Best Campgrounds near Ahwahnee, CA

Ahwahnee, California serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences at the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. The Sierra National Forest and surrounding areas provide options ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. Goat Meadow offers free dispersed camping with basic amenities, while Wawona Campground inside Yosemite provides a more developed experience with drinking water and toilet facilities. Bass Lake, approximately 15 miles southwest of Ahwahnee, features multiple campgrounds including Spring Cove and Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort. For those seeking full hookups, High Sierra RV Park in Oakhurst and Yosemite RV Resort in Coarsegold provide comprehensive amenities within a 30-minute drive of the Yosemite entrance.

Reservations become essential during peak summer months, particularly for sites within Yosemite National Park. Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with most forest service sites closing between September and May due to snow conditions at higher elevations. Bear activity is common throughout the area, requiring proper food storage in all locations. As one camper noted, "They are not joking about wildlife here, bear lockers are there for a reason and the animals are comfortable and used to people." Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall months, with complete bans common during drought conditions. Cell service remains limited outside developed areas, and many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain.

Proximity to water features significantly influences campsite popularity in the region. Campers consistently rate waterfront sites higher, with one visitor noting that at Bass Lake, "If you can get one of the first come first serve sites along the lake, you'll be a happy camper." The contrast between crowded park campgrounds and quieter forest sites presents distinct experiences. While Yosemite Valley campgrounds receive comments about being "practically on top of each other," dispersed sites in the national forest offer more solitude. Wildlife encounters are frequently mentioned in reviews, with bears, deer, and coyotes commonly sighted near campsites. Most campgrounds enforce strict pet policies, requiring leashes and prohibiting dogs on certain trails or in freshwater areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Ahwahnee, California (312)

    1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    40 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."

    "Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."

    2. Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park

    41 Reviews
    Wawona, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 375-9535

    $28 - $75 / night

    "The river and swimming holes are close by and accessible to all, sites have ample space between each other, there are clean restrooms, and all sites have their own bear box."

    "I didn’t go swimming but the family next to my site seemed like they were enjoying the river, especially the little ones."

    3. Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest

    17 Reviews
    Ahwahnee, CA
    7 miles
    +1 (801) 361-1982

    "It’s close to both Yosemite entrances ! Close to town . Love it ."

    "He kept in touch with us all throughout our drive there and helped us get set up upon arrival."

    4. High Sierra RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Oakhurst, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 683-7662

    $13 - $50 / night

    "The campsite was 39 and it was right next to the bathroom. To leave with a 26’ travel trailer I had to pull out and back down another road just to exit the park."

    "Good access to Yosemite. We prefer less neighbors but overall it was nice."

    5. Yosemite RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Oakhurst, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 683-7855

    "RV spaces have many different location styles, secluded, views, groups etc.

    Large clean pool with a shallow lounging section. Playground. Bathrooms/showers were freshly renovated and clean."

    "You’re 25 miles from the park entrance, on a straight path. The sites were a great space and the pool and playground was a lot of fun of the kids. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful."

    6. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    10 miles

    "Nestled amongst trees right on the edge of Yosemite. Was quite busy when I was there but managed to find a quiet spot tucked away & private."

    "People kept parking at the entrance of the dirt path."

    7. Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    9 miles
    +1 (559) 642-3145

    "We booked this last minute over the phone, we were very impressed with the spot, next to the pool, clubhouse, fire pit."

    "While we were there, they played movies at sunset next to the pool. Close to Yosemite, the Sugarpine railroad and a decent-sized town. Temps were in the 80's."

    8. Spring Cove Campground

    12 Reviews
    Wishon, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3212

    $52 - $54 / night

    "Some of them are secluded and separated from others by distance and foliage (including a few with lake views!)"

    "Clean drinking water very close walking distance from any site. Water is very close so you can just walk your paddle board or kayak. Clean bathrooms! With real toilets that actually flush."

    9. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    66 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $36 / night

    "Dump station is located at the entrance. Upper Pines is only a five minute walk from curry Village or the Ahwahnee. Yosemite Village is across the valley about 1.5 miles away."

    "Close to Happy Isles and Mirror Lake/Meadow, this campground is convenient for day hikers. it's one of the better spots in Yosemite Valley, somewhat off the beaten path, so to speak."

