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Best Tent Camping near Sonora, CA

940 Reviews

Tent campsites near Sonora, California range from established sites in Calaveras Big Trees State Park to more remote dispersed camping locations in the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest. The North Grove Campground offers tent camping among giant sequoias with basic amenities, while more primitive options like Top of Arnold on Forest Route 5N56 and Forest Route 4N39 provide free dispersed tent camping opportunities for those seeking a more rustic experience.

Tent campers should prepare for varying terrain conditions at dispersed sites, with many featuring dusty or uneven ground surfaces. The dirt road access to primitive areas like Top of Arnold includes ruts and potholes, making higher-clearance vehicles recommended though not always required. One review noted, "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up." Most primitive tent areas lack facilities, requiring campers to bring all necessary water and pack out waste. Fire permits from Cal Fire are required for dispersed camping, and campers must check current fire restrictions before planning trips.

Walk-in tent sites offer greater seclusion than established campgrounds, with dispersed camping areas providing more isolation and wilderness experience. The primitive nature of these sites means tent campers should be self-sufficient with all supplies. Summer temperatures can be hot at lower elevations while remaining cooler under tree cover at higher elevations. Cellular service varies significantly by location, with some dispersed areas maintaining usable connections. A camper at Top of Arnold reported, "There is sun for solar panels and enough shade to be fine mostly." Many tent campers appreciate the solitude of dispersed sites despite occasional noise from recreational activities in the forest, making these areas popular with experienced campers seeking a more authentic outdoor experience.

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Best Tent Sites Near Sonora, California (53)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Sonora, CA

38 Photos of 53 Sonora Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Sonora, CA

940 Reviews of 53 Sonora Campgrounds

  • J
    Oct. 13, 2023

    Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Great campground

    I really recommend this campground. I can come here and play online games with my family. The campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. The sites are relatively spacious and provide a mix of shade and sun. Each campsite typically includes a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage locker. It provides basic amenities such as restrooms with flushing toilets and drinking water. However, it does not offer showers or hookups for RVs. There are no electrical or water connections at individual campsites. The campground's location provides access to various outdoor activities. Nearby attractions include the Mariposa Grove, where you can explore giant sequoias, and the Wawona Golf Course. Additionally, there are hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for wildlife viewing in the area.

  • Erin S.
    Nov. 1, 2019

    North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Ranger Review: Wenzel Grand Basin 10 tent at North Pines

    North Pines is one of three campgrounds on the floor of Yosemite Valley. Across the Merced River from the other two campgrounds and adjacent to the horse stables, it is relatively isolated with no major roads running by it. Nevertheless, it is well connected to the rest of the valley amenities, with a quick walk to the bus station, a longer walk (1 mi) to the visitor center via the Valley Loop Trail, or a drive (if you don't mind braving traffic and searching for parking spaces). 

    The sites are not well defined. You have a place to park and besides that, it is a little of a free-for-all with the adjacent sites as to where you set up your gear. Despite that, we had plenty of room to set up our large 10 person tent, without feeling crowded or that we were overspilling our space. We were there the last weekend it was open (Oct 26/27) and all sites were booked. There are no hook-ups, and the comfort stations only have toliets and sinks (no showers), a fresh water faucet, and a disposal "toliet" for dish water. All dishes must be washed at camp. The facilities were fairly clean, though the disposal toilet often backed up.  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. 

    Our site was located right next to the comfort station, and in hindsight I wish we had found a place a little farther away. But besides the proximity, our site was nice with a fire pit and picnic table. Quiet hours are from 1000-0600, and we had to remind our neighbor campers who came back drunk at midnight to shut it, but that seems to be more the normal than abnormal these days. There were mostly tents in the campground, with a few small RVs and trailers. Generators are allowed during limited hours, but the noise wasn't overwhelming, since they were few and far between.

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. This weekend I got to test the Wenzel Great Basin 10 tent (https://wenzelco.com/great-basin-10/). Overall, my impression of this tent is that it is a solid and reliable tent. Yes, it has a few design items that could be improved for ease of use, but overall it served us well and I look forward to using it again. The tent is a domed center-opening design, with two side "rooms" that can be separated by zipped curtains, making three interior spaces total. My husband and I filled up on room with two large cots facing length wise (we had them oriented along center line and still had enough room to move along the sides). The other side has more than ample room for my daughter's small cot, which ran the width of the tent along the side window. Very comfortable for three people. 

    Yes, this is a huge tent. Can it be set up by one person? Probably, if that person is patient and tenacious. Two people work much better. A few design items we found annoying were the pole connections, which would frequently catch on the tent pole sleeves and center strap. Also, the zipper flap on the tent's door would frequently get caught in the zipper, making it almost a necessity to use two hands to open and close the tent. Besides these two small inconveniences, the tent worked great. The rain fly fits snug against the tent roof. The construction felt sturdy and we liked the design of the three interior rooms. 

    Overall, we had a fun two nights in Yosemite. We might make a tradition out of going for the closing weekend each year.

  • Anna C.
    Sep. 28, 2017

    Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Hetch Hetchy Walk-in Established Sites

    We stayed the night at one of the Hetch Hetchy reservable sites (first come, first served) before our trek through the backcountry of Yosemite. The sites were just a quick walk in from the parking lot and featured picnic tables, bear boxes, bathrooms and established fire rings. A permit is required to stay in the area as well as a $6 per person fee and you're able to check-in with your reservation right at the Hetch Hetchy entrance. The sites are well maintained and do feature scenic vistas, though it appears that the best views offered by Hetch Hetchy are found farther in the backcountry and we wish we had the time to really explore the area. The campground served as an easy spot to hike in, set up and prepare for a long trek ahead, although, if you're not pressed for time or resting up for a big hike, I'd recommend continuing on past the established sites into the more scenic backcountry. One major advantage of Hetch Hetchy is that you'll avoid the major crowds in Yosemite Valley which can't be beat in my book.

