Sierra National Forest

Dirt Flat campground is situated on the north side of the Merced River. This small camp features walk-in tent sites on the river. The remote locates of the site makes for a quiet and peaceful camping experience. Recreation During the spring and early summer, the Merced River is a popular location for white water rafting and kayaking. Several private companies offer guided rafting trips. Facilities The campsites at Dirt Flat meet accessibility standards and offer picnic tables, grills and fire rings. Vault toilets are available. Natural Features The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra. Nearby Attractions This campground is close to the west entrance to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite offers a variety of activities that include scenic driving, picnicking, hiking and fishing. ADA Access: N

Dirt Flat

Dry Gulch Campground sits on the north side of the Merced River. The small camp features walk-in tent sites on the river, shaded by a grove of pine and oak trees. Dry Gulch's remote location makes for a quiet and peaceful camping experience. Recreation During the spring and early summer, the Merced River is a popular location for white water rafting and kayaking. Several private companies offer guided rafting trips. Facilities The camping sites at Dry Gulch do meet accessibility standards and offer picnic tables, grills and fire rings. Vault toilets are available. Natural Features Dry Gulch Campground is located in the Bass Lake Ranger District at an elevation of 3,400 feet. The Lake is a very popular area known for its variety of fish, as well as the bald and golden eagles that make their home here. The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra. Nearby Attractions This campground is close to the west entrance to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite offers a variety of activities that include scenic driving, picnicking, hiking and fishing. ADA Access: N

Dry Gulch

Indian Flat RV Park

Crane Flat - Yosemite National Park

## Overview

Crane Flat Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is conveniently located 17 miles from Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and so much more.  
  
Yosemite National Park's reservable campsites are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m. (ET). For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14. 

**Reservation Tips!** Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov.  
  
[Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates](https://recreationonestopprod.servicenowservices.com/external?id=kb_article&sys_id=72fff607dbe8a30022f970c08c961990&table=)

## Recreation

Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park.   
  
Crane Flat is located between the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, both of which require a 2.5 to 3-mile roundtrip hike to view.   
  
The White Wolf area on Tioga Road also offers many hiking opportunities.

## Facilities

Crane Flat Campground offers family sites that can accommodate both tents and RVs. Roads and parking spurs are paved, and flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring and a food storage locker. A gas station and small general store are nearby.

## Natural Features

The area is forested with stands of Sugar pine, Red fir and Lodgepole pine, offering a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Vanilla-scented Jeffrey pine and picturesque western Juniper dot the landscape. Vibrant summer wildflowers fill the open meadows nearby. 

## Nearby Attractions

Just 30 minutes away is Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops.   
  
The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite peaks.   
  
Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, just 23 miles from Crane Flat, is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.   
  
Glacier Point has sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time.   
  


## Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged. No-shows will be charged a $20 service fee along with the first night's fee.

Crane Flat Campground

Yosemite is one of the premiere national parks in the United States. With its stunning High Sierra scenery, glorious waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and 100s of miles of hiking trails to explore it all, Yosemite is a must-visit for any outdoor lover. But finding a place to camp in the park during the busy summer travel season can be an exercise in advanced planning, patience—and a little luck. Fortunately, there are a few options available to campers who can’t score a prized campsite reservation in the Valley in the form of a few smaller, first-come, first-served campgrounds in remote areas of the park. While these sites are pretty spartan, they offer a quieter Yosemite experience while still providing access to the park’s popular destinations, trails and viewpoints.  

Located on the west side of the park, just a short distance off Tioga Road (Hwy 120), the Tamarack Flat Campground offers 52 first-come, first-served campsites for tent campers. The campground can be accessed through the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station, and is approximately 7 miles northwest of the Tioga Road–Big Oak Flat junction. Campsites are located in shady pine forest, and are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and food lockers, and the campground has vault toilets. All food and scented items should be secured at all times. Potable water is not available, but water can be acquired from nearby Tamarack Creek; water should be treated (boiled or filtered) before drinking. Trash service is not available, so campers should pack out all trash and waste items. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed. This location is only open seasonally, typically late June through September; sites are $12/night.

From the Tamarack Flat Campground, the picturesque Tenaya Lake is 45 miles farther east on Tioga Road. There are picnic areas here for enjoying the view, and the lake is nice for fishing and paddling around on kayaks and SUPs. Another 15 miles east is the expansive and spectacular Tuolumne Meadows. Several short and long hiking trails originate from here and lead into Yosemite’s amazing backcountry. Near the often overflowing Tuolumne Meadows Campground is a small cafe, grocery store, post office, and outdoor gear shop. Going the other way, Yosemite Valley is 20 miles southwest. Here you can take in views of the famous El Capitan and Half Dome, walk to the base of Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls, and visit the park’s visitor center, galleries, shops and restaurants.

