Porcupine Flat Campground Yosemite National Park is a scenic place where you can enjoy camping with your family. Alongside is the astonishing beauty of the Sierra Nevadas mountain range. It is an hour’s drive from Yosemite Valley and a half-hour west of Tuolumne Meadows. The campsite is in Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120) and stretched out in a flat along the Porcupine Creek.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about Porcupine Flat Campground.
What Visitors of Porcupine Flat Yosemite Look Forward To
Visitors to Porcupine Flat Campground can access incredible scenery at a low expense. The creek forms a semicircle around the grand patch of woods, and it is an excellent spot for camping! It also has a breathtaking landscape for those who want to relax and escape from the city’s chaos.
You can find other campsites in Yosemite National Park besides Porcupine Flat Campground. Each with its unique specialties, here’s the following:
- Lower Pines
- Upper Pines
- North Pines
- Wawona
- Bridalveil Creek
- Crane Flat
- Hodgdon Meadow
- Camp 4 Yosemite
- Tamarack Flat
- White Wolf
- Tuolumne Meadows
- Yosemite Creek
Yet, currently, only a part of Upper Pines Campground is open to the public. Reservations are not required for vehicles to enter the vicinity. But Yosemite National Park maintains CDC guidelines related to COVID-19. There is no further notice about the opening of other campgrounds as of today.
For other information on how the COVID-19 may affect your visit to the park, you may find it here.
Even so, you can enjoy various activities in Yosemite, such as hiking and backpacking. All trails are open except for regular closures due to the season. Social distancing is necessary when hiking, and backpackers should have a wilderness permit.
Porcupine Flat Campground: General Information
You can find Porcupine Flat Campground next to Porcupine Creek. 8,100 feet high and a 2-hour drive away from gateway cities, Mariposa and Stockton.
It usually opens early in July through mid-October. But most recommended during Summer and Fall. Trailers & RVs are not recommended because of the narrow camp roads.
The campground has 52 campsites open to a maximum of 6 persons per site, including children. Most of the sites are on the small side near the creek.
Checkin and Checkout Time
Porcupine Flat is most likely on a first-come, first-served basis. So you get to have the perfect spot before mid-morning. The rate is $12/night. The usual checkout time is at noontime.
Utilities
They do not provide a power connection and water supply. There are no hookups and dump stations.
Wastewater Disposal
There are utility drains designated to each campground to dispose of camp wastewater. In the same way, there is a provided sewage dump. You must use these amenities to dispose of the waste.
Accessibility
Campsites are suitable for wheelchairs. Each site includes picnic tables with extended tops. The nearest restrooms are also wheelchair accessible. Besides, sites 15, 16, 17, and 33 are for people with disabilities.
Clotheslines, Hammocks, Slacklines, and Other Tension Lines
The management allows any tensioned line attachments, including clotheslines and hammocks. As long as it doesn’t propose a threat or damage upon trees. But, installing tensioned wire attachments to an oak tree is not allowed. Observe the regulations mandated by the park to ensure your safety and protection.
Quiet and Generator Hours
The designated quiet hours run from 10 pm to 6 am the next day. Generators are only available from 7 am to 9 am 12 nn to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm. Generator use is not allowed at other times.
Camping Limit
There is a 30-night camping limit in Yosemite National Park in one calendar year. But, on its peak season, from May 1 to September 15, the camping limit in Yosemite is 14 nights only. Please note that there are limits affected by calendar dates and specific campsites.
Firewood Collection
Firewood collection is only allowed around the boundary of Yosemite Valley campgrounds. The allowed woods are less than 6 inches in diameter. Prohibited woods to collect are pine cones, needles, and sequoia. To prevent forest pests, do not bring firewood from more than 500 miles away.
It is also available and the best to buy wood from the stores near the campgrounds.
