RV Parks Near Yosemite: Gateway Towns with Full Hookups

Yosemite National Park does not make it easy for RV campers. The campgrounds inside the park have no hookups — not a single one. The roads into the valley enforce strict length limits. The reservation system releases sites five months in advance on a rolling window, and they vanish within minutes. And if you do land a site at Upper Pines or North Pines, you will be dry camping at 4,000 feet with vault toilets and whatever water your tanks hold.

None of this means you should skip Yosemite. It means you need a plan — and for most RV travelers, that plan involves the gateway towns ringing the park. Groveland to the west, Mariposa and El Portal along Highway 140, Oakhurst to the south. These towns have full-hookup RV parks with 50-amp service, pull-through sites, hot showers, and reliable WiFi. You park your rig in comfort, then drive or shuttle into the park for the day.

This guide covers the best RV parks near Yosemite from every direction, plus the in-park camping options worth knowing about. We will be direct about what each place offers and what it lacks, because the difference between a great Yosemite trip and a miserable one often comes down to where you sleep. For a broader view of California camping, see our best RV parks in California guide, or if you are continuing south through the Sierra, our Sequoia and Kings Canyon RV camping guide.

Inside the Park: What RV Campers Need to Know#

Yosemite has 13 campgrounds, but only a handful accept RVs, and none offer electric, water, or sewer hookups. This is dry camping in a national park that receives over four million visitors a year, which means the combination of primitive facilities and intense demand creates a unique challenge. If you are committed to camping inside the park, here is what to expect.

Upper Pines Campground#

Upper Pines is the largest and most popular campground in Yosemite Valley, and it is the best option for RV campers who want to wake up with Half Dome visible through the pines. The campground sits on the Merced River at about 4,000 feet elevation, within walking distance of the Valley shuttle stops, Curry Village, and the trailheads for Mist Trail, Vernal Fall, and Nevada Fall.

The campground has 238 sites spread across several loops. RVs up to 35 feet are permitted, though trailers are limited to 24 feet. The sites are paved with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food lockers at every site. You get flush toilets and potable water — a step up from the Valley’s other campgrounds — but no hookups and no dump station within the campground. The nearest dump station is at the Upper Pines dump station area, available to all Valley campers.

Reservations are made through Recreation.gov on a rolling five-month window. Sites open on the 15th of each month at 7:00 AM Pacific for dates five months out, and they sell out in minutes — often in under 60 seconds for peak-season weekends. This is not an exaggeration. Set your alarm, have your Recreation.gov account loaded and logged in, and click the moment the window opens. Weekday availability is slightly less competitive but still difficult from May through September.

Upper Pines is closed briefly from May 26 through June 8, 2026 for internal road construction. Plan accordingly if your trip falls in that window.

• Sites: 238 (reservable via Recreation.gov)
• Hookups: None — dry camping
• Max RV length: 35 feet (trailers 24 feet)
• Cost: $36/night
• Water: Yes — potable water at spigots
• Toilets: Flush toilets
• Dump station: Available nearby in the Valley
• Generators: Permitted 7:00 AM–9:00 AM and 5:00 PM–7:00 PM only
• Elevation: ~4,000 feet
• Season: Typically late March through November (weather dependent)

Booking reality check: If you want a summer weekend at Upper Pines, you are competing against hundreds of thousands of people for 238 sites. Have backup dates ready. Midweek stays in September and October offer better odds and arguably better weather — warm days, cool nights, thinner crowds, and fall color beginning in the Valley.

