Backpackers Campgrounds

Backpackers campgrounds are available seasonally for wilderness permit holders to spend one night before and one night after a wilderness trip. Reservations are neither necessary nor required. However, a valid wilderness permit 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 one night in each backpackers campground.

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). These campgrounds no longer accept cash or checks. 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 through 2024. 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

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. Pay at the entrance station.

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.