Bass Lake sits at approximately 3,400 feet elevation in the Sierra National Forest, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the area remain open from May through early September, with some offering year-round accommodation. The terrain includes wooded areas with varying levels of elevation change, affecting site accessibility for larger vehicles.
What to do
Swimming with dogs: At Spring Cove Campground, lake access points allow pets to cool off during hot days. "Water is very close so you can just walk your paddle board or kayak. Bring bug spray close to the water so there's not of mosquitoes," notes reviewer Toni K.
Hiking on pet-friendly trails: Sierra National Forest offers multiple trail options where dogs can accompany owners. "The area is beautiful and wildflowers were out in full glory. The lake is also really pretty, and you can easily walk along the road to any of the day use areas or picnic spots," according to Shannon F.
Explore Mariposa Grove: Located near Wawona Campground, this Giant Sequoia grove welcomes leashed pets on certain designated trails. "The campground is a nice jumping off spot for lots of the fun stuff to do around Wawona. 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," writes Kelly M.
What campers like
Quieter alternatives to Yosemite Valley: Bass Lake provides a more peaceful alternative to crowded national park campgrounds. "Wawona is different. The sites are large, well-spaced, and idyllic. Many of them are situated along the South Fork of the Merced River. It's quiet there - and peaceful," says Joe H.
Access to food and supplies: High Sierra RV Park offers convenient access to essentials. "If you need anything stores are close and entrance to Yosemite is 15 min up the road," notes Michael G., adding that the campground is "about a 30 minute drive to the South Yosemite National Park entrance."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Shooting Star Sanctuary, a reviewer noted: "We had the pleasure of staying with Jason and his family. There are plenty of farm animals in the sanctuary which Jason lets you feed and play around with," making it uniquely pet-friendly.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: At many Bass Lake campgrounds, proximity to neighboring sites affects privacy levels. "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," writes Angel C.
Variable water conditions: Water access points can change seasonally. "The 'beach' is over grown and i wouldn't really even let my dog in the stagnant water," mentions one reviewer at High Sierra RV Park, suggesting pet owners should check current conditions.
Early reservation requirements: Popular pet-friendly sites book quickly, especially during peak season. "It's a huge campground, with some spots having a good amount of privacy in a forest. Our site (#162) was large enough, although not very level," notes Michael C. at Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: For families with pets, campgrounds offering more facilities can make trips easier. "This place was 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. Bingo night was awesome and the staff was very friendly," says Garett S.
Consider wildlife interactions: When camping with pets and children, wildlife awareness is crucial. At Goat Meadow Dispersed Camp Site, Alexander notes: "Coyotes and bears are active in the area- coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!"
Plan for varied weather: Temperature fluctuations affect pets differently than humans. "The elevation at the site is appx 5200, meaning it will get snow in the winter(ish) months. When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3", whereas other spots were about 6-8"," says a reviewer about Goat Meadow, indicating the need for appropriate pet gear.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling for larger rigs. "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," reports one RVer at High Sierra RV Park.
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. At Yosemite RV Resort, a camper advises: "The site we pulled into was really tight with a hill and drop off on either side so our picnic table had to be in front of the airstream."
Maneuvering space limitations: Turning radius can be an issue for larger pet-friendly RVs. "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 one way in and one way out," notes an RVer, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sites when traveling with pets and large vehicles.
