--- title: "Yosemite Camping vs Sequoia Camping: California National Park Showdown (2026)" slug: yosemite-camping-vs-sequoia-camping description: "Comparing camping at Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks: campground availability, scenery, crowds, and which park offers the better camping experience." date: 2026-01-05 author: Campgrounds Close-To-Me featured_image: /images/blog/yosemite-vs-sequoia-camping.jpg keywords: yosemite camping vs sequoia, sequoia or yosemite camping, best california camping, national park camping --- # Yosemite vs Sequoia Camping: Which Park to Camp In? Two of California's most spectacular national parks. Both offer incredible camping, but the experiences are very different. --- ## Quick Comparison | Factor | Yosemite | Sequoia | Winner | |--------|----------|---------|--------| | Total Campgrounds | 13 campgrounds | 7 campgrounds | Yosemite | | Reservation Difficulty | Extreme (books in seconds) | Moderate | Sequoia | | Scenery | Dramatic cliffs, waterfalls | Giant trees, alpine | Tie | | Crowds | Very heavy | Moderate | Sequoia | | Wildlife | Bears common | Bears less common | Tie | | Elevation Range | 4,000-8,000 ft | 6,000-10,000 ft | Sequoia (cooler) | | RV Friendly | Limited | More options | Sequoia | | Hiking from Camp | Excellent | Excellent | Tie | | Summer Heat | Warm in valley | Cooler higher elevations | Sequoia | --- ## Yosemite Camping ### Valley Campgrounds (Most Popular) - Upper Pines (238 sites) - Central, near village - Lower Pines (60 sites) - River access, Half Dome views - North Pines (81 sites) - Quiet, nature setting - Camp 4 (35 sites, first-come) - Climber's camp ### Higher Elevation Options - Wawona (93 sites) - Near Mariposa Grove - Bridalveil Creek (110 sites) - 7,200 ft, cooler - White Wolf (74 sites) - Remote, quiet ### The Reality Yosemite Valley campgrounds book in literally seconds when reservations open. Set an alarm for exactly when they become available, 5 months ahead. Tips: - Bridalveil Creek and White Wolf are easier to get - Camp 4 is first-come, first-served (line up early) - Cancellations appear randomly - check daily --- ## Sequoia Camping ### Main Campgrounds - Lodgepole (214 sites) - Near Sherman Tree, most popular - Dorst Creek (218 sites) - Family-friendly, larger sites - Azalea (110 sites) - Grant Grove area - Sunset (157 sites) - Grant Grove, sunset views - Potwisha (42 sites) - Low elevation, warm ### The Reality Sequoia reservations are competitive but possible. Many campgrounds don't fill until a few weeks before. Advantages: - First-come options available (especially shoulder season) - Longer reservation windows often available - Less frantic booking experience --- ## Campground Comparison | Campground | Park | Sites | Elevation | Reservation Window | |------------|------|-------|-----------|-------------------| | Upper Pines | Yosemite | 238 | 4,000 ft | 5 months (instant sellout) | | Lodgepole | Sequoia | 214 | 6,700 ft | 6 months (usually available) | | North Pines | Yosemite | 81 | 4,000 ft | 5 months (instant sellout) | | Dorst Creek | Sequoia | 218 | 6,800 ft | 35 days (manageable) | | Camp 4 | Yosemite | 35 | 4,000 ft | First-come | | Azalea | Sequoia | 110 | 6,500 ft | First-come (summer) | --- ## Hiking from Camp ### Yosemite Valley Camping - Mist Trail to Vernal Fall: 5.4 mi from camp - Half Dome: 14-16 mi (requires permit) - Mirror Lake: 5 mi loop - Yosemite Falls: 7.2 mi round trip ### Sequoia Camping - General Sherman Tree: 0.5 mi from Lodgepole - Moro Rock: Short, steep, incredible views - Congress Trail: 2 mi loop through giants - Lakes Trail: 11 mi to alpine lakes --- ## Best Time to Camp ### Yosemite - Best: May-June (waterfalls peak), September-October (fewer crowds) - Avoid: July-August (crowded, hot valley) - Campground Closures: Many close October-April ### Sequoia - Best: June-September (all campgrounds open) - Avoid: Late October-May (many closures, snow) - Year-Round: Potwisha, Azalea (weather permitting) --- ## Choose Yosemite Camping If... - Valley views and waterfalls are priority - You secured reservations (good luck!) - You want the full Yosemite experience - Rock climbing is on your list - You're visiting May-June for peak waterfalls Find Yosemite Campgrounds → --- ## Choose Sequoia Camping If... - You want to camp among giant sequoias - Easier reservations matter - Cooler temperatures in summer preferred - You want to escape Yosemite crowds - You're visiting with an RV (more options) Find Sequoia Campgrounds → --- ## The Combo Trip They're about 2 hours apart. The ultimate California camping trip: Days 1-3: Sequoia (Lodgepole area) Day 4: Drive through Kings Canyon Days 5-7: Yosemite (secured reservation long ago) --- ## Final Verdict For Iconic Views: Yosemite wins if you can get a spot. For Accessibility & Trees: Sequoia delivers without the booking war. Our Take: Try Sequoia first - you'll actually get a campsite. Then plan your Yosemite pilgrimage months ahead. --- Find Yosemite Campgrounds → | Find Sequoia Campgrounds →