Best Tent Camping near El Portal, CA
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near El Portal? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. From remote to easy-to-reach, these El Portal campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near El Portal, California (72)
1. Hardin Flat Road
12 Reviews•44 Photos•355 SavesEastman Lake, California- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park
8 Reviews•37 Photos•150 SavesYosemite Valley, CaliforniaThe Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite sits on the floor of the Yosemite Valley. Located on Southside Drive, this campground offers tent sites and glamping tents. Picnic tables, fire pits, and an extensive camp store.
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
3. Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
5 Reviews•31 Photos•292 SavesMather, California- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
4. Railroad Flat Campground
3 Reviews•27 Photos•145 SavesMidpines, CaliforniaRemember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview At the end of Briceburg River Road and 4.5 miles from the suspension bridge within the BLM, Merced River Recreation Area is the Railroad Flat Campground. Popular with gold prospectors and hikers alike, there is always interesting campfire talk in this campground. It also serves as the trailhead for the BLM, Merced River Trail. The Merced River Trail is a spectacular wildflower walk in spring, has great scenery, fine fishing, and amazing swimming during other times of the year. Know Before You Go Camping Camping is first come, first served. No reservations available. There are 9 campsites available. Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site. Quiet Hours: After 10 PM (No loud music, generators, etc.) There is a self-pay system available to pay for sites. A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up). All sites have a picnic table, grill, and food storage lockers. No potable water available at the campsites. There is potable water available__by the information kiosk, across the Briceburg Bridge. Facilities Parking Area Restrooms Dumpsters Recycling Cans Campfires Seasonal fire restrictions apply. Fires must be in a metal fire ring. No fires on the beach! Warnings There are no lifeguards on duty at the Merced River! Please wear a life jacket. The Merced River is undammed, and the flow changes dramatically. SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. Trailers/RV's over 18 feet are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. Dogs must be on a leash. No discharging of fireworks or firearms. Helpful Links: River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area Visit: Mother Lode Field Office Recreation Passes: America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ADA Access: At least 90% of all campsites are ADA accessible
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
5. Dirt Flat
4 Reviews•12 Photos•55 SavesEl Portal, CaliforniaOverview
Dirt Flat campground is situated on the north side of the Merced River. This small camp features walk-in tent sites on the river. The remote locates of the site makes for a quiet and peaceful camping experience.
Recreation
During the spring and early summer, the Merced River is a popular location for white water rafting and kayaking. Several private companies offer guided rafting trips.
Natural Features
The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra.
Nearby Attractions
This campground is close to the west entrance to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite offers a variety of activities that include scenic driving, picnicking, hiking and fishing.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Tent Cabin
$41 - $43 / night
6. Little Sandy Campground
4 Reviews•4 Photos•71 SavesFish Camp, California- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Willow Placer Campground
2 Reviews•8 Photos•74 SavesMidpines, CaliforniaRemember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview The second BLM campground within the Merced River Recreation Management Area is Willow Placer. The campsites are located 3.6 miles downstream from the suspension bridge along Briceburg River Road. With mostly walk-in sites, this camp-ground usually offers a quieter, family atmosphere. The main beach is not nearly as large as McCabe Flat Campground, but good swimming can be found a short walk down stream in the late summer. Facilities in Willow Placer Campground (9 sites total): 8 Walk-in camp sites 1 drive-up group camp site (25 people max) 1 vault toilet 1 Port-o-let toilet (seasonal near site 1 and 13) Trash collection cans Recycling collection cans Main parking lot Self-pay Iron Ranger fee system There are picnic tables, fire grills, and food storage lockers at all camp sites. All campsites are within 200 feet of the river Permits, Fees, and Limitations: Camp fee is $10.00 per site per night. America the Beautiful Pass fee is $5.00/site/night. Camping is allowed only in designated, numbered camp sites. Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site. Camping is first come, first served. No reservations available. A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up). Self-pay system. Iron Ranger located near Bulletin Board. Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site. No dispersed camping within the Merced River corridor. No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours. (43 CFR 8351.2-1 (1)) Campfires are allowed ONLY in provided metal fire rings. NO campfires on beach.__Seasonal Fire Restrictions__apply. No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (i) Dogs must be on a leash at all times. NO DOGS allowed at McCabe BEACH. NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC or unreasonable noise any time. QUIET TIME AFTER 10:00 pm (no speakers, generators etc.) No discharge of firearms or fireworks 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (a) No person shall enter a developed campground between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless that person is a registered camper. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (g) All California Motor Vehicle Laws Apply. (Seat Belts, DUI, etc.). 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (e) Any person who fails to comply with these written orders may be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months. Federal Register/ Vol. 66 No. 130/ Friday, July 6, 2001/ Notices Pg 35663. WARNING: No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is dangerous any time of year, but especially during spring and early summer. The Merced River is un-damned and the flow changes dramatically from year to year and season to season. Please wear a life jacket.__ SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. Potable water is available across the Briceburg Bridge as you head towards the campground facilities. Look for the faucet near the information kiosk. Bring your own water for camping purposes. Potable water is not available at the campground sites. PLEASE NOTE: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground. Commercial lodging is available in the town of Mariposa. Helpful Links: River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area Visit: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office Recreation Passes: America the Beautiful -__National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ADA Access: At least 90% of all campsites are ADA accessible
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Toilets
8. Rancheria Falls Wilderness Campground — Yosemite National Park
2 Reviews•14 Photos•75 SavesMather, California- Fires
- Tents
- Alcohol
9. Sierra National Forest Summit Camp Campground
2 Reviews•4 Photos•49 SavesFish Camp, California- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
10. Little Yosemite Valley Campground
6 Reviews•16 Photos•90 SavesNorth Fork, California- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews near El Portal, California
1369 Reviews of 72 El Portal Campgrounds
Maria M.
Scout
Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
ick
Wow, let's say we had a nightmare ishhorrible experience. We rented a tent camp site for 2 nights. We were given an RV Slab camping site. It had the tiniest barbecue grill available. The water that was coming out of all the faucets, was red and brown. People weren't allowed to shower that night. Once night fall came, the camp's site was infested with roaches Everywhere, they went in all our grocery bags and under them. Went into and under all our boxes that we had. The roaches hid under our tents also. There also seemed to be a termite infestation. We had to cut our camping trip short after spending over a thousand dollars on supplies, food, the Camping site and parking fees The workers that drove by, especially Travis, were nice and Welcoming. Dogs have to be on a leash at all times. If you want to go into the lake with your dog, You have to walk very far away if you didn't rent one of the tent sites at the lake front area. Had to fumigate my vehicle when I got home with all my stuff in it. I pray none of the bugs will be in my stuff at home. I heard many other guests screeching and shouting, omg theres cockroaches every where. Good to know, we weren't the only ones disappointed. The owner Jake refused to refund me, or my two guests that wasted their 50 dollars in parking fees, although the trip was cut short due to the conditions. Jake offered for us to stay another night. Will never be back. Beware.
Kristen S.
Guide
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Decent campground, overpriced
We were tent camping and were nervous about not having a reservation around Yosemite so we reserved a site here for a tent site by the river. The price was high but were willing to pay for a confirmed place to stay during June 2021. When we got there they were under major construction and told us the area by the river was closed. They put us in the area on the hill. The sites were small and full of dirt. We got more dirty there than several of the more remote places we stayed before and after our stay there. The campground was decent though, and everyone we spoke with was nice. Three stars was value for the price. We found several first-come first served campgrounds around there for much less (of course they only had vault toilets).
- HHeather L.Scout
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Great for families traveling to Yosemite
We tent camped on the river here and really enjoyed our stay. We floated on the river in tubes, visited Nearby Rainbow Pools, went into Yosemite Valley a couple of days, the park is about 5-10 mins from the entrance to Yosemite but we didn’t mind we enjoyed the drive into the valley and used it as an opportunity to spot wildlife. We had two young kids (6 &8) and the campground restrooms and showers were perfect after a long day hiking, they were well maintained, good water pressure. These restrooms were located at the ponderosa tent sites, we had some family also camping in RVS along the river and I can’t speak for those restrooms. No cell service & WiFi is unlikely to work so prepare to be unplugged..they do give you printed directions to the closest area to get a signal depending on your carrier. The staff was very friendly and helpful! We will definitely be back one day. Side note: we came during COVID so reservations to Yosemite National park were required, therefore the park and surrounding campgrounds were not as packed as they normally would be. (This was heavenly).
- TThomas H.Guide
Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park
Housekeeping Camp - Yosemite, NP
Great location right in the valley. Amenities were nice (showers, laundry, food). The three-sided cinder block enclosure was a bit rustic and dirty. Would have felt cleaner actually camping in a tent where you can control what comes in and out of your personal space. Hiked several days in the park and took in sunset from Glacier Point (while doing the 4 mile hike earlier in the day from the valley floor up to the point). Beautiful!
