Yosemite National Park easily has some of the best views in East U.S. Both inside Yosemite and surrounding Yosemite are numerous incredible places to set up camp. Around 4 million people visit the park and take in its beauty every year on average. Because 95% of the park is designated wilderness the beauty of nature and the wild is truly captured in the bounds of Yosemite.
17 Unforgettable RV Camp Spots Near Yosemite:
- Upper Pines Campground
- Lower Pines Campground
- North Pines Campground
- Wawona Campground
- Bridalveil Creek Campground
- Hodgdon Meadow Campground
- Crane Flat Campground
- White Wolf Campground
- Tuolumne Meadows Campground
- Yosemite Lakes RV Resort
- Indian Flat RV Park
- June Lake RV Park
- Golden Pine RV Park
- Yosemite RV Resort
- Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park
- Paradise Shores Camp
- Yosemite Creek Campground
Each of these campgrounds and parks have their own unique locations, amenities, and restrictions, so in order to have that unforgettable experience that you crave, it is important to find the right campground for you.
1. Upper Pines Campground
Upper Pines is an incredible campground nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, right in the middle of Yosemite. Of the three campgrounds that you can reserve in Yosemite, Upper Pines is the largest. This large campsite is kept clean and beautiful by both the campers that stay and the host that watches over the site.
Nearby this campsite, there are several landmarks and sites that are breathtaking. These include things such as Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal/Nevada Falls and Clouds Rest. These are only a small number of the beautiful sites that one can see when staying at the Upper Pines campsite.
They have something for everyone as well with their numerous campsite types, including standard nonelectric, RV nonelectric, tent only nonelectric and overnight! It is open all year and has two seasons. One season is from January to March, and the other season is March to the first of December. Each of these seasons has its own beauty, sites, and specialties.
| Park Location | Amenities |
|---|---|
| In Yosemite Valley | paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, drinking water, picnic table, fire ring, food storage locker, shuttle bus |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | All year |
| Elevation | 4000 ft |
| Max RV/Trailer Length | 35ft/24ft |
| Reserve? | All year |
| Daily Fee | $26 |
| Sites | 238 |
| Handicap Accessible Sites | 10 |
| Water | Tap |
2. Lower Pines Campground
The Lower Pines campground is not as large as the Upper Pines, but it is just as incredible and breathtaking. It is surrounded by a variety of trees, including black oak, ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and white leaf manzanita. These inspiring trees offer the perfect balance of sun and shade for the campers below.
Lower Pines is a lot smaller than Upper Pines, and it is open a shorter time as well. Instead of being open all year, it is only open from when the snow melts in April, to October.
There are many incredible things to do there in the lower pines. There are trails all over Yosemite, and so hiking and running are always good options, but the Lower Pines campgrounds offer more. Along with many different trails, there are also innumerable amounts of cliffs, roads and rivers that provides entertainment for everyone!
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| In Yosemite Valley | Standard nonelectric, RV nonelectric and overnight | paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, drinking water, picnic table, fire ring, food storage locker, amphitheater |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | April 1- October 27 |
| Elevation | 4000 ft |
| Max RV/Trailer Length | 40 ft/35 ft |
| Reserve? | Yes |
| Daily Fee | $26 |
| Sites | 60 |
| Handicap Accessible Sites | 5 |
| Water | Tap |
3. North Pines Campground
The North Pines is the last of the three campsites in Yosemite that accepts reservations. It is only open from the end of March (depending on snow and flooding variables) to October.
While not as large as Upper Pines, and not as small as Lower Pines, North Pines is a good middle ground of just the right size.
Scattered about the campground, there is a beautiful diversity of trees from black oaks to white firs. These impressive trees reach to the sky, providing shade as well as allowing plenty of sunlight to get through.
Inside, and directly around North Pines there are a number of incredible activities to partake of. It is one hundred percent probability that there is going to be something for everyone here. They have many people hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and even photography.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| In Yosemite Valley | Standard nonelectric, RV nonelectric and overnight | paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, drinking water, picnic table, fire ring, food storage locker, amphitheater |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | Mar 25-Oct 27 |
| Elevation | 4000 ft |
| Max RV/Trailer Length | 40 ft/35 ft |
| Reserve? | Yes |
| Daily Fee | $26 |
| Sites | 81 |
| Handicap Accessible Sites | 5 |
| Water | Tap |
4. Wawona Campground
Wawona Campground is a beautiful piece of land that many partake of and enjoy. Because it is all year, there is plenty of time and occasions to check it out. It sits on the underbelly of Yosemite, being about 27 miles, or 45 minutes away from Yosemite Valley.
