S
Sibylle S.
Scout
ScoutHigh Sierra RV Park
Small campsites
Very friendly staff. The sites are rather narrow but even. Restrooms are far away. Propane is available.
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 (317)
1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
47 ReviewsFish Camp, CA10 milesWebsite"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 ReviewsWawona, CA15 milesWebsite+1 (209) 375-9535$36 - $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
18 ReviewsAhwahnee, CA7 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
13 ReviewsOakhurst, CA4 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsOakhurst, CA8 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsFish Camp, CA10 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 ReviewsBass Lake, CA9 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 ReviewsWishon, CA10 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsYosemite Valley, CA27 milesWebsite+1 (209) 372-8502$36 / night
"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."
"FYI, they are not joking about wildlife here, bear lockers are there for a reason and the animals are so comfortable and used to people they get close to camp."
10. Outdoorsy Yosemite
7 ReviewsBass Lake, CA9 milesWebsite+1 (559) 642-3145$42 - $288 / night
"Stopped by to get out of the California valley heat. Haven’t been to Bass Lake for years. Missed out on this little piece of heaven. Will be back."
"A great location at the South entrance of Yosemite NP. The Staff were so friendly and helpful. Prices are very reasonable for laundry. The sites are well spaced."
Recent Camping Photos near Ahwahnee, CA
544 Photos of 317 Ahwahnee Campgrounds
Lyla M.
Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest
cindy
Yosemite RV Resort
Kate O.
Nelder Grove Campground
Alisa B.
Sierra National Forest Forks Campground
Garrett M.
Soquel Campground
Bryan R.
Outdoorsy Yosemite
Michael C.
Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort
Stephen S.
Chilkoot Campground
Nathan G.
Summerdale Campground - Sierra National Forest
Megan A.
Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
Joseph B.
Lupine
Kelsey M.
Cedar Bluff
Recent Reviews near Ahwahnee, CA
1440 Reviews of 317 Ahwahnee Campgrounds
Art C.
TravelerSierra National Forest Rancheria Campground
Rancheria Sierra Camp
Overall great experience. Lots of tree coverage, with a beautiful lake just a walk away. If you want a more secluded area, I’d recommend getting a site closer to the 100’s area. Not a fan of how close our campsite at 79 was to another site. I felt guilty being outside past 10, with them going to sleep. There was no firewood for sale at the time we went ( early June ) and our campsite host was “off” for the duration of our stay which made getting a trailer out of our parking a bit difficult initially. We also found out they don’t allow amplifying speakers ( any speaker ) as we had a complaint made against us for having the music on. Which in our defense, in the morning when we played it, we didn’t believe it to be too loud. Other than a few hitches, it was an overall good experience, and I’d highly recommend it if you want a wooded camping experience!
Tom H.ScoutYosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
Very misleading Website
Website says Luxurious sites, spacious sites. Our site was extremely narrow, sat on a hillside, unlevel, difficult to hook/unhook a 5th wheel because of the downhill. We booked a site for a 30 foot 5th wheel. After my negative review, they posted that LARGE trailers and 5th wheels might have issues??? 30 foot is not large. Our lawn chairs were literally 6 feet from our neighbors sewer hook up and our picnic table sat at about a 30 degree slope. They also said the staff tried to resolve my issues, which never happened. They have a lot of amenities, laundry, pool, etc. But the sites we saw were pretty much like ours. Make your own decisions, form your own opinions, but we'll never go back, nor will we recommend it to anyone.
Kelly I.TravelerCrane Flat Campground
Great location
This was a great spot for a quick stay. Restrooms, camping and good spaces between others. Would definitely stay here again!
M H.ScoutHigh Sierra RV Park
Fraudulent business practices
I made a campsite reservation, later changed the dates, and ultimately had to cancel. The cancellation was made both by phone and email more than 7 days before the scheduled arrival date.
I understand and accepted the $5 reservation change fee and the $10 cancellation fee outlined in their policy. However, instead of refunding the remaining balance, they kept the entire amount and issued no refund whatsoever.
