Yosemite RV Parks

A day in Yosemite National Park quickly shows visitors why it inspired conservation pioneer John Muir and others to fight for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. Its natural beauty is world famous, and its opportunities for outdoor activities unmatched. Active visitors will have no problem filling their time at Yosemite, and those that bring their RVs will have plenty of options within the park.

About Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is the perfect destination for the outdoor enthusiast. More than 12 miles of paved bike paths crisscross Yosemite Valley. In addition, cyclists are welcome on major roads as well, though helmets are required. There are plenty of trails throughout the park that range from easy day hikes to overnight backpacking trips, and horses are welcome to use most of these paths as well. Swimming, rafting and fishing are popular water sports, and rock climbing is open to more experienced visitors.

About RV Camping

The vast majority of Yosemite's campgrounds have RV spaces available, but given the park's popularity, visitors should make reservations as far ahead of time as possible. Some camps require reservations during the high season and begin taking them as much as five months in advance, but still fill up almost instantly. For those campgrounds that do not accept reservations, visitors will have to show up very early in high season to secure a spot. RVs more than 40 feet and trailers more than 35 feet are not allowed in the park, but visitors with smaller vehicles will find it much easier to secure a camping spot.

Therefore, given that most of the campgrounds accept RVs, campers should choose their location on their ability to plan ahead as well as surrounding activities. Each campground gives visitors access to waterways or specific hiking trails, so campers should choose campground closest to what they want to do.

Yosemite Valley

The three campgrounds in the heart of the Valley, Upper, Lower and North Pines--collectively called 'the Pines'--accept RVs. All three take reservations, but Upper Pines, the largest of the three open year-round, only does so from March to November.

The campgrounds are popular for a reason. Located in the Valley, they are near the park's most famous sites, including El Capitan. It is ideal for visitors short on time, as well as those planning to do hiking and biking in the valley. Some easy hikes include Lower Yosemite Fall and Cook's Meadow Loop, both one-mile trails. The 13-mile Valley Floor Loop is quite scenic, and a 6.5-mile version is available for those short on time. The Panorama Trail and Vernal Fall are rewarding but strenuous hikes.

The campgrounds serve as a good base for rock climbers looking to tackle El Cap well as, but this is an arduous, often overnight process, so climbers should know their limits before attempting to scale it.

The camp's easy access to the inviting, sandy beaches of the Merced River make it a favorite with swimmers as well.

South of Yosemite Valley

Only two RV park options exist south of the Valley--Brideveil Creek and Wawona. Brideveil Creek does not take reservations but is an excellent spot for those planning to spend time around Glacier Point, with its many hiking trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The Sentinel Dome and Taft Point hike is a moderate 2.2-mile trail near Glacier Point, while trails of varying distance from 1.6 to 6.9 miles crisscross the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Wawona is located just off the south fork of the Merced, making it a good campsite for those that need water access too.

North of Yosemite Valley

The majority of the park's campgrounds are north of the Valley. The camps that accept RVs--White Wolf, Crane Flat, Porcupine Flat, Tuolumne Meadows, Hodgdon Meadows and Tamarack Flat--are all close to some hiking opportunities.
Elizabeth Lake is a moderate 4.8-mile hike starting from Tuolumne Meadows, while Vogelsang High Sierra Camp is a challenging 13.8-mile trail. Visitors, however, should choose a camp depending on what trails they want to do and whether they need access to the area's lakes and creeks for water sports.