Best RV Camping In and Near Yosemite

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RV camping in Yosemite National Park is an amazing experience. Staying overnight in the park allows you to kick back, relax, and experience the mountains that John Muir called “the range of light.” Here is everything you need to know to find the Best RV Camping In and Near Yosemite National Park.

Which Campgrounds in Yosemite Accommodate RVs?

There are 9 campgrounds in Yosemite National Park that can accommodate RVs and trailers. These campgrounds are North Pines, Lower Pines, Upper Pines, Crane Flat, Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, White Wolf, and Tuolumne Meadows.

Most sites will accommodate RVs up to 35 feet or trailers up to 24 feet. There are only 8 sites in the entire park that will accommodate a maximum RV length of 40 feet or a maximum trailer length of 35 feet and six of these are at Lower Pines. If you have a larger size rig, Lower Pines is most likely the best campground for you.

Campgrounds in Yosemite With RV Hookups

There are no electrical or water/sewer hookups in any of the campgrounds in Yosemite. There are three dump stations located within park boundaries. The dump stations are in the Pines Campgrounds, Tuolumne Meadows and Wawona. Wawona is open only during the summer season.

Generator use is heavily restricted in all Yosemite campgrounds. Generators can be used from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., noon to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

All campgrounds have either flush or vault toilets and drinking water available. The only public showers are located in the Yosemite Valley at either Curry Village or Housekeeping Camp.

Reservation Only Campgrounds in Yosemite

Reservations are needed at all campgrounds in the Yosemite Valley and most campgrounds throughout the park. Reservations are in very high demand so for the best chance at getting a site, you need to create an account on recreation.gov before the campsites go on sale.

Campsites are released one month at a time, five months in advance on the 15th of each month. For example, if you wanted to camp the first week of June, you would need to be prepared to make your reservation on January 15. You can also check out this chart on the NPS website for help determining when you can make reservations.

Campsites are often gone within seconds of their release. You need to be logged in before sites go on sale at 7 a.m. Pacific time to have a chance of getting a reservation. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the reservation process in advance.

Because of its popularity, there are limits on the amount of time you can camp in the park itself and in the Yosemite Valley. You can only camp in the park for up to 30 nights in the calendar year. During peak season (May 1 to September 15) there is a limit of 14 nights. During peak season you can only camp 7 nights in Yosemite Valley or Wawona.

If you would like to stay in the park for two weeks during peak season, it is recommended to spend 7 days in Yosemite Valley and then move to a campground outside of the valley.

If you are unable to get reservations, check back frequently for cancellations. Cancellations do happen!

Yosemite Valley RV Campgrounds

Pines Campgrounds

The Pines Campgrounds consist of three separate campgrounds in the heart of the Yosemite Valley. You can choose from camping at Lower Pines, Upper Pines, and North Pines campgrounds. These are the only RV camping options in Yosemite Valley.

Imagine drinking your morning coffee while gazing up at Half Dome! At an elevation of 4,000 feet, you are right in the middle of waterfalls and beautiful granite mountains.
From the campgrounds, you can walk or bike to many popular trailheads and sites within the valley. You can also hop on the shuttle bus that loops the valley throughout the day.
Here are some specifics about each campground:

Lower Pines Campground

There are 60 campsites in Lower Pines Campground. Some sites in the campground can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet and trailers up to 35 feet. Be sure to check the specifications for each site before booking as maximum lengths vary by site. For the best views, try to get a campsite along the Merced River.

The campground is open from April to October although some sites may not be available until later in the spring, depending on the weather. There is a dump station located just across the street at Upper Pines Campground.

There are 8 Lower Pines Campground campsites that are not available from May 1st through the night of June 30th, 2023, due to annual potential flooding.

Upper Pines Campground

Located across the road from Lower and North Pines, Upper Pines is the only campground in the Yosemite Valley that is open year-round. The central location of Upper Pines makes it popular, so be sure to book in advance.

There are 221 sites in Upper Pines that can accommodate RVs and trailers. Some of these sites can fit RVs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 24 feet. Be sure to check the specifications for each site before booking as maximum lengths vary by site. There is a dump station at this campground.

North Pines Campground

Located across the Merced River from Lower Pines, North Pines Campground offers quiet camping in a central location within the Yosemite Valley. There are 81 sites in North Pines. Some of these sites can fit RVs up to 40 feet and trailers up to 35 feet. Be sure to check the specifications for each site before booking as maximum lengths vary by campsite.

The campground is open from March to October although some sites may not be available until later in the spring, depending on the weather. There is a dump station located just across the street at Upper Pines Campground.

Camping off of Hwy 41 (South)

For the 2023 season, all the sites at North Pines are closed between May 1st and the night of June 30th due to annual flooding potential. These sites will not be part of the early access lottery, and they will be released as conditions permit.

Wawona Campground

The campground at Wawona is located just a 30 minute drive from Yosemite Valley.

UPDATE: Wawona is now a first-come, first-serve campground with the exception of special events!

This campground is a great location for exploring the Mariposa Grove along with the trails near the southern part of the park. It is located just off of Wawona Road along the South Fork of the Merced River.

There are 93 campsites in Wawona. Some of these sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet. Be sure to check the specifications for each site prior to booking as maximum lengths vary by site.

The campground is open year-round. There is a dump station located near the Wawona Store. It is only open during the summer months.

2023 Update: This campground will revert from first-come, first-served sites in the month of February to reservation only due to a special event.

RV Campgrounds off of Hwy 120 (North)

Hodgdon Meadow Campground

The Hodgdon Meadow Campground is located just inside the main park entrance off of Highway 120. It is only 25 miles from Yosemite Valley and is an excellent choice if you cannot obtain a campsite in the valley. The sites are a mix of forest and open meadow. Wildflowers are abundant here in season.

There are 105 campsites in Hodgdon Meadow. Some of these sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 30 feet. Be sure to check the specifications for each site prior to booking as maximum lengths vary by site.

The campground is open year-round and reservations are required from April through October. The nearest dump station is located in Yosemite Valley.

Crane Flat Campground

**UPDATE** Crane Flat Campground is currently closed until 2023. This campground is undergoing rehabilitation. Check with the NPS website for opening dates.

Located only 30 minutes from the Yosemite Valley, Crane Flat Campground is an excellent location for exploring the park. The campground also features an amphitheater for evening programs as well as access to hiking trails.

There are 166 campsites in Crane Flat. Some of these sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet. Be sure to check the specifications for each site prior to booking as maximum lengths vary by site.

The campground is open July through mid-October. Half of the campground is reservation only while the other half is first-come, first-served. This is a good campground to check out if you are visiting without reservations. The nearest dump stations are in Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows.

RV Camping on Hwy 120 (Tioga Road)

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

**UPDATE** The Tuolumne Meadows Campground will be closed until 2024 or 2025, according to the National Park Service. The area is undergoing a major project to rehabilitate the campground through the Great American Outdoors Act. This 26.2 million-dollar project will modernize and rehabilitate the campground, which typically serves over 150,000 campers per year.

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Located deep inside the park along Tioga Road, Tuolumne Meadows Campground is a great location for those looking to explore Yosemite’s High Country. At an elevation of 8,600 feet along the Tuolumne River, this campground is a favorite with many campers. Amenities include evening programs and access to trails along with a gift shop, store and post office.

There are 304 campsites at Tuolumne Meadows. Some of these sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet. Be sure to check the specifications for each site prior to booking as maximum lengths vary by site.

The campground is open from July through late September. Half of the campground is reservation only while the other half is first-come, first-served. There is a dump station in the campground.

Yosemite’s First-Come, First-Serve Campgrounds

A few of Yosemite’s epic campgrounds are available first-come, first-serve. This is a great way for you to experience camping inside the park if you are unable to obtain reservations in advance.

Pay close attention to the months that each campground is open as most of these campgrounds are not year-round or may require reservations for busier times of the year.

Campgrounds Off of Hwy 41 (South)

Bridalveil Creek Campground

***UPDATE*** Bridalveil Creek Campground is closed until 2023 for rehabilitation of the water system. Check the NPS website for more information about opening dates.

Located off of Glacier Point Road, Bridalveil Creek Campground is 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley and 45 minutes from Wawona. This is an excellent location for checking out the fantastic views from Glacier Point and the many challenging hiking trails in the area.

There are 110 campsites at Bridalveil Creek. Some of these sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 24 feet. Be sure to check the specifications for each site prior to booking as maximum lengths vary by site.

The campground is open from July through early September. All campsites are first-come, first-served. The nearest dump stations are located in Wawona (summer only) or Yosemite Valley.

Camping Off of Hwy 120 (North)

Hodgdon Meadow Campground

The Hodgdon Meadow Campground is located just inside the main park entrance off of Highway 120. It is only 25 miles from Yosemite Valley and is a terrific choice if you cannot obtain a campsite in the valley. The sites are a mix of forest and open meadow. Wildflowers are abundant here in season.

