Porcupine Flat Campground

4.29

148 reviews

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Featured in:Camping Near Yosemite National Park

Quick Facts

8,100 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Porcupine Flat Campg...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Yosemite National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,100 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Porcupine Flat Campg...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Yosemite National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Porcupine Flat Campground

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

All sites are charged a standard fee of $24.00 per night during peak season.

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 148 reviews

39 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

"Porcupine Flat Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.18 for campground-specific experiences. Users appreciate its quiet, primitive nature and proximity to Yosemite trails. However, some expressed concerns about privacy and noise from other campers."

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Campground Map

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Porcupine Flat Campground

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Driving directionsThe Porcupine Flat Campground is located off the Tioga Road 24 miles west from Tioga Pass, the park’s east entrance (35 minutes). From Yosemite Valley, take the Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road 38 miles (approximately 70 minutes). From Hwy. 120 west/Big Oak Flat Road, take the Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road 31 miles (45 minutes). You’ll find the campground north of the Tioga Road.

RVs and trailers are not recommended due to narrow and primitive road conditions. Seasonal closures are common depending on the opening of Tioga Road and related facility and road work.

Nearby places

Yosemite Valley – 38 miles (70 minutes)

Tuolumne Meadows – 30 minutes west.

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are available at Yosemite Valley (Curry Village Store, Yosemite Valley Lodge Store) and Crane Flat, 23 miles west. Showers are available in Curry Village at Yosemite Valley. A dump station is available at Tuolumne Meadows (summer) and Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley (year-round).

Best Time to Camp at Porcupine Flat Campground

Mother Nature paints Porcupine Flat with dramatic seasonal brushstrokes throughout the year. From October through May, winter's embrace transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with 95% of the area's annual precipitation arriving during these months. As darkness falls at this lofty elevation, temperatures plummet, reminding visitors of the raw power of the high country. But when late spring emerges, the campground awakens to perfect camping weather—crisp mornings give way to sun-warmed afternoons, creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures that stretch through early fall's golden days.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak/open season July–Oct; described as peaceful and clean during its open season.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall praised by reviewers (signal +1.00); 'great weather for mid October' noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Campground closed through mid-July, so spring visits are not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed mid-October through mid-July; winter season not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 15, 2025 - October 12, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Porcupine Flat Campground is closed from mid-October through mid-July. It typically opens in late June and closes in mid-October depending on the opening of Tioga Road.
Current Alerts: Visitors entering Yosemite National Park between 6 am and 2 pm may require peak-hours reservations through early September.

About Porcupine Flat Campground

Escape to the tranquil wilderness of Porcupine Flat Campground, where the rush of modern life fades into the whisper of wind through pine branches. Tucked away off the scenic Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park, this rustic retreat embraces the essence of primitive camping. Here, vault toilets and bear-proof food lockers provide essential comforts while preserving the authentic outdoor experience. Your campsite comes equipped with a fire ring for evening gatherings and a sturdy picnic table for meals under towering conifers. The gentle murmur of nearby Porcupine Creek offers a natural soundtrack—and seasonal water for the prepared camper willing to treat it before use. This peaceful haven serves as your launching pad for adventures into the pristine White Wolf area and the breathtaking High Sierra backcountry.

Porcupine Flat Campground primarily caters to tent campers and offers a primitive camping experience. There are no group sites, RV-only sites, or glamping options.

Historical SignificanceFrom Porcupine Flat, you'll follow in the footsteps of generations of explorers who have sought the soul of Yosemite. This humble campground serves as your portal to legendary destinations that have captured imaginations for centuries. Venture forth to discover the sweeping grandeur of Tuolumne Meadows, where Native Americans once gathered and John Muir found inspiration. Stand in awe beneath the ancient Giant Sequoias, living monuments that have witnessed thousands of years of history. Every trail leading from this basecamp connects you to the rich tapestry of stories woven into Yosemite's cultural heritage.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints Porcupine Flat with dramatic seasonal brushstrokes throughout the year. From October through May, winter's embrace transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with 95% of the area's annual precipitation arriving during these months. As darkness falls at this lofty elevation, temperatures plummet, reminding visitors of the raw power of the high country. But when late spring emerges, the campground awakens to perfect camping weather—crisp mornings give way to sun-warmed afternoons, creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures that stretch through early fall's golden days.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,100 feet above sea level, Porcupine Flat offers a refreshing alpine alternative to the busier valley floor below. At this elevation, the air carries a crisp clarity that sharpens your senses and fills your lungs with pure mountain freshness. Summer temperatures here remain delightfully cool, providing natural air conditioning when the lower elevations swelter. This high-country setting means you'll sleep under some of California's clearest night skies, where stars shine with an intensity impossible to experience at lower altitudes.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a high-altitude sanctuary where ancient pines and firs create a living cathedral at 8,100 feet. The campground nestles into a landscape sculpted by time and ice, where Porcupine Creek meanders through the forest, its waters singing the songs of snowmelt and stone. In winter, pristine snow transforms the terrain into a crystalline wonderland, while summer reveals a tapestry of wildflowers and verdant meadows. Wildlife thrives in this elevation zone—watch for deer grazing in early morning light, listen for the chatter of chipmunks, and catch glimpses of birds unique to the Sierra's upper reaches. Each season brings its own palette of colors and cast of characters to this mountain stage.

