If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Yosemite Valley, look no further. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Yosemite Valley. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your California tent camping excursion.
Camp 4 has returned to reservations for the 2024 season. Camp 4 is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known.__
Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14 to 16 mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities and an art center with workshops.
Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14 to 16 mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities and an art center with workshops.
Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and white-leaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliffs peek through, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.
The Camp 4 lottery has ended for the 2022 season. Sites at Camp 4 will be available for per-person reservation beginning Wednesday, September 7 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific time.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance of arrival date will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 48 hours of arrival date will also lose the first night's camping fee. Change Policy: Only two changes may be made to each reservation.__ No Show Policy: Reservation holders have until 8:30 a.m. the day following their arrival date to check-in or their camping reservation will become void. Campers should call (209) 372-8502 if they know they will be late. The maximum fee for no shows is $20 and loss of the first night___s camping fee.__
$10 - $50 / night
The Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite sits on the floor of the Yosemite Valley. Located on Southside Drive, this campground offers tent sites and glamping tents. Picnic tables, fire pits, and an extensive camp store.
Regulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service office nearest to your destination for current restrictions.
You can help protect the National Forests from wildfires by knowing and following the rules for the safe use of fire. You must have a California Campfire Permit to use a stove or lantern outside a Developed Recreation Area such as a campground. The permit is your agreement to follow restrictions and regulations in effect.
Your California Campfire Permit is valid until the end of the calendar year; it may be used in any National Forest in California.
Go to any Forest Service, CALFIRE, or Bureau of Land Management office during business hours and a receptionist will issue you a permit. You may also go to this website to get a campfire permit online (please note you will need a printer to print it off).
Campfires - Campfires when permitted, you need to follow five conditions:
Campfire Permits are required. Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire. Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires. Have a responsible person in attendance at all times. Extinguish campfire with water, using the drown, stir and feel method. Take Responsibility... It is your responsibility to know the current conditions and restrictions for the area you intend to visit.
Details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5362150
Located deep in the rugged Yosemite National Park backcountry, Vogelsang is one of the park’s acclaimed High Sierra Camps (HSC). One of five high country camp areas, Vogelsang is the highest, situated at an elevation of 10,130 feet, near the head of Rafferty Creek, and at the base of 11,410-foot Fletcher Peak. The only way to get there is by hiking a fairly rugged 7.5-mile trail from Tioga Road (Hwy 120), in the Tuolumne Meadows area, up and over 9,992-foot Tuolumne Pass. The trail begins with a comfortable stroll along the picturesque Lyell Fork Tuolumne River, before climbing steadily south into lodgepole pine forest alongside tumbling Rafferty Creek, and finally emerging into sprawling alpine meadows surrounded by skyscraping granite spires.
The HSC at Vogelsang consists of 12 tent cabins that can accommodate a maximum of 42 guests. Cabins are equipped with bunks, but campers must provide their own linens or sleeping bags. Camp guests are also treated to family-style breakfast and dinner by the camp host and chef. A vault toilet is available near the camp area. Getting to stay in one of Vogelsang’s coveted cabins requires entering the annual HSC lottery, which typically takes place the winter before the summer hiking season. Due to high demand, the limited number of spaces, and the short accessibility season (often only 2–3 months), camps sell out quickly. If you don’t get a cabin space, you can choose to tent camp nearby (backcountry permit required). This is primitive wilderness camping, so you should follow Leave No Trace guidelines. You can still opt to purchase just a meal at the camp so you don’t have to cook. HSC cabin rates are $152–$159/person/night; meals only are $80/person/night; kids rates are available.
