How much does camping cost at North Pines Campground?

Camping fees at North Pines Campground are $16 - $48/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is North Pines Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

North Pines 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 North Pines Campground before I book?

Yes! North Pines Campground has 12 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 North Pines Campground?

North Pines Campground is open April 21 to October 25. 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 North Pines Campground?

Yes, North Pines Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does North Pines Campground have?

North Pines Campground has 151 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at North Pines Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at North Pines 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 North Pines Campground?

North Pines Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

North Pines Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at North Pines Campground?

Fire policies at North Pines 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.

4.46

656 reviews

9024 Southside Drive

Top 15% in CASummer

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Yosemite#2 Camping Near Yosemite National Park#3 Hiking Camping California +2 more

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$16 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

151 campsites

Season

North Pines Campgrou...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Yosemite National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$16 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

151 campsites

Season

North Pines Campgrou...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Yosemite National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

North Pines Campground

$16.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Backpacker 2 people: $16.00; Backpacker 3 people: $24.00; Backpacker 4 people: $32.00; Backpacker 5 people: $40.00; Backpacker 6 people: $48.00; RV...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 11 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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Provider

(209) 372-8502

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

9024 Southside Drive

North Pines Campground

9024 Southside Drive

Nearby places

Fresno (approx. 80 miles, 1.5 hours), Merced (approx. 75 miles, 1.5 hours), Manteca (approx. 100 miles, 2 hours)

Weather at North Pines Campground

Current alerts(10)

Bears and other wildlife live here! Food and toiletries must be properly stored 24 hours/day. Food storage lockers are provided in all campsites and measure 43 inches wide, 28 inches high and 35 inches deep. Absolutely no food stored in vehicles.
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
If arriving one or more days late , call (209) 372-8502; your reservation will be cancelled if we do not hear from you within 24 hours of your arrival date.

Best Time to Camp at North Pines Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers reliably warm, comfortable days (mid 60s–mid 70s °F at valley floor) and cool nights (around 45–55 °F), with full campground services and all valley trails, bridges, and shuttle service operating. Water-based fun — swimming and wading in the Merced River and easy access to Mist Trail and Yosemite Falls viewpoints — is at its peak, and most backcountry and high country routes are snow-free. Expect heavy crowds and reservation-only access, so plan and book early; note occasional H2 Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in CA

Best season: warm days, cool nights, full services and swimming; peak crowds and competition for sites.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 21 to October 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: North Pines Campground is open from June 15 to October 29 during peak season.

About North Pines Campground

North Pines Campground sits in Yosemite Valley near the Merced River, operated by the National Park Service as one of the valley's largest campgrounds. The mid-elevation forest setting puts hikers within walking distance of Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls viewpoints, and valley shuttle stops. Summer brings warm days and cool nights, with full access to swimming holes, backcountry trailheads, and all park services during the seasonal operating window.

North Pines Campground caters to a variety of campers, including those using tents, RVs, and group sites. Primitive camping and glamping options are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers reliably warm, comfortable days (mid 60s–mid 70s °F at valley floor) and cool nights (around 45–55 °F), with full campground services and all valley trails, bridges, and shuttle service operating. Water-based fun — swimming and wading in the Merced River and easy access to Mist Trail and Yosemite Falls viewpoints — is at its peak, and most backcountry and high country routes are snow-free. Expect heavy crowds and reservation-only access, so plan and book early; note occasional H2 Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits under a mixed forest of California black oaks, ponderosa pines, incense-cedars, and white firs. Half Dome's profile dominates the eastern skyline, with granite cliffs framing the valley in every direction. The Merced River winds through the area, offering clear pools for wading and swimming in summer. Distant waterfalls thread down the valley walls, visible through breaks in the canopy. At 4,000 feet, the valley floor stays relatively temperate compared to Yosemite's higher elevations.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available directly within the campground, but Curry Village nearby offers accommodation options.

Programs & ActivitiesYosemite offers ranger-led activities, museums, and an art center with workshops. Specific schedules for North Pines Campground were not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors may stay up to 7 consecutive nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per site vary by site type and location.

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, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, drinking water, and flush toilets are available. Yosemite's free shuttle bus provides easy access to the campground entrance.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating tents, small to medium RVs, and trailers. Specific sizes are not detailed for each site.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited at most sites due to the close proximity of neighboring campsites. Some sites, particularly along the river, offer more seclusion.

Total Campsites151 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites along the river (e.g., 111, 113, 526) for serene views and easy access to water. Avoid sites near restrooms for less noise and light pollution.

