L
Lani B.
Guide
GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Loads of space! Not many people here in October. Park lot had two trailers and the trail to the right is wide open with numerous pullouts. Lots of great trails around for the dogs.
Equestrian Camping near Midpines, CA
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Wawona Horse Campsites in Yosemite National Park provides dedicated spaces for campers with horses just 7 miles from the south entrance. These primitive campsites require reservations and allow fires in designated fire rings. While no horse corrals are provided, campers can use highlines or portable pens to secure their animals overnight. The sites accommodate both tent camping and modest-sized horse trailers with adequate parking space. Arriving early allows time to establish a comfortable camp before exploring the surrounding trails. The campground is strictly seasonal, operating primarily during the warmer months when trail conditions are optimal for riding.
Located within 30 minutes of Midpines, these equestrian campsites connect directly to Yosemite's extensive trail network, offering miles of bridle paths through towering sequoias and mountain terrain. Riders must bring all necessary supplies for their horses, including feed, water containers, and portable containment systems. The absence of permanent equine facilities means preparation is essential for a comfortable stay. Spots remain sparse around the Midpines area with Wawona representing one of the only official horse-friendly options near Yosemite. The primitive nature of these sites keeps traffic low, creating a peaceful environment for both horses and riders. Trail access provides opportunities for day-long rides through scenic backcountry with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Midpines (26)
1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
"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."
2. North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
"Great location right in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Great access to beautiful hikes and scenery. The camp sites are spacious."
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $48 / night
3. Bridalveil Creek Campground — Yosemite National Park
"Decent access to drinking water and each site has tables and fire rings, no RV hookups (another reason you have more "campers" and it's less noisy at night)."
"Your best bet is to visit the valley and camp outside the Park or in locations outside the valley. The granite cliffs and waterfalls are something to treasure."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $75 / night
4. COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground
"It would make the perfect group site as they were a bit tucked back from the other sites. Site #12 could easily be connected to site #11 as the brush is well-cleared between the two."
"Located a short 20 miles east of 99, just north of Fresno, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is stunning."
53 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $30 - $200 / night
5. Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
"For people with mobility issues, this site is a good walk away from the inner valley trails, fine for anyone else who is up for walking distances, because that is why you came to Yosemite!"
"Beautiful campground, unfortunately right next to the trail, but very spacious and also has bathrooms and picnic tables right there!"
6. Sierra National Forest Summit Camp Campground
7. Big Sandy Campground
"Off-road on the way to the camp site. We stayed at #4, with a good shade and it’s by the creek. Everything is good only it’s too dusty when other cars pass by without slowing down."
"Has a creek through the middle next to pretty much all sites. The stars at night are incredible. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Yosemite."
8. Yosemite Ridge
"You are aboute 12 Mi. to Yosemite Park entrance. It is family business , very clean and you feel country! They provide everything for you. There are few fool hock ups and they provide also fire wood."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $80 / night
9. Wawona Horse Campsites — Yosemite National Park
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
10. Sweetwater
"The site is pet friendly and has horse stables. Our neighbors were friendly and quiet. The site had a picnic table, fire pit, water spout and full electricity hook ups."
"Driving from the West toward Yosemite this location is one which will allow you to find a camping option before getting into the big crowds. "
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $43 / night
Drive Time
- 49 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 21 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 23 min from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 52 min from Stockton, CA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Midpines, CA
2 Photos of 26 Midpines Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Midpines, CA
198 Reviews of 26 Midpines Campgrounds
Rav H.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
This is actually a really nice free dispersed camping site. Once you get to the Goat Meadows sign if you go left you will find a large parking lot with bathrooms. There were probably ten rigs or so jst camping up on the parking lot. If you go right down the hill you will find multiple dispersed camping sites. They are a little obscure, but some have nice fire rings that let you know it’s a site. They are very well spaced so even when you have neighbors you will hardly see or hear them. At the top of the hill where you go left or right was a camp host looking site but not sure if it is actually, but there was a camper there with a bumper pull trailer who uses a very loud shop type cheap generator that you can literally hear all over the area. Luckily, he turned it off about 10pm but started it up around 8am. If it weren’t for him probably would have given this site five stars. Also, T-Mobile and ATT both had zero cell service our phones were both on SOS but that really wasn’t a problem for us.
Nick B.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Great dispersed spot
We came here in October and had no issues finding a spot. We stayed in the parking lot but there are also more remote spots if you continue to the right that are suitable for vans, truck campers, and tents. This area is only minutes from the west entrance to Yosemite and Mariposa Grove and 40 minutes from the valley. The parking lot is big-rig friendly but could fill up quick during the summer. There are on-site vault toilets and dumpsters.
Hans V.
RangerGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Close to Yosemite
Many spots on a very dusty and bumpy patch of forest just taking a right before the snowplay area. Many other boondockers, including one with a generator. Our spot had previously been used by horses evidenced by the pile of dung next to a tree. Smelled a bit funny. But as it is free, shouldn't complain of course - perfectly fine as a stop before or after Yosemite.
