Lower Pines Campground
Intimate campground in Yosemite Valley along the Merced River with prime views of Stoneman Meadow.
Set Up SMS Alerts for Lower Pines Campground
Scans Recreation.gov every 30 seconds. Flat $10 fee with 100% money-back guarantee.
Booking Difficulty & Cancellation Patterns
Releases in monthly blocks on the 15th of each month at 7:00 AM PT, 5 months in advance.
48–72 hours prior to arrival is the prime alert window.
Sites 1 through 18 border Stoneman Meadow with direct views of Half Dome. With only 60 sites, it is quieter than Upper Pines.
Plan B Strategy: Nearby Legal Backup Spots
If all Recreation.gov sites are booked and your sniper alert hasn't caught an opening yet, here are verified legal alternatives nearby:
Camp 4 Lottery
Apply daily on Recreation.gov for next-day tent sites in the Valley.
Stanislaus National Forest (Evergreen Rd)
Free dispersed camping on National Forest land outside the Big Oak Flat entrance.
CampCutter Monitor
Set an alert for Upper Pines or North Pines as backup since they share the same valley floor.
Campground Regulations & Rules
Permitted within parking spur boundaries.
Mandatory metal lockers provided at every site.
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lower Pines quieter than Upper Pines? ▾
Yes, Lower Pines has only 60 sites compared to Upper Pines' 238, making it noticeably less crowded and congested.
Are bear lockers required at Lower Pines? ▾
Yes. All food, toiletries, and trash must be locked in the provided bear-proof box whenever you are away or asleep.