Glamping opportunities near Midpines stretch beyond the options mentioned in the primary description. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills at approximately 2,800 feet elevation, this region experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters, making year-round camping possible but with varying amenities. The surrounding oak and pine forests provide natural shade at many campgrounds, while proximity to the Merced River offers water recreation options during summer months.
What to do
Swimming spots for hot days: North of Midpines, Lake McSwain Recreation Area offers refreshing swimming options when temperatures climb. One camper noted, "The lake was beautiful and refreshing. Would come back again but maybe early spring."
Hiking near camp: Campers staying at Upper Pines Campground can access trails directly from their sites. A visitor mentioned, "I love how I can walk from here to several hikes, like Vernal and Nevada Falls. You can also walk to Curry Village for food, drink or some shopping."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer access to fishing. A Lake McSwain visitor shared their experience: "Love to come and relax, throw a couple of poles in and have a good time." Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased online or at sporting goods stores in Mariposa.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings are prime times to spot wildlife around camp. One camper at North Pines Campground observed, "It was fun to watch various critters (birds, squirrels, deer, coyotes) waltz through camp."
What campers like
Easy park access: Indian Flat RV Park provides convenient access to Yosemite. A visitor explained, "The campground is in a great spot. Ten minutes from Yosemite. The staff (one person) was very nice."
Riverside camping: Several campgrounds offer sites alongside the Merced River. A North Pines visitor recommended, "If you can get one of the sites by the Merced river it is icing on the cake. Site 504 rocks!"
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained amenities. One Indian Flat visitor noted, "Good selection of sites, for RVs tents etc. cheap, fire pits, clean toilets and showers, level sites, free use of neighboring property's swimming pool, friendly staff."
Free transportation: The YART bus service stops at several locations near Midpines, providing direct access to Yosemite Village. According to an Indian Flat visitor, "The lodge next door is a pick up spot for shuttles into the park. They have a bar/restaurant and a store which is convenient."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Securing spots at popular campgrounds requires planning. A Camp 4 visitor advised, "Since it's a no reservation spot, it's a bit of a struggle to actually get a site (early wake up and wait in line situation), but it's definitely worth it."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. A Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes visitor reported, "Close to Yosemite. Beautiful river running through the campground. There is no cell service."
Seasonal considerations: Facilities change seasonally at some locations. One Indian Flat camper noted, "After November 1st, the office is closed and the RV park is on autopilot. There is no hot water in the bathrooms, which are not maintained."
Wildlife precautions: Bear boxes are essential at Yosemite Valley campgrounds. As one camper at North Pines emphasized, "You get a fire ring and a bear box at each site. Generator hours are limited so plan accordingly."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Yosemite Pines RV Resort offers activities specifically for children. A visitor shared, "With a pool, petting zoo, a corral where they have a fire and s'mores followed by a movie, this is a great place to camp with the kids."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide swimming facilities for after-hike cool-downs. A visitor to Indian Flat noted, "After a long day of hiking in Yosemite it was nice to relax at the pool next door."
Glamping alternatives: For families wanting upgraded accommodations close to Midpines, California, several options exist. Yosemite Pines offers alternatives to traditional camping, as one visitor explained: "We stayed in a Yurt and it was absolutely amazing. We ended up coming in really late but they left our key for us."
Shuttle services: Families can avoid driving into crowded park areas by using available transportation. One Indian Flat visitor advised, "The YART bus (that shuttles you into the park) stops at the hotel next door. It doesn't run frequently, and we had to catch it really early (7 am), but it was $20 for a family of four (round trip), and that included admission to the park."
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Mariposa Fairgrounds provides full hookups for RVers. A visitor reported, "Full hookups on level gravel pads. We stayed in lot 5 at the back of the fair grounds, and it was quiet at night."
Internet access: Internet availability varies significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Mariposa Fairgrounds noted, "The Wifi is extremely good" while a Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes camper stated, "The bathrooms and showers are clean. The sites are a little tight. My Wi-Fi was Starlink so I don't know how the camp Wi-Fi was."
Campsite sizing: RV sites vary considerably in size and configuration. A Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes visitor advised, "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."
Dump station details: Some campgrounds offer dump stations for extended stays. Check availability before arrival as seasonal closures may affect access, particularly at Yosemite Valley campgrounds during winter months.
