Stanislaus, Inyo, Humboldt-Toiyabe and Sierra are the national forests which ring Yosemite. Each forest maintains many campgrounds several, of which are close to the various Yosemite entrances. For instance, Summerdale Campground, Fish Lake, is a small 30-site campground 1.5 miles from the Wawona entrance. Bass Lake at Oakhurst has several national forest campgrounds. Ellery Lake is located in the Inyo National Forest on the east side of Yosemite about three miles from the Tioga Pass entrance. There are several other forest campgrounds in this area. Get a California highway map and compute distances from the various forest campgrounds to determine the best one for you. The ability to reserve campsites varies with campgrounds.
The Bureau of Land Management operates three campgrounds along the Merced River with simple facilities. Each campsite has a table and fire ring with a grill. Bring your own water as potable water is not provided. Toilets are composting or pit style. Trash collection is available. The Merced originates in the high country of Yosemite and flows through the center of the park. Fish, raft, swim, hike, bird watch and view wildflowers around camp. These campgrounds are about 10 miles west of the Arch Rock entrance.
Use a California highway map to locate the cities outside the entrances to Yosemite. Contact the Chambers of Commerce or tourism bureau to find privately owned campgrounds. Check chain campgrounds for local partners. KOA has a facility in Mariposa, about 23 miles west of the Arch Rock entrance and at Coarsegold south of the Wawona entrance. Mariposa is home to several Good Sam campgrounds. One Good Sam is located in Oakhurst.
If you cannot get into Yosemite, consider an attractive alternative. Camp in nearby King’s Canyon or Sequoia National Park. These parks have many campsites, scenic streams, hiking trails and less congestion than Yosemite. Consider one of these as your base camp and plan an all day outing to Yosemite. Depart early and head to Yosemite Valley to view Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls. Visit the historic Yosemite Lodge, Ansel Adams Gallery, museum and shops. Picnic along the waters of the Merced River. Hike to Mirror Lake. Plan an early supper in one of the valley’s restaurants then head back to your campsite while the sun sets.
There are no state parks within easy reach of Yosemite. Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve is the closest at 13 miles from Tuolumne Meadows entrance on the eastern border of the park. Tackle this highway with guts and determination as it is a windy, cliff hanger that threads through 9,946 foot Tioga Pass.
