Camping near Yosemite National Park

Camping near Yosemite National Park, California, offers a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors while soaking in breathtaking views. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique features, you can find the perfect spot for your adventure.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at Tuolumne Meadows Campground, one visitor mentioned, “Great camp experience with trail heads outside your door.” This makes it easy to explore the stunning scenery.
• Wildlife Viewing: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. A review from Wawona Campground highlights, “The campground's location provides access to various outdoor activities... opportunities for wildlife viewing in the area.”
• River Activities: If you’re near North Pines Campground, you can enjoy the Merced River. One camper shared, “We had a fire pit, bear locker, picnic table and two tents! ...from there you have views of Yosemite Falls.”

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views. A review for Upper Pines Campground states, “Great place, amazing position with astonishing views.”
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Many enjoy the tranquility of the campgrounds. One visitor at Wawona Campground said, “We went mid-march and the park was empty and peaceful.”
• Convenient Amenities: Campers appreciate the amenities available. A review for Yosemite Lakes RV Resort mentions, “The sites were large and the scenery beautiful. It was the first full hookup campground outside the park, so pretty convenient.”

What you should know:

• Booking Challenges: Reservations can be tough to secure. A camper at Upper Pines Campground noted, “...almost impossible to book. At last moment I get a reservation.”
• Limited Facilities: Many campgrounds lack certain amenities. A review for Camp 4 mentions, “There was no soap in the restrooms... so bring your own soap, sanitizer, or wipes.”
• Crowded Conditions: Expect busy campgrounds, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at North Pines Campground shared, “Given Yosemite's popularity, the campground was expectedly crowded.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds that offer space and amenities. One family at Yosemite Pines RV Resort enjoyed, “The sites are really big. Beautiful trees, paved roads for biking or scootering.”
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. A review for June Lake Campground mentions, “Definitely will bring rafts next time to tie up and hang out for the day!”
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Wawona Campground advised, “We accidentally left our bear box open... the ranger nicely let us know.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for North Pines Campground states, “We have about a 25 foot trailer... fit in the spot no problem.”
• Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t have electric hookups. A visitor at Hodgdon Meadow Campground noted, “No showers though, but the bathrooms were clear and okay.”
• Plan for Crowds: Arrive early to secure a good spot. A camper at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort mentioned, “First come, first served... we chose a quiet place and were happy with it.”

Camping near Yosemite National Park, California, is an adventure filled with natural beauty and outdoor fun. Just be prepared for the unique challenges that come with it!