267 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Midpines, California anchors multiple camping areas near Yosemite National Park, with accommodations ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. McCabe Flat Campground sits directly in Midpines, offering riverfront tent and RV sites with basic amenities during its April to September season. Several miles away, Indian Flat RV Park provides more developed options with electric hookups, showers, and cabin rentals. The region includes both Bureau of Land Management parcels for primitive camping and commercial campgrounds with varying levels of infrastructure, creating options for different camping preferences within proximity to Yosemite Valley.
Road conditions and weather patterns impact accessibility throughout the camping season. Many campgrounds in the Midpines area remain operational year-round, while others like McCabe Flat close during winter months. "I arrived on a Thursday morning around 10:30 and I was lucky to snag a prime spot at the Railroad Flat campground. By Saturday morning all sites were full," noted one camper about the McCabe Flat area. The dirt roads accessing some campsites have occasional potholes but remain passable for most passenger vehicles. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making riverside campsites particularly valuable. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with limited connectivity in many camping areas. Visitors should prepare for changing conditions, especially during fire season when restrictions may be implemented.
Riverside camping represents a significant draw in the Midpines area, particularly at McCabe Flat where sites border the Merced River. Several campers report quality fishing opportunities directly from their campsites, with one visitor catching a 12-inch rainbow trout near their tent. The proximity to Yosemite National Park (approximately 20 miles away) makes these campgrounds popular bases for day trips into the park while avoiding the crowds and competition for reservations found at in-park campgrounds. Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though limited car camping spots fill quickly during peak seasons. Water access varies significantly between developed campgrounds and dispersed sites, with many primitive areas requiring visitors to bring their own drinking water.
"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."
from $36 - $75 / night
Check Availability"After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."
"Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."
"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."
"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."
from $30 - $289 / night
Check Availability"I arrived on a Thursday morning around 10:30 and I was lucky to snag a prime spot (#25) at the Railroad Flat campground (the last and I think best of the 3 campgrounds)."
"There is trash cans for each of the 3 campsites that go with this one. there a great little swimming hole just up the path."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"It’s close to both Yosemite entrances ! Close to town . Love it ."
"He kept in touch with us all throughout our drive there and helped us get set up upon arrival."
"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."
from $36 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $36 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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. "
from $60 / night
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GuideVery warm weekend (as to be expected in July) bathrooms and showers were satisfactory. It’s a public campsite with lots of families and most are there for the lake. Sites were large enough but No hookups for RV. We just stayed at night and spent the days with family in the area. Met our needs.
ScoutAlthough this campground is located in the midst of so much dramatic beauty, few campgrounds capture that beauty like this one. While sitting in your campsite, you can see majestic mountains and a very quiet. It is located across from horse stables if you like that and near a little store. Fishing appears to be the popular activity here although we are not fisher persons. It is a great base camp to all of the June Lake and Mammoth region
GuideTop tier campsite. Very clean, well maintained, sites spaced out well (compared to campsites in the valley) and in a very pretty area of the park. You can reserve a site 14 days in advance on recreation.gov - I highly recommend doing that. It’s a 45 min drive to the valley, which is the only downside if you’re looking to be close to the popular valley destinations like El Cap. There’s a lovely stream that goes through the campground and plenty of fire wood.
GuideNice trees, very quiet.
TravelerYou don’t exactly need to go all the way to the pinpoint, I pulled off to the side about a mile before pinpoint. Amazing spot, several areas to pick from, safe and quiet with amazing views. Few other people but that also made me feel safe. I would definitely come back.
GuideAbsolutely beautiful campground. 40 min or more to Yosemite valley. Very quiet, no reception, pick your own firewood (not sold at campground but at the Valley), no showers but flushing toilets and plenty of water. Boulders throughout the campground and the occasional bear strolling through. Check in and check out required. Also bring warm clothing and sleeping bags for the night.
TravelerWe stayed here to get to Yosemite. The entrance is super close but you are about 45-60 minutes to get to Yosemite valley, but the drive is beautiful. There are plenty of sites we have a travel trailer about 26’ but I saw campers from tents to a 5th wheel out here. There are some dumpsters nearby for use. The dirt here is red and loose so you do have to worry about getting dusty.
GuideWe stayed for two nights and it was amazing. If you keep going you will get to a spot with 360° views. Make sure you drive slowly on the way in past the houses because of all the dust. The only downside is that someone decided to smash glass all over the campfire, so my dog had to have his boots on the whole time.
GuideAt first it was a little confusing to see where the sites are and where the driving path is, as I was there on a weekday and most of the sites were empty, however it’s not so difficult that you can’t find a site. I think if you were there on a weekend it would be easier to distinguish sites since more people would be around to fill them. My dog had so much fun exploring the forest behind our site, and I was able to get level within 2 minutes.
Midpines serves as a gateway to several camping areas within the Sierra Nevada foothills, sitting at approximately 2,900 feet elevation along Highway 140. The region features oak woodland and mixed conifer forests that create distinctive camping environments throughout the year, with many campgrounds operating beyond the McCabe Flat seasonal window from April to September.
River activities: Suitable during summer months when water levels moderate at McCabe Flat Campground. "Beautiful campground. I've been camping here for a few years now while rafting the Merced river. On this particular trip the weather was over 100 degrees but we had the river right next to us to cool down," reports Arturo C.