Tamarack Flat Campground

## Overview

Hodgdon Meadow Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is 25 miles from Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 4,875 feet. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more.  
  
Yosemite National Park's reservable campsites are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m. (ET). For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore, the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14.

**Reservation Tips!** Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov.  
  
[Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates](https://recreationonestopprod.servicenowservices.com/external?id=kb_article&sys_id=72fff607dbe8a30022f970c08c961990&table=)

## Recreation

Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park.   
  
Hiking the 2.5 to 3-mile roundtrip trails to the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias are a popular activity at Hodgdon Meadow. The White Wolf area on Tioga Road also offers many hiking opportunities.

## Facilities

Hodgdon Meadow Campground offers family and group sites. Roads and parking spurs are paved, and flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring and a food storage locker. A gas station and small general store are eight miles away at Crane Flat.

## Natural Features

The area is forested with mixed stands of Red fir, incense-cedar, Ponderosa pine and Lodgepole pine, offering a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Vibrant wildflowers fill the open meadows each summer. 

## Nearby Attractions

Just 45 minutes away is Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops. The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. Other sites of interest include the beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It's home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads. Glacier Point has sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time. 

## Charges & Cancellations

Cancellation of individual site reservations will be charged a $10 service fee. If the cancellation is within 48 hours of the arrival date, the first night's fee will also be charged. Cancellation of a group site reservation will incur a $10.00 service fee plus the first night’s use fee when the reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night’s use will not be assessed a service fee. No-shows for any type of reservation will be charged a $20 service fee and the first night's fee.

Hodgdon Meadow Campground

Willow Placer Campground

This campground is the closest KOA to Yosemite Valley, and it is perfect to use as your base camp while visiting Yosemite National Park. Ride the YARTS public transit bus from the campground for an easy and convenient way to visit Yosemite. After returning from this jewel of a national park, take advantage of the campground's fresh hot pizza, even enjoying it poolside. Or take a dip in the sparkling clean pool. If you prefer sweets, the homemade fudge and ice cream parlor awaits. Before moving on to your next vacation destination, stop by the campground gift store to purchase some Yosemite memories to take with you. Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru: 50 feet. Your hosts: the Bailey family.

Yosemite West / Mariposa KOA (Midpines, CA)

Remember your [ OUTDOOR ETHICS](https://www.blm.gov/learn/outdoorethics) when enjoying your public lands. Please[ RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.](https://www.recreateresponsibly.org) No water in campground. Drinking water available at the Briceburg Bridge. ### Overview The first of three BLM campgrounds within the Merced River Recreation Management Area is McCabe Flat. The campground is located 2.3 miles west (downstream) from the Briceburg suspension bridge along the Wild & Scenic Merced River. The Briceburg River Road runs along the historic Yosemite Valley Railroad grade that follows the Merced River. It is an unpaved, dirt & gravel rough road with many potholes, but can easily be navigated with ordinary passenger vehicles traveling within the 15 miles per hour speed limit. Turn-outs are located all along the road. Loop turnarounds are provided in each of the three campgrounds. McCabe Flat Campground hosts one of the biggest sandy beaches in the area. There is a designated swimming area and no dogs are allowed on the beach. All other areas of the Merced River Recreation Area allow dogs on leash. ### Facilities in McCabe Flat Campground (11 sites total): * 8 Walk-in camp sites * 3 drive-up camp sites * 2 vault toilets * 1 Port-o-let toilet _(seasonal near site 10 and 11)_ * Trash collection cans * Recycling collection cans * Main parking lot * Overflow parking lot * Drive-thru turn-around * Designated swimming beach * Self-pay Iron Ranger fee system * There are picnic tables, fire grills, and food storage lockers at all camp sites. * All campsites are within 200 feet of the river ### Permits, Fees, and Limitations: * Camp fee is **$10.00 per site per night.** America the Beautiful Pass fee is $5.00/site/night. * Camping is allowed only in designated, numbered camp sites. * Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site. * Camping is **first come, first served. No reservations available.** * A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up). * **Self-pay system.** Iron Ranger located near Bulletin Board. * Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site. * **No dispersed camping** within the Merced River corridor. * No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours. (43 CFR 8351.2-1 (1)) * Fires are allowed ONLY in provided metal fire rings. **NO FIRES ON BEACH.** (Fire Restriction may apply). * No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (i) * **Dogs must be on a leash at all times.** * NO DOGS allowed at McCabe BEACH. * NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC or unreasonable noise any time. * **QUIET TIME AFTER 10:00 pm** (no speakers, generators etc.) * No discharge of firearms or fireworks 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (a) * No person shall enter a developed campground between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless that person is a registered camper. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (g) * All California Motor Vehicle Laws Apply. (Seat Belts, DUI, etc.). 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (e) * Any person who fails to comply with these written orders may be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months. Federal Register/ Vol. 66 No. 130/ Friday, July 6, 2001/ Notices Pg 35663. ### WARNING: No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is dangerous any time of year, but especially during spring and early summer. The Merced River is un-damned and the flow changes dramatically from year to year and season to season. Please wear a life jacket. SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. Potable water is available across the Briceburg Bridge as you head towards the campground facilities. Look for the faucet near the information kiosk. Bring your own water for camping purposes. **Potable water is not available at the campground sites.** ### PLEASE NOTE: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground. Commercial lodging is available in the town of Mariposa. ### Helpful Links: * River flow is posted on-line at: [www.dreamflows.com](http://www.dreamflows.com/graphs/day.225.php) * Return To: [Merced River Recreation Management Area](https://www.blm.gov/visit/merced-river). * Visit: [BLM, Mother Lode Field Office](https://www.blm.gov/office/mother-lode-field-office) * Recreation Passes: [America the Beautiful -- National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass](https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/passes)

