Lower Pines Campground

Water only available at bathrooms was a surprise.

Lower Pines is our favorite valley campground. This was our first time in site 71. It really worked for us because our RV is small enough that it fit easily into the parking pad and it was just the two of us. But, others should be aware that this site will not work for more than that. And also it would not be good for tents. There was standing water directly behind the pad.
It does have a beautiful view of Half Dome. The campground itself needs some work .... too many large weeds in many sites.
As far as the park as a whole, we really wish they would limit the number of people allowed in each day. The shuttles were ridiculously crowded as were many venues.

We always have a wonderful time camping in Yosemite.
Keep in mind when traveling with a group [6 people per site], the bear boxes aren't set up to accommodate 3 standard size ice chests, so it's best to have one person in the group have one large ice chest that contains most of your perishables.

Fun

Lower falls campground in Yosemite valley was spectacular, we camped looking up at Half Dome from our campfire, right next to the Merced river. The weather was cool but comfortable, the crowds were there but it was not crazy crowded, parking was available for the patient. The hikes were nice and the trails were not crowded as long as you didn't wait too late to get started. We stayed a week and stayed in camp a couple of days, the rest of the time, hiking, day trip to Tioga pass and Glacier point. The days in camp were perfect solitude, very relaxing. We are coming back next year.

i don’t recommend site #2, probably the worst campsite i’ve ever camped at. shuttle behind you and registration office in front of you. no privacy and people will cut the corner by through campsite at all hours. other than, the campground itself was pretty, perfect location, clean bathrooms, friendly host!

Campground was quiet, even though nearly full. We had a peek-a-boo view of the face of Half Dome from our campsite, as well as one of the Royal Arches, and Glacier Point. Hikes from the campground are many.

Bear precautions are enforced; pack all your smelly things separately from everything else, and life will be simpler for you.

Road signage could be better; we took an extra loop through the Curry Village parking lot before we arrived at the campgrounds.

We were in the Park on a Sunday through Wednesday, before the Memorial Day crush; crowding wasn't overwhelming, yet.

Because we had a dog with us, we only hiked the paved trails, but there were more of them than we could cover in 2-1/2 days, so it was fine.

Do not neglect driving to Glacier Point (if your vehicle is within size limits). Also up into the high country along the Tioga Road, at least to Olmsted Point.

Phone connectivity is very limited. We had voice & text, but very little data. Best data connectivity was at Yosemite Village.

We treated ourselves to tacos and pizza at Curry Village. The Pizza Deck's specialty pizzas are not to be missed. (There's an online ordering wifi site once you're in Curry Village, that might save you some time if the lines are long.)

It was just what we needed!

Great location, clean. Have to shower at the village.

Fantastic experience! Lower Pines has all the amenities a camper could need. Check-in checkout process is smooth n flexible. Camp Host Don was delightful!
Overall Yosemite was incredible but pretty busy. It’s very unfortunate this presidential administration is forcing the removal of the day-visit reservation system. This causes overcrowding and will degrade the natural beauty of the park over time. Bring back the day-visit reservation system!