Geological RegionWelcome to the geological wonderland of California's Sierra Nevada, where Porcupine Flat sits majestically at 8,100 feet (2,500 m) within the boundaries of world-renowned Yosemite National Park. This dramatic landscape tells a story written in granite—massive plutons pushed up from the earth's depths, then carved and polished by glaciers over millions of years. The campground rests on this ancient foundation, surrounded by the distinctive dome-shaped peaks and sheer cliff faces that make the Sierra Nevada one of North America's most spectacular mountain ranges. Here, you're camping on the very bones of the earth, where every rock and ridge speaks to the powerful forces that shaped this extraordinary terrain.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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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 allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are arranged in a loop; some are closer together, offering limited privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up sites are available; all campsites are reservation-only.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date will generate a refund, less a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged. One-night reservations do not incur an additional $10 fee but do not receive a refund. No-shows are assessed a $20 service fee along with forfeiture of the first night's fee.

AccessibilityFour campsites (Sites 15, 16, 17, and 33) are wheelchair accessible and include picnic tables with extended tops. Restrooms nearest to these sites are also wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeSites vary but are generally primitive. Some users found specific sites small, like Site 24, which was noted as a bit cramped.

PrivacyThe campground's sites are relatively close together, with some users commenting on the lack of privacy. For example, one user noted their neighbors were just 25-30 feet away at Site 27.

Total Campsites52 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Campsite 038 for privacy and proximity to restrooms. Campsite 039 is ideal for experiencing the creek. Avoid site 027 if you seek privacy.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Porcupine Flat Campground is ideal for nature lovers seeking a remote and primitive experience. Popular activities include hiking, backpacking, birding, and stargazing. The campground serves as a base for exploring Yosemite's numerous trails and scenic landmarks.

HikingHiking opportunities are abundant near the campground. Key trails include the Porcupine Creek Trailhead, as well as access to Lukens Lake, Harden Lake, and the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. The Tuolumne Meadows area, located 25 miles away, offers additional high-country hiking options. One user mentioned that the campground is an excellent base for hiking to North Dome.

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.

FishingFishing is permitted within Yosemite National Park, though specific opportunities near Porcupine Flat are not detailed.

SwimmingSwimming is possible in natural water bodies within the park. However, no designated swimming facilities are directly linked to the campground.

BikingBiking is a popular activity in Yosemite, but there are no specific biking trails starting from Porcupine Flat.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight of the Yosemite experience. Visitors should be prepared to encounter bears, emphasizing the importance of properly storing food in bear-proof lockers.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife like bears, extreme weather conditions, and untreated creek water. Campers are advised to store food properly and come prepared for high-elevation conditions.

Active AlertsVisitors entering Yosemite National Park between 6 am and 2 pm may require peak-hours reservations through early September.

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 RequiredAll campsites have bear-proof lockers measuring 33" deep x 45" wide x 18" high.

Fire PolicyWood and charcoal fires are permitted in designated fire rings during the campground's open season.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated but reviews suggest a lack of enforcement against loud noise during late hours.

Emergency ServicesYosemite Valley provides emergency services such as ranger stations, hospitals, and police; approximately 38 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling collection services are provided seasonally. Visitors are required to dispose of their waste in bear-proof dumpsters immediately to prevent wildlife attraction.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near Porcupine Creek. Visitors must treat the creek water before use.

Camp HostThe campground does not have a permanent host but volunteers have been described as welcoming and helpful.

Weather at Porcupine Flat Campground

Reviews

4.3

148 reviews

Satisfactory

Porcupine Flat Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Porcupine Flat Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.18 for campground-specific experiences. Users appreciate its quiet, primitive nature and proximity to Yosemite trails. However, some expressed concerns about privacy and noise from other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 148 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the campground's cleanliness, the serene environment, and the availability of bear-proof food lockers. "Beautiful campground in a great location right off Tioga Rd," commented one...

Based on 148 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include the lack of privacy between sites, noise from other campers, and the absence of potable water. "The sites are pretty close to each other," noted a reviewer, while another mentioned,...

Based on 148 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Come prepared with sufficient water, as there is no potable water available. Plan hikes to nearby trails like North Dome and ensure to arrive early for the best campsite selection.

Based on 148 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as peaceful and clean during its open season (July-October). However, late-season snowfall may limit site availability, as noted by one user who found half the campground...

Based on 148 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Vault toilets were very clean and surprisingly, completely odorless." 2. "Campground is at high elevation, so it gets chilly at night. Be prepared and bring your woolies!" 3. "Camp site was great...

Based on 148 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 27 was noted for its lack of privacy, while Site 38 was described as secluded and close to restrooms without any odor issues. Sites 15, 16, 17, and 33 are wheelchair accessible.

Based on 148 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible sites are available, and restrooms near these sites are also accessible. One user shared that these sites include picnic tables with extended tops.

Based on 148 reviews