Campgrounds near Yosemite Valley offer various accommodation options beyond traditional RV parks. Most are located within 25-45 miles of park entrances, with elevations ranging from 3,000-4,000 feet. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F at lower elevations, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s.
What to do
River activities: McCabe Flat Campground provides direct access to the Merced River. "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 visitor. During lower water periods later in summer, the river becomes suitable for additional recreation.
Local exploration: Yosemite Pines RV Resort offers proximity to attractions beyond Yosemite. "We really enjoyed Rainbow Pools and Yosemite Pine's proximity to Rainbow Pools is part of why we stay here. The kids can jump and swim there and that's all they really want to do anyway," explained a camper.
Wildlife viewing: The campgrounds host native wildlife visitors should be prepared to encounter. "There were A LOT of stray cats on the property which kind of drove our dog crazy. But at least the campground is pet friendly," noted one camper at Yosemite Pines.
What campers like
Natural features: Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes earns praise for its river setting. "Beautiful river running through the campground. There is no cell service," shared one camper, highlighting both the appeal and connectivity limitations.
Clean facilities: Many rv parks near Yosemite Valley prioritize bathroom maintenance. "Bathrooms and showers are very clean. We stayed in the large spaces that have electricity and water only. Very quiet and nice," noted a visitor at Mammoth Mountain RV Park.
Swimming options: Outdoorsy Yosemite receives positive reviews for its recreational amenities. "They have cabins, places to rent camp, laundry on site, a pool, 30/50 hookups. Pull throughs and water and sewer," writes one guest, emphasizing the range of amenities available at this Yosemite Valley RV resort.
What you should know
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and internet access vary significantly across RV parks in the Yosemite area. "AT&T service is poor and WiFi is sketchy except in the clubhouse and office areas," reported a visitor at Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort.
Site spacing variations: High Sierra RV Park receives mixed feedback about site arrangements. "Spaces were VERY close! Despite this, we still would highly recommend this campground! Especially if you are visiting Yosemite," commented one reviewer.
Seasonal considerations: Campground access and conditions change throughout the year. "We weren't here for long, only one night on our way back home to Oregon but it was long enough to see a bear cross the road. This is definitely a spot where they aren't kidding about locking up your food," warned a Mammoth Mountain RV Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground offers features that appeal to younger campers. "Amenities include a pool, day room with tons of things to do, a separate day room for kids, a large fire pit, showers, store at the office, horseshoe and 2 shuffleboard courts," according to visitor feedback.
Tent site selection: When tent camping with children, site location matters. "The tent sites were right on top of each other and there was nowhere to park. You had to climb a steep hill to get to them with your car and again to the actual spot. The people were awesome, the facilities were clean and the pool was refreshing," noted a Yosemite Pines visitor.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children proper food storage and wildlife protocols. "The squirrels are a little too friendly, clearly they rely on the humans in the area for food, so try not to drop food on the ground & don't feed them. They'll walk right up to you already," observed one McCabe Flat camper.
Tips from RVers
Advance reservations: For motorhome travelers, securing spots early is crucial, especially for preferred sites. "We are members of Thousand Trails so our review may be a little different than someone who is a non-member. The majority of the campground (the nicer parts next to the river) is for members only. The smaller, tighter section is for non-members."
Site access considerations: Mono Vista RV Park provides options for various RV sizes, though with limitations. "The spaces are bit close together, but nice lawns and facilities. Walk to grocery store, Mono Cone burger joint, sporting goods/hardware store, etc," noted one RV traveler.
Leveling challenges: Some Yosemite Valley RV parks require additional equipment for comfortable setup. "Our spot was also very hard to try and level our trailer. We never did quite get it leveled the way we would've liked," reported a High Sierra RV Park visitor, highlighting practical challenges even at established facilities.