Other In-Park Campgrounds for RVs#

Beyond Upper Pines, several other Yosemite campgrounds accept RVs, though all with limitations:

• North Pines (81 sites, max RV 35 feet): Also in the Valley, similar setup to Upper Pines but smaller and slightly quieter. Reservable through Recreation.gov.
• Lower Pines (60 sites, max RV 35 feet): Closest campground to Curry Village and the Valley shuttle. Reservable, same competitive booking window.
• Hodgdon Meadow (105 sites, max RV 35 feet): Near the Big Oak Flat entrance on Highway 120. Quieter and less congested than Valley campgrounds. Reservable April through October, first-come the rest of the year.
• Crane Flat (166 sites, max RV 35 feet): On the road between the Big Oak Flat entrance and Yosemite Valley. Reservable. Good staging point if you want access to both the Valley and Tuolumne Meadows.
• Wawona (93 sites, max RV 35 feet): Near the south entrance on Highway 41. Reservable April through September, first-come otherwise. The Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias is nearby.

None of these have hookups. All require reservations during peak season through Recreation.gov. Generator hours are restricted park-wide to 7:00 AM–9:00 AM and 5:00 PM–7:00 PM.

West Side: Groveland and Highway 120#

Highway 120 is the approach from the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley, entering Yosemite through the Big Oak Flat entrance. The corridor between Groveland and the park entrance has the highest concentration of full-hookup RV parks near Yosemite, and the drive into the Valley takes about 45 minutes to an hour from most of these parks.

Yosemite Pines RV Resort (Groveland)#

Yosemite Pines is the most family-oriented RV park on the Highway 120 corridor. Located about 22 miles from the Big Oak Flat entrance on a forested property, it offers full-hookup sites with 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer connections. Pull-through sites are available and can handle larger rigs comfortably.

The resort leans into the family market. There is a petting zoo with goats and rabbits, a seasonal swimming pool, a playground, a mining sluice activity for kids, and organized activities during summer weekends. The sites are set among pine trees with reasonable spacing — you are not parked bumper to bumper in a gravel lot. The atmosphere feels more like a summer camp than a highway stopover.

WiFi is available, restrooms and showers are clean, and there is a camp store for basics. The park operates year-round, though some amenities are seasonal. The Groveland town center, with restaurants, a gas station, and a small grocery store, is about 5 miles west.

The main drawback is the 22-mile drive to the park entrance, which translates to about 30 minutes each way. Add another 30–45 minutes to reach Yosemite Valley from the entrance. For day trips into the park, you are looking at roughly 60–75 minutes of driving each direction. That is manageable but adds up over a multi-day stay.

• Hookups: Full (30/50 amp electric, water, sewer)
• Sites: Pull-through and back-in, big-rig friendly
• Cost: ~$65–95/night (seasonal pricing)
• Showers: Yes
• Laundry: Yes
• WiFi: Yes
• Pool: Seasonal
• Extras: Petting zoo, playground, mining sluice, camp store
• Distance to park: ~22 miles to Big Oak Flat entrance (~30 min)
• Distance to Valley: ~50 miles (~75 min)

Yosemite Lakes RV Resort (Groveland)#

Yosemite Lakes is the closest full-hookup option to the Big Oak Flat entrance — just 5 miles from the park gate on Highway 120. The resort is operated by Thousand Trails and sits along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, which gives some sites a pleasant creekside setting.

The park has 254 full-hookup sites along with tent sites, cabins, and yurts. RV sites come with 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer. The property is large and wooded, with a pool, mini golf, a playground, a camp store, fishing access on the river, and hiking trails on the grounds. There is also a basketball court, volleyball area, and an arcade for rainy days.

The proximity to the park is the headline feature. At 5 miles from the entrance, you can be at the Big Oak Flat entrance gate in under 10 minutes, which makes morning trips into the park far less painful than from Groveland. The drive to the Valley floor is about 45 minutes from the resort.

As a Thousand Trails property, the park offers membership rates for Thousand Trails members, which can significantly reduce nightly costs. Non-member rates start around $55–85/night depending on season and site type, though some booking platforms show higher rates during peak summer weeks.

