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Facilities

Established Camping

Sweetwater

Sweetwater Campground, near Yosemite National Park, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of reservations. With spacious sites that accommodate both tents and RVs, it’s a convenient stop for campers heading to or from the park.

This campground is known for its friendly atmosphere and helpful camp hosts. Visitors have highlighted the clean pit toilets and accessible drinking water, making it easier to settle in and enjoy your stay. One camper mentioned, “The managers were very kind, accessible, and knowledgeable,” which speaks volumes about the service you can expect here.

While you won’t find showers or electric hookups, the campground allows campfires, so you can roast marshmallows and share stories under the stars. Just be sure to bring your own firewood and supplies, as there are no markets nearby. The surrounding area offers great hiking opportunities, and you’re just a short drive from beautiful spots like Rainbow Pools.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with a touch of adventure, Sweetwater Campground is a great pick. Just remember to arrive early, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and be prepared for the occasional noise from the nearby highway.

Description

National Forest

Sierra National Forest

Overview

Sweetwater Campground remains closed due to the 2020 Creek Wildfire Sweetwater Campground is laid out in a single loop along Chiquito Creek, shaded by pine, oak and cedar trees. Most sites overlook the creek or a brook that also runs by the campground.

Recreation

The campground attracts visitors primarily for its fishing and swimming holes. Many recreational activities are available at Mammoth Pool, including boating, trout fishing, hiking and swimming.

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. Sweetwater Campground is located close to Mammoth Pool Reservoir near the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This area is known for its jagged peaks, including 13,157-foot Mt. Ritter, and numerous lakes and streams.

Nearby Attractions

A popular pastime in the area is taking a drive on the 83-mile Sierra Vista Scenic Byway.

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Location

Sweetwater is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Fresno, California, take Highway 41 north. Turn northeast on Forest Road 200 and pass through North Fork. Take Minarets Road east and follow it 37 miles. Turn right on Mammoth Pool Road and follow it 2 miles to Sweetwater Campground.

Coordinates

37.365 N
119.3522222 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2021

Spontaneous camp trip

Have stopped here a couple times as a rest stop on our way to Yosemite. Decided to camp for the night. Nice camp sites, right up the road from rainbow pools. Will be definitely camping here again. Oh and bring wasp traps. They swarmed us when I cooked breakfast. Overall, great little camp sites and the host was super nice.

Site10
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Amanda V., August 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Amanda V., August 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Amanda V., August 8, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 13, 2021

Right outside of west exist of Yosemite

Very close to the national park. Does not take reservations so you might have to get there early. The camp host was very sweet. Camp ground was $24 a night. Large sites for tents. Only thing I would complain about is it’s very close to the highway. Ask really cool watering hole about 5 mins down the 120. Nice drinking water, bathroom, and trash can.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Toni  K., May 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Toni  K., May 13, 2021
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Reviewed Nov. 11, 2020

Convenient Yosemite Campground

We drove in after a long day of hiking in Yosemite. This campground is right off of Hwy 120 and makes for a super convenient stop the night before or after visiting Yosemite.

At the time we visited (early Nov 2020) there were no water or trash removal services, but the infrastructure is there. Bathrooms were in poor shape, though I'm not sure if this is due it being the winter season.

Campsites were $16 and included a picnic table, campfire ring, and a bear box. There were plenty of spots within our campsite for three 2-person tents.

  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Fidel , November 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Fidel , November 11, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2020

A great find

We stayed one night for $24. The managers were very kind, accessible, and knowledgeable. The pit toilet facilities were clean. There was easily accessible water for cooking, drinking, etc. We also know that they disinfect the sites between visitors. The campsites are relatively close together with little to no tree cover. All in all, a great find just outside of Yosemite.

  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Fred H., June 21, 2020
Reviewed Mar. 7, 2020

Last Non-Reservation Campground Before Yosemite

Driving from the West toward Yosemite this location is one which will allow you to find a camping option before getting into the big crowds. 

The location is relatively dry throughout the later months of the year but offers some great hiking just beyond your camp in the mountainous regions. 