You don’t have to look far though for fascinating things to do and see. Wawona was actually home of the park headquarters in 1904, and some of the structures are still are standing today.
Not far from Wawona is the breathtaking Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. And that doesn’t even include many of the incredible waterfalls, forests, and cliffs that the rest of nearby Yosemite offers.
Just 45 minutes away in Yosemite Valley there are countless things to do. You could hike or bike the many trails, or raft the Merced River, or even go on a bus tour, attend an educational program, or explore a museum. The options really are endless!
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| South of Yosemite Valley | family, group tent only, horse, standard, RV and overnight (all nonelectric) | paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, drinking water, picnic table, fire ring, food storage locker |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | All year |
| Elevation | 4000 ft |
| Max RV/Trailer Length | 35 ft/35 ft |
| Reserve? | Ap 1st – Oct. 1st (depending on circumstances) |
| Daily Fee | $26 |
| Sites | 93 |
| Handicap Accessible Sites | 2 |
| Water | Tap |
5. Bridalveil Creek Campground
Bridalveil Creek is one of the higher campgrounds in Yosemite, as it is located on Glacier Point Road, which is at an elevation of about 7200 feet. This campground is located only about 26 miles from the Yosemite Valley. Surrounding this area, there is a thick and diverse forest filled with Red fir and Lodgepole pine.
The surrounding area, along with being heavily forested, is also luscious with hiking trails. They can vary anywhere from a half-mile, to 13 miles, which means there is a trail for any kind of expertise or desire.
A beautiful 7-miles away is Glacier Point which offers unique and unbelievable views of Yosemite Valley.
This campground, though large, with its 110 campsites, fills every night that it’s open, and there are no reservations. So, that means whoever gets there first gets the campsite, and when Bridalveil is out of sites, that’s it for the night.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| South of Yosemite Valley | tent only, group tent only, horse, RV and overnight (all nonelectric) | paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, drinking water, fire ring, food storage locker |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (may be subject to change) | August 1 – September 23 |
| Elevation | 7200 ft |
| Max RV/Trailer Length | 35 ft/24 ft |
| Reserve? | First-come, first-serve |
| Daily Fee | $18 |
| Sites | 110 |
| Handicap Accessible Sites | 0 |
| Water | Tap |
6. Hodgdon Meadow Campground
Hodgdon Meadow is a beautiful campground snuggled in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, only 25 miles away from Yosemite Valley.
Hodgdon Meadow itself sits at about 4900 feet, and is heavily forested with Red fir, incense-cedar, ponderosa pine and Lodgepole pine. But, maybe even more unique and breathtaking, the meadows between the numerous trees explode with vibrant wildflowers each summer.
There are many activities to do in Yosemite Park such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing and rafting. But, some of the most common and popular in the Hodgdon Meadow area are taking the 3-mile round-trip to visit several of the nearby Groves of Giant Sequoias.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| North of Yosemite Valley | standard, group tent only, walk to, RV and overnight (all nonelectric) | paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, drinking water, fire ring, food storage locker |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | all year |
| Elevation | 4900 ft |
| Max RV/Trailer Length | 35 ft/30 ft |
| Reserve? | Apr 8 – Oct 1 |
| Daily Fee | $26 |
| Sites | 105 |
| Handicap Accessible Sites | 0 |
| Water | Tap |
7. Crane Flat Campground
The Crane Flat campground is actually only a convenient 17 miles (or a 30-minute drive) from Yosemite Valley. The area is heavily forested with Sugar pine, Red fir, and Lodgepole Pine.
Lightly scattered in the forest there is also vanilla-scented Jeffery pine trees and attention-grabbing western Junipers. The meadows fill with vibrant wildflowers in the summer.
As you can probably imagine, this place is quite enjoyable to spend your time at Yosemite National Park. Nevermind being only a beautiful 30-minute drive from the valley, but Crane Flat holds its own beautiful secrets.
This campground is located in the middle of the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias. They each are only a 3-mile roundtrip hike away.
