Fifteen miles from Yosemite's boundary, Pines Campground sits in mixed conifer forest at 3,200 feet—close enough to access the park's highlights without the crowds and reservation scrambles. It's the kind of base camp that works for families wanting easy Yosemite day trips and serious hikers eyeing the Carson-Iceberg, Emigrant, and Mokelumne wilderness areas.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 37.81895, -120.09393
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 801-226-3564
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The campground occupies mixed conifer forest at a moderate 3,200 feet, with the Tuolumne River flowing nearby. This 150-mile waterway starts in the central Sierra Nevada and eventually meets the San Joaquin River, providing both the sound of moving water and fishing opportunities within a short drive.
You'll find standard developed campground amenities during the regular season. Winter changes the equation: camping becomes free, but water and toilet paper disappear from the facilities list. Plan accordingly if you're here for snow season.
What to Know
Dogs are welcome but need to follow Tuolumne County leash laws—check current regulations before arrival. The campground's location puts you within striking distance of both Yosemite's famous waterfalls and scenery via scenic drives, plus three different wilderness areas if you're looking to escape the crowds entirely.
Winter brings a different crowd. Dodge Ridge, Bear Valley, and Badger Pass ski areas all lie within reach, making this a viable base for downhill skiing, cross-country touring, or snowshoeing.
Nearby
The Little Golden Forest Trail starts right from camp—a half-mile interpretive loop that can stretch to two miles if you take the longer option. For water access, drive a short distance to reach the Tuolumne River for wading and fishing.
The real draw is positioning. You're 15 miles from Yosemite's boundary, close enough for day trips but far enough to avoid the park's accommodation chaos. Three wilderness areas—Carson-Iceberg, Emigrant, and Mokelumne—offer serious hiking and backpacking opportunities for those who want Sierra Nevada wilderness without the Yosemite permit lottery.