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.