There are 105 campsites in Hodgdon Meadow. Some of these sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 30 feet. This campground is open year-round and is only first-come, first-serve from November through March. The nearest dump station is located in Yosemite Valley.

Crane Flat Campground

Located only 30 minutes from the Yosemite Valley, Crane Flat is a great location for exploring the park. The campground also features an amphitheater for evening programs as well as access to hiking trails.

There are 166 campsites in Crane Flat. Some of these sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet.

The campground is open July through mid-October. Half of the campground is reservation only while the other half is first-come, first-served. This is a good campground to check out if you are visiting without reservations. The nearest dump stations are in Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows.

Camping on Hwy 120 (Tioga Road)

White Wolf Campground

Located along Tioga Road in the high country of Yosemite, White Wolf Campground is a fantastic spot for checking out the sites along Tioga Road. It is only one hour north of the Yosemite Valley providing easy access to that area as well.

There are 74 campsites at White Wolf. Some of these sites can accommodate RVs up to 27 feet and trailers up to 24 feet.

The campground is open from July through early September. All sites are first come-first served, and the nearest dump stations are in Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Located deep inside the park along Tioga Road, Tuolumne Meadows Campground is a great location for those looking to explore Yosemite’s High Country. At an elevation of 8,600 feet along the Tuolumne River, this campground is a favorite with campers. Amenities include evening programs and access to trails along with a gift shop, store and post office.

There are 304 campsites at Tuolumne Meadows. Some of these sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet.

The campground is open from July through late September. Half of the campground is reservation only while the other half is first-come, first-served. There is a dump station in the campground.

How Much Does It Cost to RV Camp in Yosemite?

Below is a list of fees for overnight stays at each campground as of 2019. The approximate dates of the campground opening and closing are listed as well, although this changes each year depending on weather conditions.

• Lower Pines (4/1-10/27): $26
• Upper Pines (year-round): $26
• North Pines (4/1-10/27): $26
• Wawona (year-round): $26
• Bridalveil Creek (7/15-9/23): $18 (closed until 2023)
• Hodgdon Meadow (4/8-10/1): $26
• Crane Flat (8/1-10/1): $26 (closed until 2023)
• White Wolf (opening varies-9/23) $18
• Tuolumne Meadows (7/12-9/23): $26 (closed until 2024-25)

The Best RV Camping Near Yosemite

If you are unable to obtain reservations in Yosemite or if you are looking to enjoy the park with a few more amenities, check out these RV parks located just outside of the park.

RV Campgrounds Near the Big Oak Flat Entrance of Yosemite

Yosemite Pines RV Resort and Family Lodging

Located only 22 miles from the western entrance of the park, Yosemite Pines offers RV sites, cabins, yurts, and “glamping.” Pets are welcome, and wifi is available. They also have a swimming pool, deli, and several sports courts. This is a really great option for those looking to enjoy the park with lots of amenities. Big rigs up to 70 feet are welcome.

Yosemite Lakes RV Resort

Another great option for travelers looking for great amenities is Yosemite Lakes. This is also a Thousand Trails campground, making it a very affordable option for those with a membership. In addition to amenities such as nature trails and mini-golf, this campground offers a shuttle into the park for an additional fee. The campground is only a 30-minute drive from the park entrance.

RELATED READING: Check out our article called Yosemite Lakes RV Resort Campground Review for all the details on this terrific campground.

RV Campgrounds Near the Arch Rock Entrance of Yosemite

Indian Flat RV Campground

Just 30 minutes from the park entrance, Indian Flat RV Campground offers full hookups along with amenities including a swimming pool. With only 25 sites total, the campground is the perfect location for those seeking some peace and quiet during their vacation.

RV Campgrounds Near the South Entrance of Yosemite

High Sierra RV and Mobile Park

High Sierra RV and Mobile Park is a no-frills campground is located just outside of Yosemite in the town of Oakhurst. With hookups and easy access to restaurants, grocery stores, and shops, High Sierra is a popular stop for folks passing through the area.

Bass Lake at Yosemite: An RV Resort

Located just under an hour from the south entrance of Yosemite, Bass Lake RV Resort is a great place to kick back and relax after a day in the park. With a pool, wifi, sports, a game room, a playground, and an adult lodge, there is something for everyone at Bass Lake.

RV Campgrounds Near the Tioga Pass (East) Entrance of Yosemite

Mono Vista RV Park

Located close to Yosemite as well as other attractions such as Mono Lake and the Bodie Ghost Town, Mono Vista RV Park is a great place to explore the Sierras. The campground is open from April 1 to November 1.

