Best RV Parks & Resorts near El Portal, CA

Several RV parks provide motorhome accommodations near Yosemite National Park. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes offers full hookup RV sites with 30-amp service and only limited 50-amp availability. High Sierra RV Park features pull-through sites with full hookups, though some travelers report difficulties maneuvering larger rigs through the campground's narrow roads. Yosemite Pines RV Resort includes spacious sites with both 50-amp electrical service and sewer connections. Most parks have gravel pads rather than concrete, with varying degrees of levelness. "Our spot was very hard to try and level our trailer. We never did quite get it leveled the way we would've liked. The spaces were very tight and we just happen to get lucky that nobody was across from us," noted one visitor.

Seasonal restrictions affect campground accessibility throughout the region. Many parks close during winter months when mountain roads become snow-covered, while those open year-round often fill quickly during peak summer tourism seasons. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with several campgrounds offering paid WiFi as an alternative to spotty mobile connections. Dump stations are available at most parks, though not always included with partial hookup sites. Pet policies generally allow dogs with standard leash requirements. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer and fall, especially for larger rigs requiring specific site dimensions. Near the western Yosemite entrance, RV parks typically require a 20-45 minute drive to reach park attractions, with propane and basic supplies available at on-site stores.

Best RV Sites Near El Portal, California (238)

    1. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

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

    "You come into Yosemite Lakes by a little Thousand Trails convenience store and gas station. It's kind of handy since there's really nothing nearby other than Groveland."

    "This Campground is 5 miles from West gate entrance to "Yosemite National Park". Only 35 miles west of " Lake Don Pedro, take out your boat, go jet skiing or fishing."

    2. Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

    23 Reviews
    Groveland, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 962-7690

    "Beautiful trees, paved roads for biking or scootering, hooting owls in the trees, huge unusual pine cones, a nature trail that goes to an old gold mine. Really special place."

    "No Verizon or T-Mobile coverage. Wifi available for purchase."

    3. McCabe Flat Campground

    11 Reviews
    Midpines, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 966-3192

    $10 / night

    "It is not advisable for trailers over 18 feet in length. We had a great stay. The campgrounds were very clean, and pit toilets were available."

    "The restrooms are cleaned 2 times a day. There is trash cans for each of the 3 campsites that go with this one. there a great little swimming hole just up the path."

    4. High Sierra RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Oakhurst, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 683-7662

    $13 - $50 / night

    "We stayed in the premium sites at this camp ground.  Loved the hosts.  They were wonderful to work with and very accommodating.  The premium sites include full hook-ups — water, electric and sewer.  "

    "The campsite was 39 and it was right next to the bathroom. To leave with a 26’ travel trailer I had to pull out and back down another road just to exit the park."

    5. Railroad Flat Campground

    3 Reviews
    Midpines, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 941-3101

    "The campsites are nice and clean and range from very private to right next to each other."

    "I visited in November, on the first days of rain after a long dry season. I arrived after dark and was unfamiliar with the layout, so I stayed at a pull-out near the McCabe Flat campground."

    6. Willow Placer Campground

    2 Reviews
    Midpines, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 941-3101

    "There are mostly walk in sites and 2 drive in sites. We got here in off-season and had the whole campground to ourselves. So peaceful listening to the river all night. Not much car traffic either."

    "I visited in November, on the first days of rain after a long dry season. I arrived after dark and was unfamiliar with the layout, so I stayed at a pull-out near the McCabe Flat campground."

    7. Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    28 miles
    +1 (559) 642-3145

    "We booked this last minute over the phone, we were very impressed with the spot, next to the pool, clubhouse, fire pit."

    "Cool summer nights near Bass Lake Recreational area so fishing and boating are a main attraction. Park is tight for big rigs, but can fit if careful. Pads are gravel and almost level."

    8. Yosemite RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Oakhurst, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 683-7855

    "WiFi is no bueno can’t even get a connection. We booked a pull through deluxe full hookup site."

    "Large dog run which was amazing. Personal just a bit expensive 100 ish for a rv spot with 30 amp an water."

    9. Outdoorsy Yosemite

    6 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3145

    $42 - $288 / night

    "They have cabins, places to rent camp, laundry on site, a pool, 30/50 hookups. Pull throughs and water and sewer."

    "This is a great campsite if you have an Rv or trailer. Close to the lake plenty of activities in the area

    Boats jet ski rental fishing etc"

    10. Beasore Meadows RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Bass Lake, CA
    24 miles
    +1 (805) 773-4356
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Showing results 1-10 of 238 campgrounds

RV Park Reviews near El Portal, CA

1357 Reviews of 238 El Portal Campgrounds



Guide to El Portal

Riverside campgrounds near El Portal, California provide access to Yosemite National Park while offering alternatives to in-park accommodations. The elevation range of 1,500-3,500 feet creates milder temperatures than Yosemite Valley, particularly in spring and fall. Many RV campgrounds near El Portal feature riverfront sites along the Merced River with varying degrees of accessibility on dirt roads.

What to do

Hiking nearby trails: At McCabe Flat Campground, campers can explore hiking paths along the old railroad route. "There is plenty of hiking and several swimming holes nearby for when it gets hot," notes one visitor who appreciated the campground's riverside location.

Swimming in natural pools: The Merced River offers natural swimming opportunities during summer months. "We absolutely loved camping here. So peaceful listening to the river all night," commented a camper at Willow Placer Campground, where river access is just steps from most sites.

Wildlife viewing: The river corridor attracts diverse wildlife. "Lots of wildlife: wildflowers, newts, and river otters. Watch out for rattlesnakes!" warns a camper who stayed at Railroad Flat Campground during spring.

What campers like

River sounds: The rushing Merced River creates natural white noise appreciated by many campers. "The sounds of the river are amazing! Most sites have bear boxes and a firepit," commented a visitor at Railroad Flat Campground.

Less crowded alternatives: The BLM campgrounds provide alternatives to busier in-park accommodations. "We preferred to stay here while visiting Yosemite because it's much warmer here than in Yosemite Valley (at least in winter)," noted one camper at Willow Placer.

Fishing opportunities: The Merced River supports fishing for those with proper licenses. "I managed to catch a 12" rainbow almost right away, just feet from the campsite," reported a camper at McCabe Flat, who also mentioned that water conditions vary seasonally.

What you should know

Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "There is no cell service," reports a camper at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, adding that "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."

Bridge restrictions: Access to some campgrounds involves crossing narrow bridges. "It's almost a 90 degree turn on a narrow bridge. Just an FYI for people towing. Vans and trucks with slide ins will have a much easier time getting through," explained a camper at Willow Placer.

Early arrival recommended: First-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly. "Definitely come early to snag a spot, and even earlier if you want a good one," advises a McCabe Flat visitor who noted all sites were occupied by Saturday morning.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Many private RV parks offer facilities specifically for children. "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 the kids," shared a visitor at Yosemite Pines RV Resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular RV campsite near El Portal, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near El Portal, CA is Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes with a 4.2-star rating from 40 reviews.

What is the best site to find RV camping near El Portal, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 238 RV camping locations near El Portal, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.