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Lower Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Within Yosemite, visitors gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more. Yosemite National Park's reservable campsite are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m. (ET). For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore, the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14.Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates Recreation Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy, paved, two-mile round-trip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14- to 16-mile trek to Half Dome (advanced permit required). Both of these trails begin near the Pines Campgrounds, and there are many additional trailheads within Yosemite Valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities,and an art center with workshops. Facilities Lower Pines Campground is one of the three reservation campgrounds in Yosemite Valley. It offers paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets, drinking water, and an amphitheater. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker. Yosemite's free shuttle bus stops at the campground entrance. Within walking distance, historic Curry Village offers a general store, restaurants and a bar, amphitheater, and tours and activities desk. Natural Features Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir and whiteleaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliffs peek through, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby. Nearby Attractions Glacier Point offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks and a visit to Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time. The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks and the beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads. Charges & Cancellations Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged (Exception: 1 night reservations do not incur an additional $10 fee, but do not receive a refund). No-shows will be assessed a $20 service fee along with the loss of the first night's fee. ADA Access: N
Take Highway 41 north from Fresno, Highway 140 east from Merced, or Highway 120 east from Manteca into Yosemite National Park. Follow signs to Yosemite Valley and the campgrounds.
We felt like we won the lottery when we got this reservation, and it did not disappoint! This was our first trip to Yosemite, and we fell in love!
You can't do much better than this campground if you are going to experience Yosemite. This is in the heart of it all! You have Curry Village right next to you for food, showers, coffee and other necessities. You have the Merced River right next to you. A spectacular view of Half Dome. And the campground itself is great. They provide bear boxes (which are essential; we were visited by a bear). There are bear-proof trash and recycling bins. Flushing and portable bathrooms. And it's surprisingly quiet for how many people are there.
Lower Pines Campground is well-situated for all your Yosemite Valley adventures. The campsite is clean, quiet, and close to the river. Facilities are well kept, and the Rangers and volunteers are all very friendly.
From the campground, you are within a mile or so from popular spots such as Mirror Lake, Happy Isles, and the Mist Trail/Nevada Falls trailhead. You can also walk to Curry Village for snacks and provisions.
Be aware of where your campsite is located. Some have fewer trees, and get very hot during summer months. Luckily, with the river so close by and swimming holes within a short walk, you will be able to find ways to cool down.
