Best Tent Camping near La Grange, CA

Public lands surrounding La Grange, California offer several tent camping options within an hour's drive. Railroad Flat Campground and Willow Placer Campground, both located near Midpines, provide tent-only sites along the Merced River. These established campgrounds operate seasonally from April 30 to September 5. North Fork Primitive Camp offers more secluded tent camping experiences with minimal amenities. For those willing to drive farther, Hardin Flat Road provides dispersed tent camping opportunities approximately 10 minutes from Yosemite's entrance, while Cole Ranch offers eight tent sites with more developed facilities.

Tent campsites in this region vary significantly in their amenities and accessibility. Walk-in tent sites at Willow Placer feature clean privy toilets, trash collection, and bear boxes, but no drinking water at the sites themselves. A water spigot is available at the bottom of the road after crossing the suspension bridge. Railroad Flat's tent camping areas are positioned extremely close to the river, requiring preparation for mosquitoes at night. Most primitive tent camping locations lack potable water, so campers should bring their own supply or water filtration systems. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months, particularly at North Fork Primitive Camp where fires are prohibited.

In early spring and late fall, backcountry tent camping areas near La Grange experience significantly fewer visitors. One camper noted that during off-season visits to Willow Placer, they "had the whole campground to ourselves" with "peaceful river sounds all night." The narrow access roads to these tent-only sites naturally limit larger vehicles, helping maintain quieter camping environments. At Railroad Flat, sites range from very private to adjacent to others, with most featuring bear boxes and fire pits when restrictions allow. Visitors to Hardin Flat Road reported having "enough space to distance from others" with "good tree cover" during rain, making it a reliable option for tent campers seeking more isolation while still remaining relatively close to Yosemite.

Best Tent Sites Near La Grange, California (34)

    1. Cole Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Waterford, CA
    15 miles
    +1 (209) 620-6218

    $60 - $90 / night

    "They also change the hand towel in the restrooms daily for everyone to use. The campsite is well taken care of as well as the kitchen which is communal use."

    "The amenities were above and beyond anything we have seen at other locations.  Complimentary watercraft for the river, stocked outdoor kitchen, and hot showers with shampoo/lotion etc. "

    2. Eagle Point

    1 Review
    Groveland, CA
    18 miles
    +1 (228) 337-9598

    $50 - $150 / night

    "I was lucky to find Eagle Point this spring for a simple tent set up, and boy was it perfect."

    3. Hardin Flat Road

    15 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    33 miles

    "There’s enough space for you to distance yourself from others.

    No bear boxes or bathrooms but very safe and easy to access."

    "We had a lot of space, good amount of tree cover when I rained. There’s a bunch of different spots to choose from, the one by the creek would have been nice."

    4. Railroad Flat Campground

    3 Reviews
    Midpines, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 941-3101

    "It gets very busy on the weekends and hot days, so you will have daytime noise from swimming/river activities. During the earlier summer months there are rafters during the day."

    "I visited in November, on the first days of rain after a long dry season. I arrived after dark and was unfamiliar with the layout, so I stayed at a pull-out near the McCabe Flat campground."

    5. Willow Placer Campground

    2 Reviews
    Midpines, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 941-3101

    "There are mostly walk in sites and 2 drive in sites. We got here in off-season and had the whole campground to ourselves. So peaceful listening to the river all night. Not much car traffic either."

    "I visited in November, on the first days of rain after a long dry season. I arrived after dark and was unfamiliar with the layout, so I stayed at a pull-out near the McCabe Flat campground."

    6. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    22 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-2334

    $25 - $70 / night

    "The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative."

    "Beautiful site, hiking trails close by, well maintained grounds. Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off. Rangers were friendly and very informative about the area."

    7. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 763-5121

    $50 / night

    "Wicked August heat, BUT there’s the lake!

    5 Stars — were it not for the SLOBS who preceded us!!"

    "I come here with my family every year around 4th of July. I would book way ahead for busy holidays like that. 

    The water level really varies on the year."

    8. North Fork Primitive Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Midpines, CA
    23 miles
    +1 (209) 379-9414

    10. Dirt Flat

    4 Reviews
    El Portal, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3212

    $41 - $43 / night

    "You’re really out in the middle of nowhere on a side street off of the highway. At night it is pitch black, you can’t even see your hand in front of your face."

