Kelly I.
Traveler
TravelerCrane Flat Campground
Great location
This was a great spot for a quick stay. Restrooms, camping and good spaces between others. Would definitely stay here again!
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Mather, California (351)
1. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
45 ReviewsEastman Lake, CA7 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."
2. Hodgdon Meadow Campground — Yosemite National Park
24 ReviewsMather, CA6 milesWebsite+1 (209) 379-2123$36 - $75 / night
"From the East entrance of the park off the 120 the campsite is less than a mile from the entrance gate."
"Campsite was nice, close to the entrance. Gives you access to the valley and the northern part of the park. Facilities were decent."
3. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
66 ReviewsYosemite Valley, CA19 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."
4. Hardin Flat Road
20 ReviewsEastman Lake, CA5 miles"Being so close to the entrance to Yosemite and yet deep in the peace of the forest is a golden treat. This road has both the Hardin Flat and the hardin Dispersed sites."
"Just a 10 minute drive from the entrance to Yosemite! The spots along the creek were very buggy. We found one away from the water and not at all buggy."
5. Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park
39 ReviewsYosemite Valley, CA17 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. "
6. Dimond O Campground
12 ReviewsMather, CA4 milesWebsite+1 (209) 379-2258$38 - $76 / night
"Clean and nice camp with river, firewood and awesome starts; Close to Yosemite park, however outside of the border, so visitors will require pass"
"This is a great campground right outside of the north entrance to Yosemite. Super clean and there is a nice creek to hang out at within walking distance"
7. Indian Flat RV Park
18 ReviewsEl Portal, CA15 milesWebsite+1 (209) 379-2339$30 - $289 / night
"Fantastic WiFi, extremely clean bathrooms and shower rooms, excellent pool at cedar Lodge next door, short walkable distance to the YART bus stop into Yosemite, great price for a campground 8 miles from"
"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."
8. Yosemite Creek — Yosemite National Park
16 ReviewsYosemite Valley, CA15 milesWebsite+1 (209) 379-2123$24 / night
"Not a bad drive, of course everything in California is beautiful compared to the flat lands of Texas."
"The campground was easy to find, conveniently located within the park, spacious and very clean. I was a little nervous about bears, but there is a bear locker for every site."
9. North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
23 ReviewsYosemite Valley, CA19 milesWebsite+1 (209) 372-8502$48 / night
"There is a shuttle stop right outside the campground. You are also in easy walking distance to the path to Mirror Lake and the ever popular Mist Trail."
"Within walking distance is the edge of the Merced river, from there you have views of Yosemite Falls."
10. Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
25 ReviewsGroveland, CA19 milesWebsite+1 (209) 962-7690$24 - $439 / night
"Only 5 minutes away from a small town for groceries. It is quite a drive to get to the actual locations in the Yosemite park from the campground."
"If you plan to go into Yosemite NP, it's a long drive so plan accordingly. Our family really enjoys Rainbow Pools and Yosemite Pine's proximity to Rainbow Pools is part of why we stay here."
Recent Camping Photos near Mather, CA
599 Photos of 351 Mather Campgrounds
Gabriella
Dimond O Campground
mason M.
Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping
miranda
Hardin Flat Road
Winnie H.
Hodgdon Meadow Campground — Yosemite National Park
Erin A.
Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
Erin S.
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Beth G.
Cherry Valley - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
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Crane Flat Campground — Yosemite National Park
Rob R.
Lumsden Bridge Campground
Tom M.
Colfax Spring - Canyon Ridge Yosemite
Fidel
South Fork Campground
The Dyrt
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Recent Reviews near Mather, CA
1534 Reviews of 351 Mather Campgrounds
M H.
ScoutHigh Sierra RV Park
Fraudulent business practices
I made a campsite reservation, later changed the dates, and ultimately had to cancel. The cancellation was made both by phone and email more than 7 days before the scheduled arrival date.
I understand and accepted the $5 reservation change fee and the $10 cancellation fee outlined in their policy. However, instead of refunding the remaining balance, they kept the entire amount and issued no refund whatsoever.
