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A Yosemite camping weekend

Itineraries · Yosemite National Park, CA · 3 days

A 3-day Yosemite camping plan for a group: camp in Yosemite Valley, see Lower Yosemite Fall and Tunnel View, hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, then Glacier Point and the Mariposa Grove sequoias.

Yosemite Valley packs the park's most famous views into a few miles, so a weekend from one campsite covers a lot. This plan does the big hike on the full day, saves the easy walks and viewpoints for arrival and departure, and leaves evenings for the campfire.

Where
Yosemite National Park, CA
How long
3 days, 11 stops
Good for
Camping weekends, first visits to Yosemite, mixed-fitness groups
Best time
May to October; Glacier Point Road usually opens in late spring
Updated
October 15, 2026

Plan it together in Freya

Every stop goes on your trip with its place from Apple Maps, so the group gets directions, drive times and the weather. Then swap things out, vote and split the costs.

Add to Freya

Not on an iPhone? Copy the plan for the group chat, or open it in the builder.

Day 1: Arrive in the valley

  • 2:00 PMUpper Pines CampgroundStayYosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, CA · Map of Upper Pines CampgroundOr wherever the group is camping
  • 3:30 PMYosemite Valley Welcome CenterDo9035 Village Dr, Yosemite National Park, CA · Map of Yosemite Valley Welcome CenterMaps, trail conditions and ranger tips
  • 4:30 PMLower Yosemite Fall TrailDoLower Yosemite Fall Trailhead, Yosemite National Park, CA · Map of Lower Yosemite Fall TrailAn easy 1-mile loop; biggest in spring
  • 6:30 PMTunnel ViewDoWawona Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA · Map of Tunnel ViewSunset over El Capitan and Half Dome

Day 2: The Mist Trail

  • 7:00 AMMist Trail to Vernal FallDoHappy Isles, Yosemite National Park, CA · Map of Mist Trail to Vernal FallSteep granite steps and spray; bring a rain layer
  • 12:30 PMCurry Village Pizza DeckEatCurry Village, Yosemite National Park, CA · Map of Curry Village Pizza Deck
  • 3:00 PMSwinging BridgeDoSouthside Dr, Yosemite National Park, CA · Map of Swinging BridgeRiver views and a place to cool off
  • 7:00 PMCampfire dinner at campOther

If we have time

  • Any timeMirror Lake TrailDoMirror Lake Trailhead, Yosemite National Park, CA · Map of Mirror Lake TrailFor anyone skipping the big hike

Day 3: Glacier Point and the sequoias

Tips

  • Valley campsites sell out within minutes when they open on recreation.gov, months ahead. Have several people try at once.
  • In busy seasons the park may need a reservation just to drive in. Check the National Park Service site before you go.
  • Use the bear lockers at camp for all food and anything with a scent, including sunscreen.
  • Fill up on gas and groceries before you enter; there's little cell service in the valley.

Plan it together in Freya

Every stop goes on your trip with its place from Apple Maps, so the group gets directions, drive times and the weather. Then swap things out, vote and split the costs.

Add to Freya

Questions

Is 3 days enough for Yosemite National Park?

For a first visit, yes. This plan fits 11 stops into 3 days (Day 1: Arrive in the valley; Day 2: The Mist Trail; Day 3: Glacier Point and the sequoias). Add a day if your group likes a slower pace.

When is the best time to go to Yosemite National Park?

May to October; Glacier Point Road usually opens in late spring.

Where should a group eat in Yosemite National Park?

This plan stops at Curry Village Pizza Deck. Vote on dinner in Freya if the group can't agree.

What if the group wants to split up?

The ideas under “If we have time” (Mirror Lake Trail) are optional. In Freya, set who's going on a stop so everyone knows where to meet back up.

How do we use this plan as a group?

Tap Add to Freya on an iPhone. Every stop goes on a shared trip with its place from Apple Maps, so the group gets directions, drive times and the weather. Friends join from a link with just their first name, then swap stops, vote on plans and split the costs.

More itineraries

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