  • Quinn M.
    Sep. 23, 2019

    North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    Close to Perfect

    My brother and I hit the north grove campground for the first time this past weekend. My expectations weren’t high but this place was great.

    The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative. The campground map makes it seem like the road was further away from the sites but I woke up a couple of times from road noise.

    Our campsite had a fire ring, bbq, picnic table and bear box and still had a large flat spot for my huge tent as well as parking for my car.

    The weather was great, no bugs to be found and plenty to do. I already want to go back next year but choose a site further from the road.

  • S
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Sand Flat Campground

    No Reservations Required

    Located off highway 50 near Kyburz, CA, this campsite is a first come, first serve campsite. No reservations. Listen to the sounds of the river while sleeping. You can also play & fish in the river during the day. The river is stocked with fish. RV & tent sites which are spacious & most have nice shade coverage. No hookups, vault toilets. Dog friendly on leashes. Camp host has been there for 5 years & is super friendly. we had no problems but we followed the rules. Only 4 stars because you do hear the highway traffic. one of my fav places. $23 per day per site, $8 for extra parking. Lots of extra spaces.

  • Jim S.
    Jul. 5, 2019

    Cherry Valley - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Family favorite

    We’ve been coming here for over 25 years. It’s about an hour from Sonora or Groveland, although the latter is generally a steep no trailer road. Paved roads and site parking. Water taps every few sites. Fire rings and bear boxes. Large vault outhouses. Fishing and recreation on lake with some boat in areas to camp. Water levels vary. Forested but large fires have ravaged much of the adjacent area in the past few years. Campground host,fees. We’ve only had a bear in camp a couple of times. Sometimes we’ve been the only ones in camp, but it’s often full on holidays and some weekends. Only open May-Sept.

  • L
    Sep. 1, 2018

    Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Great Location

    Typical campground set up with fire rings and bear lockers at each campsite. Flush toilets, but no showers. There is a dedicated sink to wash dishes at by the bathrooms along with a faucet for drinking water and a water bottle filling station. You can take a shower at Half Dome village right down the road for $5/person. They provide towels, shampoo, and body wash. The campground is conveniently located right next to a shuttle stop which makes it easy to get around the valley, but it’s also very noisy at times if you have a campsite right next to the road so just keep that in mind. Both Half Dome Village and Yosemite Village have large general stores that sell firewood and anything you could possibly need so if you forget something you can most likely find it there. No WiFi and very limited cell service. You can get LTE coverage outside Lower Yosemite Falls if you absolutely need to get ahold of someone or read an email. My only warning is about the pine sap! The pine trees are great for shade but get pine sap all over everything so just be prepared to clean it off your car and camping gear. Also a good idea to bring something to cover the seats of your picnic bench when you sit down, otherwise you stick to them.

  • K
    Jul. 11, 2016

    North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Convenient for exploring Yosemite

    On the east side of Yosemite Valley, it offers a convenient spot to rest after exploring and enjoying all the activities the area has to offer. Is crowded, but each spot is equipped with fire ring, food storage, picnic table, parking spot and flat, shaded spots for your tent.

    Advantages: car camping, good for families, pets are allowed, bathroom and potable water nearby. Shuttle bus is pretty close too.

    Disadvantages: Crowded, have to book a lot of time in advanced, distance between campsites is short.

  • Ashley L.
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

    We extended our stay it was so beautiful and well located in the valley

    Come early! There were a dozen people already in line when we arrived at 4:30a. These are shared sites meaning there are 6 people assigned per site to share a fire ring and it was $8 per person per night. Fires are regulated and strictly enforced- no fires 10p to 5a. The rangers will site you if you leave trash or food out unattended. There are reasons for the bear proof boxes provided and they take their bear safety seriously, which is appreciated. The ground squirrels were begging by day and racoons by night so it is keep loose items stored. There are no showers onsite but you can find some at neighboring campgrounds. We recommend the Green Dragon trolly tour. We got to hit all of the POI's while learning some history in 2.5 hrs or so. We saw plenty of deer along the way and slowed for all the best photos. Rangers offered coffee in the mornings by the Raffi Memorial Boulder across from the bathroom. We had a great site with access to an open area for some frisbee or just taking in the view. This is a park then walk-in campground so be prepared to walk a few hundred feet to your tent site…well worth it for the view up El Capitan from our site and Yosemite falls view from parking area.

Guide to Sonora

Tent camping near Sonora, California, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beauty of the Sierra Nevada. With a variety of campgrounds featuring essential amenities and stunning surroundings, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park, visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails among towering sequoias and access to the Stanislaus River for refreshing swims.
  • The Eagle Point campground is perfect for those looking to kayak or hike, with ample space for tents and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • For a more rugged experience, the Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed area offers a chance to explore off-the-beaten-path trails and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $35

  • Camping at North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park typically costs around $35 per night, providing access to well-maintained facilities and beautiful surroundings.
  • The Eagle Point campground offers a budget-friendly option with prices starting at $0 for tent camping, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save.
  • For a more rustic experience, the Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed area is free, allowing campers to enjoy nature without the cost of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for tent camping near Sonora

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sonora, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sonora, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sonora, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Sonora, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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