Porcupine Flat Campground: Amenities
- Campsite Tables
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Food Storage Locker
- Grills
- Recycling Center
- Self-service Pay Station
- Pay Phone
- Parking Lot
- Restroom with Vault Toilets
- Stream Water available
- Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
- Pets allowed
Porcupine Flat Campground: Activities
- Camping
- Backpacking
- Bird Watching
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Picnicking
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Walking Trails
- Horseback Riding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Stargazing
- Museum Viewing
- Photography
- Nature Trails and Exhibits
Porcupine Flat Campground: Regulations
Here are Porcupine Flat Campground regulations you should know about:
Pets
Pets are not prohibited as long as they should always be on a leash. Also, pets in groups and horses are not allowed.
Fires
Any wood and charcoal fires are not allowed. Observe proper caution for everyone’s safety.
People per site
The largest number of people and including children allowed per campsite is six persons. The campground does not limit the number of tents used as long as it fits into the site.
Food Storage
The management requires storing the food in bear-proof storage to protect Yosemite’s bears. Please do not keep your food in your vehicles.
Campfire
The park allows the campfire in open campgrounds at any time. But, from May to September, wood fires are only permitted between 5 pm to 10 pm during peak season. From October through April, it allows campers to set a campfire at any time.
Fires must be attended to and set out with water when not attended. Do not let it smoke.
Porcupine Flat Campground Yosemite Reservations
Normally, reservations are unnecessary since all sites are first-come, first-served. If space is available, claim a campsite. At the registration area of the campground, fill out the self-registration form. You may even register for multiple nights (annual and seasonal camping limits).
However, due to COVID-19, reservations are now required before the camping date. Any first-come, first-served camping is currently not available until further notice. You may check their FAQ page for more information. You may also know the current campground updated by calling 209/372-0266.
Yosemite National Park prohibits sleeping in your car or RV. Unless in a campsite you’re registered to stay in. Sleeping in your car along the side of the road is also not allowed.
Unfortunately, no first-come, first-served camping is currently available. Do not arrive at Yosemite expecting to stay overnight if you don’t have an overnight booking.
Porcupine Flat Campground Changes & Cancellations
Canceled reservation charges are $20 for the service of the first night. $10 of transaction fee plus the price of one night if the cancellation occurred within the last 48 hours. But, charges would only be the transaction fee of $10 if the cancellation is made 48 hours in advance.
Porcupine Flat Campground Staff, Campground, and Facilities
TThe campground host and rangers are full of courtesy. They have undergone professional training in maintaining the facilities well. The management provides the best staff to guide and serve the visitors. They are also friendly yet do not tolerate violations of camp regulations.
On the other hand, the place is clean most of the time. All amenities, including bathrooms and toilets, are well-managed and stocked with enough supplies. However, when it’s the peak season, the stocks get consumed easily, so you better have an extra.
The whole area is always disinfected and cleaned for safety measurements. Yosemite National Park maintains all amenities for visitor’s safety at all times.
Useful Tips About Porcupine Flat Campground
Here are some great tips you should know about porcupine flat campground:
- Catch the sunrise. Chase the sunset.
- Experience nature and its wonders.
- Be early on the site to secure a perfect spot.
- Bring your loved ones with you.
- Be patient with everyone and everything.
- Try to be open-minded and adventuresome.
- Enjoy the community spirit.
- Bring a Klean Kanteen Wide Insulated with you to stay hydrated.
- Have an extra power source.
- Bring toiletries and other necessities.
- Prepare some OFF! Botanicals Mosquito and Insect Repellent IV.
- Have a book for you to read while relaxing.
Summary
Yosemite National Park is one of the best gifts from above. It is impossible not to enjoy this kind of place to unwind and see how beautiful the world is.
Porcupine Flat Campground is simply one of the park’s best features. Here, you can find a perfect, relaxing, free place with basic facilities. It gives you everything you need for an outdoor experience.
Ensure a reservation for a night or two to savor nature’s wonder through the beauty of Yosemite National Park. Bring your family with you and explore the majestic mountain range of North America. Do not forget to bring your patience and your adventurous heart!
