Several RV parks provide motorhome accommodations near Yosemite National Park. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes offers full hookup RV sites with 30-amp service and only limited 50-amp availability. High Sierra RV Park features pull-through sites with full hookups, though some travelers report difficulties maneuvering larger rigs through the campground's narrow roads. Yosemite Pines RV Resort includes spacious sites with both 50-amp electrical service and sewer connections. Most parks have gravel pads rather than concrete, with varying degrees of levelness. "Our spot was very hard to try and level our trailer. We never did quite get it leveled the way we would've liked. The spaces were very tight and we just happen to get lucky that nobody was across from us," noted one visitor.
Seasonal restrictions affect campground accessibility throughout the region. Many parks close during winter months when mountain roads become snow-covered, while those open year-round often fill quickly during peak summer tourism seasons. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with several campgrounds offering paid WiFi as an alternative to spotty mobile connections. Dump stations are available at most parks, though not always included with partial hookup sites. Pet policies generally allow dogs with standard leash requirements. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer and fall, especially for larger rigs requiring specific site dimensions. Near the western Yosemite entrance, RV parks typically require a 20-45 minute drive to reach park attractions, with propane and basic supplies available at on-site stores.
"You come into Yosemite Lakes by a little Thousand Trails convenience store and gas station. It's kind of handy since there's really nothing nearby other than Groveland."
"This Campground is 5 miles from West gate entrance to "Yosemite National Park". Only 35 miles west of " Lake Don Pedro, take out your boat, go jet skiing or fishing."
$24 - $439 / night
"Beautiful trees, paved roads for biking or scootering, hooting owls in the trees, huge unusual pine cones, a nature trail that goes to an old gold mine. Really special place."
"No Verizon or T-Mobile coverage. Wifi available for purchase."
$13 - $50 / night
"We stayed in the premium sites at this camp ground. Loved the hosts. They were wonderful to work with and very accommodating. The premium sites include full hook-ups — water, electric and sewer. "
"The campsite was 39 and it was right next to the bathroom. To leave with a 26’ travel trailer I had to pull out and back down another road just to exit the park."
"We booked this last minute over the phone, we were very impressed with the spot, next to the pool, clubhouse, fire pit."
"Cool summer nights near Bass Lake Recreational area so fishing and boating are a main attraction. Park is tight for big rigs, but can fit if careful. Pads are gravel and almost level."
"WiFi is no bueno can’t even get a connection. We booked a pull through deluxe full hookup site."
"Large dog run which was amazing. Personal just a bit expensive 100 ish for a rv spot with 30 amp an water."
$42 - $999 / night
"They have cabins, places to rent camp, laundry on site, a pool, 30/50 hookups. Pull throughs and water and sewer."
"This is a great campsite if you have an Rv or trailer. Close to the lake plenty of activities in the area Boats jet ski rental fishing etc"
$30 - $289 / night
"This park is located along the 140 right before El Portal."
"Our campsite was a bit small but we managed with our pop up tent trailer."
$35 - $80 / night
"Plenty for the kids and family to do and a great location close enough to bike/walk to most stores on the east end of town. Our reservation said 50 amp partial hookups."
"Pet friendly which is a plus. Be mindful it’s bear country so wonderingl around at night not so wise lol"
$30 - $40 / night
"We arrived late in the night, there is a sign with available places on the office entrance. Good restrooms. Dump Station and Hot water shower is free if you pay for Camping."
"Originally only booked two, but because of the recent fires in the Sierra Mountains, many people had cancelled and the park wasn't very full. So we added two more nights. "
GuideSierra Campground off the beatin path. Full hook ups in summer. Closed in winter. Tall pines block satellite feeds. Spotty Cell service. Daily, weekly, monthly rates. Lots of trees dropped due to bark beetle. Pool, group camping, ball fields, disc golf
RangerWe have stayed at this campground many times and recently revisited in September’24. This COE is on a small lake that is used for irrigation during the summer resulting in a much lower water level than in the spring. Fishing is good. The Corps have added more electric sites over the years and there were 5-6 that fit our 43’ Blue Bird. We marked this as “big rig” friendly. Springtime has the grasses green with abundant wild flowers in late Feb through early March. Summer can be hot as the elevation is low in the California Central Valley and the grasses are brown. Sites are asphalt. Many sites may take some time to level. Back in and pull through are available. A nice dump stations is available within the COE park. Fall has a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen. Codorniz is 21 miles from Chowchilla. One way in and one way out cuts down on traffic.
ScoutFull hook-up. 50 amp 30 amp. Fresh water at each site. Free WiFi. Large grassy area with picnic table. Lots of trees and shade. Sewage at each site. Management is very helpful and works hard maintaining grounds. They are in their own RV at the back of the campground.
TravelerThis park is located along the 140 right before El Portal. It is part of a larger complex that includes a lodge with access to all amenities (fitness center, pool, rec room with table tennis and billiard tables) as well as a shop (both gift and groceries). Visitors can stay until 10pm, campground office (with very helpful and pleasant staff) closes at 9pm and the lodge lobby/shop at 11pm. Pools are open from 8am to 10pm. In winter only the indoor pool is accessible (a pool and a jacuzzi) but in hot season, there are also multiple outdoors options.
