K R.
Traveler
TravelerThousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
First time RV Park
Easy access parking site, great family lodge to spend cold days playing or watching videos. Great hiking trails to explore the area.
Best Mariposa Campgrounds and Camping Areas
The Mariposa region provides a strategic gateway to Yosemite National Park with diverse camping options throughout the surrounding foothills and mountains. Campgrounds like McCabe Flat along the Merced River offer tent and RV sites in a riparian setting, while facilities such as Mariposa Fairgrounds provide more developed options with full hookups. The area features a spectrum of accommodations ranging from primitive riverside tent sites to glamping experiences at locations like Shooting Star Sanctuary, situated approximately 30 miles from Yosemite Valley. Several campgrounds incorporate mixed-use designs with both walk-in tent areas and drive-up RV spaces. Mariposa camping areas offer excellent alternatives to more crowded locations, with many riverside campgrounds providing scenic views and refreshing swimming opportunities during hot summer months.
Narrow bridges and winding dirt roads limit vehicle size at many riverside locations, particularly along the Merced River corridor. "I came with my 16' Airstream in tow, and it fit perfectly. I would not recommend anything larger. The narrow road winds along the steep canyon wall with occasional pull-outs to allow oncoming cars to pass," noted one visitor at Railroad Flat Campground. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans possible during summer and fall drought conditions. Campground availability follows seasonal patterns, with Yosemite-adjacent sites filling quickly from late spring through early fall. Many locations lack potable water or hookups, requiring campers to arrive self-sufficient. Temperatures can exceed 100°F in summer months at lower elevations, while higher-elevation sites offer cooler conditions.
Public lands along the Merced River consistently receive high ratings for their scenery and proximity to water recreation. The three BLM campgrounds—McCabe Flat, Willow Placer, and Railroad Flat—provide first-come, first-served sites with varying degrees of privacy and river access. A recent review mentioned: "Beautiful campground. I've been camping here for a few years now while rafting the Merced river." Many campers appreciate that these less-developed areas serve as alternatives to crowded Yosemite campgrounds, though they require additional planning for water and supplies. During summer heat, riverside locations become particularly desirable for swimming access. Wildlife sightings, including river otters and various bird species, enhance the camping experience, though visitors should properly store food as bears and other wildlife are present throughout the region.
Best Camping Sites Near Mariposa, California (242)
1. Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park
40 ReviewsWawona, CA18 milesWebsite+1 (209) 375-9535$36 - $75 / night
"Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan - all right there, all within walking distance. But after two stints staying in Yosemite for a combined two-and-a-half weeks, I've learned my lesson."
"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."
2. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
44 ReviewsFish Camp, CA19 milesWebsite"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."
"Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."
3. Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest
18 ReviewsAhwahnee, CA12 miles+1 (801) 361-1982"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."
4. McCabe Flat Campground
11 ReviewsMidpines, CA8 milesWebsite+1 (916) 941-3101$20 - $40 / night
"There is trash cans for each of the 3 campsites that go with this one. there a great little swimming hole just up the path."
"No reservations in advance, an hour outside the park, and only $10 a night. There are two pit toilets that are well kept and something like 10-15 sites."
5. Indian Flat RV Park
16 ReviewsEl Portal, CA14 milesWebsite+1 (209) 379-2339$30 - $289 / night
"At least when we visited the RV Park and the adjacent Cedar Lodge was functioning as one, meaning we could also use their pool, arcade, ping pong etc. Good places with tables, BBQ included."
"It’s also really easy to get too and only 30 minutes away from Yosemite ."
6. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
45 ReviewsEastman Lake, CA23 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"Whip out your wallet and empty on it on the check-in desk of this thousand trails (or whatever) park."
"Our tent site was #311 and it was perfectly tucked in the trees with a stream alongside."
7. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
66 ReviewsYosemite Valley, CA28 milesWebsite+1 (209) 372-8502$36 / night
"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."
"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."
8. Mariposa Fairgrounds
4 ReviewsMariposa, CA2 miles+1 (209) 966-2432$55 / night
"Fairgrounds campground is clean, we'll kept and is convenient to Mariposa city and Yosemite National Park."
"It is 2 miles from town, but there are plenty of restaurants and a market in Mariposa to make the trip worthwhile Make sure you go to the Mine and Mineral museum on the the grounds."
