About Crane Flat Campground
Overview Crane Flat Campground is closed for the winter.Please be mindful of young plants and shrubs by keeping all wheels on parking pads and camping equipment within established campsites.Crane Flat Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is conveniently located 17 miles from Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and so much more.Reservation Tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov.Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates Recreation Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Crane Flat is located between the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, both of which require a 2.5 to 3-mile roundtrip hike to view. The White Wolf area on Tioga Road also offers many hiking opportunities. Facilities Crane Flat Campground offers campsites that can accommodate both tents and RVs. Roads and parking spurs are paved, and flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring and a food storage locker. A gas station and small general store are nearby. There is no electricity in the campground which means no lights in the restrooms--bring a light source! Natural Features The area is forested
How to Get There
Take Highway 41 north from Fresno, Highway 140 east from Merced, or Highway 120 east from Manteca into Yosemite National Park. Crane Flat Campground is located 8 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station (Hwy 120 from the west), and is 17 miles (30 minutes) northwest of Yosemite Valley.
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 Crane Flat Campground
Heading to Crane Flat 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 Crane Flat Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Crane Flat Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232452) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Crane Flat Campground?
Take Highway 41 north from Fresno, Highway 140 east from Merced, or Highway 120 east from Manteca into Yosemite National Park. Crane Flat Campground is located 8 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station (Hwy 120 from the west), and is 17 miles (30 minutes) northwest of Yosemite Valley.
How do I contact Crane Flat Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: (209) 379-2123 OR (209) 372-8502 or email: eric_bissmeyer@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources
