Yosemite is a great place where you can embrace the greatness of nature. Hence it is a popular go-to place for many nature lovers from various places. If you’re planning to visit the place, you should plan and reserve a campground immediately. However, where is the best campsite, especially if you reserved a spot in Upper Pines Campground?
The Upper Pines Campground is one of the largest campgrounds in Yosemite National Park. This campground is open all year round, and it’s in the heart of the best trailheads in the park. It has 238 campsites, so you must know the best place to stay in the area. Many have recommended numbers 6, 7, 8, 9 for a great experience.
Are you excited now about your camping trip to Yosemite National Park? If yes, then you surely must find out more about the best campsites in Upper Pines Campground Yosemite and more. Read on.
Why Choose Upper Pines Campground Yosemite?
Upper Pine Campground is one of the largest campgrounds in Yosemite National Park. It consists of numerous campsites which are divided into different loops. The place also has breathtaking tall pines and cedar trees that will protect campers from the glaring sun. Besides that, it offers great scenery like the view of the half dome and other special features of the park.
Another reason why campers choose this place as their campground is because it is near the best Yosemite trailheads. The hike for the Half Dome is accessible in Upper Pine campgrounds, similar to Glacier Point.
Similarly, it is relatively close to Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall, and it’s walking distance to Happy Isle trail. Aside from that, it is also near stores and restaurants so campers can easily eat and buy things they need. Choosing this campground will surely make your camping convenient and fun.
To camp in this place, you will need to reserve it ahead of time. Reservation is required in this campground, and most people reserved it months before their visit. In addition, the reservation starts in mid-February up until November.
On the other hand, a first-come, first-serve basis is done from December through February. You can either make the reservation online or go to their office in the park.
To know more information about their reservation procedure, contact their website. You will see the updated information there regarding campgrounds reservation.
Best Campsites in Upper Pines Campground Yosemite
To make your camping much better and easier, you must know the best location to set up your camp. It is also crucial if you will be making early reservations to know which area to select.
In Upper Pines Campground, there are 238 campsites available for campers to choose from. The best sites to camp are sites number 6-10, 21, 26- 39, 42, and 62. If you want places that offer a bit more space than the rest, check the fourth to sixth loops. You can also look at the areas around the outer edge to get a chance of getting a spacious site.
Remember that only two vehicles and six people per site are only allowed to stay. Unfortunately, the site is close to each other, so you will have less space to move around. However, it is a great campground to stay in with its great access to trailheads and beautiful sceneries.
Things You Need to Know When Camping in Upper Pines Campground Yosemite
If you have reserved a spot in Upper Pines Campground, then that is great. You need to prepare what you will need and bring before your hike. However, if it’s your first time visiting or camping in Upper Pines, you must be familiar with the place.
To make your stay hassle-free, here are the following things you need to know:
Maximize the Amenities
You will love Upper Pines Campground since it’s full of amenities that will make your camping convenient and less stressful. Each site has a fire ring to start a bonfire, a grill, and picnic tables accompany it. It also has a food locker that will protect your food from animals, especially bears.
The Upper Pines Campground also has clean bathrooms and flushing toilets. Water is also available, so you can take a bath and get drinking water anytime you want. Both bathrooms and toilets are clean and have well-stocked towels and tissues.
Wood gathering is prohibited, but you can buy it from the store that is near the campground. The place is also near Curry Village where you can buy things and eat food. This place also has an internet connection. You can go to this place anytime you want to connect with the outside world.
RV and Trailers
Upper Pine Campground also accommodates RV and trailers on its ground. However, there is a length requirement before you can bring it to the campsite. For RV, its length should not be longer than 35 feet, while it is 24 feet for trailers.
Pets
If you want to bring along your favorite and lovable pets in Yosemite, it is also possible. In Upper Pine Campground, pets can tag along as long as they’re on a leash at all times.
Carry Earplugs or Earphones.
Since sites are near each other, you may have difficulty getting some quiet and serene time. It is especially true when campers start to prepare for their hiking trips around 7 am. That is why if you want to enjoy quietness it’s better to use some earplugs. You can also listen to music while walking around the area and appreciate the view of Yosemite Park.
Don’t Forget to Hide The Food.
Upper Pine Campground is surrounded by wilderness so you will surely meet some wild animals as well. Although rarely seen, black bears are still present in the area, so always be on guard when you see one. Don’t make loud noises and always clean after eating so black bears will not get agitated nor attracted.
Make sure as well to hide all food in an appropriate place like the food locker. All sites have these storages where you can stash all food, toiletries, items with scents. Follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the camp administration to ensure safety while staying in the camping area.
Have a Toilet Paper Ready
Although all comfort rooms are well stocked with toilet paper, it is still better to bring your own hygiene products. After all, Yosemite park has hundreds of visitors every day so running out of tissues is understandable.
Essentials You Will Need When Camping
Now that you know the best campsites in Upper Pines Campground Yosemite, you must ready your camping equipment. To help you, here are some of the essentials you will need when you go camping:
1. Tent
Of course, to enjoy your camping experience in Yosemite, you must bring your tent. Although using your RV is convenient, tent camping is still an experience you shouldn’t miss, especially as a beginner. Tents can also give you space for your equipment without fear that it will get drenched in the rain.
2. Water Bottle
Water is important wherever you are, especially if you are going camping and hiking. Yosemite park consists of both easy and hard-level trails where you will need water to restore your strength. After all, drinking in a lake is not recommended as it may get you sick and ruin your hike. So ensure to bring your water bottle so you will be ready and hydrated when you hike.
3. First Aid Kit
Although hiking and camping in Yosemite Park are relatively safe, accidents can still happen. With that, you need to ensure you are ready and can aid yourself or your group members during an emergency. Besides that, even without accidents, you can still use the kit in case you get small cuts, blisters, and scrapes.
Above all, you surely don’t want to leave Yosemite with an infected wound because you didn’t treat it properly. Also, make sure you have all necessities in your first aid kit like scissors, band-aids, adhesive, and so on.
4. Appropriate Clothing and Gear
To have the best experience in your hiking and camping journey, you must wear appropriate clothing and gear. Ensure you have all your hiking gear, especially when you visit hard-level trails like the Half Dome. Remember to bring rain gears as well so you won’t get wet and make your hiking problematic.
5. Sleeping Bag
To make sure your night stay in Yosemite is comfortable and devoid of insect bites, bring your sleeping bags. It will surely help you feel comfortable while sleeping and keep you warm when the temperature drops down. Sleeping bags will also save you from insect bites, especially essential for kids camping in Yosemite.
Final Thoughts: Upper Pines Campground Yosemite
The best campsites in Upper Pines Campground Yosemite will surely make your camping experience unforgettable. So make sure to reserve spots immediately on those sites before other people get it. Don’t forget to read everything you must to know about the campground and bring all the necessary hiking equipment.
