Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular and frequently visited national parks in the United States. While it’s most popular among rock climbers for famous climbs like El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite is also a popular destination for RVers. Part of the reason Yosemite is so popular with RVers is because of how many awesome RV-friendly campgrounds there are in the area–like those we’ve chosen to spotlight here.
Category #1: Best Campgrounds Just Outside the Yosemite
As we said before, there are plenty of great RV-friendly parks and campgrounds in and around Yosemite. From North Pines campgrounds to Yosemite National Park campgrounds within the park and everywhere in between, there’s no shortage of options for RVers and tent campers alike.
Campgrounds in the High Sierra
A common option for RVers visiting Yosemite is to stay just outside the park in the High Sierra Mountains. The High Sierras provide a unique and elevated camping experience, with some areas reaching elevations of more than 8,000 feet.
Here are our top three selections for RV-friendly campgrounds in the High Sierras:
#1: High Sierra RV Park
High Sierra RV Park is one of the top campgrounds for people who want to stay outside of Yosemite while still having immediate access to it. Located less than a half-hour south of Yosemite, High Sierra features full hookup RV sites on the banks of the Fresno River. They also have a fully stocked camp store, a swimming pool, and plenty of other amenities if you need a day away from Yosemite.
#2: Yosemite Pines RV Park
Yosemite Pines RV Park is located roughly 30 minutes west of Yosemite National Park and is one of the top RV parks in the Yosemite area. In addition to their full hookup RV sites capable of handling RVs of every shape and size, Yosemite Pines also has cabin rentals, RV rentals, yurts, and more. This RV park puts you in close proximity to the national park while also offering plenty of amenities and things to do at the campground itself (whether you’re traveling as a couple or a family of four).
#3: White Wolf Campground
White Wolf Campground is one of several High Sierra campgrounds located inside Yosemite National Park. It features 74 campsites capable of handling RVs up to 27 feet long. Staying at this campground is perfect for those wanting to visit Yosemite hotspots, such as the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, Sunrise Lakes, and Tenaya Lake.
Although we didn’t include it on our list, Tuolumne Meadows Campground and Yosemite Creek Campground near Yosemite Falls are two other great options inside the park.
Luxury RV Parks Outside Yosemite National Park
If you enjoy the finer things in life and want to stay at a luxury RV park close to Yosemite, there are several great options to choose from, including:
#1: Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes lives up to the name, promising easy lake access for all guests. The Thousand Lakes chain of RV parks is known for offering some of the most beautiful and luxurious RV camping in the country, complete with a clubhouse, nature trails, sports courts, and more! Located roughly 20 minutes outside of Yosemite, this RV park offers quick access to the park.
#2: Outdoorsy Yosemite
Located on the shores of Bass Lake, Outdoorsy Yosemite offers the perfect combination of isolation, scenery, and amenities. It’s one of the top Yosemite RV parks in the area and is located just 25 minutes south of the park, with quick access to the South Entrance. There’s also plenty to do at the campground itself, including fishing, paddleboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and more!
#3: The RV Park at Black Oak Casino Resort
If you want to stay at one of the most luxurious RV parks in California and don’t mind being an hour away from Yosemite, consider the RV Park at Black Oak Casino Resort. In addition to offering access to the Black Oak Casino, this RV park is a true resort, as it features a fully furnished clubhouse, a heated pool and spa, and much more. It’s perfect for those wanting to visit Yosemite once or twice during your stay.
Category #2: Best Yosemite Campgrounds (In the Park)
If you prefer to enjoy your Yosemite National Park camping trip inside the park, there are plenty of great campgrounds to choose from. Keep in mind, however, that the campgrounds inside the park won’t have electricity, water, or sewer hookups, which means you’ll be boondocking.
However, as long as you’re set up for dry camping, staying inside Yosemite is very affordable and offers instant access to all that the park has to offer. Here are some of the best options in different parts of the park.