As a result, I have initiated a credit card dispute. I would strongly recommend reviewing their cancellation policies and billing practices carefully before booking.
N P.ScoutBarrett Cove Merced Irrigation District
Great fun
We have spent summers here on the water for the last 3 years. The site has a convenience store and a restaurant that serves up a really great burger. Also a very short drive into town.
Angela Jerel G.ScoutPark of the Sierras - Escapee Park
SKP Park of the Sierras exceeded our expectations
We stayed at SKP Park of the Sierras for two months during April and May and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. To use the park, you'll need an Escapees membership(about$50), which we found well worth the cost given the quality of the facilities and amenities.
Originally, we were only able to reserve one month at a time, but when our circumstances changed, the office staff were incredibly understanding and worked with us to extend our stay. The staff throughout the park were welcoming, friendly, and helpful.
Our site was spacious, shaded by mature trees, and included full hookups and a concrete patio area that was perfect for setting up chairs and relaxing outdoors. The grounds were well maintained, and the park was surprisingly quiet during our stay. The amenities were excellent. The clubhouse hosted daily activities, and there was a library, games, fitness area, coffee station, and a donation-based thrift shop section. The laundry facilities were clean and well maintained, and quarters were available for purchase in the office during business hours.
Traveling with dogs, we especially appreciated the dog park. It featured separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, water spigots, covered areas for rainy weather, and even a heater for chilly mornings.
The shower facilities were clean and comfortable. They sold propane onsite. Fuel was conveniently located just down the road at the casino, often at reasonable prices. For our longer stay we would drive into Oakhurst or Fresno for groceries, so it's worth planning ahead for larger grocery runs.
One of the biggest advantages of this park is its location. It served as an excellent home base for exploring Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Monterey Bay, San Francisco, and Pinnacles National Park,(we don’t mind a long drive!).
We used Starlink throughout our stay and were pleased by how well it worked. Even with a tree-filled site, it was able to find enough open sky to maintain a reliable connection.
A few things future guests should know: some of the roads have tighter curves, but the staff are very knowledgeable about matching RVs to appropriate sites. Our 25-foot trailer had no issues. Mail and package delivery can also require some planning. As guests, we had mail sent to General Delivery at the Coarsegold Post Office. However, we later learned that FedEx would not deliver there, so packages shipped by different carriers may require different delivery addresses. It's worth confirming shipping methods before ordering anything important.
Overall, SKP Park of the Sierras exceeded our expectations. The spacious sites, excellent amenities, quiet atmosphere, friendly staff, and central location made it one of our favorite long-term stays. We would gladly return and highly recommend it to other RV travelers.
Peter D.TravelerHodgdon Meadow Campground — Yosemite National Park
Beautiful Views, Frustrating Experience
The morning view and the sunset light through the trees were wonderful, and the starry sky at night was a highlight. I also liked the grill area, but the campsite was quite challenging for the tent since the ground wasn't even.
We booked two nights but left after one because of the cold weather and lack of internet connection. Service was only available about 10 minutes away by car, which became inconvenient for us. Since the area is publicly managed, getting help was difficult, and we couldn’t easily cancel the second night because nobody was available. Two volunteers were very kind and tried to help though.
The place would also benefit from adding showers, especially considering how many people stay there.
Overall, the location itself was beautiful, but the inconveniences made it harder to fully enjoy the experience.
Elijah W.ScoutWawona Campground — Yosemite National Park
Just Okay
Wawona Campground is good if all you’re needing is somewhere to camp inside the park. The sites are fairly close together with little to no foliage blocking your view to each site. Some of the sites are not very level so if you have a roof tent like myself keep this in mind. It is about a 30-40 minute drive to the valley and the whole campground just feels busy and not much privacy. If you’re needing a place to stay I would recommend trying for a campground inside the Valley it will make your time in Yosemite much better spent
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?
What camping is available near Ahwahnee, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ahwahnee, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 317 campgrounds and RV parks near Ahwahnee, CA and 34 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ahwahnee, CA?
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 47 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ahwahnee, CA?
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?
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.
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