Twain Harte sits at 3,650 feet elevation in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, offering cooler summer temperatures than the Central Valley. RV campers should expect narrow, winding mountain roads when accessing campgrounds in this region, with many sites requiring reservations well in advance during peak summer months. Winter camping options remain available at some locations, though higher-elevation access can be limited by snow.
What to do
Swimming at nearby rivers: The Merced River provides excellent swimming spots during summer months. At McCabe Flat Campground, visitors can cool off in various swimming holes. "The river was right next to us to cool down... The campsite and the bathrooms were really clean," notes one camper who visited during 100-degree weather.
Gold panning lessons: Experience California's gold rush history with hands-on activities at 49er RV Ranch. "Free gold-panning lessons on the site. The office has a good-sized bookshelf with plenty of good books and magazines," reports one visitor who appreciated the authentic mining theme throughout the campground.
Hiking on railroad trails: Follow historic railroad routes near Merced River. Beyond Railroad Flat Campground, "there is a nice walk that continues to follow the old rail road. Approx 2.5 miles is the confluence with the N Fork Merced River," shares a camper who noted wildlife including "wildflowers, newts, and river otters."
What campers like
Authentic mining atmosphere: Columbia's RV parks maintain historical character. "Very Nice small authentic mining style campground. Suitable for RV and hook-ups," mentions one visitor about 49er RV Ranch, referencing the region's gold rush heritage.
River sounds at night: Many campgrounds near Twain Harte offer sites beside flowing water. At Willow Placer Campground, one camper noted, "So peaceful listening to the river all night. Not much car traffic either." Most sites include bear boxes for food storage.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area supports diverse animal species. "Lots of wildlife: wildflowers, newts, and river otters. Watch out for rattlesnakes!" warns a Railroad Flat visitor. Several campgrounds border waterways, enhancing wildlife spotting possibilities during morning and evening hours.
What you should know
Seasonal road closures: Mountain roads can become impassable during winter months or after rock slides. One visitor reported, "Road closed (indefinite?) about 3 miles before camp. Route 140 from Mariposa. No access to Yosemite," when attempting to reach McCabe Flat Campground.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, "there is no cell service" according to multiple reviews. Some RV parks offer paid WiFi options, though service quality varies: "the 'pay WIFI' did not work for us...but there is complimentary WiFi at the laundry."
Bridge size restrictions: Some campgrounds have limited access for larger vehicles. Near Willow Placer, "We're towing a 10-ft trailer and barely made the turn for the suspension bridge. It's almost a 90 degree turn on a narrow bridge," cautions a camper, adding this "keeps class A RVs out."
Tips for camping with families
Petting zoo activities: Children enjoy animal encounters at Yosemite Pines RV Resort. "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 kids," recommends a family who particularly appreciated the resort's proximity to Rainbow Pools for swimming.
Swimming pools for hot days: Several RV parks offer swimming facilities when river conditions aren't suitable. At 49er Village RV Resort, "The kids loved the stocked fishing ponds, and even better was the immaculate 2 swimming pools and playground! Everyone was busy having fun the whole time."
Budget-friendly alternatives: For families watching costs, BLM campgrounds offer lower rates. "Only $10 a night. There are two pit toilets that are well kept and something like 10-15 sites," reports a McCabe Flat visitor who used it as a base for Yosemite trips.
Tips from RVers
Space between sites: Site spacing varies considerably between parks. At Jackson Rancheria RV Park, "The grounds are clean, nice level concrete spaces with lots of grass around them. Easy to social distance," mentions a visitor who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
Winter camping preparation: Some RV parks in higher elevations remain open year-round. Golden Pines RV Resort in Camp Connell offers winter accommodations with generator use permitted. "We ended up staying during winter months" reports one visitor who appreciated the accessibility during off-season when many other facilities close.
Leveling requirements: Many mountain campsites feature uneven terrain. "Since we have a smaller trailer, our site was pretty compact," notes a camper at 49er RV Ranch, where the gravel pads provide reasonably level foundations for RVs though some adjustments may still be needed.
