Best Campgrounds near Mather, CA
The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Mather, California provide gateway access to Yosemite National Park with a range of camping experiences from developed campgrounds to primitive sites. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes in nearby Groveland offers year-round RV, tent, and cabin accommodations with full hookups. Within Yosemite itself, Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines campgrounds in Yosemite Valley provide centralized access to iconic park features, while Hodgdon Meadow and Wawona campgrounds offer slightly less crowded alternatives. Dispersed camping options exist along Hardin Flat Road for those seeking more solitude and a primitive experience.
Reservations for Yosemite Valley campgrounds are notoriously competitive, with sites often booking months in advance, especially during summer. As one camper noted, "Reservations are hard to come by; we got very lucky and reserved our spot only a couple of weeks before our trip (traveling in the Fall helped some)." Bear activity is prevalent throughout the region, requiring proper food storage in provided bear boxes. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically April through October, with higher elevation sites having shorter seasons. Fire restrictions are common during dry months, with one visitor reporting, "When we road tripped through California in October there were fire bans at every campground so bring your stoves!"
Campers consistently mention the trade-off between convenience and crowds in Yosemite Valley campgrounds. One reviewer observed, "Even though you are practically on top of each other at this campground, it's totally worth it in my opinion just to sleep in Yosemite Valley." For those seeking quieter alternatives, campgrounds outside the valley like Hodgdon Meadow provide better access to Hetch Hetchy, Tuolumne Grove, and Tioga Road attractions. Wildlife encounters are common, with bears and coyotes frequently spotted near campsites. Amenities vary widely, with most Yosemite Valley campgrounds offering flush toilets and drinking water but no showers. Campgrounds outside the park boundaries often provide more amenities including shower facilities and hookups for RVs.