- Kara S.
Traveler
Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
Decent for last minute tent site near Yosemite
Our group stayed in a tent campsite for one night in August 2016. This was our first campsite for a 2 week national parks road trip.
My biggest gripe with this campground is that it is not stated anywhere on their site that you cannot park your car in your campsite. At least for us, we had to park down a hill and walk up to our site. We spent our entire evening and the next morning walking back and forth, back and forth, back and forth anytime we needed something from the car. Having the car in the site is so so much better and all the other campgrounds we stayed at were set up that way.
Additionally, the entire campground was incredibly dusty, more so than any other campground we stayed at during our trip. The bathrooms/showers were not very well maintained (quite dirty and dusty) although the stalls did all have toilet paper. It was also quite a walk from our tent site which was located in the back part of the campgrounds.
Staff were generally helpful and they have everything you'd need in their office/general store (ice, firewood, snacks, etc).
Overall, we were happy to have found a campground nearish Yosemite at the last min since most things book up really quickly inside the park, but I'm happy we didn't stay here more than one night.
Christina R.Guide
Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground
Nice campground
I really enjoyed tent camping here. I’m not a fan of the trailer camping because it’s all cement and everyone is close together, but it’s doable if need be. When tent camping, you’re under beautiful trees which I love!
- Sarah F.Guide
North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
Great camping
We had a nice open camping spot. It was at the edge of Yosemite Valley. The only downside to the spot was everyone else had a RV and had there generators on at 6am. We are not RV people so we don’t know why they need to run them. Next time we will camp in a tent only area. This area had no showers.
- AAngel C.Traveler
High Sierra RV Park
Tent camping
The place is in great location. The bathrooms are clean which is a great plus. There is a nice river (Fresno River). One thing I have to add is that many of the campsites along the water trailer and especially tent sites are very bunched up. There is not any room between campsites. The tent sites have are honestly 20x20 I would say. Therefore, there is no privacy. I understand from a business perspective the concept but to make it more appealing campsite I would suggest changing the layout and cutting the tent sites into half so that each campsite has more room.
Becbecandbunny O.
Ranger
Meadow Campground
Hidden gem
This was our first time to Millerton Lake / Meadows Campground. We feel like we have the campground almost to ourselves for ourselves given that it's January. We imagine it's crowded in summer months. The campground is very lovely and well maintained. Most sites overlook the lake. Non-electric sites are separate from electric ones, which keeps down noise for those like us who still camp in a tent. Coin operated showers available.
Megan E.Ranger
Crane Flat Campground — Yosemite National Park
Night under the stars
Got one of the furthest sites tent camping. Could see all the stars. They also provide bear boxes for each site.
- Regina P.Guide
Mono Hot Springs
Gem in the wilderness
This is our go to place for our yearly camp out . It has a spot for everyone from tent camping to cabins.
- JJenise P.Traveler
Mono Vista RV Park
No privacy for tents
There is no space between tent sites and no dividing trees or bushes. Bathroom and showers are clean.
Tim S.Guide
Fence Creek Campground
Off the beaten track
This is a beautiful campground. At the end of the road. Parking is along a ridge, and tent camping is down the hill. RV camping has no hookups, but plenty of space.
- Nikki C.Guide
Crane Flat Campground — Yosemite National Park
Tent camping outside the Yosemite valley
Beautiful tent camping above the Yosemite valley. Close enough to drive into the valley but far enough to not be surrounded by people at all times. Make sure to bring hammocks! Great trees to lounge in!
- Cherami H.Scout
Bagby Camping and Recreation
The most beautiful steel bridge in the world!
Tons of Gold Rush history here, nice rv glamping featuring showers and a boat launch at first camp, more primitive tent camping up the road at second camp (my fave). I've been camping here for years, it's my favorite in the world!
- mmattTraveler
Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake
Great Views of the Dam
Clean Campground and site. The site we stayed at had a nice fire ring, was flat, had a picnic table and it was close to running water. We tent camped, but it looked like there were plenty of RV spots too. Nice and quiet too.
Eduardo B.Scout
Yosemite RV Resort
Well kept site but right next to busy road
It's a nice campsite. A bit of trash scattered around the tent spots. Excellente toilets and showers, but not so great out of hours check-in. Also 70+USD for a tent site with no hookup in November is a rip-off.
