Lower Pines Campground is located in Yosemite Valley close to a shuttle bus stop and all of the main attractions of Yosemite National Park. Located next to the Merced River you can spend time relaxing listening to the river.
This is one of the popular campgrounds in Yosemite Valley so you will want to make sure and get a reservation as soon as you can.
The campsites along the river are absolutely amazing! You can relax in a comfy camp chair next to the river and marvel at the gorgeous views.
Lower Pines Campground
Season: April through October (approximately)
Number of Sites: 60
Lower Pines Campground has three double campsites (Dbl1, Dbl2, and Dbl 3) that can accommodate seven to 12 people each. The cost for these campsites is $36 (per site).
Campsites are located off of paved roads that loop through the campground.
Location in the park: Yosemite Valley
Campsite Cost: $26/night
Reservations: Yes, Recreation.Gov
Latitude/Longitude:
- Latitude:
- 37.7408333
- 37° 44' 26.9999" N
- Longitude:
- -119.5666667
- 119° 34' 0.0001" W
Elevation: 4,000 feet
Accessible Sites: sites 7, 13, 14, 18, and 20
Pets Allowed: Pets are allowed but they must be on a leash less than 6 feet long.
Pets are not allowed inside park buildings or on specific trails.
Check out all of the Yosemite Camping options! There are 13 campgrounds within Yosemite National Park!
Campground Reservations
Are campground Reservations Available? Yes
Phone Number? 1-877-444-6777
Online? Recreation.Gov
How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m (ET).
First Come, First Served? No!
First-night rent plus a one-time transaction fee of $4.50 will be charged at the time of reservation and is non-refundable.
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$0.00 for Education/Academic Group
$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$45.00-$125.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Campground Amenities
Flush Toilets: Yes
Payphone: yes
Is wifi Available? No
Is cellular Phone Service Available? Yes, depending on your cell carrier.
Is camp host available on site? Yes
Is firewood available for purchase? Yes, in Curry Village/Half Dome Village or in the Yosemite Valley Store.
There was some damage to one of the bathrooms due to winter storms. One of the bathrooms sustained significant damage. There are outhouses lined up near the area for use until the bathroom is repaired.
Amenities at each campsite:
Picnic tables, fire rings, food storage boxes, parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water are available in the campground.
Fire pit in the site? Yes
Picnic Table in the site? Yes
Bear Box in site/area? Yes,
You are required to store food properly in order to protect Yosemite's bears.
Food storage lockers are provided in all campsites 35"(D)x43"(W)x28"(H)
Potable Water? Yes
Don't forget to pack
Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water.
We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.
Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.
Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.
Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!
Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!
Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.
RV Camping at Lower Pines Campground
RV Length: RVs up to 40 feet
Trailers up to 35 feet
Not every site can accommodate equipment of these lengths. Be sure to read the site details when making a reservation on recreation.gov to ensure your equipment will fit into the site you're reserving.
Dump Station: Yes at the entrance to Upper Pines
Generators: Yes during the following time periods - 7 am to 9 am, 12 pm to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm.
Hookups: No, There are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups at this facility
For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando
How to get to Campground
Follow the main loop through Yosemite Valley and look for the Campground Signs.
Lower Pines Campground Regulations
The maximum number of people in a campsite: A maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite. There is no limit on the number of tents (as long as they all fit into the campsite).
The number of cars per campsite: Two motorized vehicles per campsite. A valid campground car pass must be displayed.
Checkout time: 12 noon
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am
Maximum Stay: 7-day maximum stay limit.
Lower Pines Campground Map
Photos of Lower Pines Campground
Check out all of our posts on Yosemite National Park
Don't miss these great things to do in Yosemite!
Yosemite National Park Lodging
If you are wondering where to stay in Yosemite National Park there are multiple options available ranging from tent cabins to national park lodges.
Ahwahnee Hotel
The Ahwahnee Hotel is located in Yosemite Valley and is known throughout the world as one of the most luxurious National Park Lodges.
Wawona Hotel - Currently Closed
Built in 1856 the Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center in Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite National Park than you will love Yosemite Valley Lodge.
The lodge is located close to Yosemite Falls which makes it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.
Curry Village Cabins
Part of the Curry Village complex that was previously known as Half Dome Village.
Curry Village Tent Cabins
The Curry Village Tent Cabins are a great option for staying in Yosemite Valley. Available for booking on Expedia
Housekeeping Camp
If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite Valley and not bring your own tent you will love Housekeeping Camp.
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
Located off the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge includes 69 canvas-tent cabins without electricity.
Where to stay near Yosemite
There are great options for lodging near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance.
A few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst include:
Chateau du Sureau
The Pines Resort at Bass Lake
Sierra Sky Ranch
Hounds Tooth Inn
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn - At Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn, you can look forward to a terrace, a playground, and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs. The onsite restaurant, Yosemite Gateway, features American cuisine. Free Wi-Fi in public areas is available to all guests, along with a bar and a gym.
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites - At Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour business center. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or the steam room. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite - 4-star eco-friendly resort near Yosemite. You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and shopping on site at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at this resort. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment, and aromatherapy at Ascent Spa, the onsite spa. Enjoy pizza and more at the two onsite restaurants. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like mountain biking and archery. In addition to a coffee shop/café and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Rush Creek Lodge - 3.5-star family-friendly hotel near Yosemite. Take advantage of a poolside bar, a grocery/convenience store, and a terrace at Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the mountain biking and ecotours at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs. The onsite restaurant, Rush Creek Restaurant, features local cuisine. In addition to a coffee shop/café and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Yosemite Sierra Inn - Yosemite Sierra Inn provides a business center and more. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Queen's Inn By the River - Enjoy visiting the attached winery, a terrace, and a garden at Queen's Inn By the River. The onsite restaurant, Idle Hour Winery &Kitchen, features garden views and brunch. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as 2 bars.
For additional lodging options click on the map below for current rates and availability for lodging and vacation rentals near Yosemite NP.
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Monica says
Would like some sites near the river/creek. I hope to reserve for up to 6 families, next summer. Can you tell me which would be the best sites?? Pics maybe?? Thank you.