3-Day Yosemite Camping Tour from San Francisco

Three days in Yosemite without packing your own tent or planning the drive.

This 3-day camping tour departs San Francisco, drives to Yosemite National Park and bases you at a local campground with all equipment provided except a sleeping bag. Day one covers the drive, Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, a narrated tour through Yosemite Valley, and free time at Yosemite Falls and the Ansel Adams Gallery; day two is a full day of hiking and exploring the high country; day three gives you the choice to hike, bike, visit the visitor center or relax by the Merced River before the return drive to San Francisco around 8:30pm. A professional guide leads the group, arranges meals and campfire gatherings, and explains the park's geology and history.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel and explore Yosemite Valley

• Depart San Francisco and cross Bay Bridge
• Stop for groceries in Central Valley
• Arrive at Yosemite National Park entrance
• Walk to Tuolumne Grove and have lunch
• Take narrated mini-coach tour of Yosemite Valley
• Free time near Yosemite Falls base
• Explore Yosemite Falls and Ansel Adams Gallery
• Set up camp and receive camping gear
• Enjoy dinner and campfire stories

Day 2: Explore Yosemite High Country

• Hike to mountain summits and lakes
• Pass through meadows and scenic spots
• Spend full day exploring with guide
• Return to campsite for overnight

Day 3: Final Yosemite activities and return

• Have breakfast and pack camping gear
• Choose self-guided adventure in Yosemite Valley
• Visit El Capitan Meadow to watch climbers
• Return to San Francisco Hilton

The experience

The drive from San Francisco takes 3–4 hours and crosses the Bay Bridge with views of Alcatraz and Angel Island before heading through Oakland, the East Bay and Central Valley. You'll stop for groceries on your own expense, then climb into the Sierra Nevada Foothills and Gold Country on the way to Yosemite's entrance. Once there, the guide narrates the route through the glaciated valley while the van makes stops for photos, and you walk down a scenic path into Tuolumne Grove to see the Giant Sequoia trees and eat lunch among them.

The first night you camp at a local site with modern facilities just steps from the park. The guide hands out all the gear (tents, sleeping pads, cooking equipment) sets up the amenities, and prepares a fresh dinner. After eating, the group gathers around a campfire for s'mores and stories. Day two is yours to spend: a full day of hiking to mountain summits, exploring the high country lakes and meadows, with the guide making sure the group takes full advantage of the park's terrain.

On the final morning, you'll have breakfast and pack a brown bag lunch before heading back into Yosemite Valley. This day is built for your own choice: hike to a waterfall, rent a bicycle to cruise the valley floor, visit the Ansel Adams Gallery to see original photographs, check the visitor center and museum, or sit by the emerald Merced River. You can also stop at El Capitan Meadow to watch rock climbers on the largest granite monolith in North America. The return drive to San Francisco arrives around 8:30pm–9pm.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• transport by biodiesel van from San Francisco to Yosemite and back.
• all camping equipment including tent, sleeping pad and cooking gear (sleeping bag available to rent for $30 USD).
• campsite with modern facilities.
• dinner and s'mores on night one.
• brown bag lunch supplies for days two and three.
• all park fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 17 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 13 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Incredible Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to camp in Yosemite with gear provided and transportation from San Francisco: the guide manages setup and meals while you spend two full days hiking independently, then rejoin the group at camp.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start.

What do I need to bring for a 3-day Yosemite camping tour?

The tour provides all camping equipment (tent, sleeping pad, cooking gear and campsite access) except a sleeping bag. You can bring your own or rent one from the operator for $30 USD. Mention this in the Special Requirements field when booking. Pack clothes for mountain weather, hiking boots, and any personal items you need. Your own tent is not permitted.

How much hiking is involved on the 3-day Yosemite tour?

Day one includes a walk down a scenic path to Tuolumne Grove and free time to explore Yosemite Falls on your own. Day two is a full day of hiking through the high country to mountain summits, lakes and meadows with your guide. Day three is entirely your choice. You can hike to a waterfall, bike around the valley or rest by the river. The operator recommends at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

What meals are included on the camping tour?

Dinner is provided at camp on the first night, prepared fresh by the guide, along with s'mores around the campfire. On days two and three, you'll prepare a brown bag lunch yourself. You'll stop for groceries on the drive from San Francisco at your own expense.

Does the tour include hotel pickup from San Francisco?

The tour departs from San Francisco and returns to the San Francisco Hilton around 8:30pm–9pm on day three, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You'll need to arrange your own transportation to the departure point.

What is Tuolumne Grove and why is it on the itinerary?

Tuolumne Grove is a stand of Giant Sequoia trees in Yosemite. On day one, you walk down a scenic path through the grove and eat lunch there, giving you time to stand among some of the largest trees on earth before the narrated drive through Yosemite Valley.