The area surrounding Oakhurst sits at approximately 2,274 feet elevation, with nearby camping options ranging from 3,500 to 5,200 feet. This location serves as a gateway to Yosemite National Park, with the southern entrance just 13 miles away. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F during the day, dropping to 50-60°F at night, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with occasional overnight frost.
What to do
Visit nearby waterfalls and swimming holes: Bass Lake offers accessible water recreation just minutes from many campgrounds. "The creek, waterfalls & rope swing over the swimming hole was unbelievable!! The kids enjoyed the rope swing while the mom enjoyed the walk back to the falls & thru the shallow waters," shares a visitor to High Sierra RV Park.
Day trip to Yosemite Valley: Most campsites provide convenient access to Yosemite National Park. "It's about 1 hour from the valley visitor center. Had great cell service through Verizon," notes Jonathan from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site. Allow extra time during peak season as a camper warns, "if it's a holiday weekend and you leave camp headed into town be prepared for at least an hour in traffic due to backup from the park entrance."
Explore Bass Lake's shoreline: The lake offers multiple day-use areas with beach access. "The lake is within walking distance of the entrance. Definitely a come back and stay again!" mentions Rich A. when reviewing Spring Cove Campground. Many campgrounds around the lake provide easy water access for paddle boards, kayaks, and fishing equipment.
What campers like
Secluded dispersed camping spots: Free camping options with varying levels of privacy exist near Yosemite's south entrance. "When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3" of snow, whereas other spots were about 6-8". Consequently, there were about 6-8 cars/vans that ended up camping in the parking lot of the snowplay area. I was the only one in the actual snow, which was great!" reports Alexander Mark C. at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site.
Interaction with farm animals: Some private campgrounds offer unique experiences. "We loved our stay here. The surroundings are beautiful and peaceful. The animals are a great bonus. Perfectly family friendly with plenty of room to hang out by the fire," describes Melinda J. from Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat, where campers can interact with miniature farm animals.
Clean facilities with amenities: Many established campgrounds maintain good facilities. "The bathrooms are in great condition. WiFi was good and limited free," notes a camper at High Sierra RV Park. Another camper appreciated the "outdoor kitchen with a sink" available at Shooting Star Sanctuary.
What you should know
Summer crowds impact campground availability: Popular campsites fill quickly during peak season. "Came on 4th of July so the crowd is a lil rowdy but I found a spot farther away which is nice!" mentions Taryn R. about dispersed camping near Oakhurst. For holiday weekends, arrive mid-week if possible or make reservations months in advance.
Wildlife encounters require preparation: Both bears and smaller wildlife frequent the area. "Coyotes and bears are active in the area—coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" warns Alexander at Goat Meadow. Most established campgrounds provide bear boxes, but dispersed campers should bring proper food storage containers.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some camping areas requires careful driving. "The road getting there has tons of potholes and the road in the site is super super bumpy," notes Paige about Goat Meadow dispersed camping. For RVs and trailers, research access routes carefully before committing to remote sites.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activities: Look for sites with swimming pools and playgrounds. "Large clean pool with a shallow lounging section. Playground. Bathrooms/showers were freshly renovated and clean. Laundry on site," mentions Sherrie R. about Yosemite RV Resort, which offers family-friendly amenities.
Consider unique experiences: Some campgrounds offer special attractions for children. "We had the pleasure of staying with Jason and his family at the Shooting Star Sanctuary. The friendliest family you're ever gonna meet at a campground. There are plenty of farm animals in the sanctuary which Jason lets you feed and play around with," shares Diego, highlighting this dog-friendly campground near Oakhurst.
Plan for temperature variations: Pack clothing for significant day-to-night temperature changes. "When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3" of snow, whereas other spots were about 6-8"," explains a camper at Goat Meadow, even during spring months. Higher elevation sites can experience frost even when Oakhurst itself is warm.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Many RV sites near Oakhurst have challenging layouts. "We reserved a premium pull through spot. Although we could pull through the spaces were very tight and we just happen to get lucky that nobody was across from us as there is only one way in and one way out," cautions a visitor at High Sierra RV Park who had a 29-foot travel trailer.
Consider campground elevation: Higher elevation campgrounds offer cooler temperatures. "At approximately 3500 ft elevation. Cool summer nights near Bass Lake Recreational area," notes Mike H. about Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort. This makes higher sites preferable during summer but potentially frosty in spring and fall.
Look for full hookup availability: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Oakhurst offer complete services. "The hook-up was perfect for our RV and the facilities on site were convenient and clean. Free coffee in the morning at the clubhouse was a great touch," shares Linda D. about Outdoorsy Yosemite RV Resort, which offers water, electric, and sewer connections.
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