Upper Pines Campground Yosemite: A Family's Honest Review

Trading asphalt for adventure, one campsite at a time. The Wandering Wheelers, fresh off our van life escapades, decided to test the waters of traditional camping with a trip to Yosemite National Park’s Upper Pines Campground (37.7333° N, 119.5833° W). Armed with our trusty tent and a sense of adventure, we dove headfirst into the Yosemite experience. This review will give you an honest look at our experience, the highs, the lows, and everything in between, perfect if you're considering Upper Pines for your next family camping trip.

The Road to Upper Pines: From Excitement to Gridlock

Our Yosemite adventure began with a mix of excitement and, well, gridlock. Highway 140, entering from El Portal, transformed into a parking lot, testing our patience and the kids’ (especially 6-year-old Leo) with its bumper-to-bumper slowness. To add to the fun, our GPS, usually reliable, decided to send us on a scenic detour through Curry Village once inside the park. While the views were stunning, the detour definitely added time to our journey. Finally, we reached the Upper Pines Campground entrance, only to be greeted by a long line for check-in. Patience, as they say, is a virtue, and we were practicing it in spades.

Campsite 152: A Sloping Challenge

Initial excitement quickly turned to slight dismay upon arriving at campsite #152. It was… sloped. Significantly. The ground had a definite lean, making tent setup a bit of a puzzle. Our trusty Marmot Limestone 4P tent (affiliate link)) was spacious enough for all four of us, but leveling the sleeping area required some creative problem-solving. Rocks, extra padding, and a whole lot of strategic placement became our best friends. We finally managed to create a relatively flat surface, orienting the tent door eastward to catch the sunrise illuminating Half Dome – a view we knew would make it all worthwhile.

Campground Rules: Bear Safety and Quiet Hours

Yosemite's strict rules are no joke, and the bear safety announcements booming from the loudspeaker every evening drove that point home. Rangers made it abundantly clear: proper food storage is paramount, and a $5,000 fine awaits those who fail to comply. This point is a KEY area of focus.

Then there were the quiet hours, from 10 PM to 6 AM. Getting our excited 8-year-old daughter, Maya, and rambunctious Leo to settle down after dark proved challenging. We felt the rules were necessary for safety and respecting the environment, but they definitely felt a bit intrusive at times.

Bathroom and Shower Report: Functional, but Busy

The bathrooms were "functional" is the best way to describe the facilities, which are a main concern for families looking into Yosemite Camping Upper Pines. Frequently busy, especially in the mornings, with long lines for the flush toilets. The showers required tokens purchased at the camp store, adding another step to the morning routine. And the water temperature? Let's just say it was an adventure in itself, oscillating between scalding hot and freezing cold in a matter of seconds. A word of caution: test the water before fully committing!

Yosemite Adventures: Hiking, Stargazing, and Ranger Programs

Conquering (or Attempting To) the Mist Trail

The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall was high on our list. The initial paved portion lulled us into a false sense of security. As we approached the steep, mist-soaked granite steps leading to Vernal Fall, the difficulty increased exponentially. Leo had to be carried part of the way (Dad's back is still recovering), while Maya was absolutely captivated by the rainbows forming in the mist. We ultimately only made it to Vernal Fall due to the difficulty, but the experience was worth it (mostly!). By the end, we were all exhausted and nursing sore feet.

Stargazing at Sentinel Dome

Sentinel Dome offered breathtaking panoramic views at sunset. Setting up our Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope and using a SkySafari app, we identified Jupiter, Saturn, and the Orion Nebula. The kids were mesmerized. The highlight? Spotting a shooting star and making wishes.

Ranger Program: Bear Awareness

Attending a ranger program at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center was both educational and slightly unnerving. The engaging presentation about black bears and their behavior drove home the importance of bear safety. The ranger's warnings about never approaching or feeding bears resonated with our own (safe) encounter earlier in the day when we spotted a bear rummaging through a nearby (and clearly unprepared) campsite.

