Yosemite Creek Campground

Star3.94
110 reviews
PO Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

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

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Yosemite Creek Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$24 per night for all campsites during the peak season of July 1 - August 31, 2025. Rates are subject to taxes and additional charges, including a...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
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What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 110 reviews

50 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

reservation

"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."

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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

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.
Accessing Yosemite Creek Campground requires navigating a steep, narrow, rutted 5-mile single-lane dirt road with many hairpin turns. Motorhomes and trailers are not allowed. "The road to the campground is a little rough and it takes about 20 minutes but it's worth it" (user review). Many visitors noted the lack of signage and the challenging road conditions. A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.
Nearby places
Yosemite Valley (approx. 1 hour by road)
Tuolumne Meadows (26 miles west)
Tioga Pass (approximately 40 minutes).
Nearby supplies
The nearest locations for groceries are Yosemite Village Store, Curry Village Store, and Yosemite Valley Lodge Store in Yosemite Valley. A small grocery store is also located in Crane Flat. Showers are available in Curry Village within Yosemite Valley.

Best Time to Camp at Yosemite Creek Campground

Summer transforms this high-country retreat into a perfect escape, with sun-drenched days warming to a comfortable 70-80°F while nights demand cozy sleeping bags as temperatures dip to a crisp 30-40°F. As autumn arrives, the landscape shifts to golden hues, though visitors should note that Yosemite Creek—the campground's namesake waterway—often dwindles to a trickle or runs completely dry by September, adding an extra layer of wilderness challenge to late-season adventures.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open mid‑July to mid‑Sept; reviewers prefer late summer; comfortable day temps, cool nights.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes mid‑September; fall season not available.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site remains closed through spring until mid‑July opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed mid‑Sept to mid‑July; no winter camping.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1 - August 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open mid-July through mid-September (dates vary). Closed from mid-September to mid-July.
  • Current Alerts: Day-use reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park during peak hours (6 AM - 2 PM) from June 15 to August 15 and Labor Day weekend (August 30 - September 1).

About Yosemite Creek Campground

Hidden deep within Yosemite's backcountry, where a rugged 5-mile dirt road separates you from the crowds, lies Yosemite Creek Campground—a sanctuary for true wilderness enthusiasts. This primitive, tent-only retreat offers 75 intimate campsites nestled among towering pines, where the only amenities are vault toilets and the raw beauty of nature itself. Without running water, campers must arrive prepared with their own supply or embrace the adventure of treating water from the seasonal creek. For those yearning to trade modern conveniences for starlit nights and the whisper of wind through ancient pines, this secluded haven delivers an authentic backcountry experience that feels worlds away from civilization.
Yosemite Creek Campground provides a primitive camping experience tailored for tent campers. It does not accommodate RVs, trailers, or large group camping.
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Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking opportunities include nearby trails leading to Yosemite Falls and other scenic locations. Trails vary in difficulty, and users recommend bringing adequate supplies for safety.
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.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in Yosemite Creek, although water levels may vary seasonally. Visitors should exercise caution due to the lack of lifeguards and unpredictable currents.
Wildlife viewingVisitors report sightings of chickadees, chipmunks, Douglas squirrels, black bears, coyotes, and owls. Yosemite Creek is a peaceful spot for observing wildlife.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is a bear habitat requiring strict food storage rules. The rough access road poses challenges for standard vehicles.
Active AlertsDay-use reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park during peak hours (6 AM - 2 PM) from June 15 to August 15 and Labor Day weekend (August 30 - September 1).
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.
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.

Weather at Yosemite Creek Campground

Reviews

3.9
110 reviews
Mixed 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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