Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat, near Yosemite National Park, is a unique camping experience that combines the beauty of nature with a touch of farm life. With just three sites available, it offers a cozy atmosphere where you can truly unwind and connect with the outdoors.

This campground is known for its friendly host, Jason, who goes above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. Visitors rave about the adorable animals on the property, including mini pigs, goats, and playful kittens, which add a delightful charm to your stay. As one camper put it, “We felt safe and cared for by the host,” highlighting the personal touch that makes this place special.

Amenities include access to a clean RV with a bathroom, outdoor kitchen facilities, and picnic tables for enjoying meals al fresco. Campers appreciate the chance to gather around a fire at night, soaking in the stunning starlit sky. Plus, the nearby river offers a beautiful spot for a refreshing dip, though be cautious of slippery rocks.

Located a bit of a drive from Yosemite, this retreat is perfect for those looking to explore the park while enjoying a peaceful, rural setting. Whether you're camping in a tent or an RV, Shooting Star Sanctuary provides a memorable getaway filled with warmth, nature, and a bit of farm fun.

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.

Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest

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Ahwahnee

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We had the pleasure of staying with Jason and his family at the Shooting Star Sanctuary. Jason was kind and super helpful since the moment we contacted him.

As far as amenities go: There is Wi-Fi throughout the property which is free to use. The bathroom and shower inside the house are available at all times. Jason has also fitted a full kitchen outside on his porch which happens to have a gorgeous view for watching the sunrise/sunset.

Extras: For starters, the friendliest family you’re ever gonna meet at a campground. There are plenty of farm animals in the sanctuary which Jason lets you feed and play around with. A bunch of friendly cats and kittens.

Basically, come here. It’s a great time and totally worth the money!

A GREAT STAY

The host Jason and his whole family were so so sweet!! Honestly better than an Airbnb experience. He kept in touch with us all throughout our drive there and helped us get set up upon arrival. Gave us a tour of his whole farm, got to play with all the farm animals, and allowed us to use his house whenever needed. Full access to bathroom inside, and outdoor kitchen with so many amenities on their deck and WiFi! Such generous, welcoming people and they made our trip so comfortable. Also, the property is just beautiful and you’ll catch some amazing views especially during sunrise and sunset. 10/10 recommend, definitely hope to make a west coast trip again soon just so I can return to this farm!

MUST GO HERE

Perfect stop outside of YNP. Jason was very kind to allow us to arrive super late. We had a great spot and my kids fell in love with the animals on the farm. 



Such Fun

Loved staying here ! Jason , Jen and their daughter made me feel like I was part of the tribe . Welcoming and friendly ! The farm has so many cute animals and camping spots are good ! Theirs a shower inside for use ( thank goodness cause it can be hot in the summer !)
Their an outdoor fridge and kitchen. Big win! I will definitely be back!

It’s close to both Yosemite entrances ! Close to town . Love it .

Welcoming and safe !

Great views

We had a great time with Jason and his family. We stayed for four nights and they were so generous. The animals were a huge perk for our kids and the kittens and climbing trees and boulders kept our three kids occupied for hours. They let our kids help feed the sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, and even caught a tarantula for them! Plus fresh farm eggs!

  

They let us use a shower and laundry, which was a real blessing after a week of boondocking. They have a great outdoor sink for washing dishes and a nice porch set up with microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven, and fridge if you need to store a few things. Yosemite was a bit of a drive, but since we were spending two entire days at the park we didn't mind. The drive was beautiful!

  

Can't recommend them enough.

Amazing and friendly!

Jason was super helpful and friendly, he helped us build a fire and showed us around. However, many of the things advertised here weren’t offered to us like showers or electricity hookup. Every question would be answered with a “but I’d rather you don’t use it”. We couldn’t conmect to the electricity or have all our group shower. 

Good but some false advertisment

If i could give this campsite for than 5 stars i would. my best friend and i are traveling across the country and we both agreed this was by far the most amazing place we have stayed. we were blessed enough to hang out with all the animals including baby goats and kittens, Jason was beyond kind and generous and has a full kitchen set up outside just for campers! I have never felt more at home at a campsite and he was beyond accommodating to all of our needs. the property is beautiful and an amazing place for tent camping and star gazing. 

AMAZING CAMPSITE

We came upon this place super last minute when some reservations fell through and ended up loving that we stayed here instead! Jason was a very friendly host and let us explore the property with our dog. It was so beautiful, and had very private campsites as well. We felt safe and cared for by the host. Not only is it a great stay but it comes with an experience! We watched sheep roam, held goats, fed pigs, and played with some kittens. We will definitely be returning. Highly recommend for a weekend retreat or a close stay to Yosemite! 

Beautiful Sanctuary Stay!

Jason and his wife were extremely sweet, amazing hosts. They showed us all of the resources we had access to, including a bathroom, stove, shower, and freezer/fridge in a clean RV. The whole experience made us feel like we were back home in Texas. One thing to note - while free on the app, be prepared to make a donation. The sanctuary runs off of donations :)

Amazing remote experience! 


Jason, the owner has 100 acres he opens up to campers. Very nice, large spots. 
There are animals on site which the kids liked interacting with and feeding them our leftovers. 
An outdoor kitchen with a sink is available up at the house. 
Not posted: donations to help feed the animals.
They told us about a river 10 mins from the campsite which was beautiful. Be careful, the rocks are slippery.


Nice large camp spot with no neighbors 

Jason was such a friendly, helpful, and welcoming host! His family was so sweet.

  

We spent 3 nights and set up our tent on a secluded hill - Jason had a lot of room for us to choose from. He also had a trailer with a bathroom that we were able to use, as well as a fridge/freezer for our food. It was an awesome accommodation while visiting Yosemite!

  

Jason’s farm had such a warm energy, we really enjoyed this unique stay :) oh and the animals were so adorable!! The cherry on top for this stay.

Amazing farm stay

I showed up to Jasons property early monday morning to be greeted with a smile. After we talked for a little he opened up the gate to release several mini pigs, mini goats, ducks, and chickens! My girlfriend and I were smiling cheek to cheek. He let us hangout all over the property and interact with all the animals. While we were distracted by all the farm animals, a handful of kittens came out and started playing with us. At night we were able to enjoy a beautiful fire together and check out the crazy starlit sky. Thanks again Jason.

Beautiful Backcountry Land

What a gem! We loved our two-night stay surrounded by the animals. While the dirt road/driveway is a bit bumpy, we had no problem with our 23' Airstream -- just go slowly and you'll be fine (there was a 40' Class A there, too, if that says anything). Great host who is truly kind. Quiet, peaceful, and fun...what more do you need?

Perfectly Peaceful

Stayed here with wife, two friends, and dog. Great selection of sites, overlooking pond, lots of farm animals, and very friendly and courteous host. Not too long a drive to Yosemite Valley also!

Great campsite

We loved our stay here. The surroundings are beautiful and peaceful. The animals are a great bonus. Perfectly family friendly with plenty of room to hang out by the fire. Jason and his family were awesome making sure we had everything we needed. Highly recommend. The road in is bumpy, but we pulled a 40 foot 5th wheel up no problem. 

Beautiful 

We ha da great experience. The kids loved playing with the animals and it was a convenient location to access Yosemite.

Photos of Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest

Real photos from real campers