Gear That Got Us Through: Recommendations

Here's a look at some of the camping gear that served us well:

• Our trusty Marmot Limestone 4P tent (affiliate link)) was spacious enough for all four of us.
• Those Kelty Galactic 30 Degree sleeping bags (affiliate link, affiliate link) kept us cozy on those chilly Yosemite nights.
• We relied heavily on our Goal Zero Yeti 500X portable power station (affiliate link) to keep our phones charged for navigation and photography.
• Those Petzl Actik Core headlamps (affiliate link) were essential for navigating the campground after dark.

Campground Challenges: Food Storage, Boredom, and Crowds

Bear Canister Blues

Dealing with food storage in bear country was a learning experience. The initial confusion about using the Garcia Bear-Resistant Container was real. Fitting all our food inside the canister was like playing Tetris with granola bars and dehydrated meals. And the anxiety of leaving it outside our tent overnight? Let's just say we woke up several times to check on it after hearing rustling noises (likely squirrels, but who's to say?).

Unplugged Entertainment

Keeping the kids entertained without screens was another hurdle. Initial complaints about boredom without tablets quickly subsided as we engaged them in nature-based activities. Bug collecting with a Carson BugView Quick-Release Bug Catching Magnifier (affiliate link) proved surprisingly engaging. Telling campfire stories about our van life adventures also helped pass the time.

Escaping the Crowds

Navigating the crowds required strategy. Waking up early to hike before the masses arrived was key. We also sought out less-traveled trails and found moments of solitude reading by the Merced River, reflecting on the beauty of Yosemite.

Dutch Oven Delights: Chili and Peach Cobbler

No camping trip is complete without some Dutch oven cooking, and our Lodge Camp Dutch Oven (affiliate link) didn't disappoint.

First up: one-pot chili using Muir Glen organic diced tomatoes. Here's the recipe: Brown one pound of ground beef, add a can of Muir Glen organic diced tomatoes, a can of black beans, a can of corn, and chili seasoning. Simmer for 30 minutes. Simple, hearty, and perfect for a chilly evening.

For dessert, we tackled peach cobbler. Layer sliced peaches in the Dutch oven, top with a crumble made from flour, butter, and sugar, and bake over hot coals until golden brown. The peach cobbler was slightly burnt on the bottom (oops!), but still delicious.

Quirky Anecdotes: Mishaps and Memories

Of course, no family adventure is complete without a few mishaps. We forgot the matches and had to borrow some from a friendly neighbor. We accidentally set off a car alarm while trying to jump-start our neighbor's battery (apologies again!). The peach cobbler, as mentioned, was slightly burnt. These are the moments that make for the best stories, and a chance to show the advantages of Yosemite camping with kids.

Van Life vs. Camping: A Different Kind of Connection

Van life allowed us to travel quickly and comfortably, but camping in Yosemite forced us to slow down, appreciate the small details, and connect with each other and nature on a deeper level. While we loved the freedom of van life, Yosemite showed us the magic of truly immersing ourselves in the wilderness. The slower pace of traditional camping allowed us to create memories we cherish. Trading asphalt for adventure was not always the smoothest but always rewarding.

TikTok/Instagram Reels Idea: Hammock Fail

HOOK: A rapid close-up of tangled hammock ropes wrapped around a frustrated dad's face, followed by the kids excitedly jumping around.

SCENE: Shot in bright, golden-hour lighting with a handheld camera for a chaotic and authentic feel. The background features the towering trees of Yosemite. Camera work includes rapid zooms and GoPro POV shots from the kids' perspective as they "help".

TWIST: Dad finally manages to untangle the hammock and sits down with a triumphant grin, only for the entire setup to collapse in slow-motion as the ropes snap, sending him tumbling to the ground. The kids erupt in genuine, unforced laughter, pointing and giggling.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Yosemite Magic

Yosemite is a truly unforgettable destination. Pack your tent, grab your family, and experience the magic of this incredible national park for yourself. You won't regret it!