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Yosemite National Park with kids is one of the most rewarding family camping experiences you can plan. When the kids started continuously asking about going camping, I knew this summer would be the perfect time to plan a camping trip. I wanted to make the camping worthwhile, so making it a road trip as well, and visiting at least 3 national parks was part of the plan. If you are planning more U.S. trips with your family, our guide to the best family vacation spots in the United States can help you compare Yosemite with other kid-friendly destinations.
In order for this trip to go smoothly, we would need to rent an RV or Campervan. Before this trip, I had never tent camped or even camped at all, so renting an RV or campervan was my only option. I immediately started searching for RV rentals, but given the size of the RV, I knew I would not be able to drive it. My husband was not going to be able to join us on this trip, so renting something I knew I could drive and easily navigate was a priority for me. This is when my search led me to Jucy RV Vans.
Jucy RV Vans are equipped with a place to sleep inside and u on the top, as well as a kitchen and fridge on the back of the van. It had everything I needed, and I was even more excited to find out that they had a pickup location in the Los Angeles area.
I watched a few YouTube videos and knew right away that it would be exactly what I needed for our trip. Don’t wait, add Yosemite to your Family Travel Bucket List while you’re planning; it belongs on every family’s must-do list.
When Did We Drive To Yosemite National Park
We drove to Yosemite National Park with the kids in June.
Yosemite National Park Weather In The Summer
The weather in Yosemite was hot in the afternoons and cool at night. It was the perfect mix, especially for camping in a campervan with no access to AC at night. At night, we rolled down the windows and enjoyed the breeze and sounds of the forest while we slept. It was very peaceful and calming.
Pro Tip: Make sure to pack a light sweater for very early mornings and late nights, as it gets a bit chilly even in the summer.
How To Get To Yosemite National Park
We started our camping road trip in Sequoia National Park. After spending 2 days in Sequoia National Park with kids, we then drove to Yosemite National Park in our Jucy RV Van. The drive between the two parks took us a total of 5.5 hours. It would have been shorter; however, we encountered some traffic on the way.
I did not realize that getting through this entry gate still meant an additional hour and a half drive to our campsite. So keep that in mind when driving and make sure to fill up your gas tank before you get closer to the park. There are bathrooms right when you go in, so make sure to stop and use them before the long drive up.
The Good news is that no timed-entry reservation is required to visit Yosemite this summer, the first reservation-free season in years. You still need a valid entrance pass, though. The standard vehicle fee is $35 for U.S. residents, and you can now purchase it as a digital pass at Recreation.gov to skip the gate line entirely.
Furthermore, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass at $80 covers entry to all national parks and pays for itself after two visits. Then, non-U.S. residents pay an additional $100 per person age 16 and older.
One important heads-up: parking in Yosemite Valley fills by 7:30 am on busy summer days. So arrive before 8 am or take the YARTS bus in from a nearby town to avoid the gridlock.
How To Get Around Yosemite National Park
Once we got to Yosemite National Park, we parked the Jucy RV Van in our camping spot and did not drive it around again until it was time for us to leave. Yosemite has lots of walking trails, as well as a shuttle bus that takes you around if you need to get around. Yosemite is really big, much bigger than I ever expected, and so the shuttle runs often to get people around.
Booking a Family-Friendly Campground In Yosemite National Park
I spent hours endlessly asking in Facebook groups and reading about the best campgrounds in Yosemite National Park with kids. Weirdly enough, I couldn’t find any blog on it or anything, really, that detailed what camping with kids in Yosemite National Park would be like. I wanted to know what to expect, especially as afirst-timerr.
After much reading, I concluded that North Pines, Upper Pines, and Lower Pines would be the ideal campgrounds to camp with kids at Yosemite National Park. As soon as I figured out where I wanted us to camp, I realized that all the campgrounds were sold out. I read that was the case because campgrounds at Yosemite National Park need to be booked over 6 months to a year in advance. Our travel plans are usually spontaneous and last-minute, so this seemed like an impossible task. I had to take the kids camping and was determined to do that this summer. I was starting to feel discouraged until I came upon a website called YesYouCamp. This website lets you enter the details of when you want to camp as well as your choice of campground, and sends out a text when someone cancels their reservation. I immediately signed up, selected Yosemite as well as Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines,s and patiently waited for my text. The day before we left on our camping trip with the kids, I got a text that the campground in Upper Pines had opened. I immediately rushed to Reserve America, which is the website where campground reservations are made, and was able to book a campground at Upper Pines. I was so excited about camping in Yosemite National Park, but also very nervous.
