attractions like Yosemite Falls.

Hiking

Climbing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

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. Vault toilets are provided instead.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided at each site and must be used to protect against bears. Lockers measure 33 inches deep, 45 inches wide, and 18 inches 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 facilities are available on a seasonal basis. Campers are encouraged to use bear-proof receptacles to maintain the safety of the area.

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

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From Booking Sources

3.8

110 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Yosemite Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Yosemite Creek Campground receives mixed reviews, with an overall average sentiment score of 3.486. Visitors appreciate its secluded atmosphere, natural beauty, and proximity to Yosemite Creek. However, challenges such as the rough access road, lack of potable water, and limited on-site management are commonly noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 110 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the campground for its peaceful environment, scenic views, and opportunities to connect with nature. One reviewer highlighted, 'This is a beautiful campsite, serene, quiet, and away...

Based on 110 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the rough 5-mile access road, issues with the reservation system, and poorly maintained facilities such as picnic tables and restrooms. One user noted, 'The road to the...

Based on 110 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 47 and 49 are wheelchair accessible. Several reviews mention specific sites, such as 70 ('The campground was nicely laid out and bathrooms were cleaned daily.') and 62 ('We had a wonderful time...

Based on 110 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing plenty of water, as there is no potable water on-site. It's also advised to arrive early due to the challenging drive and bring mosquito repellent. One user suggested, 'Be...

Based on 110 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during its open season from mid-July to mid-September. Some reviews suggest that late summer is ideal, as the weather is warm but not too hot. However, the creek may...

Based on 110 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely loved the campground. I wish I had more time than one night." - Evelyn C. "Staying at this campground is no joke, but looking back, I'm so happy we did." - Allison Z. "Clean bathrooms and...

Based on 110 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is somewhat limited. Two sites are specifically noted as wheelchair accessible, and extended tables are available. However, some users have raised concerns about the distance to...

Based on 110 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but must be leashed at all times. One reviewer shared a negative experience with a ranger regarding their pet's behavior, which highlighted the need for responsible pet management.

Based on 110 reviews

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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.