Best Campgrounds near El Portal, CA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near El Portal, California (351)

    1. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    64 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $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."

    2. Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park

    41 Reviews
    Wawona, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 375-9535

    $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."

    3. Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

    39 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $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. "

    4. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    39 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

    5. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    37 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "We ended up in paved lot due to a tree being down and blocking any access to the dispersed woods camping."

    6. Hodgdon Meadow Campground — Yosemite National Park

    22 Reviews
    Mather, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 379-2123

    $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."

    7. Indian Flat RV Park

    13 Reviews
    El Portal, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 379-2339

    $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."

    8. North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    23 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $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."

    9. Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    20 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $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."

    10. Hardin Flat Road

    15 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    11 miles

    "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"

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Recent Reviews near El Portal, CA

1502 Reviews of 351 El Portal Campgrounds



Guide to El Portal

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.

What to do:

  • Explore Yosemite National Park: The park is just a stone's throw away, making it easy to hike, rock climb, or simply take in the stunning views. One camper mentioned, "We camped here late February to capture the firefall. Mission accomplished!" at Upper Pines Campground.
  • Visit Mariposa Grove: Home to giant sequoias, this area is perfect for a family hike. A reviewer at Wawona Campground said, "The campground's location provides access to various outdoor activities."
  • Enjoy the Merced River: Many campgrounds, like Lower Pines Campground, are right by the river, making it great for swimming or tubing. One visitor noted, "We had a great view of Half Dome, especially at sunset."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the breathtaking landscapes. A review from North Pines Campground highlights, "We were surrounded by giant granite cliffs. One of my favorite activities was floating down the river."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds, such as Camp 4, offer a peaceful experience. A camper shared, "It was very quiet and peaceful. You wouldn’t really notice other people were there unless you looked around."
  • Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds like Yosemite Pines RV Resort have facilities that cater to families. One reviewer said, "The petting farm was a big hit with the kids."

What you should know:

  • Reservations are a must: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Upper Pines Campground mentioned, "Almost impossible to book. At the last moment, I got a reservation."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wawona Campground, lack showers and electric hookups. A visitor noted, "There are no electrical or water connections at individual campsites."
  • Wildlife precautions: Be aware of bears and other wildlife. A review from Camp 4 warned, "All scented items must be placed inside the bear lockers at your site when not in use."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like North Pines Campground, where one family found, "The site was actually really large. We didn't set up tents but it would've fit several."
  • Plan for activities: Bring along games or river tubes for fun. A camper at Wawona Campground said, "We brought some river tubes and walked upstream a bit to tube through the mini streams."
  • Pack for all weather: Be prepared for changing conditions. A visitor at Lower Pines Campground noted, "It was very cold all through the day thanks to its position in the valley."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes mentioned, "The sites were large and the scenery beautiful."
  • Be ready for limited services: Some campgrounds may have poor cell service. A camper at Yosemite Pines RV Resort said, "Cell service was non-existent - but such is life in the mountains."
  • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with full hookups if needed. A visitor at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort noted, "It was the first full hookup campground outside the park, so pretty convenient."

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

What camping is available near El Portal, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, El Portal, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 351 campgrounds and RV parks near El Portal, CA and 42 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near El Portal, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near El Portal, CA is Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 64 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near El Portal, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 42 free dispersed camping spots near El Portal, CA.

What parks are near El Portal, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near El Portal, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.