About Upper Pines Campground
Upper Pines Campground sits in the heart of Yosemite Valley, offering 238 sites amid towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome. This frontcountry spot is ideal for families and beginners, with easy access to Yosemite Falls trails, Mirror Lake, and the Mist Trail. Open year-round, it books up fast, so reserve via recreation.gov six months ahead, per NPS guidelines. Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve this iconic area visited by millions annually.
Safety Considerations
Black bears are active here; use NPS-approved bear boxes for all food, trash, and scented items, even in your vehicle. Never store anything in tents. Rockfalls from cliffs pose risks, especially after rain; stay alert on nearby trails like the Four Mile Trail. Flash floods can occur in the Merced River nearby, so avoid riverbanks during storms. Campfires only in designated rings with a permit; check daily fire restrictions at ranger stations. Wildlife like coyotes and deer roam; maintain 100-yard distance from elk. Pets must be leashed and are banned from trails. Obey 35 mph speed limits to avoid collisions with wildlife, as emphasized by NPS.
Crowds peak in summer; secure valuables, though theft is rare per camper reports. Hypothermia risks drop in fall; layer clothing. Water from spigots is potable but treat backcountry sources.
Essential Gear
Pack a sturdy tent like REI Co-op Kingdom, bear-proof food canister (required in some areas), headlamp with extra batteries, first-aid kit with blister treatment, and multi-tool. Include rain fly, sleeping pad, and camp stove like Jetboil for no-trace cooking.
Emergency Tips
Injured? Use cell service spotty in valley or text 911; nearest help at Yosemite Valley Ranger Station. Bear encounter: make noise, back away slowly. Evacuate low areas for floods; follow ranger alerts via nps.gov/yose.