Best Campgrounds near Mather, CA

Searching for the best camping near Mather, CA? Mather is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Mather, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Mather, California (334)

    1. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    39 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +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

    22 Reviews
    Mather, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +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

    61 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +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. Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

    39 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +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. "

    5. Hardin Flat Road

    13 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    5 miles

    "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."

    "Was ideal for the one night and a ten minute drive from the park entrance. Quite and tranquil setting"

    6. Dimond O Campground

    12 Reviews
    Mather, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +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. Yosemite Creek — Yosemite National Park

    16 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    23 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +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."

    9. Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park

    40 Reviews
    Wawona, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 375-9535

    $28 - $75 / night

    "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."

    "I didn’t go swimming but the family next to my site seemed like they were enjoying the river, especially the little ones."

    10. Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    20 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $36 - $60 / night

    "Bathrooms were clean, access to drinking water was easy. Park shuttle is nearby and easy to get around."

    "There is only a small area next to the paved parkway that is flat for our 6-person tent. But this is a Yosemite campground, we would take whatever campsite available. Restroom is clean."

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Showing results 1-10 of 334 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mather, CA

1378 Reviews of 334 Mather Campgrounds



Guide to Mather

Camping near Mather, California, offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with stunning views and plenty of activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy tent spot or a more comfortable RV site, there are options that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in Yosemite National Park. Many campers rave about the access to trails right from their campsites. One reviewer at Upper Pines Campground said, "Great camp experience with trail heads outside your door."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Wawona Campground enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, with one stating, "You wouldn’t really notice other people were there unless you looked around."
  • River Activities: Enjoy the nearby rivers for swimming or tubing. A camper at North Pines Campground mentioned, "We had a fire pit, bear locker, picnic table and two tents! ... hop into the river float back down."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. One visitor at Tuolumne Meadows Campground shared, "The access to the JMT is only a 1/4 mile from our site. Airy, clean and plenty of water access points."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Wawona Campground said, "The sites are relatively spacious and provide a mix of shade and sun."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the tranquility. One camper at Camp 4 noted, "Very quiet and peaceful. You wouldn’t really notice other people were there unless you looked around."

What you should know:

  • Booking Challenges: Reservations can be tough to secure. A camper at Upper Pines Campground mentioned, "Great place, amazing position with astonishing views, but almost impossible to book."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A visitor at Hodgdon Meadow Campground pointed out, "No showers though, but the bathrooms were clear and okay."
  • Wildlife Safety: Be cautious about food storage. A camper at Camp 4 warned, "The rangers are very serious about bear/wildlife safety in Yosemite."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites that offer activities for kids. One family at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort enjoyed, "The petting farm was a big hit too with the kids."
  • Plan for Space: Make sure your site can accommodate your family comfortably. A reviewer at North Pines Campground mentioned, "The site was actually really large. We didn't set up tents but it would've fit several."
  • Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Wawona Campground said, "With my family, I may come here and play games."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort noted, "The sites were large and the scenery beautiful."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may have poor Wi-Fi or cell service. A camper at Yosemite Pines RV Resort mentioned, "Cell service was non-existent - but such is life in the mountains."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A visitor at North Pines Campground shared, "The showers are across the way at upper pines as well as dump station and water station for RV."

Camping near Mather, California, is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy quality time with family and friends. With a little planning, you can have a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mather, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mather, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 334 campgrounds and RV parks near Mather, CA and 35 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mather, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mather, CA is Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes with a 4.2-star rating from 39 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mather, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Mather, CA.

What parks are near Mather, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Mather, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.