Lower Pines Campground

4.5·321 reviews
·Yosemite National Park

Overview

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. Lower Pines campsites are available to reserve up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST. For example, on January 15, arrival dates for the period May 15 to June 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full arrival date window would be from the campground open date to June 14.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (73 of 74 campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (All campsites have Driveway Entry)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 12)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 3)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Shade

    (20 of 74 campsites have Shade)

Natural Features

Keep Bears Wild Logo - Credits: NPS Photo
Lower Pines Campground Entrance Kiosk - Credits: NPS Photo
Lower Pines Campground Entrance - Credits: NPS Photo
Lower Pines Campsite with Half Dome in the background - Credits: NPS Photo
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.

Recreation

Yosemite National Park - Credits: Eric Bissmeyer, NPS

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.

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-Up to 40ft

  • tent-Up to 35ft

  • trailer-Up to 35ft

  • camper van-Up to 40ft

  • pickup camper-Up to 40ft

  • pop up camper-Up to 35ft

  • 5th wheel-Up to 35ft

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.

Additional Information

Campsites