The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Fish Camp, CA

358 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Fish Camp, California serves as a strategic gateway to Yosemite National Park with camping options ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. Located just 2 miles from Yosemite's south entrance, the area includes Summerdale Campground in Sierra National Forest, which offers tent and RV sites with basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Nearby, Goat Meadow provides free dispersed camping with minimal facilities for those seeking a more primitive experience. The Wawona Campground inside Yosemite National Park lies approximately 7 miles north, offering a more developed camping experience with drinking water, flush toilets, and bear boxes, though requiring advance reservations during peak season.

    Camping permits and regulations vary significantly between locations in this region. Sierra National Forest dispersed sites typically allow 14-day stays and require campfire permits, which can be obtained online. According to a camper at Wawona, "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." Wildlife encounters, particularly bears, are common throughout the area, making proper food storage essential. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, while winter brings snow that may limit access to some sites. Cell service is spotty outside established areas, and many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain.

    Visitor experiences highlight the contrasting atmospheres between Yosemite Valley campgrounds and the quieter options near Fish Camp. While valley campgrounds like Upper Pines offer convenience to major attractions, they come with significant crowds. As one camper noted, "Even though you are practically on top of each other at this campground, it's totally worth it just to sleep in Yosemite Valley." The Fish Camp area provides a middle ground, offering reasonable access to park highlights while maintaining a more secluded feel. Seasonal considerations affect availability dramatically, with fall and spring offering better chances for last-minute spots. Most campgrounds in the region provide bear boxes, and rangers actively enforce proper food storage regulations to minimize wildlife encounters.

    Best Campgrounds near Fish Camp (358)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

      4.5(55)1mi from Fish CampRVs, Tents

      "Fish Camp is only a couple miles away with its General store. Plenty of relatively level sites, fire rings, easy in and easy out."

      "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."

      Check Availability

      2. Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park

      4.4(41)7mi from Fish Camp99 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $36 - $75 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

      4.4(67)18mi from Fish Camp240 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      "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."

      from $36 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest

      4.8(20)7mi from Fish Camp1 siteRVs, Tents

      "It’s close to both Yosemite entrances ! Close to town . Love it ."

      "He kept in touch with us all throughout our drive there and helped us get set up upon arrival."

      Check Availability

      5. Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

      4.4(39)18mi from Fish Camp68 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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. "

      from $60 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

      4.2(12)1mi from Fish CampRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Nestled amongst trees right on the edge of Yosemite. Was quite busy when I was there but managed to find a quiet spot tucked away & private."

      "People kept parking at the entrance of the dirt path."

      7. High Sierra RV Park

      3.8(14)10mi from Fish CampRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      "Good access to Yosemite. We prefer less neighbors but overall it was nice."

      from $13 - $50 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Summerdale Campground - Sierra National Forest

      4.5(6)1mi from Fish Camp62 sitesRVs, Tents

      "So we opted to stay right outside- literally miles away! Nothing to write home about at the campsite- but it was quiet enough. The host was super friendly!"

      "Near the South entrance to Yosemite National Park, SUMMERDALE campground is a small, quiet, well maintained campground that requires advanced reservations."

      from $47 - $49 / night

      Check Availability

      9. North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

      4.6(23)19mi from Fish Camp99 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $48 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort

      3.9(11)12mi from Fish CampRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

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

      "While we were there, they played movies at sunset next to the pool. Close to Yosemite, the Sugarpine railroad and a decent-sized town. Temps were in the 80's."

      Check Availability
    View all 358 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Fish Camp Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Fish Camp, CA

    608 Photos of 358 Fish Camp Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Fish Camp, CA

    1662 Reviews of 358 Fish Camp Campgrounds

    • D
      Oct. 6, 2026

      June Lake Campground

      June Lake Campground Experience

      June Lake Campground was an absolute blast. Very pleasant to say the least. The only reason I gave 4/5 stars is because of… neighbours. Neighbours were talking loud, laughing loud, well into the quiet hours of the night sadly. However, restrooms were clean, Lake beautiful, campsites well maintained, solid space for multiple big tents. I bought my 185sq. foot tent and had plenty of space for everything. Definitely will come again.

    • Beverley G.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 5, 2026

      Owens River Road Dispersed

      It can get busy but there are a lot of camping spots in this area

      I've camped here several times in the last few months and it got real busy over holiday periods. Now, the first week of October, it is wonderful. I have a beautiful camping spot and it's really quiet, hardly anyone coming by in the day. In summer months it can get tedious with off road vehicles creating dust and noise. But there are so many places to camp here - depending on the size of your set-up and how far you're willing to leave the main road. There's no facilities here, pack it in and pack it out. Let's keep this place beautiful!

    • Katherine C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 2, 2026

      Warren Fork Trailhead

      Free spot near Tuolumne climbing

      A small gravel lot good for car camping. Little to no privacy as it’s more or less just a big circle. Beautiful view back down the canyon.

    • EThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 29, 2026

      Convict Lake Campground

      Beautiful lake!

      Convict Lake is stunning 🤩

      You can rent kayaks, SUPs and little pontoon boats from the marina. I wish I brought my own paddle board.

      There’s also a nice 3 mile hike around the lake that’s pretty easy or there’s also a 0.3 mile paved path around it too to make it even more accessible.

      There were a lot of sites when you first enter that were not level, I was happy when I got to the North side of the campground where the sites leveled off. Most of the whole campground would be suitable for Starlink.

      I stayed in site 50 and 51.

      The trade off for doing the North side is that it’s a further walk to the lake.

      The closest grocery store is 15 minutes up in Mammoth lakes, there was a little resort nearby too.

    • Dawn S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 28, 2026

      High 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.

    • Margie S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 26, 2026

      Choinumni Park

      Love this place!

      The two camp hosts are present and always available. They maintain spotless restrooms and very aware of any trash left and quickly get it cleaned up. There are no showers. But there are water spigots in about every other campsite. It gets very busy on weekends so get there early and claim your spot. It's first come first serve. Beautiful scenery and close to the river. Lots of trails. Dog friendly. Great for tents, RVs and trailers. We will be back!

    • LThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 26, 2026

      Convict Lake Campground

      Classic High Sierra Campground

      Many sites initially sloped but level near parking pads. Good for smaller RVs and tents. Clean restrooms with flush toilets and sinks. Easy uphill walk to lake. Saw deers in campground and bear swimming in lake. Beautiful 3 mile level walk around lake. Large level day parking lot near lake if want to stay after 11am checkout. Showers and restaurant normally available at resort. Shortcut through campground to get there. Good view of mountains behind lake - but not lake itself - from most camp sites. Paved roads and sites... but cracked every several hundred feet due to wide temperature swings. No cell service for us (Google-fi and Spectrum mobile). Overall good stay.

    • LThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 26, 2026

      Twin 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.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 26, 2026

      Convict Lake Campground

      Epic views of rhe lake from several of rhe sites

      Stayed two nights. Sites are fairly close together. Narrow roads throughout so not recommended for big rigs or trailers. I believe they have length restrictions. I have Verizon and had zero service. Would get an occasional email mid morning. There is a restaurant and general store within driving distance. Restaurant is pricy. Not your typical campground restaurant. Market has ice and snacks. There is a great 3+ mile easy hike around the lake. There are two known bears that roam the campground at night. DO NOT leave your vehicle unlocked. They know how to open car doors and will ransack your vehicle in search of food. Met a couple on a hike that had it happen to them and then it happened at the campsite Nextdoor to us the following night. No showers, vault toilets.

    Guide to Fish Camp

    Dispersed camping near Fish Camp, California provides alternative options for those unable to secure reservations at established campgrounds. Located at 5,000 feet elevation in the Sierra National Forest, this area serves as a budget-friendly base camp for Yosemite adventures. During summer weekends, dispersed sites fill quickly with temperatures ranging from 45-85°F, while winter months often see snow accumulation that can limit access to high-clearance vehicles.

    What to do

    Hike to waterfalls near camp: Big Sandy Campground offers access to waterfall spots that require about a 2-mile uphill hike. "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 Rosina A. from Big Sandy Campground.

    Explore Mariposa Grove trails: The Goat Meadow dispersed camping area provides convenient access to Mariposa Grove's giant sequoias. "You can also hike to Mariposa Grove from the goat meadow parking lot. Or you can drive about 3 miles from parking lot to a gate that is about a 1.5 mile walk to the Mariposa Grove hiking park," explains Manny R.

    Swim in local waterways: Many campgrounds feature creek access perfect for cooling off. At High Sierra RV Park, one camper found unique water features: "The creek, waterfalls & rope swing over the swimming hole was unbelievable!! The kids enjoyed the rope swing while the mom enjoyed the walk back to the falls & thru the shallow waters."

    Visit pioneer history sites: The Wawona area contains historical exhibits within walking distance of camping areas. "Jump in the creek for a swim or walk across the road and check out the covered bridge and barn around the pioneer history center. Swimming holes all up and down those creeks," recommends Kelly M.

    What campers like

    Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies at dispersed camping areas provide exceptional night viewing. At Big Sandy Campground, "The stars at night are incredible," according to Rosina A., who appreciated the natural setting despite the rough access road.

    Interacting with farm animals: Unique camping experiences exist just outside the park. At Shooting Star Sanctuary, visitors get uncommon animal encounters: "After we talked for a little he opened up the gate to release several mini pigs, mini goats, ducks, and chickens! My girlfriend and I were smiling cheek to cheek," shares Marco V.