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Tent Camping Reviews near La Grange, CA

887 Reviews of 34 La Grange Campgrounds


  • J
    Oct. 13, 2023

    Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Great campground

    I really recommend this campground. I can come here and play online games with my family. The campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. The sites are relatively spacious and provide a mix of shade and sun. Each campsite typically includes a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage locker. It provides basic amenities such as restrooms with flushing toilets and drinking water. However, it does not offer showers or hookups for RVs. There are no electrical or water connections at individual campsites. The campground's location provides access to various outdoor activities. Nearby attractions include the Mariposa Grove, where you can explore giant sequoias, and the Wawona Golf Course. Additionally, there are hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for wildlife viewing in the area.

  • Erin S.
    Nov. 1, 2019

    North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Ranger Review: Wenzel Grand Basin 10 tent at North Pines

    North Pines is one of three campgrounds on the floor of Yosemite Valley. Across the Merced River from the other two campgrounds and adjacent to the horse stables, it is relatively isolated with no major roads running by it. Nevertheless, it is well connected to the rest of the valley amenities, with a quick walk to the bus station, a longer walk (1 mi) to the visitor center via the Valley Loop Trail, or a drive (if you don't mind braving traffic and searching for parking spaces). 

    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. Despite that, we had plenty of room to set up our large 10 person tent, without feeling crowded or that we were overspilling our space. We were there the last weekend it was open (Oct 26/27) and all sites were booked. There are no hook-ups, and the comfort stations only have toliets and sinks (no showers), a fresh water faucet, and a disposal "toliet" for dish water. All dishes must be washed at camp. The facilities were fairly clean, though the disposal toilet often backed up.  Being late October, I was expecting very cold conditions. But the weather was great! 70s during the day and 40s at night. Clear skies. Absolutely beautiful. 

    Our site was located right next to the comfort station, and in hindsight I wish we had found a place a little farther away. But besides the proximity, our site was nice with a fire pit and picnic table. Quiet hours are from 1000-0600, and we had to remind our neighbor campers who came back drunk at midnight to shut it, but that seems to be more the normal than abnormal these days. There were mostly tents in the campground, with a few small RVs and trailers. Generators are allowed during limited hours, but the noise wasn't overwhelming, since they were few and far between.

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. This weekend I got to test the Wenzel Great Basin 10 tent (https://wenzelco.com/great-basin-10/). Overall, my impression of this tent is that it is a solid and reliable tent. Yes, it has a few design items that could be improved for ease of use, but overall it served us well and I look forward to using it again. The tent is a domed center-opening design, with two side "rooms" that can be separated by zipped curtains, making three interior spaces total. My husband and I filled up on room with two large cots facing length wise (we had them oriented along center line and still had enough room to move along the sides). The other side has more than ample room for my daughter's small cot, which ran the width of the tent along the side window. Very comfortable for three people. 

    Yes, this is a huge tent. Can it be set up by one person? Probably, if that person is patient and tenacious. Two people work much better. A few design items we found annoying were the pole connections, which would frequently catch on the tent pole sleeves and center strap. Also, the zipper flap on the tent's door would frequently get caught in the zipper, making it almost a necessity to use two hands to open and close the tent. Besides these two small inconveniences, the tent worked great. The rain fly fits snug against the tent roof. The construction felt sturdy and we liked the design of the three interior rooms. 

    Overall, we had a fun two nights in Yosemite. We might make a tradition out of going for the closing weekend each year.

  • Anna C.
    Sep. 28, 2017

    Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Hetch Hetchy Walk-in Established Sites

    We stayed the night at one of the Hetch Hetchy reservable sites (first come, first served) before our trek through the backcountry of Yosemite. The sites were just a quick walk in from the parking lot and featured picnic tables, bear boxes, bathrooms and established fire rings. A permit is required to stay in the area as well as a $6 per person fee and you're able to check-in with your reservation right at the Hetch Hetchy entrance. The sites are well maintained and do feature scenic vistas, though it appears that the best views offered by Hetch Hetchy are found farther in the backcountry and we wish we had the time to really explore the area. The campground served as an easy spot to hike in, set up and prepare for a long trek ahead, although, if you're not pressed for time or resting up for a big hike, I'd recommend continuing on past the established sites into the more scenic backcountry. One major advantage of Hetch Hetchy is that you'll avoid the major crowds in Yosemite Valley which can't be beat in my book.

  • Quinn M.
    Sep. 23, 2019

    North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    Close to Perfect

    My brother and I hit the north grove campground for the first time this past weekend. My expectations weren’t high but this place was great.

    The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative. The campground map makes it seem like the road was further away from the sites but I woke up a couple of times from road noise.