McCabe Flat Campground

Remember your [ OUTDOOR ETHICS](https://www.blm.gov/learn/outdoorethics) when enjoying your public lands. Please[ RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.](https://www.recreateresponsibly.org) ### Overview At the end of Briceburg River Road and 4.5 miles from the suspension bridge within the BLM, Merced River Recreation Area is the **Railroad Flat Campground**. Popular with gold prospectors and hikers alike, there is always interesting campfire talk in this campground. It also serves as the trailhead for the BLM, Merced River Trail. The Merced River Trail is a spectacular wildflower walk in spring, has great scenery, fine fishing, and amazing swimming during other times of the year. ### Facilities in Railroad Flat Campground (9 sites total): * 3 Walk-in camp sites * 6 drive-up camp site * 1 vault toilet * 2 Port-o-let toilet _(seasonal near site 21-23)_ * Trash collection cans * Recycling collection cans * Main parking lot * Self-pay Iron Ranger fee system * There are picnic tables, fire grills, and food storage lockers at all camp sites. * All campsites are within 200 feet of the river ### Permits, Fees, and Limitations: * Camp fee is **$10 per site per night.** America the Beautiful Pass fee is $5.00/site/night. * Camping is allowed only in designated, numbered camp sites. * Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site. * Camping is **first come, first served. No reservations available.** * A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up). * **Self-pay system.** Iron Ranger located near Bulletin Board. * Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site. * **No dispersed camping** within the Merced River corridor. * No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours. (43 CFR 8351.2-1 (1)) * Fires are allowed ONLY in provided metal fire rings. **NO FIRES ON BEACH.** (Fire Restriction may apply). * No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (i) * Dogs must be on a leash at all times. * NO DOGS allowed at McCabe BEACH. * NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC or unreasonable noise any time. * **QUIET TIME AFTER 10:00 pm** (no speakers, generators etc.) * No Discharge of Firearms or fireworks 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (a) * No person shall enter a developed campground between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless that person is a registered camper. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (g) * All California Motor Vehicle Laws Apply. (Seat Belts, DUI, etc.). 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (e) * Any person who fails to comply with these written orders may be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months. Federal Register/ Vol. 66 No. 130/ Friday, July 6, 2001/ Notices Pg 35663. ### WARNING: No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is dangerous any time of year, but especially during spring and early summer. The Merced River is un-damned and the flow changes dramatically from year to year and season to season. Please wear a life jacket. SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. Potable water is available across the Briceburg Bridge as you head towards the campground facilities. Look for the faucet near the information kiosk. Bring your own water for camping purposes. **Potable water is not available at the campground sites.** ### PLEASE NOTE: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge.The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground. Commercial lodging is available in the town of Mariposa. ### Helpful Links: * River flow is posted on-line at: [www.dreamflows.com](http://www.dreamflows.com/graphs/day.225.php) * Return To: [Merced River Recreation Management Area](https://www.blm.gov/visit/merced-river). * Visit: [BLM, Mother Lode Field Office](https://www.blm.gov/office/mother-lode-field-office) * Recreation Passes: [America the Beautiful -- National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass](https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/passes)

Railroad Flat Campground

National Forest

Campground is situated on a very long narrow dirt road. Besides the proximity to Yosemite this campground was not a favorite. 2 had the best shade and it gets hot. 

Little shade. Walk in sites

Not gonna lie, at first this place freaked me out. You’re really out in the middle of nowhere on a side street off of the highway. At night it is pitch black, you can’t even see your hand in front of your face. Pretty basic campground, pit toilet and water spigots available. Only 4 tent sites. There is a nice river that flows right next to the campsite which is relaxing to listen to. The highway is right across the river so there are cars driving by but not too much of a nuisance. About 5-10 from the entrance into YNP. I would stay here again! 

Dirt Flat

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Little shade. Walk in sites

So close to Yosemite!

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