As a result, I have initiated a credit card dispute. I would strongly recommend reviewing their cancellation policies and billing practices carefully before booking.
- TThomas K S.Scout
Mono Vista RV Park
Well kept and friendly owners
Stayed here for six days from May 26, and it was neat and clean. Great sites, no dirt, mostly grass. Just a wonderful stay. Will come again. The only downside is they take no credit cards, only cash and checks, so you have to send a check 14 days ahead of time. They had quite a few vacancies, we called in the day before we arrived, and had no issue, and luckily had my checkbook with me, which is a rarity
N P.ScoutBarrett Cove Merced Irrigation District
Great fun
We have spent summers here on the water for the last 3 years. The site has a convenience store and a restaurant that serves up a really great burger. Also a very short drive into town.
Angela Jerel G.ScoutPark of the Sierras - Escapee Park
SKP Park of the Sierras exceeded our expectations
We stayed at SKP Park of the Sierras for two months during April and May and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. To use the park, you'll need an Escapees membership(about$50), which we found well worth the cost given the quality of the facilities and amenities.
Originally, we were only able to reserve one month at a time, but when our circumstances changed, the office staff were incredibly understanding and worked with us to extend our stay. The staff throughout the park were welcoming, friendly, and helpful.
Our site was spacious, shaded by mature trees, and included full hookups and a concrete patio area that was perfect for setting up chairs and relaxing outdoors. The grounds were well maintained, and the park was surprisingly quiet during our stay. The amenities were excellent. The clubhouse hosted daily activities, and there was a library, games, fitness area, coffee station, and a donation-based thrift shop section. The laundry facilities were clean and well maintained, and quarters were available for purchase in the office during business hours.
Traveling with dogs, we especially appreciated the dog park. It featured separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, water spigots, covered areas for rainy weather, and even a heater for chilly mornings.
The shower facilities were clean and comfortable. They sold propane onsite. Fuel was conveniently located just down the road at the casino, often at reasonable prices. For our longer stay we would drive into Oakhurst or Fresno for groceries, so it's worth planning ahead for larger grocery runs.
One of the biggest advantages of this park is its location. It served as an excellent home base for exploring Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Monterey Bay, San Francisco, and Pinnacles National Park,(we don’t mind a long drive!).
We used Starlink throughout our stay and were pleased by how well it worked. Even with a tree-filled site, it was able to find enough open sky to maintain a reliable connection.
A few things future guests should know: some of the roads have tighter curves, but the staff are very knowledgeable about matching RVs to appropriate sites. Our 25-foot trailer had no issues. Mail and package delivery can also require some planning. As guests, we had mail sent to General Delivery at the Coarsegold Post Office. However, we later learned that FedEx would not deliver there, so packages shipped by different carriers may require different delivery addresses. It's worth confirming shipping methods before ordering anything important.
Overall, SKP Park of the Sierras exceeded our expectations. The spacious sites, excellent amenities, quiet atmosphere, friendly staff, and central location made it one of our favorite long-term stays. We would gladly return and highly recommend it to other RV travelers.
Breanna E.ScoutRiver Ranch Campground
Beautiful but STRICT
This campsite was well kept, in a beautiful area not toooo far from stores if you forget anything and a really beautiful creek and river around it. The camp hosts are nice and seem to really care about the property, which I love seeing. There is no electric hookups at least at some of the sites which is fine, just be aware to plan for that if you need any medical devices etc. The mosquitoes are rabid. So come prepared with the best repellent you can get. They keep the potties clean but like of spiders in them that have clearer been left there, one had a small wasps nest that I took care of since it was right by our head in the toilet. I also wouldn’t plan to swim, if it gets warm enough I guess, but the water is literally ice cold. I got in to my ankles and they were red and stinging after about 10 seconds.
While I understand most of their rules the one rule that is THE MOST insisted and on literally all points of booking and checking in is that they don’t allow any music of and level on any speakers. I understand quiet times and having a sound limit but absolutely no music seems extreme to me. Especially for families, my kids love music and it’s a daily part of our lives, and as a place they used to hold literal music festivals it seems a little saddening to me.
