Yosemite National Park
CA Fees: $35 Entrance - Private Vehicle Arts and Culture, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Biking, Boating, Camping, Backcountry Camping
Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.
Alerts & Conditions
Delays on Wawona Road (continuation of Highway 41)
Information
Expect delays on Wawona Road between Yosemite Valley and Wawona from Sunday night, August 24, to mid-November, Sundays at 11 pm through Fridays at 4:30 pm.
Expect smoky conditions in Yosemite
Caution
Air quality may be impacted by wildfire smoke. Smoke may pose risk for older adults, children, and persons with pre-existing medical conditions. These individuals should limit time outdoors, avoid exertion, seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
Weather: Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles (3,100 square km) in the Sierra Nevada, with elevations ranging from about 2,000 feet (600 m) to 13,000 ft (4,000 m). Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May (and over 75% between November and March). Most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May. (Yosemite Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)
Quick Facts
States
CA
Entrance Fees
$35 Entrance - Private Vehicle
Activities
Arts and Culture, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Biking, Boating, Camping, Backcountry Camping
Phone
209/372-0200
Official Site
Map & Orientation
Use Google Maps for navigation and current road conditions.
Top Day Hikes
- Signature Hike #1 — distance · gain · time · difficulty. Why we love it. Gear picks: boots, poles, filter.
- Signature Hike #2 — distance · gain · time · difficulty. Why we love it. Gear picks: pack, sun, layers.
- Signature Hike #3 — distance · gain · time · difficulty. Why we love it.
Add your curated list per park for authenticity & SEO.
Backpacking & Permits
When & where to apply for permits (often Recreation.gov). Include windows, quotas, and safety notes (altitude, bears, heat, storms).
Camping & Lodging
Bridalveil Creek Campground
Bridalveil Creek Campground
The Bridalveil Creek Campground is located along the Glacier Point Road near Bridalveil Creek and is surrounded by a beautiful forest of red fir and lodgepole pine. At an elevation of 7,200 feet (2,200m) the campground is located 7 miles west of Glacier Point, 9 miles east of the Wawona Road turnoff, and is approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The spectacular views from Glacier Point are nearby, and numerous hiking trails are located along the Glacier Point Road. There are no services nearby.
Camp 4 Campground
Camp 4 Campground
Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley near the base of granite cliffs close to Yosemite Falls. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,200 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Camp 4 is within biking and walking distance of many services in Yosemite Valley and is located near the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Yosemite Valley Lodge and Yosemite Village.
Crane Flat Campground
Crane Flat Campground
The Crane Flat Campground is located along the Big Oak Flat Road, just west of Crane Flat, about 30 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley, at 6,200 ft (1,900 m) elevation. There is a gas station and minimal convenience items located nearby at Crane Flat. Trailheads for both the Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are located within a short drive of the campground.
Hodgdon Meadow Campground
Hodgdon Meadow Campground
Hodgdon Meadow Campground is conveniently located along the Big Oak Flat Road at the Big Oak Flat Entrance. At an elevation of 4,900 feet (1,219 m), the campground is located along the western edge of the park, 25 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. There is a gas station and minimal convenience items located nearby at Crane Flat. Trailheads for both the Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are located within a short drive of the campground.
Lower Pines Campground
Lower Pines Campground
Lower Pines is located along the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Lower Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village.
North Pines Campground
North Pines Campground
North Pines is located along the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. North Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village.
Porcupine Flat Campground
Porcupine Flat Campground
Porcupine Flat Campground is located off the Tioga Road about 30 minutes west of Tuolumne Meadows and over an hour from Yosemite Valley. RVs and Trailers are not recommended for the narrow roads in this more primitive campground. At an elevation of 8,100 feet (2,500 m) elevation, the campground is near Porcupine Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). The Porcupine Creek Trailhead is nearby. There are no visitor services close to the campground.