Yosemite Valley Campground Options
Even though it’s technically a “valley,” Yosemite Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000+ feet. Therefore, you’ll still get the feeling of being in the mountains, even if you’re camping at the base of one.
Here are some of the top campgrounds in Yosemite Valley:
- Upper Pines Campground: The largest and most popular campground in Yosemite Valley, and features 238 campsites capable of handling RVs up to 35 feet long.
- Lower Pines Campground: The closest campground to El Capitan and Half Dome, and features 60 campsites capable of handling RVs up to 40 feet long.
- North Pines Campground: The closest campground to the Merced River and Mirror Lake, and features 81 sites capable of handling RVs up to 40 feet long.
*Note: While none of these campgrounds have full hookup sites, they all have restrooms with flushable toilets and communal water spigots.
North Yosemite Valley Campground Options
North Yosemite Valley is slightly more elevated than other parts of the valley, and most campgrounds in this area are between 4,000 and 6,000 feet. As with other campgrounds inside the park, each option in the North Valley is dry camping, and none of them have full hookups.
- Hodgdon Meadow Campground: One of the more secluded first-come, first-serve campgrounds in Yosemite, and is capable of handling rigs up to 35 feet long.
- Crane Flat Campground: Located near Tuolumne Grove trailhead in the northwest valley, and has 166 sites capable of handling rigs up to 35 feet long.
- Tamarack Campground: Located on the banks of Tamarack Creek, Tamarack Campground has 52 first-come, first-serve RV sites that can handle rigs up to 35 feet long.
While none of these campgrounds have full hookup sites, they all have restrooms with flushable toilets and communal water spigots.
South Yosemite Valley Campground Options
South Yosemite Valley is one of the oldest and most historical parts of Yosemite National Park. Home to landmarks such as the Chinese Laundry Building and some of the best views of the giant sequoia trees in the valley, this is a must-visit spot.
There are only two campgrounds in the South Valley, but they’re two of the best and most popular in Yosemite.
- Wawona Campground: You can fall asleep to the sound of the Merced River. All you need to do is book one of their numerous first-come, first-serve campgrounds, capable of handling RVs up to 35 feet long.
- Bridalveil Creek Campground: One of the highest elevated campgrounds in the Yosemite Valley, with campsites that can handle RVs up to 35 feet long.
*Note: While none of these campgrounds have full hookup sites, they all have restrooms with flushable toilets and communal water spigots.
Category #3: Specialty Camping Options in Yosemite
In addition to traditional tent and RV camping in Yosemite, you can also choose from several unique camping options. You can glamp in a yurt, rent a camper in an Airstream community, or live it up in a luxury lodge.
Here are some of the best and most unique camping options in Yosemite.
Glamping and Luxury Lodges
- AutoCamp Yosemite: Offers the opportunity to stay in a community of Airstream campers. A great option for group camping, as there is also an outdoor communal area for dinners and events.
- Half Dome Village: Also known as Curry Village, Half Dome Village offers the option to camp in cabins, hard-sided tents, or yurts in close proximity to Half Dome. Similar options include Housekeeping Camp, Tuolumne Meadow Lodge, and High Sierra Camps.
- The Majestic Yosemite Hotel: Also known as The Ahwhanhee, this is the most luxurious and historic place to stay in Yosemite. Similar options include the Yosemite Valley Lodge and The Wawona Hotel.
You can make reservations for each of these accommodations through the NPS website, excluding AutoCamp Yosemite, which is privately owned and outside the park. You can also reserve campsites at campgrounds within Yosemite at the NPS website.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve completed your Yosemite camping trip and your journey comes to an end, you’ll need somewhere safe to store your RV. If you don’t have the space or facilities to store your rig safely on your property, you’ll need to find a nearby storage facility.
Consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, to find the perfect RV storage accommodations near you. Neighbor has options all across the country, and they may even have some in your own neighborhood!