Best CampsitesSites 111, 113, and 109 get consistent praise for river proximity, shade, and views. Site 111 in particular is frequently mentioned as a standout for its riverside tranquility. Some river-adjacent sites offer more seclusion than interior loops, though competition for them is fierce.

Need help booking North Pines 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

There are no electric, water or sewer hook-ups available at individual campsites, although a free dump station and drinking water are located nearby at Upper Pines.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at North Pines Campground

North Pines Campground provides easy access to Yosemite's renowned outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, rock climbing, and fishing. Water-based activities like rafting and wildlife viewing are also popular due to the campground's proximity to the Merced River.

Hiking5.0/5Top 3% in California

Within walking distance of Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls viewpoints, Mirror Lake and Half Dome trailheads.

Climbing5.0/5Top 1% in California

Campground framed by Yosemite's granite cliffs with easy access to world-class climbing routes.

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Merced River offers clear pools for wading and summer swimming near the campground.

Water Sports2.0/5

Boating/kayaking not supported; river pools exist but no launching/facilities noted.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Half Dome, granite cliffs, waterfalls and river provide top-tier photographic opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at each site, measuring 43 x 28 x 35 inches, sufficient for all food and scented items.

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.

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 & RecyclingBear-proof dumpsters are located throughout the campground, and recycling facilities are available. Campers are advised to dispose of garbage immediately to avoid attracting wildlife.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is intermittent depending on the provider. Campers are advised to prepare for limited connectivity.

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

Rate North Pines Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.5

656 reviews

Recommended

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

North Pines Campground receives widespread praise for its stunning location in Yosemite Valley, close proximity to iconic trails, and the serene Merced River. However, its popularity makes acquiring reservations highly competitive, and some campers noted issues like crowded sites, noise, and limited privacy.

Review Summaries

Based on 656 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 656 reviews.

Site 111Loved
Site 111 is praised for its proximity to the river and amazing views.
Site 305Mentioned
Site 305 is noted for being overgrown and less maintained.
site 401Issues noted
Campers recommend avoiding site 401 due to its lack of shade and noisy location near bathrooms.

What Campers Love

Campers love the close proximity to hiking trails, the beautiful setting near the Merced River, and the well-maintained facilities. Many describe the campground as 'magical,' 'peaceful,' and an ideal...

Based on 656 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the difficulty of obtaining reservations, campsites being too close together, noise from generators and other campers, and lack of soap in the bathrooms. Some campers also disliked...

Based on 656 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early before check-in to maximize your day. If possible, bring bikes for easier access to valley attractions. Consider earplugs for light sleepers and a portable tub for dishwashing as no...

Based on 656 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, but it also sees high crowds and competition for campsites. Spring offers lush greenery and flowing waterfalls, though flooding can impact some sites. Fall brings...

Based on 656 reviews

Camper Quotes

'You can’t beat a view of Half Dome over breakfast!' - Naomi G. 'Very relaxing campground right by the river.' - Tim G. 'It’s Yosemite, how can you go wrong?' - Charles B. 'The most magical camping...

Based on 656 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites and restrooms are appreciated, but some users noted a lack of clear signage or difficulties with certain payment systems (e.g., QR codes for backpackers' campsites).

Based on 656 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but campers caution about bears and ensure pets do not disturb wildlife. Some campers noted that pets are restricted on many trails.

Based on 656 reviews

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North Pines Campground

$16.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Backpacker 2 people: $16.00; Backpacker 3 people: $24.00; Backpacker 4 people: $32.00; Backpacker 5 people: $40.00; Backpacker 6 people: $48.00; RV...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 11 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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) 372-8502

Go if

You want a full-service base camp in Yosemite Valley with easy trail access and don't mind close neighbors.

Skip if

You need site privacy, guaranteed quiet, or can't plan far enough ahead to secure a competitive reservation.

Nearby Campgrounds

Highly Popular

4.4

(688)

Lower Pines Campground

9024 Southside Drive

Lower Pines Campground sits in Yosemite Valley with direct views of Half Dome and the Merced River. Operated by the National Park Service, this mid-sized campground serves as a base for exploring Yosemite's iconic trails and waterfalls. Campers have access to flush toilets, potable water, and the valley shuttle system, with Curry Village and major trailheads within easy reach.

North Pines Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

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Campground Map

Weather at North Pines Campground

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at North Pines Campground

Planning Tips

About North Pines Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking North Pines Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at North Pines Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

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Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about North Pines Campground

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at North Pines Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking North Pines Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at North Pines Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns