North Pines Campground

Great location and views. Clean, quiet and car camping spot had privacy.

Stayed in backpackers. As all payment is electronic, it would be nice if there was a charging station. It would also be good if there was water closer to the campsites. The camp host was exceptional.

Nice place to be

The backpacker's camp was a low-key overnight, very helpful for a bit of adjustment and last-minute checks of stoves and tents before heading out for a couple of days on the trail. It also gives the chance for an early start--pick up the permit the afternoon before, catch the sunset in the valley, and get up early for cool temperatures.
Leave plenty of time for checking in, it might be a bit confusing to download the app, scan the correct QR code(s) on the bulletin board, get everyone's gov't ID name correct, don't forget to get your car license plate in there, fill out the paper tags and attach to your bag or tent, credit card info typed into the app....wish it was still possible to just drop a twenty and a few ones in the iron ranger and scrawl out my name on the envelope with a stubby pencil, like the old days!

But that aside, I want to give a particularly big shout out to whoever is maintaining the pit restrooms, they're the nicest I have ever used--and the large numbers of picnic tables and bear boxes really help make the overnight go smoothly.

We chose not to bring our inflatable kayaks thinking the water was too high. Not the case! Definitely plan to get in the water and bring that floaty! Plant your chair in the water and enjoy that refreshing cold water and gorgeous views. There were people floating down the river having a grand ole time.
Also, bringing your own bike is an absolute game changer! It’s mostly flat. It’s so lovely to ride your bike through with a breeze on your face and seeing either Yosemite falls one direction or Half Dome going the other. Unreal! Having a basket helps too.
We were lucky enough to score Half Dome cable route permits. We started at 2:30am to avoid going up in the heat. GREAT decision! It adds almost a full mile if you walk from North Pines. If you do that hike, get in the water or get your shirt wet in the river on the way back down. Our accent was 8/29/23.
Now I need to end this review to look for more cancellations in North Pines this winter.

It was a great campground and nice we didn't have to reserve the spot in advance. As a backpacker you can end up anywhere at the end of the day and this was just the perfect place.

Campsite is a short walk from the river and has granite cliff views. The restrooms were clean. Great campsite.

We had never stayed in North Pines before only Upper Pines and it was just as great as Upper Pines. We hiked every day a different hike, 4 mi Trail to Glacier Point, Mist Trail to Vernal Falls to Nevada Falls, Upper Yosemite Falls, The Valley Loop. It was amazing. Location was great. Camphosts were very nice. Didnt want to come home! Would love to go back again. We got this reservation through the Lottery.

Stayed at Backpackers camp grounds for a couple of nights and it couldn't have been better. What a great campsite. There are bear boxes at every site and clean pit toilets. There's no electric or potable water at Backpackers camp grounds but there's water close enough. Great place to stay before and after a wilderness overnight(s).

Backpacker's camp is great, and Cindy the host is wonderful. However, I really dislike the QR code system for the backpacker's camp. I believe it is inequitable and makes it difficult for people to pay. Bring back a cash option!