The Vogelsang HSC is the perfect basecamp for exploring one of the most spectacular regions of the Yosemite high country. Right near the camp, you can visit nearby Boothe Lake, take a chilly dip in Fletcher Lake, or make a short hike to Vogelsang Lake, which rests in a rocky basin between Fletcher Peak and 11,493-foot Vogelsang Peak. Wander a little farther through Vogelsang Pass for stunning views over Lewis Creek Canyon and 12,561-foot Mount Florence. For an extended trip, you can continue another 8 miles southwest to Merced Lake HSC, one of the larger, and more remote camps on the High Sierra Loop. For a stunning change of scenery on your hike out from Vogelsang, hike east through the Evelyn Lake meadows—with an optional 3-mile round trip to Ireland Lake—then drop down into the wide Lyell Canyon and finish with a leisurely, view-packed stroll north alongside the river.
Drive to the back area for tree shade and level grounds. Side of road camping. Camping on Ridgeline
Amazing weather and amazing views. Short walk to the lake from our campsite (#129)
We were looking forward to our first stay near June Lake. Oh Ridge was ok. We were in the Rabbit loop, site 57 with a partial mountain view. The sites are very close together with little privacy. Flush toilets in the loop were clean. From the nearby squirrel loop one can walk to June lake. No hiking near the campground. However we drove off in the morning and hiked the Parker Lake trail. If you only want to fish or do lake activities this campground may be ok for you. It was not our thing.
Incredible views of the mountains and alpine lakes from the highest campground in California (10k). Primitive camping with vault toilets, incredible campground host, potable water, firewood for sale. Accessible via a gravel access road, might be challenging to traverse for anything bigger than small trailers/RVs. Best campground I’ve ever been to!
Got one of the furthest sites tent camping. Could see all the stars. They also provide bear boxes for each site.
I had always wanted to camp in the Inyo national forest. Oh ridge was on my list and I was able to finally make the trip. It was a hefty drive from the Central Valley but the views were stunning. The mountainous route was sketchy but arriving to June lake was amazing! Our campsite was awesome, site 6 in bear loop. You can see the lake perfectly from our site. There’s bathrooms and an easy short drive to the town. From our site we drove down to June lake which was short and easy. You could technically walk but I don’t recommend it if you don’t like walking uphill. The lake is cold but beautiful!
We had never been camping as a family and I hadn’t been camping since I was a teenager. The entire camp site is huge, well maintained and just wonderful. The staff are friendly and helpful. The bathrooms are clean and well up kept. All of the campsites are spacious and free of clutter. There is easy access to the lake and marina. Overall a great visit and experience.
This is my second time staying at Trumbull Lake Campground to access the hiking into the Hoover Wilderness. Both times have been fantastic. Trumbull Lake is at just under 10,000 feet elevation, making it a great place to escape the summer heat. The surroundings are beautiful. The campground is very simple, just how I like it. Near the campground are Trumbull Lake, Little and Big Virginia Lake, and Red Lake. Along the trail once you enter the Hoover Wilderness is a string of lakes starting with Blue Lake, then Cooney Lake, the three Frog Lakes, and Dry Pond. The trail continues over a pass at 11,100 feet elevation where you get a spectacular view on the other side looking towards Yosemite. Just on the other side was an unnamed lake and Summit Lake about another 3 miles in the distance. Highly recommended for the night before and after a day of exploring the wilderness.
All wheel drive, okay. Large grounds, many motorbike and trails, permit required (bikes). Camped upper level. Please pack in, pack out, don't make others clean up after you.
Still 4 stars, more accurately 3.5 stars. We were under the trees this time instead of on the asphalt parking lot slab. All dirt, dirt back in site, dirt camp site accessed by a dirt road. Expect lots of dust. Bring all your campsite mats, you will need it. We backed in pretty deep to the site as not to run into our neighbor, My long shore cord had to be stretched to get to the power box. The water and sewer fine. Why these boxes are so far back almost into the next site is puzzling. Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early. Not really sure if there will be a third visit.
Six of us went and got 2 campsites, 27 & 28. Very roomy and lots of shade. Other sites have varying degrees of shade from good to none. Fishing was fantastic with both flies and lures. Bathrooms nearest camp host are much nicer than the others. Hosts were extremely nice. Price was just $12/night with national parks pass. Tons of free firewood from downed trees in area
Plenty of spots either in this area or the one down the road. If you work remote keep searching and you’ll find a spot where starlink isn’t blocked by trees.
