Several campgrounds near Ahwahnee provide access to Yosemite National Park with varying amenities and terrain. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, the Ahwahnee area experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters with occasional snow. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though facilities and services may be limited during winter months.
What to do
River swimming and recreation: At McCabe Flat Campground, visitors can cool off in the Merced River during summer months. "There is a nice walk just beyond the campground that continues to follow the old rail road. Approx 2.5 miles is the confluence with the N Fork Merced River," notes one camper who appreciated the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Hiking access: Railroad Flat Campground provides hiking trails along the old railroad route. "Beautiful campground. Set along the banks of the Merced River it's especially beautiful during spring wildflower season, and in the fall. In the summer it can be hot," reports one visitor who spotted "wildflowers, newts, and river otters" along the trails.
Family activities: Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort offers organized recreational options. "Bingo night was awesome and the staff was very friendly," shares a camper from site 126. The resort is "only a 15 min hike to the lake and a 30 min drive into Yosemite," making it convenient for day trips.
What campers like
Amenities at RV campgrounds: Yosemite RV Resort receives positive feedback for its facilities. "Bathroom are the best I've seen by far. Large dog run which was amazing," reports one visitor. Another mentions that "Restrooms very clean. Some areas shadier than others. Kids loved pool and clubhouse. Shopping nearby."
Location advantages: Outdoorsy Yosemite in Bass Lake positions campers strategically between attractions. "This park is absolutely wonderful! They have cabins, places to rent camp, laundry on site, a pool, 30/50 hookups. Pull throughs and water and sewer. The park is about 30 mins from the entrance to Yosemite and if you don't want to do that... There's always Bass Lake...which is 2 miles down the hill!"
Quieter options: For those seeking less crowded alternatives to RV campgrounds near Ahwahnee, California, the BLM sites along the Merced River offer tranquility. "The campsites were very clean, and pit toilets were available. Fire rings are available at most sites, but check the BLM website for restrictions," advises a visitor to McCabe Flat.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Many campers note tight quarters at High Sierra RV Park. "The tent sites have are honestly 20x20 I would say. Therefore, there is no privacy. I understand from a business perspective the concept but to make it more appealing campsite I would suggest changing the layout and cutting the tent sites into half so that each campsite has more room."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. At McCabe Flat, one camper notes: "The narrow bridge limits vehicle size. It is not advisable for trailers over 18 feet in length." For Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, cell service is nonexistent: "There is no cell service and the 'pay WIFI' did not work for us...but there is complimentary WiFi at the laundry to check in on things that works just fine."
Reservation strategies: The BLM campgrounds along the Merced River operate on a first-come, first-served basis. "It gets busy, so go early," advises one camper. For more developed RV campgrounds near Ahwahnee, advance reservations are recommended, especially during summer months when Yosemite visitation peaks.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground offers water recreation for kids. "Hot showers, heated pool and spa. Drinking water and clean-out/dump station for RV. Large bear boxes on site to store food in," writes one family camper.
Entertainment and activities: Yosemite Pines RV Resort provides children's amenities. "With a pool, petting zoo, a corral where they have a fire and s'mores followed by a movie, this is a great place to camp with the kids," notes a visitor. Another adds, "We ended up coming in really late but they left our key for us. They were super accommodating. The Llamas were an absolute plus as well."
Wildlife awareness: Families should prepare for wildlife encounters. "Watch out for rattlesnakes!" warns a camper at Railroad Flat. At Mammoth Mountain RV Park, one visitor notes: "This is definitely a spot where they aren't kidding about locking up your food. We didn't have any issues but good to note."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RV campers near Ahwahnee, choosing the right site matters. At Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort, a visitor notes: "Park is tight for big rigs, but can fit if careful. Pads are gravel and almost level. FHU's with good water pressure."
Dump station timing: Morning congestion can create issues at some facilities. One RVer at Mammoth Mountain RV Park observed: "Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early."
Leveling challenges: Uneven sites can present problems. At High Sierra RV Park, one RVer explained: "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." For large rigs, advance research about specific site dimensions and access can prevent difficult situations upon arrival.