GuideYou come into Yosemite Lakes by a little Thousand Trails convenience store and gas station. It's kind of handy since there's really nothing nearby other than Groveland. Make sure to come in at this entrance though. When coming from the west GPS likes to take you through Hardin Flat Road... don't go that way with an RV. Check-in was quick and easy. Don't forget it's first come first serve like most Thousand Trails campgrounds. Staff were all very friendly. There's complimentary wifi at the main office if you need it. There's NO phone signal of any kind for miles. There is Jabba Communications wifi throughout that campground that you can pay for but it's pricey and very shoddy and unpredictable here. Unless you're staying for a long time it's not worth it.
Every spot pretty much has full hookups but only a few with 50 amp. The rest have 30 amp. Again, as I've said with other Thousand Trails, that just seems like laziness to me. These campgrounds have been around long enough to see the need for upgrades.
We parked at the far east end past the cabins in a pull-through group spot. They are the biggest spots and didn't seem like people really use that area much. It was pretty quiet for the two weeks we were there. It's off season as well though. Power went out to the entire campground two days in a row. Not the campground's fault as high winds knocked out power to the entire area. They were nice and let us use our generator even though they are not allowed any other time.
There's a little river that runs along the campground that looks like it would be beautiful in the spring and summer when there's more water. It still had quite a bit flowing through over by the main office. Yosemite National Forest is just a short distance away. Some great hikes and sights to see!
I'd say with a few more updates this one could easily be a 5-star!
GuideStayed here for a week. Great spot for the family while I worked. Plenty for the kids and family to do and a great location close enough to bike/walk to most stores on the east end of town.
Our reservation said 50 amp partial hookups. But only the full-hookup sites have 50 amp. Partial hookups are 30amp with water, but the water access depends on the weather/season you're there in. We had to fill up with Fresh Water before we got to our site but it's in a convenient spot so not too big of a deal.
It is a parking lot but there was plenty of space for us and our SUV. Pool and Laundry Mat/Showers were close as well which made things nice. Starbucks is a short walk away too if that's your jam.
Great spot just make sure to call so there's no surprises with water/hookups etc.
Amenities: Pool & Jacuzzi / Laundry Mat / Showers & Bathrooms / Dump Station / Playground.
LegendThis camp ground is smaller relative to some of the other camping options in the area, but still well maintained. It is close to the road but still quiet. Each site has a table, fire ring, and a food storage locker. There are two vault toilets. Bring your own water. You cannot reserve sites ahead of time.
If you want to experience the Yosemite area with your dog, camping in the Inyo National Forest is a great option, because dogs are allowed to join you anywhere you go in the area, as long as they are leashed or well trained to verbal commands. Since the Yosemite NPS does not allow dogs on trails, these national forest campgrounds are a better pet-friendly alternative.
If you like fishing, there are great fishing spots at the nearby stream and lake.
Because this campground is actually a part of the national forest, you can stay here for up to two weeks, in addition to the two week maximum enforced for camping within the NPS limits. So in total you could can stay in "Yosemite" for a month by combining camping at this site (or other nearby national forest sites) with camping inside the park, which is why we stayed here for a long rock climbing trip.
ScoutI had the luxury of being a camp host at this location back in 2010 for a summer. While the USFS does over see the campgrounds on a regular basis, It was operated and maintained by Dodge Ridge Ski Resort. I'm pretty sure that if you want power you'll need to be self sufficient i.e( solar, wind or generator). Unless they upgraded the grounds, not sure if there are hook ups of any kind. I had a nice sturdy picnic table and a decent sized fire ring( remember dont leave until you drown your fire with at least 5-10 gal of water) dead out. If you dont bring your own wood that's ok. You are in national forest land if it's dead on the ground then you can burn it, dont get fires too large though. The fishing there is usually great in the summer time as long as the water isnt to high from the snow melt or a recent storm. I ate fresh rainbow trout when ever I took the short medium walk/ hike down to the river. The river is stocked with rainbow trout every Wednesday I think( check USFS website for current schedule and location) if you need to eat or have kids that wanna learn. Almost every cast was a fish for me. Albeit I'm not a beginner fisherman either so not much on the way of clunkers but still plenty of fun. However, there are many places where big fish are and every once in awhile you get a big fish. Some campsites are only for tents while some are for both. It's only available in summer due to roads to the campground are covered in ice and snow, as well as gates blocking the road (which allows the county to not have to plow in the winter.) In the summer it's usually pretty quite and the 10pm quite time, which meant voices down not a huge fire and no music, I allowed an outdoor movie if I was a large group and noise wasnt a nuisance to other campers. It was left to my discretion. Most party campers are only weekenders so weekdays are the best time for nature as well as quiet time. I dont really know about prices but I believe you can check USFS website for more details. The water temp varies is there snow run off? Is it raining or has it in the last 3 days? I found the best time to swim is later in the summer or go down the road to another lake for the day to swim. Fishing was best when the water was cold and slowed when it got too warm. Yes this is one thing I will say the large generator that is run at store was a problem and I've heard they are working on rebuilding so that may still be an issue but after the first 3 days it's not so bad plus I found that some campsites aren't as bad as others and you can barely hear it. Tent sites are even further away from the noise. Remember there are predators in the area; mountain lions, black bear, brown bear( I think however I've never seen one) Bobcats, eagles, falcons, owls. So keep children and small animals close, Watch out because the scavengers up there are very sneaky, raccoons, ravens and even the tree squirrels will steal unattended food as well as draw the bears and mountain lions closer so make sure all food is properly disposed of and stored correctly. Dont just lock it in your car, glass wont stop a bear( look it up on youtube) Remember if you pack it in, make sure to pack it out. Before you leave make sure your fire is completely out. Soak with water, stir, soak, stir, soak. If you can hold your hand over it and not feel any heat then you can leave other wise keep soak and stir. At the time I was in a motor home and was a green horn RVer and made many mistakes and had no idea what I was doing. Nor had i been shown how everything really worked. If you have an rv or travel trailer you can apply for a camp host position single or couple it doesnt matter no rent and pay on top of that. Make sure you bring what you need though there is a few stores down the road its roughly a 30- 45 min drive so double for round trip. There are several water filling stations on the way there( one was a mile sb108 at the forrest station) those are free but the dump stations I believe are all $10.00. If open, can be a line on busier weekends and holidays there are toilets at the campgrounds they are all vault toilets and were cleaned and stocked daily ( unsure if still being done).