Pro Tip: YesYouCamp doesn’t charge you a fee until you book the campground of your choice. If you are not able to book any campground, they will gladly offer you a refund. Their customer service is great,t and I would not only recommend them, but I would also use them again.
What should you not miss at Yosemite National Park with kids?
- Tunnel View: stop right after the tunnel
- Happy Isles Nature Center: museum and Junior Ranger swearing-in
- Happy Isles Trail: easy river walk with wildlife
- Campground atmosphere: village feel, kids make friends fast
- S’mores at the fire ring: kids counted down all day
Camping With Kids In Yosemite National Park
When I booked the Upper Pines campground, we were assigned to campground number 233. We got to Yosemite National Park about 5 p.m., and by the time we drove up to our campground, there was no one at the gate to check us in or guide us as to where to go. They do have a board at the entrance with everyone’s name and campground site number; however, I did not see my name on the board. There was a phone number listed, so I called and was told to go ahead and go to my campground. We drove around a bit and then found campground 233. We parked our Jucy RV Van and took a walk around to get acquainted with the area while the kids rode their scooters.
Yosemite National Park has such an amazing family-friendly campground atmosphere. It is like a small village, where everyone looks after everyone. The night we went there, our neighbors invited us to join them for dinner. Everyone who passed by said hello. We ran out of ice,e and someone gladly offered us some. Many kids who were playing outside came up to play with my kids as well. Kids riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, and enjoying the outdoors, families laughing and just having a good time. I did not know what to expect, but after being at Upper Pines campground in Yosemite National Park for just a few hours, I was already loving it and mentally planning my next trip back.
When I got to our campsite at Yosemite National Park, I was terrified of being eaten by a bear. I was glad to find out that bears do come around to look for food; however, they do not eat people. Each campsite has a bear box for you to store all your food and toiletries, basically anything that a bear will smell and be attracted to
Eaccampsitete has a fire ring, which is perfect for campfires. However, we did not know how to light it. We weren’t prepared and didn’t pack any wood, so we sent the kids out to find some. Next time, I definitely plan to be prepared with enough wood to light up a fun campfire.
What are the best things to do in Yosemite with kids?
- Lower Yosemite Falls easy trail
- Tunnel View photo stop
- Curry Village family camping
- Mirror Lake loop walk
- Junior Ranger program
There are so many things to do in Yosemite with kids. I wish we had more time to do all of them. We definitely plan to return and stay much longer this time.
Tunnel View At Yosemite National Park
Once you start approaching the tunnel, you know that you are much closer to the park. Make sure to slow down because once you get out of the tunnel, the most beautiful scenic view can be seen. There is a parking lot on the right side, and we parked there and walked over to admire the view, and it was breathtaking. At Tunnel View, you can see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall rising from Yosemite Valley, as well as Half Dome in the background.
Wear Your “The World Is My Classroom Shirt“
The kids absolutely love wearing this shirt and can wear it every day if I let them. They truly believe that the world is their classroom, and they are right, because it really is. They are exploring this world that we live in and learning so much from hands-on experiences. They couldn’t have picked a better classroom. Grab one for your kids here –> The World Is My Classroom Shirt.
Visit The Happy Isles Nature Center In Yosemite National Park
The Happy Isles Nature Center has an awesome museum, and the kids loved learning about the animals at the park here. The kids got their junior ranger books here, and they cost $3 each. This was the first time I’ve ever had to pay for a junior ranger booklet, especially as they are usually given free of charge at other parks.
Take An Art Class
I signed the kids up for an art class at the Happy Isles Nature Center. I thought it was painting; however,r it turned out to be arts, which was also fine. The kids made a fox mask and wore it the whole day until it ripped.
Become A Junior Ranger At Yosemite National Park
This was the most exciting thing the kids did. They were so eager to complete their books, and they finished all the required activities. They were sworn in as junior rangers, and they were so proud to wear their badges. They were sworn in at the Happy Isles Nature Center.
Take A Walk Along The River
We followed the path to hike the Happy ITrailtrail. This is an easy hike with kids, which includes plenty of stops for exploration, photos, and spotting animals. The kids and I spotted a coyote in the bushes as we were on our walk. 
