About Yosemite Creek Campground
Overview Yosemite Creek Campground is closed for the winter.Tucked away among the pines is the hidden gem of Yosemite Creek campground. Accessing this campground is an adventure down a rutted, 5-mile, single-lane dirt road. Motorhomes and trailers are NOT allowed.Recreation Your adventure awaits! Hiking, swimming, bouldering, napping (some of us are tired!), bird watching; the possibilities are as great as your imagination. Be sure to bring bug spray and sunscreen, plenty of water, and dress in layers as the weather can rapidly change at this elevation. Facilities Yosemite Creek campground is a primitive campground with vault toilets and no drinking water. A seasonal creek runs through the campground but water must be boiled and/or treated before drinking. Do not rely on creek water being available; bring water! Natural Features Granite boulders abound and the peaceful Yosemite Creek meanders through the campground on its way to Yosemite Valley. Bring your comfy chairs and hammocks and let the sounds of nature whisk you away from the busyness of day-to-day life. Nearby Attractions Head to Tuolumne Meadows for breathtaking views and a multitude of day hiking opportunities. Tenaya Lake is a great place to relax and swim or canoe. Yosemite Valley offers restaurants, museums, bike paths, day hikes and world-famous climbing. Don't forget about the Pioneer History center in Wawona, and of course, the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. Be prepared to make your own fun here-take delight in the quiet and give your screens a rest.
How to Get There
From Lee Vining, take Hwy 120 west to the Tioga Pass entrance of Yosemite National Park (YNP). Continue onto the Tioga Pass Road for approximately 30 miles, and the entrance to Yosemite Creek campground will be on your left. From Manteca, take Hwy 120 east to the Big Oak Flat entrance of YNP. Continue onto the Big Oak Flat Road for approximately 8 miles to Crane Flat, where you will make a left-hand turn onto the Tioga Pass Road. Continue on the Tioga Pass Road for approxmately 14 miles, and the entrance to the campground will be on your right. From Yosemite Valley, follow the signs for Manteca/Hwy 120 until you reach Crane Flat, where you will make a right-hand turn onto the Tioga Pass Road. Continue on the Tioga Pass Road for approxmately 14 miles, and the entrance to the campground will be on your right. From Mariposa, take Hwy 140 east to the Arch Rock entrance of YNP. Continue onto the El Portal Road for approximately 4 miles until you reach the first available left-hand turn onto the Big Oak Flat Road (watch for signs to Manteca/Hwy 120). Continue on the Big Oak Flat Road until you reach Crane Flat, where you will make a right-hand turn onto the Tioga Pass Road. Continue on the Tioga Pass Road for approxmately 14 miles, and the entrance to the campground will be on your right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Yosemite Creek Campground
Heading to Yosemite Creek Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Yosemite Creek Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Yosemite Creek Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10083840) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Yosemite Creek Campground?
From Lee Vining, take Hwy 120 west to the Tioga Pass entrance of Yosemite National Park (YNP). Continue onto the Tioga Pass Road for approximately 30 miles, and the entrance to Yosemite Creek campground will be on your left. From Manteca, take Hwy 120 east to the Big Oak Flat entrance of YNP. Continue onto the Big Oak Flat Road for approximately 8 miles to Crane Flat, where you will make a left-ha…
How do I contact Yosemite Creek Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 209-379-2123.
References & Official Resources
