Tamarack Flat Campground

Star4.41
289 reviews

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Open mid-June throug...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Tamarack Flat Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for all sites is $24 during the peak season (June 23 - October 12). Fees do not include taxes or incremental charges. Reservation...
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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
209-379-2123
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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 289 reviews

83 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

"User reviews praise Tamarack Flat Campground for its secluded and peaceful environment, spacious sites, and proximity to trailheads. Common complaints include the lack of potable water, strong toilet odors, and the primitive nature of facilities. The campground's remote location and challenging access road are also frequently mentioned."

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Campground Map

Tamarack Flat Campground

37.7517, -119.7362

Driving directionsWhen entering Yosemite from west of the Sierras - Take Highway 41 north from Fresno, Highway 140 east from Merced, or Highway 120 east from Manteca into Yosemite National Park. When Tioga Pass is open, Tamarack Flat can be accessed from the east side of the Sierras - Take HWY 120 east/Tioga Rd. The Tamarack Flat access road is 36 miles west of Tuolumne Meadows. The Tamarack Flat Campground access road is located 5 miles east Crane Flat along the Tioga Rd. The access road itself is 3 miles long and is narrow, single lane and windy. Tamarack flat is 28 miles (45 minutes) northwest of Yosemite Valley.
Road access to the campground can be challenging as it involves a narrow, single-lane road with multiple hairpin turns over a distance of 3 miles. RVs and trailers are strongly discouraged due to the terrain and road limitations. The road is paved and maintained during the campground's open season.
Nearby places
Yosemite Valley (25 miles, approx. 45 minutes), Crane Flat (5 miles, approx. 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Crane Flat Gas Station (5 miles away) sells food, ice, and some camping gear. For more extensive supplies, Yosemite Village Store, Curry Village Store, and Yosemite Valley Lodge Store in Yosemite Valley offer groceries and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Tamarack Flat Campground

Mother Nature paints Tamarack Flat with dramatic seasonal brushstrokes throughout the year. Winter's heavy hand blankets the landscape in pristine snow from November through May, transforming the forest into a crystalline wonderland inaccessible to most. As summer emerges from June through October, azure skies stretch endlessly above while warm days invite exploration. Yet at 6,300 feet, the mountain air carries a refreshing chill once the sun dips below the granite peaks—pack that extra layer for stargazing sessions around the campfire.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer with good hiking; creek may have water early season but summer weekends can be busy.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers cooler temps and fewer visitors; nights can be very cold but reviews are positive.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site typically closed in spring while Tioga Road and area remain snowbound.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid‑Oct–mid‑June; heavy snow Nov–May makes site inaccessible.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 23 - October 12, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open mid-June through mid-October; closed outside of these dates. Specific opening dates depend on Tioga Road conditions.
  • Current Alerts: Peak-hour entry reservations are required to enter Yosemite during summer months (June 15-August 15, August 30-September 1). Camping reservations exempt visitors from this requirement.

About Tamarack Flat Campground

Escape the crowds and discover Tamarack Flat Campground, a hidden gem tucked three miles off Tioga Road where the wilderness beckons and simplicity reigns. This reservation-only sanctuary offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience with tent-only sites nestled among towering conifers. Each site comes equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table for memorable meals under the stars, a fire pit for evening gatherings, and bear-proof food lockers to keep your provisions safe. Vault toilets provide basic facilities, but leave your expectations of modern amenities at the trailhead. With no cell service, internet, running water, or showers, Tamarack Flat invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythms.
Tamarack Flat Campground offers tent-only, primitive camping. It is not designed for RVs, trailers, or group camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time begins at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum per visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Tamarack Flat Campground offers a variety of recreational activities directly from the site, including hiking and backpacking trails. Nearby Yosemite Valley and Tioga Road provide additional opportunities for fishing, biking, photography, and exploring natural attractions like giant sequoia groves.
HikingA trailhead within the campground leads to destinations like Cascade Creek and El Capitan. Many other hiking opportunities are available along the Tioga Road and in Tuolumne Meadows.
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.
BikingBiking is a popular activity in Yosemite National Park, with accessible trails located in nearby Yosemite Valley, 45 minutes away.
Wildlife viewingCampers frequently mention the secluded and natural setting, ideal for wildlife observation. Visitors should store food properly to prevent attracting bears.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is in bear country, requiring strict food storage protocols. Additionally, the access road's narrow turns pose challenges for larger vehicles.
Active AlertsPeak-hour entry reservations are required to enter Yosemite during summer months (June 15-August 15, August 30-September 1). Camping reservations exempt visitors from this requirement.
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 RequiredLockers measure 45"Wide x 18"High x 33"Deep and are mandatory for food storage to prevent bear encounters.

Weather at Tamarack Flat Campground

Reviews

4.4
289 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Tamarack Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise Tamarack Flat Campground for its secluded and peaceful environment, spacious sites, and proximity to trailheads. Common complaints include the lack of potable water, strong toilet odors, and the primitive nature of facilities. The campground's remote location and challenging access road are also frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 289 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers highlight the campground's tranquility, well-separated sites, stargazing opportunities, and proximity to trails like the one leading to El Capitan. Many appreciated the lack of RVs and...
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Based on 289 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaints include the absence of potable water, odors from vault toilets, and difficulty finding campsites at night due to poor signage. Some reviewers also noted the...
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Based on 289 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to select a good site, bringing ample water, and preparing for cold nights, especially later in the season. Some advise using the creek as a water source after proper...
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Based on 289 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer weekends tend to be crowded, and the creek may dry up later in the season. Fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, but nights can be very cold. The campground is inaccessible in...
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Based on 289 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely loved this area of Yosemite. Only 52 camp sites total, off the beaten path just enough. Very quiet and camp ground overseer is cool." - James Hill Real Estate; "Vault toilets and no...
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Based on 289 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 3 is frequently praised for its proximity to bathrooms and the entrance, but also for its privacy and spaciousness. Site 13 is noted for being flat and open, while some sites like 41 are...
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Based on 289 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campsites 21, 22, 23, 24, and 38 are noted as wheelchair accessible, with extended-top picnic tables and nearby accessible vault toilets.
Based on 289 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. No specific amenities for pets are mentioned, and users did not provide substantial feedback on pet experiences.
Based on 289 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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