This Sierra National Forest campground requires advance reservations and sits along Big Creek, just outside the south entrance to Yosemite National Park. The 28-site facility provides piped water, pit toilets, and trash service in a valley setting where Highway 41 runs nearby.
Sites spread throughout the small valley offer good spacing between camping areas, with trees and vegetation providing natural separation. Big Creek flows through the campground, creating opportunities for wading and cooling off during warmer months. "Fishing: Can be GREAT," reports K B., noting successful trout catches and occasional crawfish. The creek also produces enough ambient sound to mask some road noise from passing traffic.
Highway 41 generates consistent vehicle sounds during daytime hours, particularly from larger trucks and motorcycles climbing the grade. Most reviewers find nights relatively quiet, with occasional interruptions from louder vehicles. The campground stays well-maintained according to multiple visitors, with clean facilities and regular trash collection. A park tour bus stops about one mile south, providing transportation into Yosemite Valley.
The location puts campers within an hour's drive of Yosemite Valley while offering more spacious sites than park campgrounds. For additional options, see campgrounds just outside Fish Camp. Pets are welcome throughout the facility.
Description
Overview
Summerdale Campground is located just 1.5 miles from Yosemite National Park, and sits in a scenic wildflower-filled meadow, surrounded by fir, cottonwood and cedar trees. The campground's proximity to Yosemite, the excellent fishing at Big Creek and the cooler summer temperatures make it a very popular destination.
Recreation
Anglers can fish for rainbow trout in Big Creek. A few miles from the campground are opportunities to ride off-road vehicles in the Miami Motorcycle Trails Area or hike the 3.7-mile Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail.
Facilities
Each campsite has a paved parking spur, picnic table, grill and campfire ring. Vault toilets are available, and water is provided. Camping supplies are available in the nearby community of Fish Camp.
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. Summerdale is located in the Highway 41 Corridor of the Bass Lake Ranger District, an area known for its giant sequoias. Big Creek, which runs by the campground, is active with the local beaver population.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors enjoy making day trips into Yosemite National Park, or taking a ride on the logging train at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Nelder Grove is also in the vicinity, offering the opportunity to walk among giant sequoias.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSummerdale Campground - Sierra National Forest is located in California
Directions
Take Highway 41 north from Fresno, just past the town of Fish Camp. The campground is on the left side of the highway, 1.5 miles before the entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Address
HIGHWAY 41
Fish camp, CA
Coordinates
37.48967083 N
119.6323095 W
Connectivity
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 3/16/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 132 usersLast on 3/16/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 47 usersLast on 3/16/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 3/16/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 132 usersLast on 3/16/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 47 usersLast on 3/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 29 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 42 min from Hanford, CA
- 2 hrs 2 min from Modesto, CA
