Big Creek flows through this small Forest Service campground positioned along Highway 41, just outside Yosemite's south entrance. The 30 sites spread across a forested valley accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, with reservations required during peak season.
Sites feature standard picnic tables and fire rings, with pit toilets and piped water available throughout the grounds. K B. notes the campground maintains high cleanliness standards and describes the facilities as "well maintained." The creek provides fishing opportunities for trout, though success varies seasonally according to multiple visitors. Several shallow areas allow wading and cooling off after park visits.
Highway noise from passing vehicles occurs during daytime hours, with occasional motorcycles and larger trucks more noticeable than passenger cars. Most campers report the creek's sound helps mask traffic noise during quieter evening hours. Sites offer good spacing with trees providing natural barriers between neighbors. A park shuttle stop operates about one mile south, connecting campers to Yosemite Valley without driving.
The campground serves as a practical base for day trips into Yosemite, with the park entrance requiring only a short drive. Campers seeking additional options can explore sites around Fish Camp or dispersed camping areas like nearby Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site. This location works well for visitors wanting developed amenities while staying close to park attractions.
Description
Overview
Summerdale Campground is located just 1.5 miles from Yosemite National Park, and sits in a scenic wildflower-filled meadow, surrounded by fir, cottonwood and cedar trees. The campground's proximity to Yosemite, the excellent fishing at Big Creek and the cooler summer temperatures make it a very popular destination.
Recreation
Anglers can fish for rainbow trout in Big Creek. A few miles from the campground are opportunities to ride off-road vehicles in the Miami Motorcycle Trails Area or hike the 3.7-mile Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail.
Facilities
Each campsite has a paved parking spur, picnic table, grill and campfire ring. Vault toilets are available, and water is provided. Camping supplies are available in the nearby community of Fish Camp.
Natural Features
The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra. Summerdale is located in the Highway 41 Corridor of the Bass Lake Ranger District, an area known for its giant sequoias. Big Creek, which runs by the campground, is active with the local beaver population.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors enjoy making day trips into Yosemite National Park, or taking a ride on the logging train at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Nelder Grove is also in the vicinity, offering the opportunity to walk among giant sequoias.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSummerdale Campground - Sierra National Forest is located in California
Directions
Take Highway 41 north from Fresno, just past the town of Fish Camp. The campground is on the left side of the highway, 1.5 miles before the entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Address
HIGHWAY 41
Fish camp, CA
Coordinates
37.48967083 N
119.6323095 W
Connectivity
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 3/25/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 132 usersLast on 3/25/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 47 usersLast on 3/25/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 3/25/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 132 usersLast on 3/25/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 47 usersLast on 3/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 29 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 42 min from Hanford, CA
- 2 hrs 2 min from Modesto, CA
