Glamping close to Fish Camp, California positions visitors within Sierra National Forest at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet, with seasonal temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter months to 90°F in summer. The area features mixed conifer forests dominated by ponderosa pine, sugar pine, incense cedar, and black oak trees. Most glamping accommodations remain accessible via paved roads, though some dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, particularly during spring when creek crossings may be challenging.
What to do
Swimming holes exploration: Near Big Sandy Campground, visitors can find natural swimming areas by hiking approximately two miles uphill. "There are some beautiful waterfall spots about 2 miles of hill climb from campground, well worth the hike. Water can be very cold though," notes one camper.
Yosemite Valley access: From Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park, visitors can easily reach multiple trailheads. "It's near to the yosemite falls trailhead and the lower falls loop," according to one camper, while another mentioned the site is "a great home base for seeing all of the sights of Yosemite Valley."
Creek recreation: Soquel Campground provides creekside camping with natural water features. A visitor described, "The creek is cold, but the rock formations create natural pools great for swimming. It's a popular spot and fills up fast."
What campers like
Affordability near park entrances: Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping offers free sites minutes from the South entrance. A camper explains: "Super accessible spot right by the entrance (10 min drive max) to yosemite np!! Super lowkey, fire pits, and beautiful scenery."
Creek access: Many sites at Soquel Campground directly adjoin the water. As one visitor observed, "Quiet, large creekside campsites. Free firewood, helpful host."
Convenience for day trips: Staying at North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park places visitors in proximity to multiple popular trails. One camper noted: "This campground is in the heart of Yosemite Valley. It is great to camp on the valley floor, especially during peak season as traffic from all main gates to the valley floor is very congested."
What you should know
Early arrival recommended: Camp 4 operates on a first-come basis requiring early check-in. One camper advised: "We got there at 6:00 in the morning and there was already a line. Campers were lined up outside with their chairs and blankets. The rangers come out around 8:30 and hand out numbers."
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires navigation on rough terrain. For Big Sandy Campground, a reviewer warned: "The 6 mile road to get into it is rough. With high rain season, you have to cross the creek and it may require a lifted type vehicle like a truck."
Crowding factors: Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park can become congested during peak periods. One visitor observed: "Upper Pines is not a place you go to for relaxation and solitude - but then neither is Yosemite Valley."
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping sites near Fish Camp have weather-dependent availability. One Upper Pines visitor noted: "Only sites up to 97 of upper pines campground were open this time of year. The loop is closest to the entrance and you can walk to the park shuttles."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming opportunities: Indian Flat RV Park provides additional recreational amenities. A visitor mentioned: "Cedar Lodge next door has an indoor and outdoor pool available for the RV campers to use. The outdoor pool was closed for the season, but the indoor pool was heated to at least 100 degrees."
Transportation options: Bus service can eliminate driving concerns. One Indian Flat camper noted: "The YART bus (that shuttles you into the park) stops at the hotel next door. It was $20 for a family of four (round trip), and that included admission to the park."
Wildlife preparation: Proper food storage remains essential. A Camp 4 visitor advised: "Each campsite contains a fire pit (no grill), picnic table, and four shared food lockers and is near a bathroom with drinking water and flushing toilets."
Communal campfire programs: Educational opportunities exist within some campgrounds. As one Lower Pines camper described: "Campsite was classic, had bear boxes (of course), and also had nightly seminars on different topics in the amphitheater (the night we went it was on bird communication)."
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: High Sierra RV Park requires careful navigation for larger rigs. One RVer noted: "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."
Leveling difficulties: Uneven terrain can complicate setup. Another camper at High Sierra RV Park observed: "Our spot was also very hard to try and level our trailer. We never did quite get it leveled the way we would've liked."
Resort amenities: Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort offers additional facilities. A visitor shared: "Amenities include a pool, day room with tons of things to do, a separate day room for kids, a large fire pit, showers, store at the office, horseshoe and 2 shuffleboard courts."
Internet considerations: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. A High Sierra visitor mentioned: "You pay for WiFi per day, which was around $10/day," while another noted that at the nearby lodge "great wifi" was available.