Amber D.Ranger
Glass Creek
Great for the price!
It's free but donations are welcome. It's more for boondocking your trailer or RV. Spots are huge. Great for motorcycle/snowmobile. I was the only person in a tent. Not great if you're looking for tent camping atmosphere. But close to Mammoth and June Lake Loop. Had a bear visitor. Better for RV camping.
- JJayson S.Traveler
Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
Great option if Yosemite’s full
Great option if your looking for full rv hookups. If you’re tent camping, this might not be the best place. Bathrooms were very unclean but the park gets the job done as a place to sleep while visiting Yosemite. No Verizon or T-Mobile coverage. Wifi available for purchase.
- JJim M.Guide
Angels Camp Campground and RV
Super RV Park
I would stay here again and again. The tent sites have a large covered area for shade and the park has a pool for a refreshing little swim. Showers are included with the campground fee.
- SSamantha E.Scout
June Lake Campground
Great campsite right next to town
Tent camping and some RV sites available. Went at the very end of the season so cold at night but beautiful during the day! Various homes nearby. Lake was beautiful and the leaves were changing in time for winter. Very clean. Flushable toilets and running water. Walking distance from town.
- JJames W.Traveler
Indian Flat RV Park
Close to Yosemite
Very close to park entrance. Tent sites are small and gravel. However the hosts are friendly, there are showers, clean bathrooms, good wifi, and you can use the resort pool. Great place to relax after a long day of hiking in Yosemite.
- AAlexander A.Scout
Mono Vista RV Park
Mono Vista
Been camping here for years, very nice and really clean. Nice family owned rv park and tent camping. Make sure if you come since it’s right next to the mountains be prepared for wind and rain, but usually passes pretty quick. About a two hour drive into Yosemite valley and only like 20 mins from Yosemite east entrance.
Alison
Legend
Eureka Valley Campground
Next to the Stanislaus River
Love this campground because of it’s close proximity to the Stanislaus River. There are 28 first come first serve RV and Tent sites. There are interesting granite rock formations in and around the campground. Potable water, fire rings, picnic tables and garbage receptacles round out the amenities.
- BBernadette A.Scout
Sweetwater
Secluded Getaway
Absolutely loved it here! No cellphone service, no showers, and one nature toilet. A true tent camping experience. Fell asleep to the raging river nearby. Recreation.gov states that bear proof lockers are provided but that is not true. This is a remote campsite, you are living in bear country; be prepared and secure you food/garbage. We had no problems with any wildlife and found it peaceful.
- Cecil K.Guide
Silver Lake Campground at June Lake
Peaceful tranquil and beautiful campground on the lake
Visited in Fall, beautiful time, All the trees were changing, it was beautiful. The campground was nice, the spaces were separated, we tent camped. Store a few minute walk down the road, along with place to rent boats for the lake. Very calm and peaceful area. Because of the beauty and seclusion, wonderful time. one of the best campgrounds/locations I've ever been to.
- Athena F.Scout
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
3 Star rating at best
The river is fun for tubing and evening chill. Close drive into the park but tent sites were crammed and the womens restroom became unusable with overflowing toilets. Get there early to pick your spot! Some good shade unless they are all taken so come prepared with your own. Had to use the one toilet in the men’s restroom.
Guide to El Portal
Tent camping near El Portal, California, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the Sierra Nevada. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and unwind.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park provides drinking water, picnic tables, and firewood, making it a convenient choice for campers.
- Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park features electric hookups and showers, offering a more comfortable camping experience while still being close to nature.
- Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park includes picnic tables and bear boxes, ensuring a safe and enjoyable stay in the wilderness.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- At Hardin Flat Road, you can enjoy hiking and exploring the beautiful pine and cedar forests, with trails suitable for all skill levels.
- Rancheria Falls Wilderness Campground — Yosemite National Park offers access to stunning day hikes, including a scenic trek to Tiltill Valley.
- Little Sandy Campground is perfect for those looking to fish or simply relax by the stream, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.
Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $40
- Dirt Flat offers affordable camping options, with sites available for around $10 per night.
- Railroad Flat Campground is a well-reviewed spot with a price range of approximately $20 per night, ideal for families and groups.
- Willow Placer Campground provides a budget-friendly experience, with no reservation fees and a tranquil setting for just $15 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near El Portal, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near El Portal, CA is Hardin Flat Road with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near El Portal, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 72 tent camping locations near El Portal, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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