9. Bagby Camping and Recreation
6 ReviewsMidpines, CA12 milesWebsite+1 (209) 354-2955"No cell service for us, but that was a good thing in my opinion to get away from the devices."
"It has a thw beautiful river wrapping around it which you can easily walk down to and play in. There are tons of wild flowers and some geese as well."
10. Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park
39 ReviewsYosemite Valley, CA27 milesWebsite+1 (209) 372-8502$60 / night
"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. "
Recent Camping Photos near Mariposa, CA
433 Photos of 242 Mariposa Campgrounds
Stephanie
AutoCamp Yosemite
Meg R.
McCabe Flat Campground
Meg R.
Willow Placer Campground
Chris &.
Railroad Flat Campground
Jason
Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest
Jean L.
Indian Flat RV Park
Conrad G.
Sierra National Forest Summit Camp Campground
Kerrie R.
Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park
Nathan G.
Summerdale Campground - Sierra National Forest
Mark G.
Lake McSwain Recreation Area
Haley M.
COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground
Dylan B.
Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
Recent Reviews near Mariposa, CA
1094 Reviews of 242 Mariposa Campgrounds
Dennis H.TravelerThousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
The Road (CA 120) from Oakdale to the campground is steep, narrow and has a lot of close quarter turns for a 40 foot motorhome pulling a 20 foot dual axle open car trailer with a Jeep on board. Occasionally the wheels of the trailer would cross into the center line on tight turns. Really didn't have any problems pulling the uphill grade with 400 hp. After you get to the top I do wish that they would mark the down hill grades when you come to them as there are a lot of ups and downs with curves once you are up on top. Definitely plan on using your engine brake. The weather was not hot when we made the trip but there are signs at the bottom of the mountain advising to turn off the air conditioning of your vehicle before making the ascent. Once there the RV park map that they gave us at check in showed us our site location but they did ot escort us. Some others did get an escort. The sewer pipe connection was recessed too far down in the concrete protective block/pad that I was not able screw my angled adapter into the provided threads. Ended up utilizing a large rock to retain the angled adapter into the poop chute. As others have said. Absolutely no cell signal from any carrier is available. Our neighboring camper advised that they were trying to use the park wi-fi but weren't getting very good reception. I let them use our starlink wi-fi as a common courtesy. Site 164 was level and a mix of sparse short grass and dirt. So guessing that when it rains, if it does we won't have to worry about the RV sinking into the grass as it is somewhat firm.
Vince N.
GuideUSBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Good spots, lousy neighbors
Staying here April 17-20 and it’s quite a good spot. Reservations are required but usually aren’t hard to get. $22 per night with a $8 reservation fee. Potable water available and bathrooms with a couple of them having showers. Weather is great with the lowest only getting to 48 degrees at night. Right by New Melones allowing for ease of water activities and taking a stroll around the park. Towns are 20-30 minute drive away so supplies and in-town activities also not hard to come by.
Only gripe is large groups nearby were noisy way past quiet hours. Besides that, great place to be.
- AAllen R.Traveler
Mariposa Fairgrounds
Very good stay
Simple self registration. Fairgrounds campground is clean, we'll kept and is convenient to Mariposa city and Yosemite National Park.
A G.
ScoutHidden View Campground — Hensley Lake
Relaxing, clean, beautiful landscape
Very calm, clean, welcoming campground on Hensley Lake. Free hot showers were clean.
Many of the sites have very weird, undesirable layouts for RVs, either the picnic table area up a hill from the RV pad or water spigot 65ft from thr RV pad. Do some research before booking. We stayed in 44, and again 38/39 (joint sites). 38/39 has power hookup at the pad and a water spigot about 65ft away in thr middle of the site.
All-in-all good stay and would come back if the right spots were open.
- BBailey B.Scout
Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
Easy to find and great location
GPS will take you straight to Goat meadow snow play area (look for signs too). Once you reach the area hang right to the dirt road and pick a spot! Plenty of space between camps and endless firewood options. Absolutely beautiful and peaceful. Before we parked we filled up with potable water at Wawona Campground.
LMTravelerModesto Reservoir
Great scenery, but easily ruined by inconsiderate campers
We recently camped at Vivian Cove and had a mixed experience.
The positives:
The natural setting is beautiful — right by the water with lots of ducks, and the campsite layout is quite nice. The stone seating areas are a great feature, and overall the location itself is very enjoyable. It feels more secluded compared to the main campground areas.Important notes about facilities:
Be aware that facilities here are very basic. While the site may be listed as having amenities, in reality:- There was no visible water access at the campsite
- No sinks or designated areas for washing dishes
- The restrooms are vault toilets (pit-style, no running water)
This may be expected for some campers, but it can be very different from what people assume if they see “restrooms” or “hookups” mentioned.
The main issue:
Our experience was heavily affected by a few groups who did not follow campground etiquette.- When we arrived shortly after check-in time (~4:15 PM), our reserved site was already occupied by another group
- Some visitors appeared to be using campsites without proper reservations
- A small number of groups were extremely disruptive at night — loud music, generators, and shouting well past quiet hours
While many campers were respectful and quiet, it only took one or two inconsiderate groups to significantly impact the experience.
Enforcement:
There does appear to be enforcement — staff/patrol came through in the morning and disruptive groups were eventually asked to leave. However, quiet hours were not effectively enforced overnight.Tips for future visitors:
- Bring earplugs
- Bring your own water and be prepared for no washing facilities
- Expect a more primitive camping setup
Overall:
The location is great, but the experience depends heavily on neighboring campers and expectations regarding facilit
Suiji M.ScoutShooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest
Love it
the road in was a bit tough but definitely worth it!!! So many cute animals and all very friendly. Owner is so nice and showed us around. Definitely recommend.
- KKayla T.Traveler
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Solid dispersed
Easy camping a short drive from the Yosemite entrance. Watch for potholes as you head up the hill. We camped in the grassy area right behind the parking lot. Quiet and beautiful. We stayed two nights and had no issues.
Guide to Mariposa
Camping options near Mariposa, California range from developed sites with full amenities to primitive riverside locations. Elevation varies from approximately 2,000 feet in the lower foothills to over 5,000 feet in higher forest areas, creating distinct temperature and vegetation zones. Most campsites receive minimal precipitation between May and September, with summer daytime temperatures often reaching 90-100°F at lower elevations while higher sites remain 10-15 degrees cooler.
What to do
Swimming at natural spots: McCabe Flat Campground provides direct river access with several swimming areas during summer months. "Beautiful campground. I've been camping here for a few years now while rafting the Merced river. On this particular trip the weather was over 100 degrees but we had the river right next to us to cool down," notes one camper at McCabe Flat.
Fishing opportunities: The Merced River corridor offers productive fishing spots for trout and bass. At Bagby Recreation Area, the waterfront campsites provide excellent fishing access. "There's a small dock and boat ramp at the main entrance if you plan on bringing kayaks or a boat. Fish cleaning station/bathrooms for fisherman," reports a visitor to Bagby Camping and Recreation.
Historical exploration: Mariposa County features numerous Gold Rush sites and museums. "Make sure you go to the Mine and Mineral museum on the grounds," recommends a camper at Mariposa Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds location provides convenient access to historical attractions while offering modern camping amenities.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Goat Meadow Dispersed Campsite offers seclusion not found at developed campgrounds. "Plenty of space for all vehicle sizes. Roads are very accessible. Nice and wooded," notes one camper at Goat Meadow. The free sites typically have substantial space between them, especially on weekdays.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature farm animals that enhance the family camping experience. "The kids loved playing with the animals and it was a convenient location to access Yosemite," says a visitor at Shooting Star Sanctuary. Others mentioned interacting with mini pigs, goats, ducks, chickens and kittens.
River proximity: Many campsites along the Merced River corridor offer direct water access. "We pulled in and there were a couple of trailers with horses and a couple of other vehicles and we parked with loads of space between," notes one camper at Goat Meadow. Waterfront sites typically fill first during peak season months.
What you should know
Road access limitations: Narrow roads restrict vehicle size at several campgrounds. "I came with my 16' Airstream in tow, and it fit perfectly. I would not recommend anything larger," explains a camper about navigating to riverside locations. For Indian Flat RV Park, a visitor notes, "The campground is right on the road but the traffic quieted down by night and we were in the park all day so it didn't bother us."
Wi-Fi and cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically by location. At the Mariposa Fairgrounds, "The wifi was the best campground internet we have experienced," while at more remote sites like Goat Meadow, some visitors report good Verizon coverage. Most riverside locations have no service at all.
Reservation systems: Walk-up availability differs between locations. At Goat Meadow, "We camped about a week which also crossed over Memorial Day weekend. This place gets CROWDED. At 5:30 it's like everyone got off work and headed home, it's nuts." Established campgrounds with amenities typically require reservations 3-6 months in advance during summer.
Tips for camping with families
Animal interactions: Children typically enjoy campgrounds with wildlife or farm animals. "We had the pleasure of staying with Jason and his family at the Shooting Star Sanctuary. There are plenty of farm animals in the sanctuary which Jason lets you feed and play around with," reports a visitor. These interactions create memorable experiences beyond traditional camping.
Water accessibility: Camping near swimming spots provides crucial heat relief during summer. "When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3" of snow, whereas other spots were about 6-8" of snow," notes a winter visitor to Goat Meadow. River sites often feature shallow wading areas suitable for supervised children.
Facility considerations: Bathroom and shower facilities vary dramatically between sites. "The bathrooms and showers are clean. The sites are a little tight," reports a camper at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, a location featuring full amenities including a swimming pool. Most BLM riverside locations offer only vault toilets.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Vehicle size restrictions apply at many locations. "We had no problem with our 23' Airstream – just go slowly and you'll be fine (there was a 40' Class A there, too, if that says anything)," notes an RVer at Shooting Star Sanctuary. Goat Meadow allows larger rigs but requires careful maneuvering on forest roads.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites exist but are limited. "Full hookups on level gravel pads. We stayed in lot 5 at the back of the fairgrounds, and it was quiet at night," reports a visitor at Mariposa Fairgrounds. Several campgrounds offer water and electric but not sewer connections.
Generator regulations: Policies vary widely between campgrounds. At developed sites, quiet hours typically restrict generator use between 10 pm and 6 am. Dispersed sites generally have no formal restrictions but camper etiquette suggests limited evening use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Mariposa, CA?
Where are the best campgrounds near Mariposa, CA?
Mariposa offers excellent camping options for Yosemite visitors. Mariposa Fairgrounds provides full hookups on level gravel pads with clean showers and exceptional WiFi, located just 2 miles from town with restaurants and markets nearby. For those seeking a traditional camping experience, Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park offers a quieter alternative to the crowded Valley campgrounds with spacious sites and proximity to park attractions. Other solid options include High Sierra RV Park with pull-through sites, Yosemite Pines RV Resort with family lodging, and Upper Billy Creek Campground with creekside sites. Note that road conditions can affect access, particularly at McCabe Flat Campground where closures have been reported on Route 140.
What activities can I do while camping in Mariposa?
What activities can I do while camping in Mariposa?
Mariposa's location makes it perfect for exploring Yosemite National Park's iconic attractions including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Hiking opportunities abound, from family-friendly trails to challenging backcountry routes like those near Gladys Lake Backcountry, Ansel Adams Wilderness, which offers epic scenery and serene solitude. For winter visitors, Summerdale Campground is near Goat Meadow Snow Play Area, perfect for sledding and snow activities. The Merced River provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and rafting in warmer months. Downtown Mariposa offers historical sites, shopping, dining, and the Mariposa Museum. Wildlife viewing, stargazing, photography, and mountain biking are also popular activities in the region, with many campgrounds providing access to scenic trails.
What amenities are available at Mariposa camping sites?
What amenities are available at Mariposa camping sites?
High Sierra RV Park offers full hookup sites with bathroom facilities, though some sites may require specific maneuvering for larger trailers. The park provides shower facilities, though privacy can be limited. For RV enthusiasts, Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging offers comprehensive amenities as a gateway to Yosemite. The Mariposa area also features campgrounds with varying amenity levels - from basic facilities at dispersed sites to developed campgrounds with potable water, flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Mariposa Fairgrounds provides exceptional WiFi service, clean shower facilities, and full hookups on level sites. Some campgrounds offer camp stores, laundry facilities, and dump stations, though availability varies seasonally.
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