Yosemite from San Francisco: 3-Day Camping & Guided Hikes

Summary

Three days under yosemite’s sky hiking swimming laughing

You’ll leave San Francisco behind for three days of camping in Yosemite: hiking among giant sequoias, sharing campfire dinners under starry skies, swimming in clear lakes, exploring waterfalls or just relaxing by the river. With gear provided and guides who make it feel easy (and fun), you’ll find yourself surprised by what you can do — or how much you needed it.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous about camping — I hadn’t slept in a tent since I was a kid and I definitely didn’t know how to set one up. But leaving San Francisco behind, watching the city fade in the van’s window as we crossed the Bay Bridge, something shifted. Our guide, Mark (who seemed to know every weird Yosemite fact), cracked jokes about “city hands” and promised we’d all survive. The air changed somewhere past Gold Country — drier, sharper — and by the time we reached Tuolumne Grove, it smelled like pine needles and old earth. Walking among those sequoias made me feel tiny but weirdly calm. Lunch tasted better just sitting on a log, legs dangling.

The first night at camp was a bit chaotic — everyone fumbling with tent poles and pretending not to compete over who could get theirs up fastest. Mark showed us how to use the stove (I still managed to burn my veggie burger) and later we sat around a fire swapping stories while someone roasted s’mores until they were basically charcoal. There’s something about that mix of woodsmoke and laughter that sticks with you. I remember lying awake listening to distant owls, thinking I’d never sleep — but next thing I knew it was morning.

We spent the second day hiking through high country meadows and along lakes so clear you could see every pebble on the bottom. The group split up for some of it — Mark let us pick our pace — but somehow we all ended up at this overlook together, sweaty and grinning at the view down into Yosemite Valley. Someone spotted a marmot (I thought it was a fat squirrel) and there was this moment where nobody said anything because honestly what do you say? It just felt good to be there.

On our last day we had free run of Yosemite Valley: some folks biked along the Merced River, others wandered into the Ansel Adams Gallery or just sat under trees near Yosemite Falls doing nothing much at all. Before heading back toward San Francisco, we stopped at El Capitan Meadow and watched climbers inching up that impossible wall — tiny dots against all that granite. It made my own tired legs feel pretty humble. Even now when I smell campfire smoke somewhere in the city, part of me is right back there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel and explore Yosemite Valley

• Leave San Francisco and cross Bay Bridge
• Travel through Oakland and Central Valley
• Stop for groceries (own expense)
• Arrive at Yosemite National Park entrance
• Enjoy scenic mountain views and guide talk
• Walk to Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
• Have lunch among the towering trees
• Take narrated mini-coach tour of Yosemite Valley
• Stop for photos of waterfalls and rock formations
• Free time near Yosemite Falls base
• Visit Ansel Adams Gallery or Ahwahnee Lodge
• Return to camp and receive camping gear
• Enjoy dinner and campfire with s’mores

Day 2 — Explore Yosemite High Country

• Breakfast at camp
• Full day hiking and exploring lakes
• Visit mountain summits and meadows
• Lunch during the day
• Return to camp for overnight stay

Day 3 — Final Yosemite activities and return

• Breakfast and pack camping gear
• Choose self-guided adventure in Yosemite Valley
• Hike, bike, visit visitor center or relax
• Group visit to El Capitan Meadow
• Travel back to San Francisco Hilton

Top questions

Is camping gear provided on this Yosemite tour?

Yes, all necessary camping equipment is provided except for a sleeping bag (which can be requested when booking).

How long does it take to get from San Francisco to Yosemite?

The drive takes about 3-4 hours depending on traffic and stops along the way.

Are meals included during the 3-day Yosemite trip?

Dinner is included each night at camp; other meals are organized as a group with groceries bought en route (own expense).

Do I need camping experience for this tour?

No previous camping experience is required; guides help set up tents and explain everything.

What activities are available during free time in Yosemite Valley?

You can hike to waterfalls, rent bikes along the valley floor, visit museums or galleries like Ansel Adams Gallery, or relax by the river.

Are showers available at the campsite?

Yes, campsites have modern facilities including hot showers.

Is transportation from San Francisco included?

Yes, round-trip transport from San Francisco is included by biodiesel van.

Can children join this tour?

Yes; children 17 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your trip includes round-trip transport from San Francisco by biodiesel van with plenty of room for your luggage; all park entry fees; professional guides who handle logistics and help out with camp setup; modern campsites with hot showers; dinner each night plus s’mores around the fire; use of tents and cooking equipment (just bring or request a sleeping bag); plus lots of chances for hiking, swimming nearby lakes or rivers, exploring galleries like Ansel Adams Gallery, and relaxing in nature before heading back to city life.