Details
9024 Southside Drive, Yosemite, CA, 95389
National Park ServiceLast Updated: November 26, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
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.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Lower Pines is open seasonally typically from mid-April to mid-October for tents, RVs (up to 40 ft.), and trailers (up to 35 ft.). All sites are available by reservation only.
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. (The Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Cell Phone Reception
Amphitheater
Staff or Host On-Site
Potable Water
Food Storage Lockers
Directions
From Hwy. 140/Arch Rock Entrance, continue driving west on the El Portal Road 8 miles to Yosemite Valley. From Hwy. 41/South Entrance drive 33 miles north (approximately 1 hour) on the Wawona Road to Yosemite Valley. From Hwy. 120 west/Big Oak Flat Entrance, drive 23 miles (approximately 45 minutes) on the Big Oak Flat Road to Yosemite Valley. From Hwy. 120 east/Tioga Pass, Yosemite Valley is approximately a two-hour drive. In Yosemite Valley follow Southside Drive and signs for Valley campgrounds.
Rates & Fees
Lower Pines Campground Reservation Fee – Regular Sites
Lower Pines Campground Reservation Fee – Regular Sites
Lower Pines Campground Reservation Fee – Double Sites
Lower Pines Campground Reservation Fee – Double Sites
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
Wood fires are permitted all year, however, from May through September, campfires in Yosemite Valley are only allowed between 5 pm and 10 pm (campfires are allowed at any time from October through April). Charcoal fires are allowed at any time.Regulations Overview
<b>Pets:</b> Permitted (must be on a leash at all times). <b>Fires:</b> Wood and charcoal fires are permitted. From May through September, Wood fires are only allowed from 5 pm -10 pm. <b>People per site:</b> A maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite. <b>Vehicles per site:</b> A maximum of two motor vehicles are allowed per campsite. All vehicles must be parked on a parking pad. Trailers don't count against the vehicle limit as long as they fit on the parking pad. Additional parking may be available near the campground for no additional charge. Contact the Campground Office directly for more details. <b>You are required to store food properly in order to protect Yosemite's bears.</b> Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/bears.htm">bears</a>, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm">proper food storage</a>, and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/lockers.htm">food lockers</a>.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
The following campsites are suitable for wheelchairs and include picnic tables with extended tops. The closest restrooms to these campsites are also wheelchair accessible. These campsites are limited to people with disabilities. Lower Pines: sites 7, 13, 14, 18, and 20
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
Lower Pines: 73 sites with space for tents, RVs up to 40 feet, and trailers up to 35 feet. Not every site can accommodate equipment of these lengths. Be sure to read the site details when making a reservation on recreation.gov to ensure your equipment will fit into the site you're reserving. When making online reservations, you can filter available sites by entering the length of your RV.
RV Maximum Length
40
Additional Information
Each campsite contains a <b>fire ring</b>, <b>picnic table</b>, and a <b>food locker</b> and is near a <b>bathroom with drinking water and flushing toilets</b>. In Upper Pines food lockers measure 35"(D)x43"(W)x28"(H). <b>Groceries:</b> Nearby (Yosemite Village and Curry Village) <b>Showers:</b> Yosemite Valley (Curry Village) <b>Dump Station:</b> Nearby (Upper Pines Campground)
Trailer Maximum Length
35
ADA Information
The following campsites are suitable for wheelchairs and include picnic tables with extended tops. The closest restrooms to these campsites are also wheelchair accessible. These campsites are limited to people with disabilities. Lower Pines: sites 7, 13, 14, 18, and 20
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Developed Campground
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!