El Portal is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. El Portal is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near El Portal, reviewed by campers like you.
$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."
$28 - $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."
$60 / night
"These are walk-in sites for tents only and are on a per person basis ( It fills up really fast ) parking is available adjacent to the campground, you will need a parking permit."
"This iconic campground, situated in the middle of Yosemite Valley, was once home to many of America's early rock climbing pioneers. "
"Whip out your wallet and empty on it on the check-in desk of this thousand trails (or whatever) park."
"Our tent site was #311 and it was perfectly tucked in the trees with a stream alongside."
"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."
$36 - $75 / night
"From the East entrance of the park off the 120 the campsite is less than a mile from the entrance gate."
"Campsite was nice, close to the entrance. Gives you access to the valley and the northern part of the park. Facilities were decent."
$30 - $289 / night
"At least when we visited the RV Park and the adjacent Cedar Lodge was functioning as one, meaning we could also use their pool, arcade, ping pong etc. Good places with tables, BBQ included."
"Location is very good for access to Yosemite."
$48 / night
"There is a shuttle stop right outside the campground. You are also in easy walking distance to the path to Mirror Lake and the ever popular Mist Trail."
"Within walking distance is the edge of the Merced river, from there you have views of Yosemite Falls."
$36 - $60 / night
"Bathrooms were clean, access to drinking water was easy. Park shuttle is nearby and easy to get around."
"There is only a small area next to the paved parkway that is flat for our 6-person tent. But this is a Yosemite campground, we would take whatever campsite available. Restroom is clean."
"Just a 10 minute drive from the entrance to Yosemite! The spots along the creek were very buggy. We found one away from the water and not at all buggy."
"Was ideal for the one night and a ten minute drive from the park entrance. Quite and tranquil setting"
TravelerNice campsite, nowhere near level. Open sky, big trees, close to your neighbors, but quiet.
ScoutIt’s still our favorite spot on the lake for my weekends and the hosts are wonderful. These are group sites, and honestly, I think they’re the best on the entire lake. You get easy beachfront access and a great base for visiting Oakhurst or exploring the area.
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GuideYou can get there on 2WD, it’s a bit bumpy though. Don’t go all the way up, there’s fees at the reserved spots. There’s dispersed camping shortly after you pass the hot springs, there’s a small field where people park and if you go to the road on the side of the lot it’ll take you to more spots to camp in the trees.
The smoke was so bad I had to leave early. Be sure to check for fires nearby.
ScoutHung iut here for a few weeks. Awesome views. Quiet with only occasional road noise. Conveniences (gas, groceries, dump station, restaurant, etc.) within 10 miles. Excellent Verizon signal (for data).
TravelerEasy to drive in but don’t pass that sign that says “4 wheeled only” with an RV. We have a 24ft and had a perfectly leveled spot underneath a large tree. You can see the lake from there. We took a bicycle ride in to the “south Tufa” which is only 2 miles away. Watched the sunset there, magical!
ScoutIt was just so nice, I don’t know if it was dispersed camping cause the location takes you to Virginia creek and there is a long road with lots of space like it’s a legit campground but no one there to check and no signs that you had to pay. I went there on Labor Day weekend so it was busy everywhere, this place had a ton of spots open though. No one bothered us. Each spot had a bear food containers and access to a little creek. So you heard water running while you go to sleep. Loved it so much so peaceful.
ScoutThe bathrooms and showers are clean. The sites are a little tight. My Wi-Fi was Starlink so I don’t know how the camp Wi-Fi was.
GuideLake George was the perfect camp spot for our 4 night stay. It is first come first serve. We stayed in site 14 - the mountain side or tree side is better because it’s not windy at all! All the spots with lake view are very windy and it can be cold even in the summer! The bathrooms are super clean and have real toilets. No showers though! There is lots to do in the area and Lake George isn’t nearly as busy as Lake Mary/ Pine City camp. Although there is day use areas and it can be busy with fishing. Lots of wildlife in the area, so use the Bear box and keep food in containers. Even the chipmunks, birds, and mice will get into your stuff. I saw chipmunks trying to break into tents. This site is small RV/Trailer friendly - we stayed in our truck camper. This is NOT for big rigs or class A RVs. Also no hookups but they have a water spyket. Beware of elevation if you are not used to it - it’s at a whopping 9,250 feet and I was sick for 2 days. It’s $34 a night and quiet hours are 10pm-6am. Generators are aloud just not during quiet hours. Bring your paddle board or kayak and hit the water! It’s so beautiful here.
ScoutNice shot in the middle of town. Easy walk to all u need. Great cell service. Beautiful views of river. Clean
Camping near El Portal, California, offers a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Yosemite National Park. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, relax, and create lasting memories.
Camping near El Portal, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and experience the wonders of Yosemite National Park. Whether you're with family or friends, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping options near El Portal, CA?
El Portal offers several nearby camping options for visitors. Indian Flat RV Park is located right in El Portal, providing convenient access for RVs and tent campers. For those seeking campgrounds within Yosemite National Park, Crane Flat Campground — Yosemite National Park is a good option relatively close to El Portal. Additional camping can be found along Highway 140 leading into Yosemite and in the surrounding Sierra National Forest. These options range from developed campgrounds with amenities to more rustic sites for those seeking a wilderness experience.
How close is El Portal to Yosemite National Park?
El Portal sits right at the western entrance of Yosemite National Park, approximately 12 miles from Yosemite Valley. This makes it an excellent basecamp for park exploration without staying inside the often crowded valley. Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park and North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park are located in the valley itself, about 30-40 minutes drive from El Portal. The proximity to Yosemite makes El Portal a strategic location for visitors wanting easy park access while avoiding the higher demand for accommodations inside the park boundaries.
What amenities are available at El Portal campgrounds?
Campgrounds near El Portal offer varying amenities depending on the location and type. High Sierra RV Park provides bathroom facilities, though privacy in shower areas can be limited, and sites accommodate larger RVs and travel trailers. More rustic options like Texas Flats offer a wilderness feel with large fire pits and ample space for groups. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like potable water, restrooms, and fire rings. Some locations offer additional features like proximity to creeks, convenient access to trails, and cell service, though amenities decrease as you move toward more remote or dispersed camping areas.
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