Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Fodor's) - Fodor's [20]
Crane Flat.
$$ | This camp on Yosemite’s western boundary, south of Hodgdon Meadow, is just 17 mi from the valley but far from its bustle. A small grove of sequoias is nearby. Pros: for a large campground, it doesn’t feel crowded; good spot strategically if you’re dividing your time among Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite Valley, and Tioga Road attractions. Cons: not itself close to anything particularly interesting. | From Big Oak Flat entrance on Hwy. 120, drive 10 mi east to campground entrance on right 95389 | 800/436–7275 or 209/372–0265 | 166 tent/RV sites | Flush toilets, drinking water, bear boxes, fire pits, picnic tables, general store, ranger station | Reservations essential | AE, D, MC, V | Closed Oct.–May.
Hodgdon Meadow.
$$ | On the park’s western boundary, at an elevation of about 4,900 feet, the vegetation here is similar to that in the valley—but there’s no river and no development. Reservations are essential May through September. Pros: relatively low-key campground; good access to Hetch Hetchy and Tioga Road. Cons: nothing exceptionally interesting is nearby; lacks a good view. | From Big Oak Flat entrance on Hwy. 120, immediately turn left to campground 95389 | 800/436–7275 or 209/372–0265 | reservations.nps.gov | 105 tent/RV sites | Flush toilets, drinking water, bear boxes, grills, picnic tables, ranger station | AE, D, MC, V.
Housekeeping Camp.
$$$$ | Composed of three walls (usually concrete) and covered with two layers of canvas, each unit has an open-ended fourth side that can be closed off with a heavy, white canvas curtain. Inside, typically, are bunk beds and a full-size bed (dirty mattresses included); outside is a covered patio, fire ring, picnic table, and bear box. You rent "bedpacks," consisting of blankets, sheets, and other comforts in the main building, which also has a small grocery. Lots of guests take advantage of the adjacent Merced River and sun on its rocks or drop inflatable rafts onto its gentle surface. Showers ($5 a pop) and a laundry area are on premises. Pros: generally has a friendly, family vibe; good spots next to the river; centrally located. Cons: rather cramped; three-sided enclosures can seem strange; restrooms can be a hassle to walk to, especially at night. | Southside Dr., ½ mi west of Curry Village | Delaware North, 6771 N. Palm Ave., Fresno, CA 93704 | 209/372–8338, 559/252–4848 reservations | www.yosemitepark.com | 266 units | Flush toilets, drinking water, bear boxes, fire pits, picnic tables, general store, guest laundry | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Closed early Oct.–late Apr.
Lower Pines.
$$ | This moderate-size campground sits directly along the Merced River; it’s a short walk to the trailheads for the Mirror Lake and Mist trails. Expect small sites and lots of people. Pros: flat, smooth ground for tents; close to family attractions such as Mist Trail and Happy Isles; closes Pines campground to Curry Village. Cons: crowded during the summer; small lots; impersonal. | At east end of valley 95389 | 800/436–7275 or 209/372–0265 | 60 tent/RV sites | Flush toilets, drinking water, bear boxes, fire grates, picnic tables, public telephone, ranger station, swimming (river) | Reservations essential | AE, D, MC, V | Closed Nov.–Feb.
North Pines.
$$ | Set along the Merced River at an elevation of 4,000 feet, this campground is near many trailheads. Sites are close together, and there is little privacy. Pros: quieter than the other Pines campgrounds; nice river-side spots. Cons: can be crowded and cramped; Curry Village is a 10-minute walk away. | At east end of valley, near Curry Village 95389 | 800/436–7275 or 209/372–0265 | www.recreation.gov | 80 tent/RV sites | Flush toilets, drinking water, showers, bear boxes, fire