Yosemite Camping Bliss (and a Little Bit of Chaos!) at Upper Pines: A Family Review
The first glimpse of Yosemite Valley steals your breath away. Towering granite cliffs, impossibly green meadows, and the distant roar of waterfalls create a scene so majestic, it feels almost unreal. We, Sarah and Mark Thompson, along with our kids, Lily (8) and Tom (6), recently returned from a three-day Yosemite camping adventure at Upper Pines Campground, and we’re here to tell you all about it! We’re a family who loves the outdoors, but also appreciates a certain level of comfort – think s’mores by the campfire, not scaling El Capitan! So, if you’re considering a family vacation to Yosemite with young children, read on for our honest camping review of Upper Pines.
The Ahwahnee Hotel, an example of Yosemite lodging luxury - though we opted for the more rustic (and budget-friendly!) Upper Pines.
Finding Our Spot: Navigating to Family Fun
After a long (but scenic!) drive, arriving at Yosemite Valley was a huge relief. Even with two excited (and increasingly impatient) kids in the back, Upper Pines Campground was surprisingly easy to find. The directions provided on the National Park Service website (nps.gov) were clear and accurate. Keep an eye out for the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center; Upper Pines is well-signed from there. A helpful tip for first-timers: have your reservation confirmation printed out and ready to show the park ranger at the entrance station. This will save you time and streamline the check-in process. Seeing that iconic "Welcome to Yosemite National Park" sign immediately put us in vacation mode!
Setting Up Camp: A Family-Friendly Base
Our campsite at Upper Pines was fantastic for a family camping trip. We had plenty of space for our large family tent, a picnic table, and even enough room for Lily and Tom to run around and play. The scent of pine needles filled the air – instantly creating that classic camping atmosphere. A conveniently located water spigot was just a short walk away, which was a lifesaver for filling water bottles and washing up after messy s'mores sessions.
We didn’t have electrical hookups at our site, so a portable power bank was essential for charging phones and cameras. One minor challenge we faced was finding a level spot for our tent. The ground was slightly uneven in places, but we used some strategically placed rocks and logs to create a more stable base. The key is to take your time and adjust as needed. Pro tip: bring a small shovel and a level to make this process easier!
Campground Rules: Keeping the Peace (and the Bears Away!)
The campground rules at Upper Pines were clearly posted and, in our experience, well-enforced. The most important rule (and rightly so!) is regarding food storage. Bear safety is paramount in Yosemite, and all food and scented items must be stored in bear-resistant lockers provided at each campsite. This is non-negotiable! We saw rangers actively patrolling the campground to ensure compliance, which gave us peace of mind knowing that our family (and the bears!) were safe. Quiet hours were strictly enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM, which helped ensure a peaceful night's sleep for everyone. The rules definitely contributed to a safe and enjoyable environment for all the families staying there. A campfire permit is also required and easy to obtain online beforehand.
The "Gotta Go" Factor: Bathroom and Shower Situation
Let's be honest, the bathroom situation is always a concern when camping with kids! Thankfully, the bathrooms at Upper Pines were generally clean and well-maintained. While they weren't luxurious, they were certainly adequate. We didn't encounter any family bathrooms specifically, but the regular restrooms were spacious enough to accommodate us and the kids. Showers were available, and the water was consistently hot – a welcome treat after a long day of hiking. Lines for the showers could get a little long in the evenings, so we found it best to shower earlier in the afternoon when it was less crowded. Hand sanitizer and soap were generally well-stocked, but we always brought our own just in case.
Yosemite Family Adventures: Beyond the Campground
Upper Pines Campground is ideally located for exploring Yosemite Valley. The free shuttle bus stops right at the campground entrance, making it easy to access various trailheads and attractions. We spent a wonderful afternoon hiking to Lower Yosemite Fall. The trail is mostly paved and relatively flat, making it easily accessible for families with young children and even strollers in some sections. Lily and Tom were mesmerized by the sheer power of the waterfall!
A close-up view of Yosemite Falls, a popular and easily accessible destination from Upper Pines Campground
We also rented bikes and cycled along the paved paths that wind through the valley. This was a fantastic way to see the sights at our own pace and allowed us to cover more ground than we could have on foot. Another highlight was attending a ranger program at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. The ranger was engaging and informative, and the kids learned a lot about the park's history and ecology. The Junior Ranger Program is a must!
For us, the highlight of the trip was simply spending time together as a family in such a stunning natural setting. Whether it was roasting marshmallows around the campfire, spotting deer grazing in the meadow, or gazing up at the majestic Half Dome, every moment felt special.
The iconic Half Dome, visible from many locations within Yosemite Valley, including Upper Pines Campground.
Visualizing the Experience: A Sensory Symphony
Close your eyes and imagine: the warm glow of the setting sun painting the granite cliffs in hues of orange and pink. The crisp, clean scent of pine filling your lungs. The crackling sound of the campfire as you huddle together, sharing stories and laughter. The taste of perfectly toasted marshmallows, gooey and sweet. The sight of your children's faces, lit up with wonder as they explore the natural world around them. This is the magic of Yosemite Valley, and Upper Pines Campground provides the perfect base for experiencing it all.
Closing Recommendation: Yosemite with Kids - A Must-Do!
Would we recommend Upper Pines Campground to other families with young children? Absolutely! Its convenient location, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to incredible natural wonders make it an ideal choice for a Yosemite family vacation. Yes, there might be a few chaotic moments (what family trip doesn’t have them?), but the memories you create will last a lifetime. Our Yosemite camping adventure was more than just a vacation; it was an experience that brought our family closer together and instilled in our children a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of nature. As we drove away from Yosemite, we knew we'd be back. The call of the wild (and the promise of more s'mores) is just too strong to resist!