rbp111 wrote: You can try the Yosemite Pines rv park in Groveland, CA. There is a steep grade to get into Groveland called Priest Grade. But it is do-able. The rv park is about 20 minutes to Yosemite entrance. There is Hetch Hetchy reservoir to visit. And the views are spectacular. To bet to the valley is about another 1/2 hr drive.
We normally stay at Yosemite Pines if we don't have reservations in Yosemite Valley. We've stayed there about 5 times and would stay there again. Also, I agree on the amount of time it takes to get to the Valley floor.
Mariposa Fair Grounds: http://www.mariposafair.com/camping.htm
Beautiful drive to and from Yosemite.
Bill
'08 Cedar Creek 32TK, 35'9", 13,990#
'01 F-250,Lariat, 7.3L, SC, Auto, LB, JW Towmaster Tranny, 6.0L Tranny cooler, DP custom tunes, 4" Turbo back exhaust, Auto Meter Gauges, Firestone Air Bags. '07 Headlights and Grille, Prodigy P-3.
I second the votes for Mono Vista in Lee Vining.
But it is a long drive into the valley floor.
If you are near Lee Vining, you could also check Lundy Lake area. I stayed there a long time ago, and it was nice.
Cheers,
Larie Trippet Reno/Tahoe region
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2018 Arctic Fox 25Y
2014 BMW R1200GSA
Can't say where to stay but take a day trip to drive over Tioga. First in a looooong time that the road is still open in January.
Verify weather and road conditions.
I attempted to get a site within the Yosemite Valley for June/July 2012 and was unsuccessful after being on hold for 25 minutes. I called and was online as well at 7 pacific time sharp.
The online status never updated but I was able to finally speak to an agent via phone.
I found this helpful site when trying to find alternatives.
http://jrabold.net/yosemite/campn.shtml
I hope it helps others.
ClipperGuy (that's me)
Wife (who let's me plan all the RV trips), Son 14 and Daughter 11
Houston, Texas
ilvtravln wrote: On Highway 140 the Mariposa KOA has full hookups and is about 45 minutes to the park.
We stayed there last summer for 4 nights...was really nice. There is a bus that stops right at the front of the KOA that takes you right into the park...and there are shuttles within the park that take you anywhere you want to go. I figured this saved me a fortune in vehicle park pass, and gas going back and forth, and the hour ride home was a good rest after a day of hiking in the park.
The KOA has normal amenities including a really nice pool.
If you are an Elks Lodge member the Oakhurst lodge has a RV park 2 mi. N of Oakhurst. It hhas E&W no dump we stayed there last year for $15 day. A lot of Ca., Az. and Nm. lodges have Rv parking. usually donation - $15.
One thing you never see mentioned is that there are 1st-come, 1st-served campgrounds inside Yosemite. We have stayed at Bridalveil Creek Campground a number of times and love it. Because it is at 7200' it is much cooler than the valley floor in the summer and less congested.
Now, if you are trying to go for a weekend, well it's tough. You need to get there tues or wed to find a site. However, if you are flexable, if you arrive on Sunday morning you will get a pick of sites as 80-90% are checking out that morning.
Don, Jackie and the Boyz
Madison, our loveable Austrailan Shepard
Our new to the clan baby Black Lab, Riley
O'Malley the Alley Cat
Fresno the rescued kitty