Golden Pine RV Park

Located 32 miles from the Tioga Pass entrance, Golden Pine RV Park offers access to Yosemite as well as the community of June Lake. Here you will find lake access, a marina, and a brewery. Pets and rigs of all sizes are welcome.

Free RV Camping Near Yosemite

Since there are limits on how long you can camp in Yosemite Valley each calendar year, free camping outside of the park is a good alternative for those looking to extend their stay. And you can save some money on your trip too. The free campsites mentioned here do not offer many amenities, yet they are lots of fun for those who enjoy boondocking.

Stanislaus National Forest

Located just outside of Yosemite National Park, the Stanislaus National Forest has simple campgrounds that do not require reservations. Lumsden Campground is a great place to start, and there are a few other free campgrounds along the forest route.

As with any boondocking site, you may want to walk the route on foot before bringing in your rig. This area is fine for small RVs, but larger RVs or large travel trailers may not be able to make it into this area.

Jerseydale Campground Near Oakhurst

Just 30 miles outside of Yosemite, Jerseydale Campground is open May through September for travelers in the area. This spot is popular with horse campers and RVs should not have a problem accessing the area.

RV Camping Tips For Yosemite

Check-in and check out are at noon each day. Due to the difficulty of booking campsites, many people piece together a stay at Yosemite by changing campsites each night. Because of this, check-in and check-out times are strictly enforced. Within the park, basic groceries can be found at the Yosemite Village Store, Curry Village Store and Yosemite Valley Lodge Store in the Yosemite Valley. There is also a small grocery store in Wawona.

From May through September, wood fires are only allowed from 5 pm to 10 pm. Stove and charcoal fires are permitted anytime. Do not bring firewood from more than 50 miles away from the campground.

RELATED READING: Check out our article called The Complete Guide to RV Parking in Yosemite because you can’t just park your RV anywhere to sight see! This article covers all the best parking locations and rules for parking in Yosemite.

Yosemite RV Rentals

If you do not have your own RV, you might want to consider an RV rental. This is a popular option for those without RVs or for people flying into the Yosemite area. There are several options to choose from. This information will help you make the best decision for your situation.

Corporate RV Rental Companies

Cruise America is one of the leading corporate RV rental companies in the nation. They have locations in the Yosemite and Kings Canyon/Sequoia area making them convenient for your vacation.

There are several RV rentals available which range from truck campers to larger RVs. The largest RVs can fit up to seven people, and you can also bring your pets.

Camper Van Rentals

Camper Vans are quickly becoming a popular way to travel and camp on a budget. To try out the craze, check out Escape Camper Vans. Their rentals come with a convertible bed, kitchen with sink, refrigerator, and stove, and a small dining area. You can rent bedding, kitchen sets, and other items for an additional fee.

There are four models to choose from that sleep anywhere from two to five people. The new Indie Campers even have a bathroom.

The closest pickup location to Yosemite is in San Francisco, which is convenient for those that are flying to California for the trip.

RELATED READING: Check out our article 13 Best Reasons Why You Should Rent an Escape Campervan to see if an Escape Campervan vacation is right for you!

Private RV Owners Who Rent Their RV

If you prefer to rent an RV or travel trailer from an individual but want the peace of mind that comes from renting from a company, Outdoorsy, RVshare, RVezy, may be right for you.

There are a huge variety of RVs and travel trailers to choose from, so you are sure to find something that meets your needs.

All of these companies handle insurance, lease agreements, damage deposits, and the payment process, so you can rest easy.

RELATED READING: Check out our article called How To Find the Perfect RV Rental By Owner to find RVs for rent by owner on Outdoorsy, RVshare, and RVezy!

Conclusion

No matter where you choose to stay, visiting Yosemite National Park should be on your bucket list. With a little bit of planning in advance, you can have a truly once in a lifetime experience in this national treasure.

To learn more about camping in or near Yosemite and RV Rentals, check out some of our other articles below!

• Why Are RV Park Rates So High?
• Are Dogs Allowed In RV Rentals?
• 13 Awesome Tips for RV Camping with Kids
• 15 Essential Rental Tips For First Time RV Renters
• 4 Best Rental Options for a Small Drivable RV
• 21 Must-Have RV Accessories for a New Camper or Travel Trailer

Do you have any tips for advice for the best RV camping in and near Yosemite? Please leave your comments or suggestions below!

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