Go Searching For Waterfalls On The High Sierra Loop Trail
When I originally got on this trail, I figured it’d be an easy trail, and in just a few minutes, I would arrive at the magical waterfall I was looking forward to seeing. Thirty minutes later,r and we were still going uphill, one hour late, still going uphill. The kids had the energy and were ready to keep going; I, on the other hand,d was exhausted. This was a clear reminder that I was no match against these kids when it came to strength and perseverance. After over an hour of climbing with several rest stops in between, I said That’s it, and we began making our way back down.
Aiden: “Mom, this wall looks just like the Great Wall of China”
Pro Tip: Pack enough water before you venture on this hike. We had a hiking water backpack filled with water as well as the kids’ thermos water bottles,s and I had my own water bottle;e, however, we quickly ran out of water.
Make New Friends At Yosemite National Park
The kids made lots of new friends while camping. It was so nice to see them easily mingle with other kids and just play and have. We also met another family who had a daughter that the kids just loved playing with,h so much so that we shared breakfast one morning with them. We were all sad to part ways with them, but we got their contact information so we could keep in touch.
Make Time For Writing
The kids are so into learning, especially reading and writing, that they use every opportunity they have to learn something new. It is so amazing to see their love for learning, which has been fostered through my guidance. I do not force them to do any learning; however, I encourage it, so they normally,y on their own, gravitate towards it without me having to ask. Make sure to read “Is Homeschooling Right For Your Family” and “How To Legally Homeschool Your Child” for how we do it.
Admire The Scenery On The Drive Out Of Yosemite
We checked out of our campsite at11 am and started our drive out of Yosemite National Park. The scenery just blew me away,y so much so that I jumped out of the car, re barefoot and all, to snap a photo. Yosemite National Park is one of the most scenic National Parks I have been to. These photos don’t do much justice; you have to visit this place to see and experience it also.
[ Camera: Canon 5D ]
What To Eat When Camping With Kids
I prepped and cooked a variety of meals that I knew the kids would like prior to our trip. So when it was time, all I had to do was warm it up. We ate so much good food while camping that I alookingng forward to doing it again.
Breakfast: yogurt, bacon, pancakes, muffins, croissants, hot chocolate, and coffee (we used powdered milk and powdered hot chocolate). We had such a variety of foods. I even made croissant pizza with croissants, mozzarella chees,e and pepperoni.
Lunch: bread and Nutella, sandwiches, crackers
Dinner: Jollof Rice, corn, spaghetti, and ground beef, foil packets with chicken or seafood, potatoes, and vegetables
Dessert: S’mores, of course!
Cooking Utensils – [ Cast Iron Skillet | Frying Pan | Coleman Stove | Cuisinart Charcoal Grill | Grilling Sticks | Stovetop Coffee Maker ]
Eating Utensils – [ Kids Trays |Kids Bowls | Kids Water Bottles ]
Other – [Kids Camping Chairs | Kids Flashlight | Ice Chest ]
We spent a total of 2 days at Yosemite National Park with kids, and from what you can see, we could have spent a lot more. We didn’t see or do nearly half of what we wanted to. I highly recommend that families camp in Yosemite, and our family plans to do it again soon. We hope to make it a yearly tradition, so that the kids can grow up with a love for nature.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yosemite National Park With Kids
1. Do you need reservations for Yosemite?
You do not need an entrance reservation for Yosemite in 2026, but you still need to pay the park entrance fee. If you plan to camp or stay overnight inside the park, you should book your campground or lodging as early as possible.
2. What is the best month to visit Yosemite with kids?
June is a great month to visit Yosemite with kids because the weather is warm during the day, cooler at night, and good for camping. It can still get busy, so plan early and start your day as early as possible.
3. Are there easy hikes for young kids at Yosemite?
Yes, there are definitely easy hikes and walks for young kids at Yosemite National Park. For example, Lower Yosemite Fall, Mirror Lake, Happy Isles, and simple river walks are good options for families who want scenic views without a difficult hike.
4. How much does it cost to enter Yosemite?
As of today, Yosemite’s standard entrance fee is $35 for a private vehicle, and it is valid for seven consecutive days. Families visiting multiple national parks in one year may also want to compare the cost of an America the Beautiful Pass.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
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Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
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Shopping for Travel Essentials?
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Ready to Book Your Trip?
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