Backpackers Campgrounds

Backpackers campgrounds are available seasonally for wilderness permit holders to spend the night before their entry date and the night after their exit date from wilderness trip. Reservations are neither necessary nor required. However, a valid wilderness permit or reservation is required for backpackers to stay at the campground. Backpackers may not camp in backpackers campgrounds when they are closed. Half Dome day hiker permit holders may not stay at backpackers campgrounds.

Visitors arriving to Yosemite by bicycle, public transportation (YARTS), or foot may also spend the night they arrive in a backpackers campground (and can spend one night each in any other open backpackers campground, for a total of one night in each open backpackers campground, as long as they are on consecutive days).

The fee is $8 per person. For all backpackers campgrounds except Hetch Hetchy, download the Recreation.gov mobile app now and use the Scan & Pay feature onsite (even if you don't have internet access at the campground). Parking is not available at campgrounds; instead park at designated overnight parking areas and walk to the backpackers campground.

Campground regulations apply in backpackers campgrounds.

Yosemite Valley

The backpackers campground is behind North Pines Campground (and across the footbridge). It is open the same dates as North Pines, mid-April through early-October (approximately); camping in the campground is only allowed when it is open. If arriving at night, please be quiet as you unload your car in the unloading zone and walk to the campground. This campground has vault toilets and no potable water (potable water is available nearby in North Pines Campground).

Collecting wood is not allowed in Yosemite Valley. Campfires are only allowed from 5 pm to 10 pm, May through September.

While you may park for 15 minutes at the entrance to the backpackers campground (in North Pines Campground) to unload your gear, park overnight at the trailhead parking or at Curry Village parking. (Overnight parking is not available at The Ahwahnee.)

Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows Campground (including backpackers campground) is closed in 2024. The campground is typically open from mid-July to late September. If you are hiking through Tuolumne Meadows, you must camp at least four trail miles from Tuolumne Meadows. If you are starting or ending a wilderness trip from Tuolumne Meaows, you can use any other open backpackers campground.

White Wolf

White Wolf Campground (including backpackers campground) is closed in 2024. The campground is typically open from mid-July to mid-September. These sites are at the back of the White Wolf Campground. Open mid-July through early September (approximately); camping in the campground is only allowed when the campground is open.

Hetch Hetchy

The campground is next to the overnight parking area. Open all year (but only accessible by car approximately during daylight hours; check the conditions page for current Hetch Hetchy Road hours).

Wawona and Glacier Point

No backpackers campground. Yosemite Valley has the closest backpackers campground.

Read more about camprounds in Yosemite and see estimated opening and closing dates for this year.