Hiking from camp: Multiple trail options at camping spots near Midpines, California. "I saw that there was a small dock and boat ramp at the main entrance if you plan on bringing kayaks or a boat. Fish cleaning station/bathrooms for fisherman," notes Trevor M. about Bagby Camping and Recreation. The attendant "recommended a hike that is accessible from the camp that hike is very nice but not very shaded. I would recommend doing that early morning."
Stargazing: Clear mountain skies make for excellent night viewing. "At night you cant sleep because of the brightness. The stars are really pretty," writes Phillip L., describing the experience at Camp 4 in Yosemite.
Wildlife watching: Various species visible from campsites. "During the morning light a small group of deer meandered by. It was a small, quiet, magical moment," shares Amber B. about her stay at Hodgdon Meadow Campground.
Swimming holes: Natural water features throughout the area provide relief from heat. "There is plenty of hiking and several swimming holes nearby for when it gets hot," mentions LILI P. about their experience at Railroad Flat campground. "The water was cold, high and fast but I managed to catch a 12" rainbow almost right away, just feet from the campsite."
Proximity to Yosemite: Strategic location for park access without the crowds. "Great spot to camp when you're in Yosemite but want a more peaceful place to stay for the night," notes Ala B. about Goat Meadow dispersed camping. "It's about 1 hour from the valley visitor center. Had great cell service through Verizon."
Farm experience: Unique camping option at specialty sites. "Jason, the owner has 100 acres he opens up to campers. Very nice, large spots. There are animals on site which the kids liked interacting with and feeding them our leftovers," explains Jennifer D. about her stay at Shooting Star Sanctuary.
Riverside sites: Premium locations along water. "We visited on a Tuesday in late April and there was only one other couple on the opposite end of the campground. The site itself is amazing. It has a beautiful river wrapping around it which you can easily walk down to and play in," shares Beatriz S. about Bagby Recreation Area.
Reservation challenges: Plan ahead during peak seasons. "I arrived on a Thursday morning around 10:30 and I was lucky to snag a prime spot (#25) at the Railroad Flat campground. There are few actual car camping spots (I sleep in my car) so plan accordingly. By Saturday morning all sites were full," explains LILI P.
Dirt road conditions: Variable quality requiring caution. "The dirt road was fine and only had a few large-ish potholes," notes LILI P. about access to McCabe Flat. For Goat Meadow, a camper reports "The road getting there has tons of potholes and the road in the site is super super bumpy."
Campsite privacy levels: Varies by location across the region. "When you drive up to the snow play area, continue straight off of the paved road (don't make the left) and you'll find a plethora of places to park and set up shop," advises Alexander Mark C. about Goat Meadow dispersed camping.
Bear safety: Essential precaution at all camping areas. At Railroad Flat campground, "You need a parking permit. The closest store is about 10-15 miles from the bridge in Midpines so come prepared," cautions LILI P.
Animal encounters: Educational opportunities at select campgrounds. "After we talked for a little he opened up the gate to release several mini pigs, mini goats, ducks, and chickens! My girlfriend and I were smiling cheek to cheek," writes Marco V. about Shooting Star Sanctuary. "While we were distracted by all the farm animals, a handful of kittens came out and started playing with us."
Swimming options: Cooling off during hot summer days. "The creek that runs by Upper Pines is very popular for swimming and rafting," notes R.D. about Upper Pines campground in Yosemite. "It's walking distance from a store and from lots of nearby trails."
Group camping: Family-friendly sites with communal spaces. "Spacious camground for big or small group, plenty of benches already there. Bear boxes on each designated area to store food and scented items when Area not attended or at night, it is required," explains Winnie H. about Hodgdon Meadow Campground.
Educational programs: Ranger activities at select locations. "Rangers come during the weekend mornings to bring coffee and info which was nice," shares Robyn H. about her Hodgdon Meadow experience.
Site access limitations: Size restrictions at certain campgrounds. "There is a narrow bridge (see pictures) before the campgrounds that limits vehicle size. It is not advisable for trailers over 18 feet in length," warns Matthew P. about McCabe Flat Campground. "We had a great stay. The campgrounds were very clean, and pit toilets were available."
RV hookups: Limited availability in the region. "Only complaint would be that the driveway into the site from the road is narrow, but manageable," notes Trevor M. about Bagby Recreation Area, which offers "30v/50v hookups, water hookups, fire pit."
Dump station locations: Plan accordingly for extended stays. "There is a spot to RV dump and fill water. This was free when I was there (FEB) but it was clearly being renovated so might be pay in future," advises Christine W. about Upper Pines Campground.
Site spacing: Variable throughout area campsites. "Each campsite contains a fire pit (no grill), picnic table, and four shared food lockers and is near a bathroom with drinking water and flushing toilets," explains a reviewer of Camp 4 in Yosemite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Midpines, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Midpines, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 267 campgrounds and RV parks near Midpines, CA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Midpines, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Midpines, CA is Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Midpines, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Midpines, CA.
What parks are near Midpines, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Midpines, CA that allow camping, notably Eastman Lake and Yosemite National Park.
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