Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Fodor's) - Fodor's [21]
Porcupine Flat.
$ | Sixteen miles west of Tuolumne Meadows, this campground sits at 8,100 feet. Sites are close together, but if you want to be in the high country and Tuolumne Meadows is full, this is a good bet. There is no water available. RVs over 35 are prohibited. Pros: lovely clean air; several really spacious sites; can luck out here last-minute. Cons: far from the valley; can get very cold at night; no reservations. | 16 mi west of Tuolumne Meadows on Hwy. 120 95389 | 209/372–0265 | www.nps.gov/yose | 52 tent/RV sites | Pit toilets, bear boxes, fire pits, picnic tables | Reservations not accepted | AE, D, MC, V | Closed mid-Oct.–July.
Tamarack Flat.
$ | This rather primitive campground sits in a forested area at an elevation of 6,300 feet, with lodgepole pines, red firs, and some cedars. There’s no water, and only small RVs (up to 24 feet) are allowed. Pros: people who stay here aren’t camping novices; quiet enough that you can hear wildlife clearly 24/7. Cons: the road to get here is in awful shape; can feel too remote. | From Big Oak Flat entrance station, turn left on Tioga Rd. (Hwy. 120); 3 mi ahead turn right to enter campground, 2½ mi from Tioga Rd. 95389 | 209/372–0265 | www.nps.gov/yose | 52 tent/RV sites | Pit toilets, bear boxes, fire grates, picnic tables | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Closed early Sept.–May.
Fodor’s Choice | Tuolumne Meadows.
$$ | In a wooded area at 8,600 feet, just south of its namesake meadow, this is one of the most spectacular and sought-after campgrounds in Yosemite. Hot showers can be used at the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge—though only at certain strictly regulated times. Half the sites are first-come, first-served, so arrive early or make reservations. The campground is open July–September. Pros: lovely setting; good access to services; lively campfire activities. Cons: short season; difficult to reserve; far from the valley. | Hwy. 120, 46 mi east of Big Oak Flat entrance station 95389 | 209/372–0265 or 800/436–7275 | 314 tent/RV sites | Flush toilets, dump station, drinking water, bear boxes, fire grates, picnic tables, public telephone, general store, ranger station | AE, D, MC, V | Closed Oct.–May.
Upper Pines.
$$ | This is the valley’s largest campground, and the closest one to the trailheads. Expect large crowds in the summer—and little privacy. Pros: convenient to Happy Isles and the Mist Trail; cheaper than Curry Village. Cons: large and impersonal; could use more restrooms. | At east end of valley, near Curry Village 95389 | 800/436–7275 | www.recreation.gov | 238 tent/RV sites | Flush toilets, dump station, drinking water, showers, bear boxes, fire grates, picnic tables, public telephone, ranger station, swimming (river) | Reservations essential | AE, D, MC, V.
Wawona.
$$ | Near the Mariposa Grove, just downstream from a popular fishing spot, this year-round campground (reservations essential May–September) has larger, less densely packed sites than campgrounds in the valley, located right by the river. The downside is that it’s an hour’s drive to the valley’s major attractions. Pros: spots are comparatively spacious; river’s sound is soothing. Cons: a lot of people get up early here to go fishing; far from the valley. | Hwy. 41, 1 mi north of Wawona 95389 | 209/372–0265 or 800/436–7275 | www.recreation.gov | 93 tent/RV sites | Flush toilets, dump station, drinking water, bear boxes, fire grates, picnic tables, ranger station, swimming (river) | AE, D, MC, V.
White Wolf.
$ | Set in the beautiful high country at 8,000 feet, this is a prime spot for hikers. RVs up to 27 feet long are permitted. Pros: wonderful mountain air; quiet; trails near here are less-crowded and lovely. Cons: you may need luck to get a spot, especially on weekends; far from the valley; no reservations. | From Big Oak Flat entrance, go 15 mi east on Tioga Road (Hwy. 120); campground is on right 95389 | 209/372–0265 | www.nps.gov/yose | 87 tent/RV sites | Flush