Several cabin rental options near Fresno cater to visitors exploring Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. Cabin accommodations range from 20 to 40 miles from Yosemite's southern entrance, with most located in the foothill communities of Oakhurst, Bass Lake, and Coarsegold. Elevations vary from 1,500 to 7,000 feet, creating significant temperature differences between lower foothill locations and higher mountain cabins.
What to do
Explore creek swimming holes: At Dinkey Creek Campground, visitors find natural water features for summer cooling. "This was my best camping experience ever. It's location had perfect weather, warm during the day and cool, but not cold, at night. You surrounded by gorgeous tall trees and have access to swimming holes about a mile away," reports one Dinkey Creek visitor.
Visit Sequoia groves: The drive to Wishon Village RV Resort takes you past a grove of Giant Sequoia trees with pull-outs for exploration. "On the way you will pass a grove of Giant Sequoia trees with a pull out to walk or picnic among them," notes one visitor. The resort sits at 6,800 feet elevation, providing cooler summer temperatures.
Fish mountain reservoirs: Cabin guests at Wishon Village have access to both Wishon and Courtright Reservoirs. "Two reservoirs are nearby, Wishon and Courtright. Courtright at 8200' opens later than Wishon at 6600'. Rainbow and German Browns can be caught," mentions a camper who appreciated the fishing opportunities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many visitors highlight bathroom cleanliness as a priority. A camper at High Sierra RV Park noted, "Nice camp, clean toilets and restrooms. They rent a small spot and therefore there is little privacy between each RV." The park offers cabin accommodations approximately 30 minutes from Yosemite's entrance.
Pool access during summer heat: Several cabin properties maintain swimming pools for guests. "This park is absolutely wonderful! They have cabins, places to rent camp, laundry on site, a pool, 30/50 hookups," reports one Outdoorsy Yosemite visitor. Pools provide welcome relief during July and August when temperatures in the foothills frequently exceed 90°F.
Convenience to Bass Lake: For water recreation, cabins near Bass Lake offer advantages. "We booked this last minute over the phone, we were very impressed with the spot, next to the pool, clubhouse, fire pit. We walked to pines village and got some souvenirs and ice cream," states a visitor to Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort.
What you should know
Distance to Yosemite Valley: While many properties advertise proximity to Yosemite, the actual drive time to Yosemite Valley can be substantial. "We didn't know that the '20 miles from Yosemite' just meant the entrance, we still had to drive about 30 miles to get into the valley," clarifies a visitor at Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort.
Site limitations: For visitors bringing trailers alongside cabins, site dimensions matter. At High Sierra RV Park, one visitor reported, "We had 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 as there is only one way in and one way out."
Cabin availability: Cabins book rapidly during summer months. Reservations should be secured 3-6 months in advance for peak season weekends, particularly near Yosemite. During autumn and spring, availability improves substantially, with better rates and more options.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Families with children often prioritize swimming opportunities. "We had a blast here. You're 25 miles from the park entrance, on a straight path. The sites were a great space and the pool and playground was a lot of fun of the kids. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful," shares a visitor to Yosemite RV Resort.
Check playground facilities: Several resorts maintain playgrounds for children. "Large clean pool with a shallow lounging section. Playground. Bathrooms/showers were freshly renovated and clean. Laundry on site. Clubhouse and small provisions," notes another visitor to Yosemite RV Resort, highlighting amenities beyond the cabin itself.
Bring insect protection: During summer months, yellow jackets can be problematic at some locations. Pack protective food covers, traps, and repellents, particularly if eating outdoors. One visitor warns that at certain times "you would be sitting down trying to read and a few would fly around your head or land on your hands."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV sites with cabins often require careful planning. "Our spot was very hard to try and level our trailer. We never did quite get it leveled the way we would've liked," notes one visitor to Visalia-Sequoia National Park KOA about their camping experience.
Consider location in relation to activities: When selecting a cabin property, assess drive times to planned destinations. "Probably wouldn't come back to this KOA unless we were just passing through and needed a place to stay," mentions another KOA visitor, despite rating their stay positively.
Check site spacing: Many cabin and RV properties place accommodations close together. "It's a nice campsite. A bit of trash scattered around the tent spots. Excellent 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," reports a Yosemite RV Resort visitor about pricing and site conditions.
