Upper Pines Campground, Yosemite

I was sitting in the Ikea parking lot, dreading going back to the homeless shelter when I thought, what if I just went camping for a little while?

(Due to my disability, I receive some massive discounts on camping.)

The environment at the shelter was so chaotic that I couldn’t even sleep, let alone apply for jobs or housing. Maybe in Yosemite, I could at least get some rest, make some phone calls, and take care of some business.

I checked the online reservation page for Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite, and just so happened to refresh the page at the exact same moment that someone else canceled their reservation.

It felt kind of meant to be.

I jumped on the opportunity, and booked as many nights as I could. Next thing I knew (after checking the weather), I was asking the staff at REI for advice on how to tent camp in the snow.

What I loved most about camping at Upper Pines was how close it is to Curry Village. It’s only about a five minute walk, two minute bike ride, or one shuttle stop away.

Some of the best food in Yosemite Valley is in Curry Village. After a few days of tuna, beef jerky, and trail mix, a pizza from the Pizza Deck starts to sound really good.

During my first few nights in Yosemite, I managed to find more cancelations for Upper Pines. Apparently, some people don’t like the idea of camping in the snow.

I was just glad to be out of the shelter!

The spaces at Upper Pines are medium sized. Some could probably fit two or three family sized tents. A lot of people bring RVs or trailers to this campground.

The noise level was not too bad. I found it to be quieter than Camp 4, but less quiet than Wawona (both of which I will write about in upcoming posts).

My first neighbor at Upper Pines was a high school counselor from San Francisco who was about my age, and also happened to be an experienced backpacker. It was fun swapping stories and tips with him.

A lot of the people who camp at Upper Pines come to the same site every year. Many are older couples who know the Valley very well.

During one of my site changes, I messed up, and failed to clear my campsite by noon. When I came back at 12:09, a ranger was there waiting for me.

“Next time,” he said, “Pack up early, park in Curry Village, and then you don’t have to worry about being back by a certain time.”

There weren’t any showers, electrical outlets, or laundry facilities at Upper Pines, but I found all of these nearby at Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp.

The regular price for a night at Upper Pines is currently $36, which is a little pricey for a tent only campsite, but is still much cheaper than staying at Curry Village or a hotel.

All of the sites at Upper Pines come with car parking spaces, bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings. Restrooms and dumping stations are shared.

Fires are allowed from 5-10pm. Firewood must be purchased at one of the village stores for $10/bundle. (If you are caught bringing in outside firewood or gathering in the park, you could get a ticket.)

The nearest trail to Upper Pines is the Valley Loop Trail, which leads to Mirror Lake, Yosemite Village, and Yosemite Falls in one direction, or Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, the 4 Mile Trail, and Bridalveil Fall in the other direction.

I loved staying at Upper Pines, and would definitely camp here again.