But overall it was a nice time.
- JJessica W.Scout
Fraser Flat Campground
Quiet
It's been some years since I've been here but just downloaded this app. I wouldn't take my children now because of the river, but if it's just adults I think it's a great spot! Small and quiet!
Peter D.TravelerHodgdon Meadow Campground — Yosemite National Park
Beautiful Views, Frustrating Experience
The morning view and the sunset light through the trees were wonderful, and the starry sky at night was a highlight. I also liked the grill area, but the campsite was quite challenging for the tent since the ground wasn't even.
We booked two nights but left after one because of the cold weather and lack of internet connection. Service was only available about 10 minutes away by car, which became inconvenient for us. Since the area is publicly managed, getting help was difficult, and we couldn’t easily cancel the second night because nobody was available. Two volunteers were very kind and tried to help though.
The place would also benefit from adding showers, especially considering how many people stay there.
Overall, the location itself was beautiful, but the inconveniences made it harder to fully enjoy the experience.
Elijah W.ScoutWawona Campground — Yosemite National Park
Just Okay
Wawona Campground is good if all you’re needing is somewhere to camp inside the park. The sites are fairly close together with little to no foliage blocking your view to each site. Some of the sites are not very level so if you have a roof tent like myself keep this in mind. It is about a 30-40 minute drive to the valley and the whole campground just feels busy and not much privacy. If you’re needing a place to stay I would recommend trying for a campground inside the Valley it will make your time in Yosemite much better spent
Guide to Mather
Dispersed camping options near Mather, California extend beyond the well-known Yosemite Valley campgrounds. The area sits at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates that affect camping seasons and conditions. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing in higher elevations, while summer days can reach 90°F with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: Rainbow Pool, located near Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, offers natural swimming areas popular with locals. "Plus a short drive to Rainbow Pool and Cherry Lake if you want to avoid park crowds," notes one camper about Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes.
Hetch Hetchy exploration: This less-visited section of Yosemite provides spectacular waterfalls without valley crowds. A camper from Dimond O Campground shares: "We also appreciated being only three miles away from Hetch Hetchy, too. It is a part of Yosemite that does not receive many visitors and to take in what used to be there (It was John Muir's favorite valley), is a trip in itself."
Night sky viewing: The Mather area offers excellent stargazing due to minimal light pollution. "At night you can't sleep because of the brightness. The stars are really pretty," reports a visitor to Camp 4, highlighting the exceptional night sky visibility throughout the region.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Many campgrounds in the area offer sites directly adjacent to water. At Wawona Campground, "Love the site we had, close to water and surrounded by trees. Close to amenities and a local store for supplies. Prepare for a 45-60 min drive to the Yosemite Park and the valley."
Wider spacing than valley sites: Campgrounds outside Yosemite Valley typically offer more space between sites. "The sites are large, well-spaced, and idyllic. Many of them are situated along the South Fork of the Merced River. It's quiet there - and peaceful," explains a camper about Wawona Campground.
Wildlife encounters: The area provides regular opportunities for wildlife observation. At Hardin Flat Road, one visitor observed "Lots of ticks! be prepared. other than that, our camp was wonderful. there were many other groups camping in this area which provided a sense of comfort." Another camper at Dimond O mentioned: "I even woke one morning to cows in our campsite!"
What you should know
Fire permit requirements: Dispersed camping areas require California campfire permits, even for stoves. A Hardin Flat Road visitor notes: "I believe fires are allowed as long as you have a permit."
Limited cellular connectivity: Most camping areas have minimal or no cell service. At Yosemite Creek Campground, visitors warn there's no connectivity, while a camper at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes reports: "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."
Tree hazards: Dead or drought-damaged trees pose risks during wind events. "I'd think twice about staying here if it's going to be windy—several trees came down the second night we were here, which was pretty scary. Many of the trees (just outside the campsites) are fire and drought damaged, and hence weak," warns a camper about Dimond O Campground.
