Indian Flat RV Park provides tent, cabin, and yurt accommodations just 10 minutes from Yosemite National Park's entrance. Located near the Highway 140 corridor, this area offers camping at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 4,000 feet, with cooler temperatures than the Central Valley during summer months. Campers find accessible options from rustic yurt camping in Mariposa County to full-service RV sites with hookups.
What to do
Swimming in natural settings: The Cedar Lodge adjacent to Indian Flat RV Park offers a swimming pool available to campers. One visitor noted, "After a long day of hiking in Yosemite it was nice to relax at the pool next door." For natural swimming, Lake McSwain Recreation Area features a "splash n dash" area popular with families during summer months.
Access Yosemite without driving: The YART bus stops at Indian Flat RV Park, providing affordable transportation into the park. "It doesn't run frequently, and we had to catch it really early (7 am), but it was $20 for a family of four (round trip), and that included admission to the park," shares one camper. This eliminates concerns about parking or driving conditions.
Winter camping options: Yurt camping around Mariposa offers four-season accommodations. While many campgrounds close, Upper Pines Campground remains partially open during winter. "Only sites up to 97 of upper pines campground were open this time of year. The loop is closest to the entrance and you can walk to the park shuttles," reports one winter visitor.
What campers like
River access for cooling off: High Sierra RV Park features the Fresno River running through the property with swimming holes. "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," shares one family.
Year-round accessibility: Many Mariposa County campgrounds operate throughout all seasons. The Yosemite "Boondock National" dispersed camping area provides free camping options even when park facilities are limited. "My friend and I decided to go on a camping/road trip with no plans or reservations. Little did we know that due to COVID, Yosemite was only allowing people in the park with a printed reservation."
Community atmosphere: Camp 4 in Yosemite maintains its reputation as a social hub for outdoor enthusiasts. "If you call yourself a climber or hiker trash, you're required to stay at Camp 4. Camp 4 is probably the most famous and iconic campground in Yosemite Valley," explains a regular visitor.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty or no cell reception. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, "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."
Strict food storage requirements: Bears are active throughout the region. Camp 4 enforces strict rules: "The biggest rule is that all food and scented items that aren't within arms reach must be stored in the bear locker. Hammocks can't be hung from black oak trees, and fires are only allowed from 5pm to 10pm."
Seasonal wildlife encounters: Different times of year bring different wildlife. Codorniz Recreation Area campground warns visitors that "Fall has a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak camping for better experiences: Visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons reduces crowding. The Mariposa Fairgrounds offers affordable camping with amenities. One family noted, "We basically had the fairgrounds to ourselves. They have additional spots in more of a parking lot setting, well marked."
Reliable WiFi options: For families needing connectivity for work or school, select campgrounds offer better internet. "The wifi was the best campground internet we have experienced," reports a camper at Mariposa Fairgrounds, while most other area campgrounds have limited or no service.
Multiple accommodation types: Many campgrounds offer diverse sleeping arrangements. Indian Flat features "a good selection of sites, for RV's tents etc. cheap, fire pits, clean toilets and showers, level sites, free use of neighboring property's swimming pool, friendly staff, and a really quick drive into Yosemite Valley."
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Many campgrounds have tight sites or narrow access roads. At High Sierra RV Park, "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."
Off-grid preparation: For boondocking near Yosemite, prepare for self-sufficiency. Mount Raymond Road provides dispersed camping spots "about 5 minutes from the park entrance. Plenty of spots available," though there are no facilities or services available.
Winter hookup availability: Seasonal considerations affect RV camping options. Indian Flat RV Park notes "After November 1st, the office is closed and the RV park is on autopilot. There is no hot water in the bathrooms, which are not maintained," though it remains accessible for hardy winter campers.
