Below, we have listed some great places to camp on your first family trip to the Northern Yosemite region.
Camping doesn’t necessarily mean "roughing it."
Especially for those new to camping, convenient locations and resources can go a long way towards enjoying and experiencing nature instead of just surviving it. Being outside of your comfort zone can help you grow and connect with nature, but it shouldn’t interfere with your ability to enjoy your experience.
We have listed campgrounds with a range of amenities; some have only a bathroom, while others also have showers, running water, fire rings, and picnic tables.
We have recommended four areas in and around Yosemite where you can camp and enjoy the Sierra Nevada.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite National Park has many beautiful places to camp. Many first-time visitors camp at Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley. Reservations can be made 5 months in advance online here - note that for peak season most campgrounds fill up within minutes once made available. The following campgrounds offer first-come, first-served campsites from July through September: Camp 4, Bridalveil Creek, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat and Tuolumne Meadows.
Here is an awesome video to learn more about Yosemite National Park
Big Trees
Want to camp in a place with some of the largest living trees on earth? Big Trees State Park, located in Calaveras County, is a great place for a first camping trip. Wander through many miles of trails under the shade of giant sequoia tree groves!
Click here to learn more about planning your visit to Big Trees.
Or...click here to find other beautiful State Parks to visit near you.
New Melones
New Melones Reservoir is a great place to fish, boat, and play in the water. The surrounding hills are especially beautiful in the springtime, covered in colorful wildflowers. Circling the reservoir, there are many miles of easily-accessible trails for hiking and mountain biking.
Click here for more information on camping at New Melones.
Pinecrest Lake
Pinecrest is a scenic lake in the Stanislaus National Forest, surrounded by granite outcroppings and pine trees. The lake has a nice beach where you can hang out all day, picnic, and swim. There are also several campgrounds within a very short distance.
Click here to learn more about camping at Pinecrest Lake.
Did you know the Stanislaus National Forest has more than 40 campgrounds? Click here to learn more about where these campgrounds are and find activities to do at each one.
