Camping options near Mather, California offer pet-friendly accommodations ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. Located at approximately 4,500 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this area experiences hot, dry summers and snowy winters that affect road access to many camping areas. Most campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of Mather maintain clean facilities despite high visitor volume during peak season from May through September.
What to do
Swimming in natural pools: Several swimming spots along the Merced River provide relief from summer heat. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, campers enjoy "Beautiful river running through the campground" with "lots of kids playing in the water" that helps tire them out during family trips.
Hiking to Mirror Lake: This relatively flat trail starts near North Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley. One visitor at North Pines Campground noted, "It is in easy walking distance to the path to Mirror Lake and the ever popular Mist Trail. Shuttle stops at all valley attractions."
Visit Hetch Hetchy: Less crowded than main valley areas, this reservoir offers hiking with waterfall views. A camper staying at Dimond O mentioned, "It's secluded, away from road noise and the river's flow and swimming hole is a very short stroll away. We also appreciated being only three miles away from Hetch Hetchy, too. It is a part of Yosemite that does not receive many visitors."
Bird watching: Dawn and dusk provide prime wildlife viewing opportunities. Lower Pines Campground hosts "nightly seminars on different topics in the amphitheater (the night we went it was on bird communication)."
What campers like
Access to swimming holes: Natural water features rank high among visitor preferences. At Yosemite Creek Campground, visitors appreciate "jumping in the water with the solitude of the wilderness" during warmer months when the creek flows well.
Ranger-led programs: Educational activities enhance camping experiences. At Lower Pines Campground, rangers conduct "nightly seminars on different topics in the amphitheater" covering subjects from wildlife to astronomy.
Early morning wildlife viewing: Dawn offers opportunities to see deer and other animals. At Hodgdon Meadow, one camper described a "small, quiet, magical moment" when "just as the light broke through a small group of deer meandered by" their campsite.
Distance from neighboring campers: Many campers value privacy between sites. At Hardin Flat Road dispersed area, visitors note "Lots of available spots along Hardin Flat Road, most with good shade. Passed 10-15 pull out spots for car campers, and at least 10 more easily accessible spots for tents."
What you should know
Fire regulations vary by location: Fire restrictions change seasonally and by elevation. At Wawona Campground, "there are no restrictions on the hours for campfires in the campground - unlike in the Valley, which restricts fires to the hours of 5pm to 10pm due to concerns about haze being trapped by the Valley walls."
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. A camper at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes mentioned "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."
Bear safety protocols: All food must be stored properly throughout the area. A Lower Pines camper warned, "Be sure to use the Bear box in your site and keep it closed at all times. I've heard stories about people simply walking back to the car and a bear getting into the box within a minute."
Booking windows: Reservations open months in advance for most established sites. For Hodgdon Meadow, a visitor advised, "In terms of getting the permit, you do have to get online and hit the button on the dot of the hour."
Tips for camping with families
Consider campground noise levels: Some locations are quieter than others. At Hodgdon Meadow Campground, "Rangers come during the weekend mornings to bring coffee and info which was nice," creating a welcoming atmosphere for families.
Proximity to shower facilities: After active days, showers become important. A visitor at Indian Flat RV Park noted, "Great place to relax after a long day of hiking in Yosemite" with "showers, clean bathrooms" that work well for families with children.
Educational opportunities: Look for junior ranger programs. At Wawona, you can "walk across the road and check out the covered bridge and barn around the pioneer history center" for history-focused activities suitable for children.
Swimming accessibility: Locations with safe water access provide natural entertainment. One Wawona visitor highlighted "Swimming holes all up and down those creeks" that remain popular with families throughout summer.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Mather offer few or no hookup sites. At Indian Flat RV Park, they have "full hook up, VERY well maintained facilities" but a visitor noted spaces are limited and you should "get there early."
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds limit generator use hours. A North Pines camper mentioned, "We are not RV people so we don't know why they need to run them. Next time we will camp in a tent only area."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. Upper Pines provides a "sanitary-dump" that was "being renovated" according to one camper, who noted "This was free when I was there (FEB) but it was clearly being renovated so might be pay in future."
Site length considerations: Many campsites cannot accommodate larger rigs. One visitor to Upper Pines advised, "Sites are tight would not recommend a rig over 30. Good access to shuttle system."