Supply planning: Limited shopping options exist in the immediate area. A visitor to Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes advises: "No nearby grocery so have what you need. The Yosemite village store has quite a selection but it is an hour away."
Tips for camping with families
Ranger programs: Several campgrounds offer educational programs. "Rangers come during the weekend mornings to bring coffee and info which was nice," reports a visitor to Hodgdon Meadow Campground.
Swimming holes: Look for safe, natural water features for kids. "There is a good amount of tree coverage and a beautiful river running through the campground," notes a camper at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes.
Spacing considerations: Some areas offer better isolation for families. "There are spots here that are fairly shaded. It's first come first serve!" explains a camper at Camp 4, while another visitor to Hardin Flat Road adds: "This was a really nice stay close to Yosemite with really spread out spots. Couldn't even see your neighbor."
Morning wildlife viewing: Dawn offers prime wildlife observation opportunities. A visitor to Hodgdon Meadow shares: "Our site backed up to the meadow and we would stroll there in the morning light and it was beautiful! I slept in the hammock one night and just as the light broke through a small group of deer meandered by. It was a small, quiet, magical moment."
Tips from RVers
Road access limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. A North Pines Campground visitor warns: "Sites are tight would not recommend a rig over 30. Good access to shuttle system."
Generator restrictions: Be aware of when generator use is permitted. A North Pines camper notes: "The only downside to the spot was everyone else had a RV and had there generators on at 6am. We are not RV people so we don't know why they need to run them."
RV site selection: Research specific site dimensions before booking. "Pay attention to the site map as most spots are for just 1 vehicle if you want to camp in a group, and short if you have an RV or trailer," advises a visitor to Upper Pines Campground.
Hookup availability: Limited full-hookup sites exist in the area. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, "There are only a handful of 50amp spots and people move to them quickly after someone leaves lots of 30amp though so you might want to bring an adapter."
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I make reservations for Mather Campground?
When should I make reservations for Mather Campground?
Make reservations for Mather Campground as far in advance as possible - up to 6 months before your planned stay, especially for summer visits (May-September). Like Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park, sites at Mather fill extremely quickly during peak season. Reservations open on the 15th of each month for dates 6 months in advance and can be made online at Recreation.gov. Holiday weekends and summer months often book within minutes of becoming available. For spring and fall visits, booking 3-4 months ahead is recommended. Winter camping (November-March) typically has better availability with some first-come, first-served options during the slower season.
What amenities are available at Mather Campground?
What amenities are available at Mather Campground?
Mather Campground offers basic but sufficient amenities including potable water spigots throughout the campground, flush toilets, coin-operated shower facilities at the nearby Camper Services building, and a general store within walking distance. Similar to North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park, each site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and parking for up to two vehicles. There are no electrical hookups or sewer connections, making it primarily tent-focused but suitable for small RVs and trailers. The campground provides access to a dump station nearby, trash and recycling facilities, and is conveniently located near the free Grand Canyon shuttle bus route that connects to key destinations throughout the South Rim.
Where is Mather Campground located in Grand Canyon National Park?
Where is Mather Campground located in Grand Canyon National Park?
Mather Campground is located in the South Rim area of Grand Canyon National Park, about a quarter-mile from the Grand Canyon Village and approximately one mile from the canyon rim. The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of around 7,000 feet. Similar to Crane Flat Campground — Yosemite National Park, Mather Campground serves as a central base for exploring the park with convenient access to visitor centers, restaurants, and trailheads. The South Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park is the closest entrance to reach Mather Campground, located about 7 miles north of the town of Tusayan.
How much does it cost to stay at Mather Campground?
How much does it cost to stay at Mather Campground?
Mather Campground typically charges $18-25 per night for standard sites, with an additional vehicle fee of $9 if you bring more than one car. Similar to Tioga Lake Campground, rates may vary slightly by season. There's also a park entrance fee ($35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass) unless you have an America the Beautiful annual pass. Group sites cost approximately $50-90 per night depending on capacity. The campground requires full payment at the time of reservation, with a $10 non-refundable reservation fee. Cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance may qualify for a partial refund minus the reservation fee.
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