    Our campsite had a fire ring, bbq, picnic table and bear box and still had a large flat spot for my huge tent as well as parking for my car.

    The weather was great, no bugs to be found and plenty to do. I already want to go back next year but choose a site further from the road.

  • L
    Sep. 1, 2018

    Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Great Location

    Typical campground set up with fire rings and bear lockers at each campsite. Flush toilets, but no showers. There is a dedicated sink to wash dishes at by the bathrooms along with a faucet for drinking water and a water bottle filling station. You can take a shower at Half Dome village right down the road for $5/person. They provide towels, shampoo, and body wash. The campground is conveniently located right next to a shuttle stop which makes it easy to get around the valley, but it’s also very noisy at times if you have a campsite right next to the road so just keep that in mind. Both Half Dome Village and Yosemite Village have large general stores that sell firewood and anything you could possibly need so if you forget something you can most likely find it there. No WiFi and very limited cell service. You can get LTE coverage outside Lower Yosemite Falls if you absolutely need to get ahold of someone or read an email. My only warning is about the pine sap! The pine trees are great for shade but get pine sap all over everything so just be prepared to clean it off your car and camping gear. Also a good idea to bring something to cover the seats of your picnic bench when you sit down, otherwise you stick to them.

  • K
    Jul. 11, 2016

    North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Convenient for exploring Yosemite

    On the east side of Yosemite Valley, it offers a convenient spot to rest after exploring and enjoying all the activities the area has to offer. Is crowded, but each spot is equipped with fire ring, food storage, picnic table, parking spot and flat, shaded spots for your tent.

    Advantages: car camping, good for families, pets are allowed, bathroom and potable water nearby. Shuttle bus is pretty close too.

    Disadvantages: Crowded, have to book a lot of time in advanced, distance between campsites is short.

  • Ashley L.
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

    We extended our stay it was so beautiful and well located in the valley

    Come early! There were a dozen people already in line when we arrived at 4:30a. These are shared sites meaning there are 6 people assigned per site to share a fire ring and it was $8 per person per night. Fires are regulated and strictly enforced- no fires 10p to 5a. The rangers will site you if you leave trash or food out unattended. There are reasons for the bear proof boxes provided and they take their bear safety seriously, which is appreciated. The ground squirrels were begging by day and racoons by night so it is keep loose items stored. There are no showers onsite but you can find some at neighboring campgrounds. We recommend the Green Dragon trolly tour. We got to hit all of the POI's while learning some history in 2.5 hrs or so. We saw plenty of deer along the way and slowed for all the best photos. Rangers offered coffee in the mornings by the Raffi Memorial Boulder across from the bathroom. We had a great site with access to an open area for some frisbee or just taking in the view. This is a park then walk-in campground so be prepared to walk a few hundred feet to your tent site…well worth it for the view up El Capitan from our site and Yosemite falls view from parking area.

  • Momma H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2021

    Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

    Great base for climbing El Capitan

    Open year-round by lottery, Camp 4 is a popular campground for rock climbers attempting the trek up El Capitan. Because of its popularity, its 25 campsites are hard to come by. Each includes a picnic table, fire pit and bear lockers (shared). There are flush toilets and potable water nearby. Tents only, and no animals allowed.

  • Mark L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    Rugged, Remote, Dusty

    Red Cloud Rd offers few viable camping sites. The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration.

    Leave no trace!


Guide to La Grange

Tent camping near La Grange, California, offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Railroad Flat Campground provides drinking water and clean toilets, making it a convenient choice for campers.
  • Willow Placer Campground features well-maintained sites with trash disposal and bear boxes for safety.
  • Cole Ranch offers electric hookups and communal kitchen facilities, enhancing the camping experience.

Activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • At Railroad Flat Campground, visitors can hike along the old railroad route and enjoy stunning views of the Merced River.
  • Eagle Point is ideal for fishing and exploring the surrounding wilderness, providing a peaceful retreat.
  • Willow Placer Campground allows for swimming and relaxing by the river, perfect for hot summer days.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $50

  • North Fork Primitive Camp offers a no-frills experience at no cost, ideal for those looking to camp on a budget.
  • Railroad Flat Campground has affordable rates, making it accessible for families and solo adventurers alike.
  • Cole Ranch provides a unique private camping experience with prices around $50, ensuring a memorable stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near La Grange, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near La Grange, CA is Cole Ranch with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near La Grange, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near La Grange, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.