Lower Pines Campground

This was our first time camping at Yosemite in one of the coveted campgrounds that everyone says is a must and they were right! We absolutely loved our spot. It was spacious - yes, you’re somewhat close to your neighbors, but we didnt feel like anyone was on top of us or invading our space.
The best part was the amazing views along with being right next to the river! Site 39 was our spot, but I’d say 38 is a great spot too. Their views might have been a bit better and unobstructed but seriously either spot is the best in Lower Pines.
Close walking distance to the bathrooms but not so close you’re hearing the foot traffic to use it. I would definitely say bring soap or sanitizer because there was none. Also, be prepared for the loud booms early morning to ward off the bears. We were told multiple times the campground in general has high bear activity and although we didn’t see any roaming our site, a ranger came by around 11 pm alerting us that one was in the area so be bear aware and utilize the bear storage containers.
Great site, book it and enjoy yourself at one of my favorite parks!

friendly rangers, great campsite, everything you could want :)

Beautiful place! 5 stars for that. And the rangers were all great! The negative points: 1. There is a lack of bathrooms. They get backed up in the morning. This will never change…2. The loud bear hazing at all times of the night. Sounded like sonic booms. It woke everybody up every night. They need to fine a better way to deal with the bears. I’ve camped here many times, and it’s never been so loud and awful. 3. We had a squatter stay in between our site and the one next to us. I reported them and the ranger kicked them out immediately. 4. They have adopted random hours for having fires, and running generators. If you were planning on cooking over a fire in the morning, or warming up, it is ‘t going to happen. Fires are from 5pm to 10 pm. The generator hours are even more bizarre. It’s like they pulled straws and made 3 random 2 hour daily blocks of hours.

Exceeded expectations.

Not much space to set up a tent. We were kind of in the bushes. Plus we had to move everyday due to people booking campsites and then cancelling at the last minute. I wish there were higher penalties for not using a campsite you've booked. We moved everyday we were in Yosemite. But it was nice to be by curry village.

Campground hosts, George and Lisa, were wonderful ambassadors for the NPS. Our site (#60) was a great location, close to the river and clear views of Half Dome.

The more peaceful campground between Upper and Lower. Beautiful and very convenient.

We loved our spot. We enjoyed it very much. Close to the restrooms. Had a beautiful river just a few steps away. Quiet enough at night. The only thing is the grass wasn’t super groomed in our area. It was maintained under the picnic table and fire but what was all the grass space we were able to sit in compared to some of the others. Restrooms were clean and well maintained, could use some hand soap in there. Would stay again!!

We’ve camped at this campground for years and LOVE it!!! One note: space 60 has zero shade from about 9am-7pm. Zero. This means our space was hot and bright. We ended up staying out all day, spending our day in the Yosemite lounge or on a beach until the sun was low enough to go to our site. I will always choose Yosemite but never sure 70 due to the sun.

This is my favorite campground in Yosemite although they all have their distinct advantages. Site 31 is close to everything you will need yet far enough from the road for serenity and the views of Half Dome and the Falls are amazing. The camp host is welcoming and can answer all of your questions. The bears are around of course, so everyone needs to be aware. The restrooms are clean and it is not far from the showers at Curry Village, which were also great!