Lower Pines Campground

Yosemite Valley floor — steps from the Merced River

Location: Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, CA, CA

Price: From $36 per night

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (4521 reviews)

Season: April – October

Lower Pines is one of three adjacent campgrounds on the Valley floor (with Upper Pines and North Pines), offering 75 sites directly on the Merced River. Views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls from camp. Tent and RV sites with no hookups. The most central location in the park — walk or bike to Yosemite Village, Mirror Lake, and the base of Half Dome trail. One of the most sought-after campgrounds in the US — reservations open 5 months in advance and sell out in minutes.

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

Amenities: Flush Toilets, Potable Water, Fire Rings, Bear Boxes, Showers (nearby, fee), Bike Rentals (nearby), Half Dome Trailhead Access, Pet Friendly (leash), Picnic Tables

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

Sixty sites directly on the Merced River in Yosemite Valley with views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls from camp. The most central location in the park — walk to Yosemite Village, Mirror Lake, and the base of Half Dome trail.

Mirror Lake at dawn before any shuttle buses run — walk 1.5 miles from camp while the lake still reflects Half Dome in perfect silence. By 9am it’s crowded. At 6am it’s one of the most breathtaking scenes in the park.

What is new at Lower Pines Campground: Yosemite Valley timed entry reservations expanded 2024. Check nps.gov/yose.

Wildlife alert: Black bears extremely active in the Valley. Bear boxes mandatory, fines up to $5,000 for violations. Ravens unzip tent zippers. Marmots chew vehicle brake lines.

Fire rules: Campfires in fire grates only. Valley fire restrictions apply May–November. Check nps.gov/yose.

Things to do near Lower Pines Campground: Half Dome trail — trailhead 0.5 miles from camp. Requires a permit in addition to the campsite reservation. Mirror Lake loop (5 mi RT from camp) — best at sunrise before other visitors arrive. Valley floor bike loop — rent bikes from the Yosemite Valley Lodge, ride to Bridalveil Fall.

Insider tips for Lower Pines Campground: Set an alarm for exactly 7am Pacific 5 months before your target date Half Dome permits require a separate lottery — enter at Recreation.gov 2 months before your planned hike

Skip Lower Pines Campground if: You need an RV hookup — no electric. You want quiet — this is the heart of a busy valley.

Best time to visit Lower Pines Campground: Apr–Jun — Waterfalls at peak flow. Merced River running full. Wildflowers.. Sep–Oct — Crowds drop after Labor Day. Leaves turning on the valley oaks..

Common issues at Lower Pines Campground: Park entry reservation required in summer. Book the timed entry permit separately on Recreation.gov after securing your campsite.

What campers say about Lower Pines Campground: "Fell asleep to the Merced River. Woke up to Half Dome catching the first light. This is why you fight for these reservations." — Recreation.gov reviewer "Bikes from the camp store got us everywhere without fighting the shuttle system. Game changer." — Recreation.gov reviewer "Sells out in 45 seconds at the 5-month booking window. It’s not an exaggeration." — Recreation.gov reviewer

Nearby campgrounds: North Pines Campground (Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, CA), Upper Pines Campground (Yosemite Valley, CA), Camp 4 (YOSEMITE, CA), Porcupine Flat Campground (Yosemite National Park, CA).