• Hookups: Full (30/50 amp electric, water, sewer)
• Sites: 254 full-hookup sites, pull-throughs available
• Cost: ~$55–85/night (non-member; Thousand Trails members pay less)
• Showers: Yes
• Laundry: Yes
• WiFi: Yes
• Pool: Yes (seasonal)
• Extras: Mini golf, fishing, hiking trails, camp store, arcade
• Distance to park: ~5 miles to Big Oak Flat entrance (~10 min)
• Distance to Valley: ~35 miles (~45 min)

Best value on Highway 120: If proximity matters — and for most Yosemite visitors it does — Yosemite Lakes’ location 5 miles from the gate is hard to beat. The Thousand Trails membership angle can also bring costs below $30/night for frequent travelers.

Southwest: Mariposa and El Portal (Highway 140)#

Highway 140 follows the Merced River canyon into Yosemite through the Arch Rock entrance, and it is the most scenic approach to the Valley. The road is also the most RV-friendly route into the park — it avoids the tight switchbacks of Highway 41 from the south and the high-elevation closures of Tioga Road. El Portal sits right at the park boundary, and Mariposa is about 30 miles west.

Indian Flat RV Park (El Portal)#

Indian Flat is the closest RV campground to Yosemite Valley that offers hookups. Sitting on Highway 140 in El Portal, it is just minutes from the Arch Rock entrance and about 14 miles from the Valley floor. That proximity is its defining advantage — you can be standing at the base of Yosemite Falls within 25 minutes of pulling out of your site.

The campground has 25 RV sites with water and electric hookups (some with sewer), plus 25 tent sites. The park accommodates RVs up to about 35 feet. Facilities include fire pits at each site, restrooms, and outdoor showers. As a guest, you also get access to the swimming pool at the adjacent Cedar Lodge, including a heated indoor pool — a genuine perk after a day of hiking.

The setting along the Merced River is attractive, with oak-studded hillsides and the sound of the river in the background. The sites are more rustic than resort-style, and the overall vibe is relaxed and unfussy.

The limitations are real. With only 25 RV sites, Indian Flat books up fast during peak season — reserve well in advance for summer dates. The 35-foot RV limit means larger Class A rigs will not fit. And El Portal itself is tiny — a gas station, Cedar Lodge, and not much else. For groceries or restaurants, you are driving to Mariposa (30 miles) or into the park.

• Hookups: Water and electric (some sewer), up to 50 amp
• Sites: 25 RV sites
• Max RV length: ~35 feet
• Cost: ~$60/night for full hookup
• Showers: Outdoor showers; Cedar Lodge pool access included
• Laundry: Limited
• WiFi: Available (third-party service)
• Distance to park: Adjacent to Arch Rock entrance
• Distance to Valley: ~14 miles (~25 min)

Yosemite West / Mariposa KOA#

The Mariposa KOA sits on Highway 140 in Midpines, roughly 25 miles from the Arch Rock entrance to Yosemite Valley. It is a standard KOA with the amenities and consistency that brand implies — full-hookup RV sites with 30/50-amp service, clean restrooms, a camp store, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool.

The campground offers both pull-through and back-in sites on a pine-covered hillside property. Sites are level and well-maintained. The KOA is pet-friendly with designated relief areas. During summer, there are organized activities and a social atmosphere that appeals to families.

A key convenience is the YARTS bus stop near the KOA. The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System runs buses along Highway 140 into the Valley, which means you can leave your rig parked and ride into the park without dealing with Valley parking or road congestion. During peak summer weekends, this alone can save you an hour of frustration.

Rates range from $60–120/night depending on season, site type, and hookup level. Summer weekends are at the top of that range. The town of Mariposa, with its restaurants, grocery store, and Gold Rush-era downtown, is about 7 miles west.

