About Yosemite Valley Campground
The most iconic campground in the United States, Yosemite Valley Campground sits beneath towering granite walls
with views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. This is bucket-list camping in the heart of one of
America's greatest natural treasures.
Highlights
- Iconic granite scenery
- Steps from Yosemite Falls trailhead
- Valley visitor center nearby
- Bear boxes required
- Shuttle bus access to all valley attractions
Directions & How to Get There
From San Francisco: Take I-580 E to I-205 E to CA-120 E (3.5 hours). From Los Angeles: Take I-5 N to CA-99 N to
CA-41 N through Fresno (5 hours). From the south entrance (Wawona Rd/CA-41), continue north into the valley.
Follow signs to Campground 4 or Upper Pines.
Nearby Attractions
- Yosemite Falls Trail (0.3 mi)
- Mirror Lake (5 mi)
- Glacier Point (30 mi drive)
- Tuolumne Meadows (55 mi)
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (35 mi)
Insider Tips
- Book 5 months in advance — reservations sell out in minutes
- Bears are active — use provided bear boxes for all food
- Arrive early in the day to secure walk-up spots in shoulder season
- The valley floor can be extremely crowded in summer; weekdays are better
Best Time to Visit
Best months: April–June, September–October
Season: Year-round (select loops)
Access difficulty: Easy access
What to Pack for California Camping
- Navigation: downloaded offline maps, compass, and GPS device
- Water: at least 3 liters per person per day (more in desert parks)
- Food: bear canister or use provided bear boxes where required
- Shelter: 3-season tent, rain fly, and ground tarp
- Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell
- First aid kit: including blister treatment, pain reliever, and any personal medications
- Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses
- Lighting: headlamp with extra batteries, lantern for camp
- Safety: whistle, emergency bivy, and knowledge of your emergency exit route