I found this campsite while driving down 120 and was completely surprised by it. At this point I had no cell signal and wasn’t really sure what to expect ahead of me until I reached the park. I was on a discovery mission and there it was off to the left hand side of the road with a few small campers nestled closer to the restrooms. I pulled in and was excited to see how large the sites were and how the unique dry area reminded me of camping in Utah and Nevada(though in early Spring this area is much more green and lush). 

While there is a campground host at the location the fees for campsites are collected in a check in box a the entrance of the campground. Single sites are$24 with additional vehicles$8 per. This is a bit higher than other forest camps I had stayed at, however in this area in comparison to some of the Yosemite pricing this is a fair pricing. 

The camp is pretty basic with fire rings and tables at each site and a vault toilet located centrally at the camp. I did notice spigots throughout camp with signage that these were common use and not for connections for individuals. Dumpsters and trash cans were also available at camp which was somewhat surprising with the animal warnings of the area. 

One of the most important sections of the camp to me was the information kiosk. The kiosk warned not only of bears but also snakes in this area and had a few pointers for what to do and how to prepare. There are no bear boxes at this campsite so make sure you are prepared if you come here to stay. 

This area is a portion of of the area which in recent years experienced forest fires so there are lots of downed limbs in the area, however these are not supposed to be picked up for firewood so bring whatever you will need at camp. There also are no stores nearby for several miles so bringing your supplies is very important. 

TIPS: 

  • Before you visit this area of California familiarize yourself with Bear Safety and learn not only what to do but how to make sure you are safe at your camp when you are away. 
  • Make sure you always put your fire out completely before going to bed or leaving camp, this area has been damaged time and time again due to human error and negligence.
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Crystal C., March 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Crystal C., March 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Crystal C., March 7, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2019

Secluded Getaway

Absolutely loved it here! No cellphone service, no showers, and one nature toilet. A true tent camping experience. Fell asleep to the raging river nearby. Recreation.gov states that bear proof lockers are provided but that is not true. This is a remote campsite, you are living in bear country; be prepared and secure you food/garbage. We had no problems with any wildlife and found it peaceful.

  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Bernadette A., August 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Bernadette A., August 27, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2017

Great Site, but not if you want some quiet

We had a great experience with the Rangers and the facilities. The view was BEAUTIFUL and we had a great time. However, we were tent camping for the night and were kept awake by our loud neighbors in their RVs who were playing loud music until 1am. Also, planes fly overhead pretty frequently which woke me up. But the quality of the place is great and would be good for family trips.

SiteSite 9
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 16, 2017

Sweetwater sure was sweet!

We (a team of 6 people) are in SD participating in an adventure race called Questival. This campground had full restrooms and coin opporated showers. The site is pet friendly and has horse stables. Our neighbors were friendly and quiet. The site had a picnic table, fire pit, water spout and full electricity hook ups.

Site43
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Valerie D., September 16, 2017
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Valerie D., September 16, 2017
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Valerie D., September 16, 2017
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2016

Not much of a campsite

I stayed here for 4 nights while visiting Yosemite National Park. This was the closest campsite that I could get without a reservation (about 15 minutes from park entrance, & 1 hr. from Yosemite Valley) The campground looks like it used to be much nicer but it was obviously burned in the Rim Fire. Even if it wasn't burned, I still wouldn't be too impressed. The sites are pretty close together and the campground is right on the highway so the noise is pretty bad. Also, they are doing some kind of construction around the site so we woke up to the sounds of equipment driving right behind our tent. Also, this place is WAY over priced for what you get. I paid $20 per night plus $8 per night per extra vehicle. If you're planning on spending most of your time in the park, this place can be a decent last resort if everything else in the area is full.

  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Darrin L., June 20, 2016
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Darrin L., June 20, 2016
  • Review photo of Sweetwater by Darrin L., June 20, 2016
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Sweetwater?

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

  • What is the max vehicle length at Sweetwater?

    Sweetwater allows vehicles up to 20 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Sweetwater?

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

  • Does Sweetwater have wifi?

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

  • Is there cell phone reception at Sweetwater?

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

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Sweetwater?

    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 Sweetwater. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Sweetwater, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

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

    There are 10 campsites at Sweetwater and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts