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.
