Camping and picnics in Yosemite National Park

Camping and Picnic Destinations

Yosemite National Park offers diverse camping and picnicking options, from high-altitude backcountry sites like Vogelsang to riverside spots in Wawona. This selection includes Tuolumne Meadows, the park's largest campground at 8,600 feet, and day-use areas like El Capitan, which provides direct views of the 3,000-foot granite monolith. Visitors can find sites near the Merced River or remote locations like Lake Eleanor, catering to both vehicle-accessible and wilderness-permitted stays.

Wawona Campground

Located at 4,000 feet along the South Fork of the Merced River. This year-round campground offers proximity to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center.

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Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a national park in California. It is bordered on the southeast by Sierra National Forest and on the northwest by…

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

The largest campground in the park, situated at 8,600 feet along Tioga Road. This seasonal site provides access to high-country hiking trails and the Tuolumne River.

Tioga Lake Campground

High-elevation campground located just outside the park's eastern entrance at Tioga Pass. Situated at 9,700 feet, it offers views of Tioga Lake and the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks.

Little Yosemite Valley

A popular backcountry camping area located between Nevada Fall and Half Dome. It serves as a primary base for hikers climbing Half Dome and requires a wilderness permit.

Lake Eleanor Campground

Remote backcountry campground in the park's northwestern section. Accessible via a hike from Cherry Lake, it features a large reservoir and primitive sites requiring wilderness permits.

Waawona Campground

Situated at 4,000 feet along the South Fork of the Merced River, this site offers year-round camping near the Mariposa Grove and the historic Wawona area.

Sunrise High Sierra Camp

Situated at 9,400 feet, this camp provides tent cabins and a backpackers' area. It offers panoramic views of the High Sierra and is part of the historic High Sierra Camp loop.

Carlon Day Use Area

Picnic area located near the Big Oak Flat entrance along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. It serves as the trailhead for the hike to Carlon Falls.

El Capitan Picnic Area

Situated in Yosemite Valley, this day-use site features picnic tables and grills with direct views of the El Capitan granite face and the Merced River.

Vogelsang Backpacker Camp

The highest backpacker camp in the park at 10,100 feet. Located near Fletcher Lake, it provides access to alpine meadows and rugged peaks in the High Sierra.