• Hookups: Full (30/50 amp electric, water, sewer)
• Sites: Pull-through and back-in available
• Cost: ~$60–120/night (seasonal)
• Showers: Yes
• Laundry: Yes
• WiFi: Yes
• Pool: Yes (seasonal)
• Extras: Camp store, organized activities, pet-friendly, YARTS bus access
• Distance to park: ~25 miles to Arch Rock entrance (~40 min)
• Distance to Valley: ~35 miles (~55 min)

South Side: Oakhurst and Highway 41#

Highway 41 approaches Yosemite from the south through Oakhurst and enters the park at the South entrance, near the Wawona area and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. This is the approach from Fresno and Southern California, and it gives direct access to the park’s southern attractions before you ever reach the Valley.

High Sierra RV Park (Oakhurst)#

High Sierra is the top-rated RV park on the south side of Yosemite, located in Oakhurst about 14 miles from the South entrance. It is a no-nonsense park built for RV travelers who want reliable hookups, clean facilities, and proximity to the park without resort-level pricing.

The park offers full hookups with 50-amp electric, water, and sewer. Sites are big-rig friendly — if you are towing a 40-foot fifth wheel or driving a large Class A, this is one of the few Yosemite-area parks that can handle you comfortably. The pads are level, the pull-throughs are long, and the infrastructure is designed for serious rigs.

Facilities include clean restrooms, hot showers, laundry, and WiFi. The park is well-maintained and quiet, with a no-frills attitude that experienced RVers tend to appreciate. Oakhurst itself is the most substantial gateway town on any side of Yosemite — you will find a full-size grocery store, multiple restaurants, hardware stores, a Tractor Supply, and fuel stations. If you need rig supplies or repairs, this is the place to be.

The drive from High Sierra to the park’s South entrance is about 20 minutes. From there, the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias is right at the entrance, but reaching Yosemite Valley requires another 45 minutes of mountain driving on Wawona Road (Highway 41). The total drive to the Valley floor is roughly 65 minutes — the longest of any park listed in this guide.

• Hookups: Full (50 amp electric, water, sewer)
• Sites: Big-rig friendly, pull-throughs available
• Cost: ~$55–75/night
• Showers: Yes
• Laundry: Yes
• WiFi: Yes
• Distance to park: ~14 miles to South entrance (~20 min)
• Distance to Valley: ~45 miles (~65 min)

Big-rig pick: If you are driving a large Class A motorhome or pulling a long fifth wheel, High Sierra is the best option near Yosemite. The 50-amp service and big-rig-friendly layout set it apart from the smaller parks on Highway 140 and the more cramped options in Groveland.

The Long-Range Option: Fresno Area#

Riverbend RV Park (Sanger)#

Riverbend is not a Yosemite park in the traditional sense — it is located in Sanger, about 20 miles east of Fresno, on the Kings River along Highway 180. The drive to Yosemite’s South entrance takes about 90 minutes, which makes it a long day-trip base. But it earns a mention here for two reasons: the facilities are excellent, and it doubles as a staging point for both Yosemite and Sequoia and Kings Canyon, which is about 75 minutes east on the same highway.

The park sits on 25 acres along the Kings River with 55 grassy sites offering full hookups with 30/50-amp service. Pull-throughs are available for easy access. Amenities include a 3-acre fishing pond, a dog park, a playground, volleyball court, game courts, laundry, and Starlink internet throughout the property — a standout feature for remote workers.

Riverbend works best for travelers who want a comfortable home base in the Central Valley with day-trip access to multiple Sierra Nevada parks, rather than those who need to be at Yosemite’s gate each morning.

• Hookups: Full (30/50 amp electric, water, sewer)
• Sites: 55 sites, pull-throughs available
• Cost: Contact park for current rates
• Showers: Yes
• Laundry: Yes
• WiFi: Starlink internet
• Extras: 3-acre fishing pond, dog park, playground
• Distance to Yosemite: ~75 miles to South entrance (~90 min)
• Distance to Sequoia: ~55 miles to park entrance (~75 min)

