Top 10 RV Parks Near the Yosemite National Park, CA

Top 5 reasons why it’s a fun place to visit:

1. Explore the Glacier Point
2. Hike the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
3. Enjoy the Tunnel View
4. Check out the numerous waterfalls
5. Look over the Sentinel Dome

List of top 10 RV Parks in the Yosemite, CA area:

(Disclaimer: information is a compilation of researched info as published online and does not necessarily reflect the experience or opinion of the author)

The RV parks have been ranked and are listed from “Most Recommended” to “Least Recommended” based on reviews, feedback, amenities, and preference. Cost was not the primary ranking driver. Please note that weekend RV families with children might have different needs than full-time RV “snowbirds”.

1. Bridalveil Creek Campground

This park is breath-taking views and is in the southern area of Yosemite National Park along Glacier Point Road. It is a first-come first-served campground outside of Yosemite Valley.

What makes this park unique?

This campground receives visitors from around the world due to its location. Past visitors rave about the magnificent views and the central location of this park to all the major sight-seeing points in Yosemite. According to the NPS website, “The Bridalveil Creek Campground is located along the Glacier Point Road near Bridalveil Creek and is surrounded by a beautiful forest of red fir and lodgepole pine. At an elevation of 7,200 feet (2,200m) the campground is located 7 miles west of Glacier Point, 9 miles east of the Wawona Road turnoff, and is approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The spectacular views from Glacier Point are nearby, and numerous hiking trails are located along the Glacier Point Road. There are no services nearby.” (Source: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bvcamp.htm)

Max RV length is 35 ft, max trailer length is 24 ft.

Note: this campground is closed until 2023 due to plumbing, water lines and generator repairs.

2. Lower Pines Campground

According to their Website, “Lower Pines Campground is 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. Within Yosemite, visitors gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more.” (Source: Lower Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park – Recreation.gov)

What makes this park unique?

This park has beautiful location, clean bathrooms, and tranquil environment. One has mountain views all around and this park is truly one-of-a-kind with the views.

Tip: make sure you create your reservation profile before the reservation window opens, as the sites sell out IN MINUTES (from 4/14-7/14 with reservations open on the 15^th of each month).

3. White Wolf Campground

According to their Website, “White Wolf Campground is located off the Tioga Road between Tuolumne Meadows and Crane Flat, approximately an hour from Yosemite Valley at 8,000 feet (2,400 m). The campground is tucked into the forest about a mile from Tioga Road near White Wolf Lodge. Trailheads nearby lead to Lukens and Harden Lakes and the area is popular for those accessing other wilderness destinations. Minimal services may be available at White Wolf Lodge (if open). There are no other visitor services close to the campground.” (Source: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wwcamp.htm)

What makes this park unique?

This park is very remote but has incredible wildlife and views that make it worthwhile to come and stay and unplug from the hustle and bustle of life. Note: RVs up to 27 ft and travel trailers up to 24 ft are allowed. Also, this park is closed seasonally due to snow.

4. Wawona Campground

According to their Website, ” The Wawona Campground is located along the South Fork Merced River close to historic Wawona. At an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,219 m), the campground is in the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is just a short drive away and the Pioneer History Center is in nearby Wawona where you can see some of the park’s oldest structures. Wawona offers a visitor center and a market.” (Source: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wawonacamp.htm)

What makes this park unique?

This park is close to the giant and ancient Sequoias. The staff is on site seasonally. There are food lockers that must be always used to deter from bear break-ins. This park is open seasonally only. The max length of RVs and travel trailers is 35 ft.

5. Upper Pines Campground

According to their Website: “Upper Pines Campground is the largest of the three reservation campgrounds in Yosemite Valley. It offers paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker. Yosemite’s free shuttle bus stops near the campground entrance.
Nearby, historic Curry Village offers a general store, restaurants and bar, amphitheater and a tour and activities desk.” (Source: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232447?tab=info)

What makes this park unique?

This is s seasonal park (like all in Yosemite), from May 1 to September 15. Max stay duration is 30 days a year and only 14 consecutive days total.

6. North Pines Campground

According to their Website, “Upper Pines is located near the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This large campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Upper Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village.” (Source: Pines Campgrounds – Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov))

What makes this park unique?

This park will be available to reserve by lottery system (check the Early Access System on their Website). This park has partial cell service and no hookups, but is very wooded and remote, with beautiful flora and fauna all around. Max length of RV is 35 ft and max trailer length is 24 ft.

7. Bass Lake at Yosemite

This park is located about 18 miles from Yosemite’s South Park entrance. It is in nature, with luxury of full hookups and cable TV.

What makes this park unique?

Nestled along the oak trees yet close to the water, this park is an amazing RV park alternative to the State and Federal Parks. This park is within walking distance to Bass Lake.

8. Yosemite Lakes RV Resort

According to their Website, “Yosemite Lakes RV Resort is the perfect camping destination for enjoying a scenic summer in California. Just five miles from Yosemite National Park, this campground features 400 acres of wonderland and activity. The South Fork of the Tuolumne River running through the preserve is ideal for swimming, fishing, and panning for gold. Just 35 miles to the west, Lake Don Pedro offers boating, water skiing and fishing. Moaning Cavern is another area attraction, the largest public cavern in the state.” (Source: Yosemite Lakes RV Campground | RV Resorts in California (thousandtrails.com))

What makes this park unique?

This Thousand Trails Park underwent many upgrades and renovations in the last year, including bathroom upgrades, playground and 50 Amp site add-ons and an added trail, as well as pickleball courts.

9. High Sierra RV Park and Campground

This park is not IN the Yosemite National Park, but it is a good fit for visitors who need full hookups and all the amenities of an RV park with the close access to Yosemite during the day.

What makes this park unique?

This is a small, clean park to stay at in the Yosemite area. There is a mix of short- and long-term stay RVs, as well as cabins and mobile homes. It is located next to a stream where one can swim in during the warmer months.

10. The Lakes RV and Golf Resort

The Yosemite National Park is located east of the RV park. This park is also within driving distance to Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, and Napa Wine Country.

What makes this park unique?

This park is immaculate and a true resort, with manicured lots and many activities to stay busy with, such as tennis, shuffleboard, or horseshoes.

TIPS TO GET TO YOSEMITE

When coming from Carson City, NV, one will exit I-580 onto US-395 going South towards Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Lakes. The other main way of accessing Yosemite is via CA-120 when coming from the West and traveling East from Stockton via Sonora toward Yosemite Valley. The roads are winding and hilly, so take care when pulling a longer RV.