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Nature
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Activities
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Facilities

Established Camping

Dry Gulch

Dry Gulch is located near El Portal in the Sierra National Forest. The terrain consists of rugged landscapes with a mix of forested areas and open spaces. Temperatures can range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer, and nearby attractions include Yosemite National Park and the Merced River.

Description

National Forest

Sierra National Forest

Overview

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.

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.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

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Location

Dry Gulch is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Highway 140, turn on to Foresta Road. Landmarks include Red Bud Picnic Area and a National Park Service warehouse. After bridge, turn left onto the spur road. Immediately turn left onto Incline Road. Continue 1.3 miles to the facility.

Address

INCLINE RD
El portal, CA

Coordinates

37.671086 N
119.8362 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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1.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2024

Closed!

This place ist closed! It seems to be closed for ever. 06/26/24

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2022

Poorly maintained

Upon arriving we had to clean up trash all around our campsite and adjacent sites. Very poorly maintained. Dumpster overflowing. I definitely would not go back.

Site#5 of Dirt flat.
Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Dry Gulch?

    Camping at Dry Gulch can cost between $38.00 and $40.00 depending on the site.

  • Are fires allowed at Dry Gulch?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Dry Gulch, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Dry Gulch have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Dry Gulch does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Dry Gulch?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Dry Gulch?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Dry Gulch. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Dry Gulch, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Dry Gulch?

    There are 5 campsites at Dry Gulch and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts