Groveland, California sits at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills, serving as a gateway community to Yosemite National Park's western entrance. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F during day with cooler nights around 55-65°F. Winter camping near Groveland requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that can drop below freezing, with occasional snow at higher elevations.
What to do
Swimming at natural pools: Rainbow Pools, located near Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, offers a refreshing swimming spot about 30 minutes from Yosemite's entrance. "Plus a short drive to Rainbow Pool and Cherry Lake if you want to avoid park crowds," notes a camper from Thousand Trails.
Hiking local trails: Several campgrounds maintain on-site hiking paths for days when you don't want to venture into Yosemite. "Resort had a surprisingly fun trail hike around the perimeter. Perfect for an outing with young kids," reports a visitor at Yosemite Pines.
Stargazing opportunities: The clear mountain air and distance from major cities creates exceptional night sky viewing. At Diamond Gulch, campers rave about the celestial display: "The stars were so so beautiful, you can see the milky-way and in the morning you're greeted by cows outside the fence!"
Fishing in nearby lakes: Lake Tulloch offers fishing opportunities with easy access. "We enjoyed our stay here while on a three week trip from our home in PA to the West Coast," mentions a camper who found success catching trout using "rainbow powerbait" with a size ten Tribble hook.
What campers like
Pre-set glamping accommodations: For those seeking a yurt camping experience near Groveland, California, Yosemite Ridge provides comfortable options without setup hassle. "You are about 12 Mi. to Yosemite Park entrance. It is family business, very clean and you feel country! They provide everything for you," states one satisfied camper.
Heated showers: After a day of hiking, warm showers are highly valued. Diamond Gulch receives praise for this amenity: "Free firewood at your site, but we were a little scared to light a wood fire given how everything was so dry. Also, as others have mentioned the showers were great."
Easy park access: Indian Flat RV Park offers strategic positioning for Yosemite visits. "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," explains one visitor who appreciated leaving their RV parked.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We loved waking up to cows and turkeys, and an incredible sunrise view. There were such sweet little birds grazing nearby at sunset," writes a Diamond Gulch camper.
What you should know
Reservation timelines: Popular sites book quickly, particularly in summer months. At Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley, advance planning is essential: "Make sure to make a reservation in advance, we were lucky enough to get 2 nights but we took some of the last spots."
Campsite sizes vary: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger setups. "The tent sites were right on top of each other and there was nowhere to park. You had to climb a steep hill to get to them with your car and again to the actual spot," warns a Yosemite Pines visitor.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the region. A Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes camper notes: "There is no cell service and the 'pay WIFI' did not work for us...but there is complimentary WiFi at the laundry to check in on things that works just fine."
Site-specific features: When booking, research the specifics of your assigned site. "Sites are unlevel, but not horribly. Firewood already at the site for your use. Wonderful outdoor showers!" explains a Diamond Gulch reviewer, highlighting that preparation can enhance your stay.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging offers family-focused facilities: "With a pool, petting zoo, a corral where they have a fire and s'mores followed by a movie, this is a great place to camp with the kids."
Lake activities for children: Lake Tulloch RV Campground provides water-based fun: "The kids had fun playing at the playground, jet skiing, and making sand castles at the beach," shares one family who enjoyed their stay.
Educational experiences: Some campgrounds offer opportunities for wildlife learning. "We stayed in a basic cabin over Easter weekend a few years ago. We really enjoyed our stay and the property. Petting zoo animals were adorable," notes a Yosemite Pines visitor.
Campground movies: Evening entertainment keeps kids engaged after a day of activities. At Pinecrest Campground, "the kids really love the Amphitheatre where they play pretty good family friendly movies."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV site availability: Many campgrounds prioritize tent camping with fewer full-hookup options. "Coyote Lot looks like a newly, semi-leveled gravel parking lot with full hook-ups… no trees or shade. There were some longer spots, but there was no way our trailer would fit in the one we reserved," reports a Yosemite Ridge visitor.
Hookup locations: Site configurations can present challenges. At Lake McSwain Recreation Area, one RVer noted: "Our campsite was set up a little backwards. The picnic table and bbq and hookups were on the opposite side of our trailer door. But only noticed this at our site."
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds near Groveland restrict generator use to preserve the natural setting. At Tuttletown Recreation Area, campers should note: "Just would not want to be here if it was busy," when considering power needs without hookups.
Dump station access: Indian Flat RV Park provides convenient waste disposal options. "Site #125 had a faulty ground, so we used power from site #124. Location is very good for access to Yosemite," advises a visitor who appreciated the convenience despite some minor electrical issues.
