Camping options near Groveland, California sit between 2,500 and 4,500 feet elevation, providing a strategic home base for Yosemite exploration. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F in July and August, while winter brings occasional snow at higher elevations. Most Groveland campgrounds remain accessible year-round despite Highway 120's seasonal closures.
What to do
Swimming in natural spots: McCabe Flat Campground features several swimming holes along the Merced River when water levels permit. "There is a nice walk just beyond the campground that continues to follow the old rail road. Approx 2.5 miles is the confluence with the N Fork Merced River," notes reviewer Chris.
Wildlife viewing: Railroad Flat Campground offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife along the Merced River. "Lots of wildlife: wildflowers, newts, and river otters. Watch out for rattlesnakes!" warns reviewer Chris.
Fishing opportunities: The Merced River provides trout fishing for anglers. "I managed to catch a 12" rainbow almost right away, just feet from the campsite," reports LILI P. who camped at McCabe Flat. The best fishing typically occurs in spring and fall when water levels are moderate.
Animal interactions: Yosemite Pines RV Resort maintains a small petting zoo on site. "Petting zoo animals were adorable. Nice location to Yosemite. Friendly interactions with staff," shared Jen U. after staying in one of their cabins.
What campers like
River access: Willow Placer Campground receives praise for its riverside setting. "So peaceful listening to the river all night. Not much car traffic either," notes Sara S., who appreciated the tranquil atmosphere.
Diverse accommodation options: Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes offers multiple camping styles beyond RV sites. "Beautiful campground with even more amazing staff. It is First come first serve (after a reservation) so get there early. We lucked out with a pretty big and shaded riverfront spot," explains Erin A.
Off-peak solitude: Winter and shoulder season visits provide quieter experiences. "It was late in the season, so there were only a few campers at each location," reports Meg R. about her November visit to Railroad Flat, adding that "the narrow road winds along the steep canyon wall with occasional pull-outs to allow oncoming cars to pass."
Clean facilities: High Sierra RV Park maintains well-kept restroom facilities. "Clean toilets and restrooms," confirms Paola P., though she notes that "they rent a small spot and therefore there is little privacy between each RV."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "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," explains Erin A. about Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes.
Site spacing concerns: Many campgrounds feature closely spaced sites. At High Sierra RV Park, "The tent sites have are honestly 20x20 I would say. Therefore, there is no privacy," notes Angel C., adding that "many of the campsites along the water trailer and especially tent sites are very bunched up."
Road challenges: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. "The narrow road winds along the steep canyon wall with occasional pull-outs to allow oncoming cars to pass," explains Meg R. about the BLM campgrounds along the Merced River.
Reservation requirements: Summer months demand advance planning. "We stayed in the premium sites at this camp ground. Loved the hosts. They were wonderful to work with and very accommodating," shares Bonnie C. about High Sierra RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Natural swimming holes provide cooling relief during summer heat. "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," reports Emily L. about High Sierra RV Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Yosemite RV Resort offers structured recreation areas. "The resort has a great pool and playground for the kids. We stayed here 3 nights not could've stayed here a week easy," states Chris H.
Educational activities: Yosemite Pines provides family-oriented programming. "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," explains Jeanette D.
Budget accommodations: Alternative lodging options provide affordable family stays. "We stayed in a Yurt and it was absolutely amazing. The Llamas were an absolute plus as well. The price for the yurt was like $100 a night and when we split that up, it was nothing!" shares Emily Grace M. about her stay at Yosemite Pines.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Several rv campgrounds near Groveland limit vehicle length. "We came with my 16' Airstream in tow, and it fit perfectly. I would not recommend anything larger," warns Meg R. about McCabe Flat and the BLM campgrounds along the Merced River.
Leveling challenges: Site preparation may require extra equipment. "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," reports Whiffaroni M. about their experience at High Sierra RV Park.
Navigational planning: RV campers should map routes carefully. "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 as there is only one way in and one way out," cautions Whiffaroni M.
Campsite selection strategy: At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, William V. advises, "There are only a handful of 50amp spots and people move to them quickly after someone leaves lots of 30amp though so you might want to bring an adapter."
