Campgrounds near Raymond, California serve as convenient bases for Yosemite exploration, with most located 15-45 minutes from park entrances. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in this foothills region, while winter conditions may limit access to higher-elevation camping areas. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region with multiple campgrounds reporting complete communication blackouts.
What to do
River activities: At McCabe Flat Campground, the Merced River offers seasonal recreation opportunities. "The water was cold, high and fast but I managed to catch a 12" rainbow almost right away, just feet from the campsite," reports one angler. During lower water periods later in summer, the river becomes suitable for wading and swimming.
Wildlife observation: Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging maintains a small petting zoo on property. "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," mentions a visitor. The wider region supports diverse wildlife viewing with deer and small mammals frequently spotted.
Golf access: The Lakes RV & Golf Resort provides direct access to adjacent golf facilities. "You can walk through a gate to the golf course and a nice little restaurant," notes one reviewer. The well-maintained course offers reasonable green fees compared to resort areas closer to Yosemite.
What campers like
Swimming options: Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort earns positive reviews for its pool facilities. "This place was awesome. Only a 15 min hike to the lake and a 30 min drive into Yosemite. We spent the weekend in site 126 it was a level site with limited shade and full hookups," explains one camper. The pool provides cooling relief when summer temperatures climb.
Community atmosphere: Many campgrounds organize regular activities. "Bingo night was awesome and the staff was very friendly," reports a visitor to Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort. Similarly, Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes offers organized weekend events. "It's a resort so they have something going on every weekend. While we were there it was a family movie and Octoberfest (beer and bratwurst for $5). Then smores by the fire with music."
Riverside camping: Multiple campgrounds feature riverside sites. "We lucked out with a pretty big and shaded riverfront spot (site 73) and could not have been happier," notes a Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes visitor. These water-adjacent sites provide natural cooling and scenic views but tend to fill fastest.
What you should know
Utility limitations: While most rv sites near Raymond, California offer full hookups, service capacities vary. At Yosemite RV Resort, one visitor notes "WiFi is no bueno can't even get a connection. We booked a pull through deluxe full hookup site." Similar connectivity issues affect most campgrounds in the region.
Site spacing concerns: Several campgrounds feature tightly spaced sites. At McCabe Flat Campground, "The sites are very close together so get ready to be nice to your neighbors." This proximity becomes more noticeable during peak season weekends when campgrounds reach capacity.
Reservation timing: During summer months, sites fill quickly. "By Saturday morning all sites were full," reports a visitor to McCabe Flat Campground. For campgrounds offering reservations, booking 3-6 months in advance proves necessary during peak seasons, particularly for premium sites.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage regulations apply throughout the region. "All food goes into the containers, don't leave anything smelly in your car incase a bear tries to break in," advises a camper about McCabe Flat. Even rodents present challenges: "The squirrels are a little too friendly, clearly they rely on the humans in the area for food."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: High Sierra RV Park offers water recreation features beyond simple swimming. "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 one family. Multiple campgrounds in the region maintain pools to offset summer heat.
Playground access: Yosemite RV Resort provides dedicated play areas. "We had a blast here. 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," notes a visitor. These facilities help occupy younger campers between excursions.
Entertainment options: Organized activities help during extended stays. At Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging, "There is a high volume of campers and it seemed they struggled a bit to keep up with the bathrooms but place more blame on people's poor manners in cleaning up after themselves." The resort makes up for this with regular family programming.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking rv sites near Raymond, California, dimensions matter. At High Sierra RV Park, one RVer explains: "Our spot 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." RVers frequently note similar maneuvering challenges.
Bridge clearance: Access to some campgrounds requires crossing narrow bridges. At McCabe Flat Campground, "There is a narrow bridge before the campgrounds that limits vehicle size. It is not advisable for trailers over 18 feet in length."
Premium site costs: Budget accordingly for upgraded sites. "The premium sites include full hook-ups — water, electric and sewer. We were in site 43," notes a High Sierra RV Park visitor. These premium positions typically command $20-40 more per night than standard sites but provide better access and amenities.