    10. Sierra National Forest Forks Campground

    7 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3212

    $52 - $106 / night

    "Lovely view of the lake. Close by for easy access. Clean bathrooms!"

    "I love that it's walking distance to the resort and the burgers there are soooo good! Lake is beautiful and campground is very nice, bathrooms have sinks and flush toilets too."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 312 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Ahwahnee, CA

1381 Reviews of 312 Ahwahnee Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    A good campground for full hook

    The bathrooms and showers are clean. The sites are a little tight. My Wi-Fi was Starlink so I don’t know how the camp Wi-Fi was.

  • Soggy Bottoms Camper G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake George Campground

    Love Lake George!

    Lake George was the perfect camp spot for our 4 night stay. It is first come first serve. We stayed in site 14 - the mountain side or tree side is better because it’s not windy at all! All the spots with lake view are very windy and it can be cold even in the summer! The bathrooms are super clean and have real toilets. No showers though! There is lots to do in the area and Lake George isn’t nearly as busy as Lake Mary/ Pine City camp. Although there is day use areas and it can be busy with fishing. Lots of wildlife in the area, so use the Bear box and keep food in containers. Even the chipmunks, birds, and mice will get into your stuff. I saw chipmunks trying to break into tents. This site is small RV/Trailer friendly - we stayed in our truck camper. This is NOT for big rigs or class A RVs. Also no hookups but they have a water spyket. Beware of elevation if you are not used to it - it’s at a whopping 9,250 feet and I was sick for 2 days. It’s $34 a night and quiet hours are 10pm-6am. Generators are aloud just not during quiet hours. Bring your paddle board or kayak and hit the water! It’s so beautiful here.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    High Sierra RV Park

    Very nice host. Informative, caring

    Nice shot in the middle of town. Easy walk to all u need. Great cell service. Beautiful views of river. Clean

  • Rosemary B.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Pine Flat Campground

    Weekend getaway

    Very peaceful relaxing experience. Campground very clean , exceptional atmosphere. Very please with amenities,

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    Amazing boondocking!!

    What a brilliant place! Nestled amongst trees right on the edge of Yosemite. Was quite busy when I was there but managed to find a quiet spot tucked away & private. Bumpy roads around the actual camping area but manageable in a camper van. Actually saw a few big rigs here too. Only negative was the biting bugs which were everywhere & hungry but didn’t spoil the evening, just wish I’d taken bug spray or a citronella candle!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground

    Great location with large spaces

    Bathrooms and showers are very clean. We stayed in the large spaces that have electricity and water only. Very quiet and nice.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort

    Just outside 18 miles outside the southern entrance to Yosemite.

    We are in spot 116 a bit unlevel but we managed. Check in was quick and easy. Hook ups were easy. Kinda tight we are a Odessey 26D with a jeep gladiator. Verizon is three bars and WiFi works great


Guide to Ahwahnee

Dispersed camping sites near Ahwahnee offer alternatives to established campgrounds for visitors seeking proximity to Yosemite National Park. Located at approximately 2,000-3,000 feet elevation in the Sierra foothills, this area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often reaching 90-100°F and mild winters. Many dispersed sites lack facilities but provide direct access to forest service roads and trails that aren't accessible from more developed locations.

What to do

Creek swimming: 15-minute drive from High Sierra RV Park to swimming holes along the Fresno River. "The creek, waterfalls & rope swing over the swimming hole was unbelievable!! The kids enjoyed the rope swing while the mom enjoyed the walk back to the falls & thru the shallow waters," writes Emily L.

Wildlife viewing: Dawn/dusk best times at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site where coyotes and bears are frequently spotted. Alexander Mark C. reports, "Coyotes and bears are active in the area- coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!"

Hiking to Chilnualna Falls: 2-mile moderate trail accessible from Wawona area. "Jump in the creek for a swim or walk across the road and check out the covered bridge and barn around the pioneer history center. Swimming holes all up and down those creeks," notes Kelly M.

Stargazing: Clear nights year-round at higher elevation sites above 4,000 feet. The area has minimal light pollution outside summer holiday weekends. "Coyotes and bears are active in the area" so maintain proper food storage while enjoying the night sky.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Spring Cove Campground offers varied site layouts with some providing significant seclusion. Troy L. explains, "If you are solo camping then pick your site wisely. In general the sites are small and close together from what we noticed. If you have a group and need multiple spots then this is a great choice."

