Upper Pines Campground sits right in Yosemite Valley at 4,000 feet elevation, close enough to Curry Village that you can walk to services and the valley’s main attractions. The campground stays open year-round, which is helpful if you’re planning a winter trip, though you’ll want to check conditions before heading up.

Getting a spot requires advance planning during peak season. From mid-March through November, you’ll need to make reservations online well ahead of time—these fill up fast. The rest of the year, from December through mid-March, sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can just show up, though availability gets thin. The paved roads and walkways throughout the valley floor are where your dog can stretch their legs, and the Meadow Loop area in nearby Wawona is another option. Keep in mind that Yosemite’s pet policy is pretty restrictive—dogs can’t access the trails, wilderness areas, or undeveloped sections, so you’re limited to developed areas and paved paths. Your dog needs to stay leashed at all times, and you can’t tie them to a post or leave them unattended anywhere. The park doesn’t supply waste bags, so pack extras.

Being in the valley means you’re close to granite cliffs, waterfalls, and scenery, but you and your dog won’t be able to tackle the hiking trails that make Yosemite famous. That said, there’s something to be said for simply camping in one of California’s most iconic landscapes and taking paved valley walks. The campground itself is a good base if you’re interested in exploring the valley’s accessible areas and don’t mind the pet restrictions. Winter camping here brings snow and cold, so come prepared for serious weather. The valley can get crowded in summer, and that applies to the campground too.