Quick Comparison Table#

Park	Direction	Hookups	Max RV	Cost/Night	Distance to Valley
Upper Pines (in-park)	Valley	None	35 ft	$36	In the Valley
Yosemite Lakes RV Resort	West (Hwy 120)	Full 30/50	No limit	$55–85	~45 min
Yosemite Pines RV Resort	West (Hwy 120)	Full 30/50	Big-rig OK	$65–95	~75 min
Indian Flat RV Park	SW (Hwy 140)	W/E/some S	35 ft	~$60	~25 min
Yosemite/Mariposa KOA	SW (Hwy 140)	Full 30/50	Big-rig OK	$60–120	~55 min
High Sierra RV Park	South (Hwy 41)	Full 50 amp	Big-rig OK	$55–75	~65 min
Riverbend RV Park	South (Fresno)	Full 30/50	Big-rig OK	Contact park	~90 min

Planning Your Yosemite RV Trip#

Rig Size and Road Restrictions#

Yosemite enforces vehicle length limits that RV travelers must take seriously. No vehicle over 45 feet is permitted on any road into the Valley. The specific restrictions by entrance road:

• Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat): Vehicles up to 45 feet. The road is well-maintained and the most straightforward approach for larger rigs coming from the west.
• Highway 140 (Arch Rock): Vehicles up to 45 feet. This is the most scenic route and follows the Merced River canyon. The road has some narrow sections but handles RVs well.
• Highway 41 (Wawona/South entrance): Vehicles up to 45 feet. Be aware of the Wawona Tunnel — clearance is 10 feet 2 inches entering the Valley and 13 feet 6 inches exiting. If your rig is anywhere near that height, measure carefully.
• Tioga Road (Highway 120 east, from Lee Vining): Open only in summer, typically late May through November. The road crosses Tioga Pass at 9,945 feet with steep grades and sharp curves. RVs are permitted but this route is not recommended for inexperienced mountain drivers or rigs over 35 feet.

Inside the Valley, parking is the primary challenge. RV-sized parking is limited, and during peak season the lots fill by late morning. The free Valley shuttle connects all major trailheads and attractions, so park once and ride.

The YARTS Shuttle Alternative#

The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) runs bus service from the gateway towns into the Valley along Highways 120, 140, and 41. For RV campers, this is a game-changer during peak season.

YARTS buses stop at designated park-and-ride lots, campgrounds, and RV parks along each corridor. If you are staying at a park on Highway 140, you can often catch the bus near your campground, ride into the Valley, and avoid the parking nightmare entirely. The bus fare includes your park entrance fee — a small but welcome savings.

Summer 2026 YARTS operations run from May 22 through September 30, with additional service on some routes through August. Reservations are recommended during peak weeks and can be made online at yarts.com. If you take the YARTS bus, you do not need a separate park entry reservation.

Entry Reservations and Fees#

For 2026, Yosemite has no ticketed entry reservation requirement. The timed-entry system used in recent years has been discontinued for 2026, meaning you can drive into the park at any time with a valid entrance fee or pass.

The standard entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. An annual America the Beautiful pass ($80) covers entrance to all national parks and is worth it if you visit more than two parks in a year.

Even without a reservation system, the park will use real-time traffic management on busy days — temporary diversions, lot closures, and traffic holds when parking areas reach capacity. Arrive before 9:00 AM during peak season to avoid the worst congestion. By noon on summer weekends, Valley parking lots are routinely full.

Best Season for RV Camping#

May through October is the primary camping season, with some campgrounds open into November. Peak demand runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

• May–June: Waterfalls at peak flow from snowmelt. Weather is pleasant but nights are cold. Some higher-elevation campgrounds and Tioga Road may still be closed.
• July–August: Warmest weather (highs in the 90s in the Valley). Most crowded. All campgrounds and roads open. Waterfalls begin to dry up.
• September–October: The sweet spot. Crowds thin, temperatures moderate, fall color starts in the Valley. Waterfalls may be dry but the light is spectacular.
• November–March: Valley campgrounds are mostly closed. Hodgdon Meadow and Wawona may operate first-come. Gateway town RV parks remain open. Snow is possible at all elevations above 4,000 feet.

