Crane Flat Campground

Quiet Yosemite alternative — between Valley and Tuolumne

Location: Yosemite National Park, CA, CA

Price: From $36 per night

Price range: $36–$60 per night

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (1876 reviews)

Season: June – October

Crane Flat sits at the junction of Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road, making it the most strategically located campground in Yosemite — equal distance from the Valley floor, Tuolumne Meadows, and the Merced Grove of sequoias. 151 sites in a mixed conifer forest at 6,200 feet. Significantly easier to book than Valley or Tuolumne Meadows campgrounds, and the elevation keeps summer temperatures comfortable. The small Crane Flat gas station is the only gas between the Valley and Lee Vining.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): weak signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: Verizon. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 0%. T-Mobile 4G: 0%.

Amenities: Flush Toilets, Potable Water, Fire Rings, Bear Boxes, Dump Station, Gas Station (nearby), Pet Friendly (leash), Picnic Tables

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/crane-flat-yosemite to be notified when sites open up.

The most strategically located campground in Yosemite — equidistant from the Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and the Merced Grove of giant sequoias. 166 sites at 6,200 feet. Significantly easier to book than Valley or Tuolumne while offering access to everything.

The Merced Grove of giant sequoias is 1.5 miles from camp via a trail almost no one takes. Only 20 sequoias, but you’ll have them completely to yourself while everyone else crowds the Mariposa Grove.

What is new at Crane Flat Campground: No major changes. Crane Flat remains one of the more stable Yosemite booking options.

Wildlife alert: Black bears extremely active. Bear box use mandatory. Stellar’s jays will steal food from open bags instantly.

Fire rules: Campfires in fire grates only. Yosemite restrictions apply. Check nps.gov/yose.

Things to do near Crane Flat Campground: Merced Grove (1.5 mi from camp) — smallest and least-visited sequoia grove in Yosemite, almost always empty. Tuolumne Meadows (25 mi east) — day trips to Cathedral Lakes and Lembert Dome are very doable. Early morning drive to Yosemite Valley (17 mi south) to beat the crowds.

Insider tips for Crane Flat Campground: The Crane Flat gas station is the only fuel between the Valley and Lee Vining — fill up before heading to Tuolumne Often has sites available with 1–2 weeks notice when other Yosemite campgrounds are full

Skip Crane Flat Campground if: You want to walk to Valley attractions — it’s a 17-mile drive.

Best time to visit Crane Flat Campground: Jun–Sep — All roads open. Tioga Road and Valley accessible. Best weather for both destinations..

Common issues at Crane Flat Campground: No services at camp except vault toilets and water. Stock up at the Yosemite Valley store or Wawona before arriving.

What campers say about Crane Flat Campground: "Drove to Tuolumne for hiking, drove to the Valley for the falls, drove back to a quiet camp. Perfect base." — Recreation.gov reviewer "Booked this when Tuolumne was full. Similar elevation and temperature, way easier to get a site." — Recreation.gov reviewer

Nearby campgrounds: Tamarack Flat Campground (Yosemite National Park, CA), Hodgdon Meadow Campground (Yosemite National Park, CA (Big Oak Flat Entrance)), Dry Gulch (EL PORTAL, CA), Dimond O (GROVELAND, CA).