Best Campgrounds near Oakhurst, CA

The Oakhurst, California area offers several camping options ranging from dispersed sites to established campgrounds with full amenities. Goat Meadow provides dispersed camping opportunities in the Sierra National Forest, approximately 10 miles north of Oakhurst, while Wawona Campground within Yosemite National Park sits about 15 miles northeast. High Sierra RV Park in Oakhurst itself accommodates tent campers, RVs, and offers cabin rentals. Bass Lake, located 7 miles east of Oakhurst, hosts multiple developed campgrounds including Spring Cove and Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort, which features tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations.

Camping access varies significantly by season, with many Yosemite Valley campgrounds requiring reservations months in advance, particularly during summer. Forest Service roads to dispersed sites may require high-clearance vehicles, especially after winter or spring storms. A visitor commented, "The campsite was 39 and it was right next to the bathroom. To leave with a 26' travel trailer I had to pull out and back down another road just to exit the park." Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months, with complete bans possible during high fire danger periods. Elevation ranges from approximately 2,000 feet in Oakhurst to nearly 10,000 feet at higher camping areas, affecting temperatures and seasonal accessibility. Cell service is generally available in established campgrounds near Oakhurst but becomes limited in more remote areas.

Campers report high satisfaction with sites near Bass Lake, where swimming and boating access enhance the camping experience. The proximity to Yosemite National Park makes the Oakhurst region particularly attractive as a base camp for day trips into the park. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "I stayed at Spring Cove during a trip to Yosemite. While it's a long drive to get into the park, I found myself thankful for the quiet rest after the busy park." Dispersed camping areas like Goat Meadow and Yosemite "Boondock National" provide free alternatives to developed campgrounds but lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and showers. Most established campgrounds in the region feature bear boxes for food storage, with rangers actively enforcing proper food storage regulations to prevent wildlife encounters.

Best Camping Sites Near Oakhurst, California (320)

    1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    40 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    "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. Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park

    41 Reviews
    Wawona, CA
    17 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."

    3. Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest

    17 Reviews
    Ahwahnee, CA
    10 miles
    +1 (801) 361-1982

    "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."

    4. High Sierra RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Oakhurst, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 683-7662

    $13 - $50 / night

    "The campsite was 39 and it was right next to the bathroom. To leave with a 26’ travel trailer I had to pull out and back down another road just to exit the park."

    "Good access to Yosemite. We prefer less neighbors but overall it was nice."

    5. Yosemite RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Oakhurst, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 683-7855

    "RV spaces have many different location styles, secluded, views, groups etc.

    Large clean pool with a shallow lounging section. Playground. Bathrooms/showers were freshly renovated and clean."

    "You’re 25 miles from the park entrance, on a straight path. The sites were a great space and the pool and playground was a lot of fun of the kids. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful."

    6. Spring Cove Campground

    12 Reviews
    Wishon, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3212

    $52 - $54 / night

    "While it’s a long drive to get into the park, I found myself thankful for the quiet rest after the busy park.

    The host made this campground even better."

    "Some of them are secluded and separated from others by distance and foliage (including a few with lake views!)"

    7. Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    5 miles
    +1 (559) 642-3145

    "We booked this last minute over the phone, we were very impressed with the spot, next to the pool, clubhouse, fire pit."

    "While we were there, they played movies at sunset next to the pool. Close to Yosemite, the Sugarpine railroad and a decent-sized town. Temps were in the 80's."

    8. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    11 miles

    "Nestled amongst trees right on the edge of Yosemite. Was quite busy when I was there but managed to find a quiet spot tucked away & private."

    "People kept parking at the entrance of the dirt path."

    9. Sierra National Forest Forks Campground

    7 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3212

    $52 - $106 / night

    "Lovely view of the lake. Close by for easy access. Clean bathrooms!"

    "I love that it's walking distance to the resort and the burgers there are soooo good! Lake is beautiful and campground is very nice, bathrooms have sinks and flush toilets too."

    10. Outdoorsy Yosemite

    6 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3145

    $42 - $999 / night

    "Stopped by to get out of the California valley heat. Haven’t been to Bass Lake for years. Missed out on this little piece of heaven. Will be back."

    "Close to the lake plenty of activities in the area

    Boats jet ski rental fishing etc"

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Showing results 1-10 of 320 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Oakhurst, CA

1397 Reviews of 320 Oakhurst Campgrounds



Guide to Oakhurst

Camping near Oakhurst, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature, with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers rave about the access to beautiful hikes right from their campsites. One reviewer from Upper Pines Campground mentioned, "We camped here late February to capture the firefall. We got a decent photo the first day we arrived so mission accomplished."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Wawona Campground shared, "We brought some river tubes, walked upstream a bit to tube through the mini streams. We accidentally left our bear box open while down in the river and the ranger nicely let us know."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby lakes and rivers. A camper at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes noted, "The sites were large and the scenery beautiful. It was the first full hookup campground outside the park, so pretty convenient."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. One reviewer at North Pines Campground said, "We set up camp at site #515, we had a fire pit, bear locker, picnic table and two tents! ... One of my favorite activities was take a short walk with a floating tube from the campsite to the entrance of the campground."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Camp Edison mentioned, "The entire camp site is huge, well maintained and just wonderful. The staff are friendly and helpful."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Azalea Campground are praised for being welcoming to families. One camper shared, "A place where you are surrounded by beautiful nature. Deer pass by your camper in the morning."

What you should know:

  • Booking Challenges: Reservations can be tricky. A camper at Upper Pines Campground noted, "Great place, amazing position with astonishing views, but almost impossible to book."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A visitor at Wawona Campground pointed out, "The campground's location provides access to various outdoor activities... However, it does not offer showers or hookups for RVs."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site warned, "The mosquitoes will suck every last drop of blood out of you!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Camp Edison, which has spacious sites and easy access to the lake. A family shared, "The entire camp site is huge, well maintained and just wonderful."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and activities to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Wawona Campground mentioned, "With my family, I may come here and play games."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and downtime. A camper at June Lake Campground noted, "Mind the chipmunks though, they ripped through our air mattress and our stasher bag full of trail mix."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at North Pines Campground shared, "We have about a 25-foot trailer... and my husband's F250 hooked up still pretty much fit in the spot."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Upper Pines Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "There are zero hookups and you can use a generator 3 times per day."
  • Plan for Waste Disposal: Know where to dump your waste. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes mentioned, "The shower heads were broken in one of the shower houses, both men’s and women’s."

Camping near Oakhurst, California, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Oakhurst, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Oakhurst, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 320 campgrounds and RV parks near Oakhurst, CA and 41 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Oakhurst, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oakhurst, CA is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 41 free dispersed camping spots near Oakhurst, CA.

What parks are near Oakhurst, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Oakhurst, CA that allow camping, notably Hensley Lake and Yosemite National Park.