    Creek-side camping spots: Many campers appreciate water-adjacent sites. "Has a very nice stream that runs right down the middle of campground that basically every site is next to the water," mentions Leon G. about Big Sandy Campground, reflecting a common attraction at several area campgrounds.

    Less crowded alternatives to valley camping: Wawona offers a quieter experience than Yosemite Valley. "The sites are large, well-spaced, and idyllic. Many of them are situated along the South Fork of the Merced River. It's quiet there - and peaceful," writes K B. about Summerdale Campground.

    What you should know

    Road conditions vary significantly: Access to dispersed camping often requires navigating rough forest roads. For Goat Meadow dispersed camping, one visitor noted: "The road getting there has tons of potholes and the road in the site is super super bumpy."

    Holiday crowds impact experience: Popular free camping areas become extremely congested during peak weekends. "Stayed about a week which also crossed over Memorial Day weekend. Arrived the Tuesday before. This place gets CROWDED. At 5:30 it's like everyone got off work and headed home, it's nuts," warns Katelin M. about Goat Meadow.

    Wildlife encounters require preparation: Bears and coyotes actively visit campsites. "Coyotes and bears are active in the area—coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" shares Alexander Mark C., emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.

    Yosemite entrance wait times: During holidays, park entry can create significant delays. "If it's a holiday weekend and you leave camp headed into town be prepared for at least an hour in traffic due to backup from the park entrance," explains a Goat Meadow camper.

    Tips for camping with families

    Choose camp spots with natural entertainment: Creeks provide built-in activities for children. At Big Sandy Campground, "Has a very nice stream that runs right down the middle of campground that basically every site is next to the water. One of my favorite grounds to go and will continue our tradition," writes Leon G.

    Consider drive time to attractions: When planning day trips with kids, factor in travel time to park highlights. For Wawona Campground, "Love the site we had, close to water and surrounded by trees. Close to amenities and a local store for supplies. Prepare for a 45-60 min drive to the Yosemite Park and the valley," advises Kerrie R.

    Research tent site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. Regarding North Pines in Yosemite Valley: "The sites are not well defined. You have a place to park and besides that, it is a little of a free-for-all with the adjacent sites as to where you set up your gear," notes one reviewer.

    Check for family-friendly amenities: Some private campgrounds offer unique features for children. At Shooting Star Sanctuary, "The surroundings are beautiful and peaceful. The animals are a great bonus. Perfectly family friendly with plenty of room to hang out by the fire," shares Melinda J.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection for larger vehicles: Many campgrounds near Fish Camp have tight spacing or difficult access. At High Sierra RV Park, "We have 29 foot travel trailer and we reserved a premium pull through spot. Although we could pull through the spaces were very tight and we just happen to get lucky that nobody was across from us."

    Road clearance requirements: Access roads to dispersed camping often require high-clearance vehicles. "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," explains Rosina A. about Big Sandy Campground.

    RV size limitations: Verify campground capabilities before arrival. Shooting Star Sanctuary warns about access: "The road in is bumpy, but we pulled a 40 foot 5th wheel up no problem," sharing one visitor's experience, which contrasts with challenges at other nearby campgrounds.

    Electrical availability: Most camping options near Fish Camp lack hookups. While North Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley allows generators during limited hours, dispersed sites have no power options, requiring self-sufficiency for RV campers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What amenities are available at Fish Camp campground?

    Fish Camp area campgrounds typically offer basic amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Summerdale Campground - Sierra National Forest near Fish Camp provides reservable sites with toilet facilities. For those seeking more facilities, nearby Crane Flat Campground — Yosemite National Park offers potable water, flush toilets, fire rings, and food storage lockers. Amenities vary by season, with most full services available during summer months. Some campgrounds in the area are primitive with minimal facilities, while others provide more comfort. Always check current availability and amenities before your trip, as seasonal variations affect services.

    Can I bring an RV to Fish Camp?

    Yes, RVs are welcome in the Fish Camp area, but site options vary by campground. High Sierra RV Park accommodates travel trailers and RVs, though some sites may require maneuvering skills due to the layout. For those wanting to camp near Fish Camp with more room for larger rigs, Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site offers big-rig-friendly dispersed camping. When reserving a site, always check the specific length restrictions for your campground of choice. Some sites have limited space for turning around larger vehicles, so it's best to research the exact campsite before arrival, especially if you have a longer RV or trailer.

    Where is Fish Camp campground located in relation to Yosemite National Park?

    Fish Camp is ideally located just 2 miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park, making it one of the closest communities to the park. This strategic location offers easier access to Yosemite compared to staying in more distant towns. For those looking to experience Yosemite Valley itself, Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park is about an hour's drive from Fish Camp and puts you right in the heart of the valley's attractions. Alternatively, Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping offers free camping options along the journey between Fish Camp and the park. The Fish Camp area serves as an excellent base for exploring both Yosemite and the surrounding Sierra National Forest.

    Keep Exploring

    5. View all California cities for camping