Also nearby is the Merced River which offers fun opportunities to raft, swim or even fish when the water levels cooperate. Along with this, there are countless museums, educational programs and bus tours available all day, every day.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| North of Yosemite Valley | standard, tent only, RV and overnight (all nonelectric) | paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, drinking water, fire ring, food storage locker |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | Aug 1 – Oct 15 |
| Elevation | 6200 ft |
| Max RV/Trailer Length | 35 ft/35 ft |
| Reserve? | Yes |
| Daily Fee | $26 |
| Sites | 166 |
| Handicap Accessible Sites | 2 |
| Water | Tap |
8. White Wolf Campground
White Wolf campground is a bit farther away from Yosemite Valley than the other campgrounds, as it sits about an hour away. But, it’s only about 28 miles away from Tuolumne Meadows.
While this campground is a bit farther it makes up for it with its many things to do and places to see right in the campground.
The Middle Fork Tuolumne River runs right past the campground, providing lots of opportunities to do things such as boat or swim. There are also many hiking trails leading to places such as Luken’s Lake, Harden Lake, and Tuolumne Meadows.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| North of Yosemite Valley | standard, tent only, RV and overnight (all nonelectric) | paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, drinking water, fire ring, food storage locker |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | TBA – Sep 23 |
| Elevation | 8000 ft |
| Max RV/Trailer Length | 37 ft/24 ft |
| Reserve? | first-come, first serve |
| Daily Fee | $18 |
| Sites | 74 |
| Handicap Accessible Sites | 0 |
| Water | Tap |
9. Tuolumne Meadows Campground
Tuolumne Meadows is not only the most elevated campground in Yosemite National Park, but it is also the largest. With 304 campsites, 8,600 feet above sea level, there are so many incredible opportunities that Tuolumne Meadows offers.
This campground sits in the high-country of Sierra Nevada, and it looks as if it was plucked from a happy-go-lucky musical scene from a Disney princess movie. With the Tuolumne River, Lyell Fork and Dana Fork flowing through vast meadows with vivid colorful flowers springing from the ground, you’ll never want to leave!
These meadows are even surrounded by several trees such as Western White pine, Mountain Hemlock and Lodgepole Pine.
Because this is such a large area of natural beauty, there are countless things to do right in camp! There are many popular things that people enjoy doing here such as hiking, rock climbing, backpacking and fishing.
Only a 4.8-mile round-trip hike away is Elizabeth Lake. But the hike is a large part of the fun, as it starts in camp, and then climbs and trickles through many beautiful views.
There are countless other trails near Tuolumne Meadow including Soda Springs, Lyell Canyon Parsons Lodge, Cathedral Lakes, Glen Aulin, and Mono Pass. Each of these is their own individual length and difficulty.
Along with this, if you don’t want to make the 4.8-mile round-trip to a lake, Tenaya Lake is nearby and is perfect for picnicking, swimming and canoeing.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| North of Yosemite Valley | standard, tent only, group tent only, horse, RV and overnight (all nonelectric) | paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, drinking water, fire ring, food storage locker |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | Aug 1 – Sep 23 |
| Elevation | 8600 ft |
| Max RV/Trailer Length | 35 ft/35 ft |
| Reserve? | 50% |
| Daily Fee | $26 |
| Sites | 304 |
| Handicap Accessible Sites | 7 |
| Water | Tap |
10. Yosemite Lakes RV Resort
This park is a 400-acre preserve full of beautiful views and exciting opportunities. It’s a great place to stay, as it’s only 5 miles outside of Yosemite. It is close enough to the park that it has it’s own little beauties hidden in those 400-acres.
The South Fork of the Tuolumne River runs through the preserve. Only 35 miles away lies Lake Don Pedro. Also close by is the Moaning Cavern, which is the biggest public cavern in the state.
As one can imagine, these many different attractions and water opportunities lend a lot of adventure to the visitors who stay here. The river offers great chances to swim, fish and even pan for gold!
The lake nearby is famous for its fishing, boating and water skiing opportunities. Along with these chances for adventure, the campground is surrounded with thick woods and tall mountains to explore.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| 5 miles from West entrance to Yosemite | 250 full-hookups, 130 tent sites, and many cabin and yurt setups | flush toilets and showers, pets welcome, laundry facilities, picnic/BBQ area, satellite TV |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | All year |
| Reserve? | Yes |
| Daily Fee | (varies depending on equipment and campers) |
| Sites | 490 |
11. Indian Flat RV Park
The Indian Flat RV Park is the closest campground to Yosemite on highway 140. This small but charming park will make you feel right at home!