Tamarack Flat Campground
Tamarack Flat Campground
Tamarack Flat Campground is located off the Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat. The campground is approximately 20 miles (45 minutes) from Yosemite Valley and is tucked away in the forest 3 miles off Tioga Road. RVs and Trailers are not recommended for this harder to access, and more primitive campground. At an elevation of 6,300 feet (1,900 m) elevation, the campground is near Tamarack Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). There is a gas station nearby at Crane Flat.
Tuolumne Horse Campsites
Tuolumne Horse Campsites
Tuolumne Meadows Horse Campsites are located within Tuolumne Meadows Campground in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 8,600 feet. The site is situated along the scenic Tioga Road just eight miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance Station and 55 miles from Yosemite Valley. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas, and so much mo
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
Tuolumne Meadows Campground is Yosemite’s largest, and is located along the Tioga Road, with some areas located close to the Tuolumne River. At 8,000 feet (2,600 m) this campground is open seasonally and has wonderful summer access to many hikes, lakes, and prominent viewpoints. The campground is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley but a small store, grill, and post office are located nearby in Tuolumne Meadows.
Upper Pines Campground
Upper Pines Campground
Upper Pines is located near the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This large campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Upper Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village.
Wawona Campground
Wawona Campground
The Wawona Campground is located along the South Fork Merced River close to historic Wawona. At an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,219 m), the campground is located in the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is just a short drive away and the Yosemite History Center is in nearby Wawona where you can see some of the park’s oldest structures. Wawona offers a visitor center, hotel, and a market.
Wawona Horse Camp
Wawona Horse Camp
The Wawona Horse Camp is located along the South Fork Merced River adjacent to historic Wawona. At an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,219 m), the camp is located in the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is just a short drive away and the Yosemite History Center is right next door where you can see some of the park’s oldest structures. Wawona offers a visitor center, hotel, and a market.
White Wolf Campground
White Wolf Campground
White Wolf Campground is located off the Tioga Road between Tuolumne Meadows and Crane Flat, approximately an hour from Yosemite Valley at 8,000 feet (2,400 m). The campground is tucked into the forest about a mile from Tioga Road near White Wolf Lodge. Trailheads nearby lead to Lukens and Harden Lakes and the area is popular for those accessing other wilderness destinations. Minimal services may be available at White Wolf Lodge (if open). There are no other visitor services close to the campground.
Yosemite Creek Campground
Yosemite Creek Campground
Yosemite Creek Campground is located nearly 5 miles off the Tioga Road (via a rough road) 26 miles west of Tuolumne Meadows, and a little over an hour from Yosemite Valley. Located in the forest at 7,700 feet (2,300 m) many campsites are close to Yosemite Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). RVs and Trailers are not recommended for this harder to access, and more primitive campground. There are no visitor services close to the campground.
Nearby stays
- Budget: add town/option
- Mid: add town/option
- Cozy: add town/option
Things To Do
Curate highlights: waterfalls, scenic drives, ranger programs, star-gazing, best photo spots.
Dog Policy (Read This) 🐾
Spell out exactly where dogs are/aren’t allowed. Add heat/leash/water tips and a dog-friendly nearby alternative.
Seasonal Guide
Spring
Access, temps, highlights.
Access, temps, highlights.
Summer
Crowds, heat, tips.
Crowds, heat, tips.
Fall
Colors, water, shoulder-season gems.
Colors, water, shoulder-season gems.
Winter
Closures, chains, snow travel.
Closures, chains, snow travel.
Getting There & Logistics
Airports
Add nearest airports
Drive Times
From City A hh:mm · City B hh:mm
Entrances/Shuttles
Summarize access
Last Fuel/Food
Add stops
Cell Coverage
Reality check
Gear Checklist
Gallery
FAQ
- Do I need a permit for popular areas?
- Short answer + link to official rules.
- When is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park?
- Answer.
- Are dogs allowed on trails?
- Answer.
Updated September 10, 2025