Proximity to water access: Several campgrounds offer direct lake or river frontage. At Sierra National Forest Forks Campground, campers appreciate water proximity: "The Forks Campground is nice because it's walkable to the lake and the store/restaurant. Sites that are up on the hill have gorgeous lake views as well!" writes Amy E.

Clean facilities: Despite heavy use, most established campgrounds maintain good standards. "This place is awesome. Only a 15 min hike to the lake and a 30 min drive into Yosemite. We spent the weekend in site 126 it was a level site with limited shade and full hookups," notes Garett S. from Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort.

Farm animal interactions: Some private campgrounds offer unique experiences. At Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat, "After we talked for a little he opened up the gate to release several mini pigs, mini goats, ducks, and chickens! My girlfriend and I were smiling cheek to cheek," reports Marco V.

What you should know

Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Fire bans often begin in June/July depending on conditions. Bring portable cooking alternatives during restrictions. "When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3", whereas other spots were about 6-8". Consequently, there were about 6-8 cars/vans that ended up camping in the parking lot of the snowplay area," notes Alexander Mark C.

Cell service is inconsistent: Most locations have spotty coverage, with best reception near towns. At Yosemite RV Resort, "WiFi is no bueno can't even get a connection. We booked a pull through deluxe full hookup site," reports Aban J.

Holiday crowds require planning: Book established sites 6+ months in advance for summer holidays. At Upper Pines Campground, "Make sure to make a reservation in advance, we were lucky enough to get 2 nights but we took some of the last spots," advises Alexis P.

Wildlife encounters are common: All sites require proper food storage in secure containers. "They are actively checking to make sure you have food stored properly. Rangers and/or camp hosts are available at the kiosk from about 9-5, camp hosts usually do a night rove too," explains R D.

Tips for camping with families

Best swimming locations: Look for gentle creek entry points with sandy bottoms. "The valley shuttle runs from right outside the campground. If you manage to get a spot a bit further back in the loops, these seemed quieter," suggests Molly & Armand K. about Upper Pines.

Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer playgrounds and scheduled activities. "Amenities include a pool, day room with tons of things to do, a separate day room for kids, a large fire pit, showers, store at the office, horseshoe and 2 shuffleboard courts. While we were there, they played movies at sunset next to the pool," shares Michael C.

Noise considerations: Sites along main roads experience more traffic noise. Andrew M. notes, "We were in spot 29 which had great shade but backed up to a road that resulted in some noise occasionally."

Access to supplies: Most campgrounds are 15-30 minutes from stores. "There's a little shop called Miller's Landing in walking distance from the campground, and they run a diner type restaurant and camp store. The food was great and they had all kinds of odds and ends if you happen to forget anything," advises Shannon F.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring blocks. "Our spot was also very hard to try and level our trailer. We never did quite get it leveled the way we would've liked," explains Whiffaroni M.

Navigating tight spaces: Several campgrounds have limited turnaround room for larger rigs. "We have 29 foot travel trailer and we reserved a premium pull through spot. Although we could pull through the spaces were very tight and we just happen to get lucky that nobody was across from us as there is only in one way in and one way out," notes Whiffaroni M.

Hookup availability: Most forest service campgrounds lack hookups. "At approximately 3500 ft elevation. Cool summer nights near Bass Lake Recreational area so fishing and boating are a main attraction. Park is tight for big rigs, but can fit if careful. Pads are gravel and almost level. FHU's with good water pressure," advises Mike H.

Road conditions vary: Access roads to dispersed sites often require higher clearance. "The road getting there has tons of potholes and the road in the site is super super bumpy," notes Paige about Goat Meadow Dispersed Camp Site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ahwahnee, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ahwahnee, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 312 campgrounds and RV parks near Ahwahnee, CA and 34 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ahwahnee, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ahwahnee, CA is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ahwahnee, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 free dispersed camping spots near Ahwahnee, CA.

What parks are near Ahwahnee, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Ahwahnee, CA that allow camping, notably Hensley Lake and Yosemite National Park.