It sits on the banks of the Bumping River which sits snug at the base of the Cascades mountain range. The beautiful conifer forest hunches over the campsite. These beautiful features cause the Indian Flat Park to be such a popular place for families and groups who want a more woodsy, secluded camping experience.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Highway 140, El Portal, CA | 25 full hook-ups, 25 tent sites and 2 cabins | vault toilets, friendly pets welcome, picnic tables, campfire rings, drinking water and tent pads |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | All year. High season: April – October Low season: November – March |
| Reserve? | Yes (recommended from May – September) |
| Daily Fee | $35 – $50 for RV sites |
| Sites | 50 |
12. June Lake RV Park
June Lake RV Park is nestled in the Eastern Sierra and is known for its crystal lakes, streams and breathtaking mountain vistas. While the park is not directly on the lake, it is within walking distance from both June Lake and Gull Lake.
There are many things to do at June Lake RV park, and ones sure to never be bored here! With the close proximity to the lakes, Yosemite, Ansel Adams Wilderness and Mono Lake, the adventure opportunities are endless! Many people enjoy fishing and boating.
Yosemite is a good distance away to be a great day trip. And one of the best parts is that the drive there, with the areas beautiful views of forests, mountains and trees, will be just as great as the rest of the trip.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| 155 S. Crawford Ave, June Lake, CA | Complete Hookups | Sewer, Water, Electric, Cable TV, a fish cleaning station, laundry room, free WiFi |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | April – October (weather permitting) |
| Reserve? | Yes |
| Daily Fee | $38.75 plus 12% bed tax (Nightly Rate) |
13. Golden Pine RV Park
Golden Pine RV Park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at about 5000 feet. It sits in the mountains and is surrounded by the lovely Stanislaus National Forest.
It sits, secluded and untouched by time with its booming natural beauty. While many choose to go out and explore the nearby areas such as Yosemite Valley, there are many things to do closer to the park. The website lists many of these options.
Not only is the park surrounded by mountains and forests, but it is right near Gull Lake and June Lake! This park is in the perfect location so that it can become your base camp of sorts, as you explore the wild northern Sierra.
Nearby there are opportunities to hike, fish, hunt, canoe, kayak, bike, ski, and even wine tasting! You could even just stay in the secluded peace of the camp!
This park is a great example of how nature and humankind can meld together nicely in a great balance. This park has the perfect amount of nature and seclusion while still having the luxuries and wild adventures that we crave as humans.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| 98 Gull Lake Road June Lake, CA 93529 | RV sites each with water, power, and sewer hookups | Restrooms, showers, laundry, and fish cleaning facilities |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | Late April to the end of October |
| Reserve? | Yes (Can be made 1 year apart) |
| Daily Fee | Nightly: $40.18 ($45 with Mono County Tax) Holiday (Memorial, 4th of July, Labor Day): $49.11 ($55 with tax) [2-night minimum] Over 4 people in a site (8 people max): $3 per extra person per night |
| Sites | 26 Sites |
14. Yosemite RV Resort
Yosemite RV Resort is an incredible 35 acres of all the best of nature. Between the oak forests, waterfalls, rolling hills and bright night sky, you won’t want to be leaving any time soon!
If you ever do want to venture outside of the resort, there are many adventures to have and many places to explore. Of course, near the resort sits the south entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Along with that, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Bass Lake, Merced River, Lake Hensley, Coarsegold Historic Village and so much more are only a day trip away. There is something for everyone.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Coarsegold, CA | RV, tents, cabin, yurts | free WiFi, swimming pool, concierge, playground, pet friendly, fire pits, |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | All Year |
| Reserve? | Yes |
| Daily Fee | $102 Two rates (Peace of Mind which is easier to cancel or Best Available Rate which is non-refundable) |
15. Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park
Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park is a great option for RV camping, only 24 miles (30-minute drive) outside of the west entrance to Yosemite. The views are incredible with shady trees and rolling hills. Its old-timey feel is both charming and gives a sense of safety to campers.
