Camping sites near El Portal, California provide access to Yosemite National Park at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snow at higher elevations. Most dispersed camping areas require visitors to pack out all trash and follow strict fire regulations during the high fire danger season from May through October.
What to do
Hike to Mirror Lake: North Pines Campground offers convenient access to this popular trail. "Our site was near to everything but also secluded from big crowds, we walked to Mirror Lake from our site. Free shuttles are easy to access," notes Vianney M., who appreciated the location's balance of convenience and privacy.
Visit the Tuolumne Sequoia Grove: Located near Hodgdon Meadow Campground, this less-crowded alternative to Mariposa Grove offers magnificent ancient trees. "40 minutes from Yosemite Valley. Near Tuolumne Sequoia Grove," notes one visitor who appreciated the proximity to this natural wonder.
Swimming in local waterways: Wawona Campground offers excellent water access according to campers. "Camped for three nights and didn't want to leave," shares David A., while another camper points out the recreational opportunities: "Swimming holes all up and down those creeks. In high tourist season it is worth stopping at Wawona hotel and having a drink and listening to the Piano player in the eve."
Experience nighttime sequoia walks: The Mariposa Grove offers a unique after-dark experience. "It's near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias; there's a free shuttle during the day, and you can take a car there at night - walking among the sequoias alone at night is absolutely amazing," reports one Wawona visitor.
What campers like
River access for cooling off: Upper Pines Campground features nearby water access. "Site: small with little or no privacy. Some tree cover and a stream near," notes Benjamin C. This proves invaluable during summer months when temperatures frequently reach 90-100°F in the valley.
Quiet locations away from valley crowds: Many campers appreciate the less congested options outside Yosemite Valley. "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," reports a visitor comparing valley campgrounds to alternatives.
Proximity to wildlife viewing: Camp 4 and surrounding areas offer frequent wildlife encounters. "We saw a little bit of wildlife and had a great time," reports one camper, while another warns, "This place has bear proof food storage containers for a reason. Use them. I had my backpack ravaged by a racoon, because of a handful of trailmix that I forgot to take out."
Free dispersed camping options: Goat Meadow provides cost-free camping with convenient park access. "Beautiful scenery, clean, close to Yosemite, and easy to reach. As others have said, follow Mount Raymond Rd up until you see the sign for the snow play area, and look to the right. There's an open area with fire pits," advises Derrick H.
What you should know
Seasonal campground operations: Most developed campgrounds have specific operating seasons. "We stayed in May last year. Campground was very empty when we camped. Nice location along the Merced River," reports Eric H. about Wawona, highlighting the benefit of visiting during shoulder seasons.
Early arrival necessary for first-come sites: Popular dispersed and walk-in areas fill quickly. "We got there at 6:00 in the morning and there was already a line. Campers were lined up outside with their chairs and blankets. The rangers come out around 8:30 and hand out numbers," explains one Camp 4 visitor.
Limited services outside the valley: Hardin Flat Road and similar dispersed sites lack facilities. "No bear boxes or bathrooms but very safe and easy to access," reports Martin A. Campers must be self-sufficient with water and waste management.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. "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," notes Erin A. about Yosemite Lakes RV Resort, while other sites have no connectivity at all.
Tips for camping with families
Book riverside sites for natural entertainment: Look for waterside campsites where children can safely explore. "#37 awesome creekside. Water spigot close. Bathrooms slight walk. Slight slant. Bring bug spray!" recommends Allen W. about Wawona Campground.
Utilize ranger programs: Many campgrounds offer educational activities. "There is an amphitheater in the campground with ranger talks also," mentions a Lower Pines visitor, while another camper notes, "Rangers come during the weekend mornings to bring coffee and info which was nice."
Consider lodges with pools near campsites: Indian Flat RV Park offers additional amenities through nearby facilities. "The Cedar Lodge next door has an indoor and outdoor pool available for the RV campers to use. The outdoor pool was closed for the season, but the indoor pool was heated to at least 100 degrees so it made our morning swimming delightful," shares one family traveler.
Plan for wildlife encounters: Prepare children for wildlife interactions with proper precautions. "During the evening the air is filled with smoke from the fire. I recommend bringing your own firewood because most of the wood is all collected by other campers. At night you can't sleep because of the brightness. The stars are really pretty," notes a Camp 4 visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup options: Few campgrounds near El Portal offer complete RV services. "We were members of Thousand Trails so our review may be a little different than someone who is a non-member. The majority of the campground (the nicer parts next to the river) is for members only. The smaller, tighter section is for non-members," explains an RVer about Yosemite Lakes.
Consider size limitations: Many Yosemite campgrounds have restrictions on RV length. "Sites are tight would not recommend a rig over 30. Good access to shuttle system," advises Rick L. about Upper Pines Campground.
Prepare for no cellular connectivity: Many RV parks in the area have limited or no service. "There is no cell service in the area. The campground does offer 24 hours of WiFi for $9.99," notes one RVer staying at Indian Flat.
Use shuttle services when available: Several campgrounds offer transportation into Yosemite Valley. "The YART bus (that shuttles you into the park) stops at the hotel next door. It doesn't run frequently, and we had to catch it really early (7 am), but it was $20 for a family of four (round trip), and that included admission to the park," shares a visitor to Indian Flat RV Park.