I will definitely being returning over and over and F.Y.I If this campground is full their are about 6 more in the area plus a hike in site that's really great.
TravelerWe have been coming to Camp Edison annually for the past 15 years and have never been disappointed. Each site has plenty of room and includes a picnic table and fire pit. It’s a short walk to Shaver Lake from virtually any of the sites, and several have a nice view of the lake. Fishing, boating, swimming or just picnicking on one of the many beaches surrounding the lake is a great way to spend your time. Some sites have full hook ups, but most have just electricity and cable TV, with water faucets nearby to fill your RV or use as needed if dry camping. There is a dump station on site and also a “honey wagon” that will come to your site and pump out your waste water, if you desire. Restrooms are clean and plentiful and each has a shower (25 cents for 2 minutes). The laundromat has come in handy several times, too. Camp Edison has great activities during the summer season including guided educational nature walks, both day and evening, as well as kids’ movies in the amphitheater. There is also a museum on site that offers activities and fun events like an ice cream social.
Riverside campgrounds near El Portal, California provide access to Yosemite National Park while offering alternatives to in-park accommodations. The elevation range of 1,500-3,500 feet creates milder temperatures than Yosemite Valley, particularly in spring and fall. Many RV campgrounds near El Portal feature riverfront sites along the Merced River with varying degrees of accessibility on dirt roads.
Hiking nearby trails: At McCabe Flat Campground, campers can explore hiking paths along the old railroad route. "There is plenty of hiking and several swimming holes nearby for when it gets hot," notes one visitor who appreciated the campground's riverside location.
Swimming in natural pools: The Merced River offers natural swimming opportunities during summer months. "We absolutely loved camping here. So peaceful listening to the river all night," commented a camper at Willow Placer Campground, where river access is just steps from most sites.
Wildlife viewing: The river corridor attracts diverse wildlife. "Lots of wildlife: wildflowers, newts, and river otters. Watch out for rattlesnakes!" warns a camper who stayed at Railroad Flat Campground during spring.
River sounds: The rushing Merced River creates natural white noise appreciated by many campers. "The sounds of the river are amazing! Most sites have bear boxes and a firepit," commented a visitor at Railroad Flat Campground.
Less crowded alternatives: The BLM campgrounds provide alternatives to busier in-park accommodations. "We preferred to stay here while visiting Yosemite because it's much warmer here than in Yosemite Valley (at least in winter)," noted one camper at Willow Placer.
Fishing opportunities: The Merced River supports fishing for those with proper licenses. "I managed to catch a 12" rainbow almost right away, just feet from the campsite," reported a camper at McCabe Flat, who also mentioned that water conditions vary seasonally.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "There is no cell service," reports a camper at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, adding that "the 'pay WIFI' did not work for us...but there is complimentary WiFi at the laundry to check in on things that works just fine."
Bridge restrictions: Access to some campgrounds involves crossing narrow bridges. "It's almost a 90 degree turn on a narrow bridge. Just an FYI for people towing. Vans and trucks with slide ins will have a much easier time getting through," explained a camper at Willow Placer.
Early arrival recommended: First-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly. "Definitely come early to snag a spot, and even earlier if you want a good one," advises a McCabe Flat visitor who noted all sites were occupied by Saturday morning.
Kid-friendly amenities: Many private RV parks offer facilities specifically for children. "With a pool, petting zoo, a corral where they have a fire and s'mores followed by a movie, this is a great place to camp with the kids," shared a visitor at Yosemite Pines RV Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near El Portal, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near El Portal, CA is Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes with a 4.1-star rating from 43 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near El Portal, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 245 RV camping locations near El Portal, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
