Tamarack Flat Campground sits at about 6,300 feet in Yosemite National Park, a smaller, more low-key alternative to the valley’s busier camping areas. It’s first-come, first-served only, which means no reservations—you either snag a spot or you don’t. The campground charges $12 per night, making it genuinely affordable, and regular sites accommodate up to six people, while the group site can handle 13 to 30 people if you’re bringing a larger crew.

Dogs are welcome here, which is the main draw for many travelers. There’s no dog fee, and you can bring as many as you want to your site, same as you can pitch an unlimited number of tents. It’s a pretty bare-bones setup—no RV hookups at all, so it’s tent camping only, and amenities are minimal. That’s actually kind of nice if you’re looking for a quieter, less developed camping experience. The location puts you closer to Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows than to Yosemite Valley, so factor that into your planning.

The surroundings here are genuinely pretty—you’re in the high country with pine forests and granite, and it’s a solid base if you want to hike or explore the eastern side of the park. It gets cooler at that elevation, especially early and late in the season, so bring appropriate layers even if it’s warm in the valley.

Since it’s first-come, first-served, you can’t book ahead, so arrive early in the day if you want to claim a spot during peak season. The campground typically opens in late spring once the snow clears and closes before the first major storms in fall. Check current conditions and opening dates on Yosemite.com before you head out.