Diamond O

Had a nice couple of nights camping here in early October, 2021. Many of the sites are near the river, and those that aren’t are only a short walk away via a footpath. The bathrooms were decent, and the facility seemed well maintained in general.

No cell connection and no wifi. I’d think twice about staying here if it’s going to be windy—several trees came down the second night we were here, which was pretty scary. Many of the trees (just outside the campsites) are fire and drought damaged, and hence weak. Fortunately, they’ve done a good job removing dangerous trees amongst the campsites themselves, but it’s still alarming to hear trees coming down near you while trying to sleep in a tent!

We came here because it had more FCFS sites than others in the area and we weren’t able to get a reservation elsewhere. We had to take one of the double spots (of which there are too many) bc nothing else was available. The place was full the whole time we were there. All sites are beautiful. Nice trees, close to a river and bathrooms are surprisingly not stinky. The camp hosts were great, just a little hard to find in the daytimes.

If you were unlucky like us and didn't get a campsite in Yosemite itself, this is an excellent choice! The campground is quiet and located about 15 minutes away from the front gates of Yosemite. Realize it will still take another 45 minutes or so to drive all the way to Yosemite Valley, but we would just get up early every morning and hop in the car and eat breakfast once we parked in Yosemite Valley. We would arrive in Yosemite Valley between 7:00-7:30 am and have no problem finding a parking spot for the day. 

We personally thought our site was one of the best in the area as it was nice and flat and private feeling as it was surrounded by trees. We do think site #28 is actually one of the best because it is really secluded. Bathrooms are pit toilets but felt relatively clean. There is potable water available as well. Also, recognize that there will be no cell service at this campground so plan accordingly!

We stayed here for one night to stage before entering Yosemite National Park. The Stanislaus National Forest. They have a great ranger station with detailed maps of the logging roads and campsites. We camped just on the logging road next to Diamond O. The trees burned a few years back during the big Yosemite Fire. So, it not the most scenic site but we had the area to ourselves and we’re happy to get a place so close to Yosemite. No facilities here and you need a permit from the ranger station for some of these sites. The area is popular for dispersed campers in waiting to get a spot in Yosemite National Park.

Every time I go to Yosemite, I stay at Diamond O. All of the camphosts through the years have been amazing. This is north of Yosemite Valley. Away from the hustle. It's got a great river/creek going through it and several smaller waterfalls and swimming holes nearby. Clean bathrooms, clean grounds. You will want to keep your eye out for wildlife. I even woke one morning to cows in our campsite!

Campsite doesn’t have the most beautiful views of trees and mountains as other nearby Yosemite campgrounds but the nearby pools from the stream provides shade and a refreshing dip.