Reservation Strategy#

Yosemite campground reservations through Recreation.gov follow a five-month rolling window. Sites release on the 15th of each month at 7:00 AM Pacific for dates five months out. Practical tips:

1. Create your Recreation.gov account well before your booking window opens. Have payment information saved.
2. Be online at 6:55 AM Pacific on the 15th. The sites go live at 7:00 AM sharp.
3. Have multiple dates and campgrounds selected as backup options. If Upper Pines sells out in 30 seconds, switch immediately to North Pines, Lower Pines, or Hodgdon Meadow.
4. Weekdays are easier to book than weekends, and September/October is easier than June/July.
5. Check for cancellations regularly in the weeks before your trip. People cancel, and single-night openings appear frequently.

For the gateway town RV parks, reservations are far less stressful. Most can be booked directly through the park’s website or by phone, and availability is generally good with a few weeks’ notice, even in summer. The exception is Indian Flat, which has only 25 RV sites and fills early for peak-season weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Can I drive a large RV into Yosemite Valley?#

Yes, if your rig is under 45 feet in total length. All three main entrance roads — Highway 120, Highway 140, and Highway 41 — permit vehicles up to 45 feet. The Wawona Tunnel on Highway 41 has a height restriction of 10 feet 2 inches entering the Valley, so measure your rig’s height including any rooftop AC units or antennas. Inside the Valley, RV parking is limited — plan to park once and use the free shuttle.

Are there any full-hookup RV parks inside Yosemite?#

No. Every campground inside the park is dry camping — no electric, water, or sewer hookups. The Valley campgrounds (Upper Pines, North Pines, Lower Pines) have potable water and flush toilets, which is the most amenity you will get. For full hookups, you need the gateway town parks described in this guide.

Which gateway town is closest to Yosemite Valley?#

El Portal on Highway 140 is the closest, sitting right at the park boundary. Indian Flat RV Park in El Portal puts you about 14 miles and 25 minutes from the Valley floor. On the west side, Yosemite Lakes RV Resort on Highway 120 is 5 miles from the Big Oak Flat entrance, though the Valley is another 30 miles and 45 minutes from there.

Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite in 2026?#

No. Yosemite has suspended its ticketed entry reservation system for 2026. You can enter the park any time with a valid entrance fee or pass. However, the park will still implement temporary traffic controls when parking lots reach capacity, which happens regularly on summer weekends by mid-morning. Arrive early or take the YARTS shuttle to avoid the crunch.

Is the YARTS bus worth it for RV campers?#

Yes, especially during peak season. The YARTS bus runs from gateway towns along Highways 120, 140, and 41 directly into Yosemite Valley. The fare includes your park entrance fee, and you bypass all the parking stress. If you are staying at an RV park on Highway 140, the bus stop may be within walking distance or a short drive. Summer 2026 service runs May 22 through September 30.

What is the cheapest RV camping option near Yosemite?#

Inside the park, Upper Pines at $36/night is the cheapest option — but it has no hookups, is extremely difficult to reserve, and requires complete self-sufficiency. Outside the park, High Sierra RV Park in Oakhurst at $55–75/night offers the best value for full hookups, with 50-amp service and big-rig friendly sites. Yosemite Lakes RV Resort on Highway 120 also starts around $55/night for non-members.

Can I get cell service at Yosemite RV parks?#

Inside the park, cell service is unreliable — Verizon and AT&T have limited coverage in the Valley, but it drops to nothing in most other areas. The gateway town parks generally have better service, particularly in Oakhurst (suburban cell coverage), Groveland (moderate), and along Highway 140 (spotty in the Merced River canyon, better near Mariposa). If you need reliable internet for work, look for parks with dedicated WiFi — Riverbend RV Park’s Starlink setup is the most reliable option in the region.

For more California RV camping beyond Yosemite, see our California state guide or explore all California destinations.