Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat sits in the forested foothills outside Ahwahnee, California, close enough to Yosemite National Park to serve as a practical base camp while offering a distinctly different experience from standard campgrounds. The road in is bumpy and unpaved, so drivers should take it slow. That said, one reviewer confirmed pulling a 40-foot 5th wheel up without issue, which aligns with the campground's listed 40-foot RV maximum and available electric and water hookups.
What sets this place apart from most private campgrounds is the working farm at its center. Campers report interacting with goats, pigs, sheep, kittens, and other animals throughout their stay. Host Jason and his family are consistently mentioned across reviews as hands-on and attentive, providing site tours, access to a bathroom and shower in an onsite trailer, an outdoor kitchen, a refrigerator and freezer, and WiFi. Melinda J. describes it as "perfectly family friendly with plenty of room to hang out by the fire."
Campsites are spread across the property with room to spread out. Several reviewers chose elevated tent spots on a hill overlooking a pond, and the open sightlines at night make the location well-suited to stargazing. Summer temperatures in the Sierra Nevada foothills can run hot, which makes access to the indoor shower and the elevation's cooler air a practical consideration. Campfires are permitted, and dogs are welcome.
Pricing varies, and at least one reviewer noted the campground runs on donations, so it's worth confirming the current cost structure when booking. Reservations are available. Campers planning a longer stay in the region can explore places to camp near Ahwahnee for additional options. Those who prefer dispersed national forest camping might consider Summit Rd Dispersed or Miami Mountain Road Dispersed -- Sierra NF to the northeast.
Description
This campground is donation based. Please book through The Dyrt so the owner knows you are arriving, and call the host to confirm your stay!
Each site has access to a communal outdoor kitchen which includes a large gas grill, microwave, toaster oven, hot plate, coffee maker, and an assortment of kitchenware. The site has a seating area with a view, a full fridge, and a large dish-wash sink, and food prep station. Each site has access to a bathroom with toilet, sink and shower. Guests are also encouraged to interact with over 100 animals on the ranch such as puppies, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, mini-pigs and lots of cats and kittens. We will happily introduce you to the Ranch and our practices in our mission to promote the use of life-stock to pursue sustainable fire management. The ranch is nearly 100 acres, and affords several miles of hiking and bike trails, some off-roading areas, and two ponds. And being 35 minutes away from Yosemite National Forest is a bonus as well.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsShooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest is located in California near Ahwahnee
Coordinates
37.45452081 N
119.758781 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 7/30/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/23/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 7/30/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/23/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 53 min from Merced, CA
- 57 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 26 min from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 35 min from Hanford, CA




































