North Pines Campground
Prime valley floor location bounded by the Merced River and Tenaya Creek.
Set Up SMS Alerts for North 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 (plus an early access lottery in February).
Most cancellations occur 48–72 hours before check-in.
Sites 502 to 524 sit right along the confluence of Tenaya Creek and the Merced River. Great summer shade.
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
1-day advance lottery for walk-in Valley camping.
Hardin Flat Dispersed
Free camping off Hwy 120 on Stanislaus NF dirt spurs.
Indian Flat RV Park
Private campground located along Hwy 140 near El Portal.
Campground Regulations & Rules
Permitted on designated spur.
Mandatory food storage lockers at every site.
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are North Pines sites riverfront? ▾
Yes, several outer loop sites sit directly on Tenaya Creek and the Merced River with natural granite swimming areas.