Samantha M.
Guide
GuideTwin Lakes Campground
One of my faves
Clean and spacious. Water was just a short walk away. Amazing views all around the campground. Restrooms were always clean.
Glamping near El Portal, CA
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AutoCamp Yosemite offers luxury Airstream accommodations with numerous amenities for visitors seeking a premium outdoor experience near Yosemite National Park. Each private site features a campfire grill, comfortable interiors, and food available for purchase from the clubhouse. The Airstreams are thoughtfully designed, balancing comfort with style while avoiding any claustrophobic feeling. Indian Flat RV Park also provides upscale glamping options with access to the neighboring Cedar Lodge's facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an arcade, and restaurants. One visitor noted, "The airstreams were very cozy and comfortable without feeling claustrophobic."
Located approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Village, these glamping destinations serve as ideal basecamps for park exploration. AutoCamp Yosemite offers seasonal discounts during winter months, making luxury camping more accessible during the off-season. Guests can access Yosemite via the YART bus that stops at Cedar Lodge next to Indian Flat, eliminating parking concerns and including park admission in the fare. The proximity to Yosemite's attractions makes these glamping sites particularly valuable for visitors focused on experiencing the park's natural wonders. According to a camper, "After a long day of hiking in Yosemite it was nice to relax at the pool next door." Both locations feature amenities specifically designed to enhance the outdoor experience while maintaining comfort standards rarely found in traditional camping.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near El Portal (71)
1. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
"The site was clean, spacious enough, flat enough, and very convenient to access to everywhere in the valley."
"Sites are moderate sized with bear locker, picnic table and fire pit. Campground has flushing toilets, sinks. Campground is close to curry village where showers, pool, market and pizza are available."
from $36 / night
Check Availability2. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
"Really beautiful park, stream running through, campfires allowed. Friendly helpful staff. Somewhat difficult drive up the 120 especially if you are in a large rig."
"Whip out your wallet and empty on it on the check-in desk of this thousand trails (or whatever) park."
3. Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park
"This iconic campground, situated in the middle of Yosemite Valley, was once home to many of America's early rock climbing pioneers. "
"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."
from $60 / night
Check Availability4. Indian Flat RV Park
"This park is located along the 140 right before El Portal."
"Fantastic WiFi, extremely clean bathrooms and shower rooms, excellent pool at cedar Lodge next door, short walkable distance to the YART bus stop into Yosemite, great price for a campground 8 miles from"
from $30 - $289 / night
Check Availability5. North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
"Nevertheless, it is well connected to the rest of the valley amenities, with a quick walk to the bus station, a longer walk (1 mi) to the visitor center via the Valley Loop Trail, or a drive (if you don't"
"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."
from $48 / night
Check Availability6. Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
"Our spot was right next to the bathroom (flush toilets but there are not any showers), site 64. The view is of 1/2 dome and there is a swimming hole near the site."
"Typical campground set up with fire rings and bear lockers at each campsite. Flush toilets, but no showers."
from $36 - $60 / night
Check Availability7. Curry Village — Yosemite National Park
"aka Curry Village My daughters and I have now stayed in both the canvas tent/cabin and a hard-sided cabin. Both provide comfortable beds with sheets and a warm blanket on each."
"We booked a heated tent cabin for 4 nights. "
from $98 - $300 / night
Check Availability8. Yosemite Creek — Yosemite National Park
"Not a bad drive, of course everything in California is beautiful compared to the flat lands of Texas."
"The one I had was not the largest, but it was flat and secluded which I loved. They all seemed to have picnic tables and a bear box for your food."
from $24 / night
Check Availability9. Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
"For people with mobility issues, this site is a good walk away from the inner valley trails, fine for anyone else who is up for walking distances, because that is why you came to Yosemite!"
"Whether you are looking to set up camp to explore nearby hikes or just enjoy walks throughout the campground, this site is for you!"
10. Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park
"It's in a great location right in the Valley. It's an easy walk to the main visitors center and both the Valley Village and Half Dome Village."
"It’s camping, but you have electricity, a camping mattress, and community bathrooms and showers. Some campsites are considered “river-front” but all campsites are pretty close to the river."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 48 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 50 min from Modesto, CA
- 2 hrs 19 min from Stockton, CA
Recent Glamping Photos near El Portal, CA
63 Photos of 71 El Portal Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
AutoCamp YosemiteS
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park
Curry Village — Yosemite National Park
Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp — Yosemite National Park
Diamond Gulch
Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge — Yosemite National ParkS
Yosemite RV ResortD
Glamping Reviews near El Portal, CA
700 Reviews of 71 El Portal Campgrounds
Zack P.
ScoutTwin Lakes Campground
Beautiful Campsite
I had a huge campsite site-one camping spot over from the lakeside. the whole back of the site open to forest-46a (this is a prime cluster of sites). Close to what are probably the cleanest, best maintained bathrooms in the park system (cleaned twice daily). The Mamouth lakes area is not for campers seeking solitude, it's just too popular an area for that. However, despite a lot of people around, it is beautiful and stunning area nevertheless!
There is one thing to note-don't forget to bring clothes to layer up with as it can turn cold and windy without a moment's notice. In fact, because of a relentless, daily wind, it was the only camping spot I felt compelled to fully stake down my large Wonderland Tent. all summer...
Another highlight of Mamouth is there are plenty of fish at nearby lakes-this area is considered one of the best regions in USA for trophy trout. The Lakes are also stocked with plenty of good-sized trout for eating; however, Twin Lakes is not the best lake for shore fishing-you need a boat or float to get to the best spots-plus, it is a very weedy as well.
Besides GREAT FISHING, you are nearby to a dozen FANTASTIC day hikes and there are many more great hikes for a bit longer drive- this is a day-hikers paradise!