- KKevin R.
ScoutSilver Lake Campground at June Lake
Campground w/Incredible Views
New to camping and stumbled upon this campground. Turned out to be quite the place. Each site was spacious and far enough away from your neighbors to have privacy. Some sites had natural brush coverage, some sites more open. The upkeep was multiple times a day with cleaning the bathrooms. Direct access to the lake made this campground special. The only downside was the wind which seems fairly common. Great experience and would come back again.
- mmegan L.
TravelerGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Spacious sites in the forest
Tons of sites, some more secluded than others, with rings for fires. The location is great as it’s a 6 minute drive from the Mariposa South Entrance to Yosemite. Love being surrounded by pine trees! If you plan accordingly you can snag a secluded spot which makes the experience even better!
- RRedGuide
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Dry Camp Goat Meadows!
Excellent spot 7 min from the Yosemite South Wawona Entrance. Im staying at a dispersed camping spot in late July and there is level, paved parking with tent camping spots. Thankful they had porti-pottys (due to an event, not normal) and bear-proof trash receptacles as bears did visit while camping here! No water access, however you can fill up bottles from the drinking fountains at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center right past the park entrance. ENJOY!
Rob H.GuideUSBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Decent Campground
Very 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.
Pamela H.ScoutSilver Lake Campground at June Lake
Best views in the area.
Although 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
Guide to Midpines
Goat Meadow Dispersed Camp Site offers free camping at 5,200 feet elevation near Yosemite's south entrance. Located in Sierra National Forest, this primitive area features established fire pits with parking and tent spaces among tall pines. Seasonal snowfall impacts accessibility from November through spring months, with snow depths varying from 3-8 inches during winter camping season.
What to do
Forest exploration: The area surrounding Goat Meadow Dispersed Camp Site provides excellent terrain for wilderness exploration. "Beautiful scenery, clean, close to Yosemite, and easy to reach. As others have said, follow Mount Raymond Rd up until you see the sign for the snow play area, and look to the right," notes Derrick H.
Swimming at Rainbow Pools: A popular swimming spot located 5 minutes down Highway 120 from Sweetwater Campground. "Nice drinking water, bathroom, and trash can," shares Toni K. about facilities at this natural water feature.
Horseback riding: Yosemite Ridge provides access to equestrian trails along Highway 120 corridor. The location is "about 12 Mi. to Yosemite Park entrance" according to Ioan P., making it convenient for day rides into less crowded sections of the park.
What campers like
Convenience to Yosemite: Sweetwater Campground provides quick park access without reservations. "Driving from the West toward Yosemite this location is one which will allow you to find a camping option before getting into the big crowds," reports Crystal C., who appreciates its location as "the last non-reservation campground before Yosemite."
Natural water features: Big Sandy Campground offers creekside camping with refreshing water access. According to Leon G., it "has a very nice stream that runs right down the middle of campground that basically every site is next to the water," providing natural cooling during summer months.
Winter recreation options: North Pines Campground offers unique seasonal experiences. "Being late October, I was expecting very cold conditions. But the weather was great! 70s during the day and 40s at night. Clear skies. Absolutely beautiful," reports Erin S., highlighting shoulder-season opportunities.
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campgrounds report active wildlife. At Goat Meadow, Alexander notes, "Coyotes and bears are active in the area—coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" Proper food storage is essential throughout the region.
Seasonal considerations: Bridalveil Creek Campground has limited seasonal availability. Peter B. mentions "Its a great place to camp too bad its hardly open i have only got the chance to go there once," highlighting the importance of checking operational status.
Fire restrictions: Various campgrounds implement different fire policies. Sweetwater allows fires but doesn't provide wood, while some dispersed sites require portable fire containers during high-risk seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Several developed campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground provides organized recreation. Haley M. notes, "There is also a nice playground for the kids too," making it suitable for younger campers.
Avoid holiday weekends: Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground can get extremely crowded during peak times. "Came on 4th of July so the crowd is a lil rowdy but I found a spot farther away which is nice!" reports Taryn R., suggesting midweek visits for quieter experiences.
Plan for dirt and dust: At Goat Meadow, Katelin M. warns, "This place gets CROWDED. At 5:30 it's like everyone got off work and headed home, it's nuts." However, she appreciates that "Everyone picks up after themselves which is nice."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. For Goat Meadow, multiple reviewers mention difficult roads. "The road getting there has tons of potholes and the road in the site is super super bumpy," notes Paige.
Generator restrictions: North Pines Campground limits generator use. Erin S. explains, "Generators are allowed during limited hours, but the noise wasn't overwhelming, since they were few and far between," creating a quieter environment for tent campers.
Backup plans required: Matt K. warns about fallen tree issues affecting Sierra National Forest: "Don't bother trying this spot. It will take many many months for the road to be cleared. Have a feeling most roads in the area have downed trees." Always check current conditions before attempting access with larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Midpines, CA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Midpines, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Midpines, CA is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.5-star rating from 58 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Midpines, CA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Midpines, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 equestrian camping locations near Midpines, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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