The beautiful forests and bodies of water nearby (including Diana Falls) there are endless adventures to be had at this park! There are hikes to be had, rivers to swim and forests to explore!
There are 3 lakes, 2 river rafting companies, a historic Goldrush town, skiing, horseback riding, backpacking, and four wheeler trails.
Also, if you’re looking for an adventure a little farther away, San Francisco and the Sequoia National Park are only half-a-days drive away.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Coulterville, CA, 24 miles from Yosemite | RV and tents | full hookups, 30 amp, picnic tables, lots of shade, laundry and story within a mile, pets allowed, pavilion, fire pit, restrooms, WiFi, rental units |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | All Year |
| Reserve? | Yes |
| Daily Fee | starting at $22.00 |
| Sites | 21 |
16. Paradise Shores RV Park
Paradise Shores RV Park is sure to be a different and unique camping experience than any others you are going to get in the area.
It is family owned, and highly regarded and recommended by all those who have camped there. The owners really care about the compers and their experience. They are quoted saying,
We believe in campfires, starry nights, good laughs, exploration, a deep sleep and an early rise. The mountains are a place to get back to basics, a place to explore, to breathe… We hope Paradise Shores Camp becomes your home as it is ours. It’s located in one of the most spectacular areas in the world.
Owners of Paradise Shores RV Park
Along with being run by great people, this RV Park is in an incredible location. The park is surrounded on three sides by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Along with the great opportunities one has to enjoy themselves right in camp, there are many historical and breathtaking places all a short drive away.
This includes Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows, Mono Lake, June Lake, Virginia Lakes, Twin Lakes and the historic gold-mining town of Bodie.
There are miles and miles of trails, providing the chance to hike, run, and ride your ATV through the beautiful landscape surrounding the camp. You’re welcome to take a kayak, paddleboard or boat on the reservoir and more adventurous can rock climb or even whip down water slides in nearby Tuolumne Meadows.
If none of those pique your interest, there are endless peaceful alcoves of hidden beauty all over the park that you can sit back and relax in.
| Park Location | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport, CA | RV sites, tent sites, rental trailers, and the year-round Blu House | Communal hangout areas with fire rings, outdoor kitchen, restrooms, showers, pet-friendly campsites, free wifi, propane station, full hookups |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | Late-April through Mid-October |
| Reserve? | Yes |
| Daily Rates | Low Season: $30-$40 + tax (up to 4 people) High Season & Weekends: $36-$48 + tax |
| Sites | – Low Season: From $23 for tent sites -High Season: From $25 for tent sites |
17. Yosemite Creek Campground
Yosemite Creek Campground is located along Hwy 120 in Yosemite Valley. It is a beautiful and peaceful campground, surrounded by a variety of trees, bodies of water and mountains.
With the beautiful area of camp and the beautiful area around the campground, you will never run out of things to do. There are trails to hike, woods to explore and boating opportunities galore. This camp will provide you with a rustic experience as you get to boil your own water, and truly rough it in the wild, connecting you back to your roots.
| Park Location | ||
|---|---|---|
| Yosemite Valley, Hwy 120 | RV (must be small and the owner must be cautious) | fire ring, picnic table, food locker, water collected from stream and must be boiled, pets permitted |
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (subject to change) | July – Early September |
| Reserve? | No, first-come, first-serve |
| Daily Fee | $35.00 |
| Sites | 75 |
Whichever of these 17 resorts, parks or campgrounds that you choose to camp at, one thing is for sure. That is, that you will have an unforgettable experience visiting Yosemite National Park and it’s surrounding breathtaking natural beauties.
Related Questions:
Does Yosemite have RV hookups? There are no hookups at any of the campsites in Yosemite. There are a couple of dump stations scattered across Yosemite all year. In the summer there are also dump stations at Wawona and Tuolumne.
Is a permit required to camp in Yosemite? There is a back-country permit that is required to camp in Yosemite National Park. There is also a wilderness permit required for an overnight stay anywhere in the Yosemite wilderness, but these are free. Any day hikes in Yosemite do not require permits.
Can you camp anywhere in Yosemite? There are 13 campsites in Yosemite, but these are not the only places to camp in Yosemite. The rule of thumb is that you have to camp within one air mile from any road, and at least four trail miles away from Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Hetch Hetchy and Wawona.