10 minutes from town. About 25 minutes the famous mobil gas station. They sure did treat us good. Expensive gas but 2 water spigots, easy to access bathrooms and delicious meatloaf
Sagehen gives you beautiful roads throughout, no 4-wheeler required. Pines tree forest, big lots and 1bar phone reception just up the hill. I take my chair and take care of business.
this site has limited turnarounds and would be challenging for motor homes over 24 feet and or trailers. Road is doable with a car but the grade sucks. Surface changes to sand half a mile from the springs, would be a risk for heavy vehicles when wet
The road is maintained but requires high clearance.
There are many sites on the way in and then 5 or 6 once at obsidian meadows trail head.
A few rock fire rings, but cannot be used when we were there.
Good AT&T and T-Mobile coverage
Great option, plenty options a dirt road
would be a nice spot but drove all the way here to see “no camping”
We got to Big Springs Campground in the night on July 3rd we found site #14 available. This campground has only 25 sites some good shade, poor shade or no shade at all. Site 14 was near the restrooms (vault restrooms). Camp host available. Cell phone service poor. We liked the campground and the we loved the creek!
The unprofessionalism and unnecessary arrogance disrespect from the camp rangers was rather shocking. That’s not it it’s like camping a hill side it’s almost impossible to get a trailer bout camping to the stops it’s so steep, the fees for the vehicles not water at the like it said it would have the advertising is NOT REALISTIC. Be prepared to sleep at a slant . Please be careful going to places do your research before you go anywhere. I do not recommend this place if for some reason you go the camp maintenance Man was harassing my a group !!(RAY)!! He said was his name an older man . Be careful
Came to Bass Lake to visit family from out of state I am from Phoenix. Did not expect the campground provider to be so unprofessional and rude before even finding our campsite we were harassed. I would never recommend this place. They charge for everything. if you want to drive your boat here be prepared to pay for an extra $53 fee for a sticker that you might only use one time be prepared to pay fees on everything else as well if you stay as a camper and get prepared to be harassed.
This was a really nice stay close to Yosemite with really spread out spots. Couldn’t even see your neighbor and the vicinity to the park made it perfect. It’s 4 stars because you could hear the traffic from the main road from my spot
Awesome spot close to Yosemite, road isn’t too bad and it’s absolutely beautiful. I wasn’t bothered . I recommend arriving a little early, we didn’t have a little trouble finding the right road.
We stayed 2 nights, went fishing and had a blast. No electricity or water. Showers are old-you have to buy shower coins for 6 min of hot water. But the river, fishing and view is gorgeous. Most campers have a generator for power but it has to be turned off at 10pm.
I recently had the pleasure of staying at Kellie’s, Brown's Owen River Campground, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a beautifully maintained campsite. The facilities were spotless, and the scenic views were breathtaking.
Kellie has created a perfect blend of comfort and nature, with plenty of activities for all ages. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the river, there's something for everyone. The attention to detail and the friendly atmosphere made our stay truly memorable.
I highly recommend Brown’s Owen River Campground to anyone looking for a peaceful and enjoyable getaway. We can't wait to return! Five stars all the way!
We’ve camped in Oh Ridge twice already and we have loved it! Both times we stayed in I believe Bear 17 site. Oh Ridge has flush toilets no showers but coin showers next door, next to the market. You can literally walk to June Lake.
Memorial Day Weekend 2024 Our first time camping in this free campground (donations to the campground are welcome). We stayed in a double site (for 12 people). The camp host was very welcoming. The creek and vault restrooms weren’t far from our site. We’ll definitely keep this campground in mind!
Cool water, a nice breeze in the evening, water sounds day and night. Quiet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Yosemite Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Yosemite Valley, CA is Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Yosemite Valley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 81 tent camping locations near Yosemite Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
