Camping Near Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance

There are six public campgrounds and two private campgrounds near Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance. The best months for camping are May through September, but the campgrounds are busiest during peak season in June, July and August. Most of these campgrounds are located along the banks of the Merced River. Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance is located seven miles from Yosemite Valley (15-minute drive), making it the closest park entrance to Yosemite Valley. Arch Rock Entrance is located 32 miles northeast of the small town of Mariposa on Highway 120.

Past Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance Highway 140 turns into El Portal Road. Click here for current conditions on Highway 140 and El Portal Road.

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Camping Near Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance, Sierra National Forest

Dry Gulch Campground

This first-come, first-served campground is located seven miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance (15-minute drive). Dry Gulch Campground features four walk-in tent sites on the north side of the Merced River. The campground’s remote location offers peace and quiet. There is no drinking water at the campground, but vault toilets are available. All garbage must be packed out. No trailers or RVs.
Directions: From Mariposa (intersection of Highway 49 & 140) drive 26 miles north on Highway 140. Turn left on Foresta Road, drive 0.1 miles, then turn left onto Incline Road. Drive 1.3 miles to campground.
Elevation: 1,600 feet (490 meters)
Open: Year-round
Cost: $24

Dirt Flat Campground

This first-come, first-served campground is located 8.5 miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance (20-minute drive). Dirt Flat Campground offers five walk-in tent sites on the north side of the Merced River. The campground’s remote location offers peace and quiet. There is no drinking water, but vault toilets are available. All garbage must be packed out. No trailers or RVs.
Directions: From Mariposa (intersection of Highway 49 & 140) drive 26 miles north on Highway 140. Turn left on Foresta Road, drive 0.1 miles, then turn left onto Incline Road. Drive 2.7 miles to the campground.
Elevation: 1,740 feet (530 meters)
Open: Year-round
Cost: $24

Jerseydale Campground

This first-come, first-served campground is located 36 miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance (one-hour drive). Jerseydale Campground offers 10 campsites, including several campsites with hitching posts for horses. All garbage must be packed out. Maximum RV/trailer length: 24 feet.
Directions: From Mariposa (intersection of Highway 49 & 140) drive 5.2 miles east. Turn left on Darrah Road and drive 4.9 miles to the junction of Darrah and Triangle Road. Stay straight and Darrah Road will become Jerseydale Road. Drive 2.2 miles and turn left on Forest Road 4S82 (just past the Jerseydale Fire Station) to the entrance of the campground.
Elevation: 4,000 feet (1,220 meters)
Open: late May – early September (weather permitting)
Cost: $0

Camping Near Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance, Bureau of Land Management

McCabe Flat Campground

This first-come, first-served campground is located 22 miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance (45-minute drive). McCabe Flat Campground features 11 walk-in campsites and three vehicle/RV sites along the Merced River. There is no drinking water at McCabe Flat Campground, but water is available at the nearby Briceburg Bridge. Recommended maximum RV/trailer length: 18 feet
Directions: From Mariposa (intersection of Highway 49 & 140) drive 11.8 miles north on Highway 140. Turn left at Briceburg Visitor Center, drive over the Briceburg Bridge, then drive 2.3 miles to McCabe Flat Campground.
Elevation: 1,200 feet (366 meters)
Open: Year-round
Cost: $10

Willow Placer Campground

This first-come, first-served campground is located 23 miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance (50-minute drive). Willow Placer Campground offers nine walk-in campsites and one large group site along the Merced River. Oaks and pine trees provide shade. Maximum vehicle/RV length: 18 feet.
Directions: From Mariposa (intersection of Highway 49 & 140) drive 11.8 miles north on Highway 140. Turn left at Briceburg Visitor Center, drive over the Briceburg Bridge, then drive 3.6 miles to campground.
Elevation: 1,200 feet (366 meters)
Open: Year-round
Cost: $10

Railroad Flat Campground

This first-come, first-served campground is located 25 miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance (55-minute drive). Railroad Flat Campground offers three walk-in campsites and six vehicle/RV sites are situated along the Merced River. Maximum vehicle length: 18 feet. Oak and pine trees provide shade at campground. Each site has a table and grill. Toilets are vault. There is a fee box at campground.
Directions: From Mariposa (intersection of Highway 49 & 140) drive 11.8 miles north on Highway 140. Turn left at Briceburg Visitor Center, drive over the Briceburg Bridge, then drive 4.5 miles to campground.
Elevation: 1,200 feet (366 meters)
Open: Year-round
Cost: $10

Camping Near Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance, Private Campgrounds

Indian Flat Campground

This private campgrounds is located eight miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance (15-minute drive). Indian Flat Campground offers 25 tent campsites and 25 RV sites. Amenities include bathrooms with hot showers. Reservations
Elevation: 1,740 feet (530 meters)
Open: Year-round
Cost: $30

Yosemite West KOA

This private campground is located 26 miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance (40-minute drive). Yosemite West KOA offers over 100 campsites for tents and RVs. Amenities include bathrooms with hot showers, swimming pool, playground, pizza/ice cream parlor. Reservations
Elevation: 2,690 feet (820 meters)
Open: Year-round
Cost: $46

For more information on camping near Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance, visit the Sierra National Forest website or call the Bass Lake Ranger office at 559-877-2218.

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