Yosemite National Park’s Upper Pines Campground is a popular destination for camping enthusiasts, located in the heart of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 4,000 feet. It is the largest of the three reservation campgrounds in Yosemite Valley, offering paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker.
Reserving Your Spot at Upper Pines Campground
Reservations for Upper Pines are required and can be made up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST. The campground has 238 sites that can accommodate tents, RVs up to 35 feet, and trailers up to 24 feet. However, not every site can accommodate equipment of these lengths, so it’s essential to read the site details when making a reservation on recreation.gov to ensure your equipment will fit into the site you’re reserving.
Seasonal Availability and Pricing
The campground is open all year, and during December to mid-February, only the first two loops are normally open, offering about 50 campsites. The cost for a campsite is $26/night. Upper Pines is near Half Dome Village (formerly Curry Village), making it convenient for visitors to access nearby amenities such as showers, a general store, restaurants, and an amphitheater.
Preparing for Your Visit
Visitors are responsible for reading the site alerts and booking a site that will accommodate their equipment. Day use reservations will be required to enter Yosemite on weekends and holidays from April 13 through June 30, daily from July 1 through August 16, and weekends and holidays from August 17 through October 27. However, camping reservations exempt you from this requirement, and you must still pay the park entrance fee once you arrive.
Campsite Amenities and Regulations
It’s important to note that bear habitat exists in the area, and food and toiletries must be properly stored 24 hours/day to protect Yosemite’s bears. There are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups available at individual campsites, but a free dump station is located on-site along with potable water.
In case of emergencies, visitors can call (209) 372-0200 for road and weather conditions inside Yosemite and 1-800-427-ROAD for conditions outside the park. It’s also essential to follow regulations such as not moving firewood to prevent the spread of tree-killing pests and helping Yosemite be a Zero Landfill park by leaving excess packaging at home and placing all recyclable waste in designated recycling containers.
Exploring the Wonders of Yosemite
Upper Pines Campground is the perfect base camp for exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of Yosemite National Park. From hiking to the iconic Half Dome to admiring the towering waterfalls, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-time visitor, the Upper Pines Campground offers a comfortable and convenient way to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Yosemite.
Conclusion
Yosemite National Park’s Upper Pines Campground is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable camping experience in one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. With its convenient location, ample amenities, and easy access to the park’s top attractions, Upper Pines Campground is the perfect choice for your next Yosemite adventure.
References:
– Yosemite National Park Campgrounds
– Upper Pines Campground on Recreation.gov
– Upper Pines Campground on TripAdvisor
– Yosemite.com – Upper Pines Campground
– Yosemite National Park – Pines Campgrounds