If the lack of solitude doesn't bother you (find it by hiking), it is also nice camping area for extended stays because you are so close to the town of Mammoth Lakes-it has good restaurants, bakeries, ice cream, and a Vons supermarket (best price on ice here),
All in All, it was a great place to pitch my REI Wonderland Tent for a week and I highly recommend it.
- SShirley M.Guide
Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
Beautiful Yosemite
We camped in our tiny towable Meerkat camper. Our spot was right next to the bathroom (flush toilets but there are not any showers), site 64. The view is of 1/2 dome and there is a swimming hole near the site. Although the sites are close together, they are arranged nicely with a large picnic table and fire pit and large bear box at each at each site. There were group sites and tent sites. The camp is a stop on the bus route and it is in walking distance of Curry Village where there are restaurants and groceries available. The site puts you close to most of the things you want to see at Yosemite.
Dawn S.GuideHigh Sierra RV Park
Quiet and close to Yosemite
The spots are close but not too close. There's a nice creek at the end. Place is quiet and close to Yosemite. Decent prices.
- LLeonard H.
RangerTwin Lakes Campground
Near Paved Bike / Hike Trail
Stayed at shaded site 4 next to main road between main lodge and store. Site was a little sloped for 24' RV. Clean flush toilets with sinks. Easy walk to store and main lodge. Paved bike/walking trail a big plus. Showers were closed at store. Water available. A little windy and chilly on lake but site protected under trees. Free shuttle stops nearby if want to visit town or upper lakes.
- AAshley S.Guide
Deer creek campground
Waterfront Heaven
My first camping experience here was truly remarkable. Similar to my previous trips to the eastern Sierras, this campground offered a convenient location near amenities and right on the lakefront. The campsites were beautifully designed, with ample space between them, ensuring a comfortable and spacious stay. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this campground.
Hans V.RangerTuolumne Meadows Campground — Yosemite National Park
Big but beautiful
Very well spaced sites on a huge campground, nicely situated in the forest next to the river (cold, but nice for the hikers feet). Beautiful area, plenty of hikes from the campground, clean enough toilets (but no showers). Nice evening program for the kids.
- Hans V.Ranger
Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
Too busy
A piece of forest overrun by campers. Spots are close together. The air is cloudy with the smoke from all campfires. Many wasps ruin the joy of eating. Woke up too early from car panic button. The nearby Curry Village tents add to the total overflow of people.
Yosemite is beautiful of course but too many people (of which we were of course part) cause it to suffer from its beauty. We enjoyed the Tuolomne campground way more, different but also beautiful scenery.
- TTom H.Guide
Pinecrest Campground
Dry camping and beautiful surroundings.
Four nights, warm days and cool nights. Rustic and plenty to see and do.
Guide to El Portal
Yurt camping options near El Portal, California provide access to Yosemite without the crowding of valley floor campgrounds. Located at 2,000 feet elevation in the Merced River canyon, the area serves as a transitional climate zone that's typically 10-15°F warmer than Yosemite Valley in winter months and can reach high temperatures exceeding 100°F during summer. Campers often note the distinctive oak and pine mixed forests that create variable shade conditions throughout camping areas.
What to do
River activities: 5-minute walk from sites. At Indian Flat RV Park, the proximity to water provides welcome relief after hiking. "After a long day of hiking in Yosemite it was nice to relax at the pool next door," shares one visitor. Many campgrounds offer direct river access for swimming and cooling off during hot summer months.
Climbing access: Short drive from El Portal. Camp 4 is historically significant for the climbing community. One reviewer notes, "Camp 4 is probably the most famous and iconic campground in Yosemite Valley. It's notorious for having a loud party culture, although that has been settling down since the park brought back Camp Hosts to Camp 4 in 2024." The campground puts you right at the base of some classic routes.
Wildlife viewing: Dusk and dawn optimal. Animal sightings are common throughout the area's campgrounds. In North Pines Campground, "Bear activity is high at this campground, and there is usually a poster at the kiosk relaying recent breakins." Maintaining proper food storage is essential as rangers strictly enforce regulations to prevent wildlife encounters.
What campers like
Tent yurt alternatives: Spacious semi-permanent options. Curry Village offers tent cabins that provide a similar experience to yurt camping near El Portal. "We booked a heated tent cabin for 4 nights. It had 1 double bed and 2 singles, a storage tower, 1 central electric light, and 1 electrical outlet," explains one camper who appreciated the upgraded camping experience without needing to bring gear.
Less crowded camping: Buffer from valley congestion. Yosemite Creek Campground offers a more secluded experience. "Yosemite Creek Campground is a cute little campground on the north-ish end of the park. All the sites are rented out on a first come first serve basis, so it's really a matter of luck if you can find a spot," mentions a reviewer who valued the tranquility away from busier areas.
Water features: Natural swimming options. The creeks and rivers running through Lower Pines Campground enhance the camping experience. "This campground is right near the creek which people float down in late spring and early summer," notes a visitor. Access to natural water features ranks highly in camper satisfaction throughout the region.
What you should know
Reservation timing: 6 months advance planning recommended. Campsite availability is extremely limited, especially during peak season. One camper at Upper Pines Campground advises, "Make sure to make a reservation in advance, we were lucky enough to get 2 nights but we took some of the last spots."
Temperature extremes: 45°F nightly drops common. Even during summer months, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. A visitor at Curry Village shared, "We did adjust the heat often as it would actually get too warm." Pack appropriate layers as evening temperatures frequently drop significantly from daytime highs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near El Portal, CA?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near El Portal, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near El Portal, CA is Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 68 reviews.
What is the best site to find
glamping camping near
El Portal, CA?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near El Portal, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 71 glamping camping locations near El Portal, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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