The Sierra National Forest is home to seven public campgrounds near Yosemite’s South Entrance. These campgrounds are open from late May to early September, and they are busiest during peak season in June, July and August. Yosemite’s South Entrance is located 30 miles from Yosemite Valley (one-hour drive). If you’re driving to Yosemite from Los Angeles or anywhere in Southern California, you’ll probably enter the park via the South Entrance. Yosemite’s South Entrance is located 3 miles from the small town of Fish Camp (six-minute drive) and 16 miles from the town of Oakhurst (24-minute drive).
Past Yosemite’s South Entrance Highway 41 turns into Wawona Road. Click here for current conditions on Highway 41 and Wawona Road.
Camping Near Yosemite’s South Entrance
Summerdale Campground
Elevation: 5,000 feet (1,520 meters)
Open: May – September
Cost: $32
Summerdale Campground is located 1.4 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance (5-minute drive). The campground’s 29 campsites are available by reservation. Maximum vehicle/RV length: 24 feet.
Directions: From Oakhurst drive 12 miles north on Highway 41 to the campground entrance.
Big Sandy Campground
Elevation: 5,800 feet (1,770 meters)
Open: late May – early September
Cost: $25
This first-come, first-served is located 8 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance (30-minute drive). Big Sandy Campground has 18 campsites. No water. Maximum trailer length: 20 feet.
Directions: From Oakhurst drive roughly 10 miles north on Highway 41, then turn right on Forest Road 6S07 (just below Fish Camp). Drive roughly 6 miles to the campground.
Fresno Dome Campground
Elevation: 6,400 feet (1,950 meters)
Open: late May – early September
Cost: $25
This first-come, first-served is located 11 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance (40-minute drive). Fresno Dome Campground has 15 campsites.
Directions: From Oakhurst drive roughly 4 miles north on Highway 41, then turn right on Sky Ranch Road (6S10 or Forest Road 10). Drive 11.5 miles, take the left fork towards Fresno Dome, then drive 1.7 miles to the campground on the left.
Nelder Grove Campground
Elevation: 5,500 feet (1,680 meters)
Open: late May – early September
Cost: $0
This first-come, first-served campground is located 14 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance (40-minute drive). Nelder Grove Campground has 7 Campsites. No water.
Directions: From Oakhurst rive roughly 4 miles north on Highway 41, then turn right on Sky Ranch Road (6S10 or Forest Road 10). Drive 6.6 miles, turn left on 6S47Y, then drive 1.2 miles to the fork in the road. Bear right on 6S90 for 0.3 miles, turn left at the Nelder Grove campground sign, then drive 0.5 miles to campground.
Greys Mountain Campground
Elevation: 5,400 feet (1,650 meters)
Open: late May – early September
Cost: $25
This first-come, first-served is located 22 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance (45-minute drive). Greys Mountain Campground has 26 campsites. Maximum vehicle/RV length: 20 feet.
Directions: From Oakhurst rive roughly 4 miles north on Highway 41, then turn right on Sky Ranch Road (6S10 or Forest Road 10). Drive 8.2 miles to Forest Road 6S40, turn right, then drive 1.5 miles to Grey’s Mountain Campground.
Soquel Campground
Elevation: 5,400 feet (1,650 meters)
Open: late May – early September
Cost: $25
Soquel Campground is located 21 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance (45-minute drive). The campground’s 11 campsites are available by reservation. Maximum vehicle/RV length: 20 feet.
Directions: From Oakhurst rive roughly 4 miles north on Highway 41, then turn right on Sky Ranch Road (6S10 or Forest Road 10). Follow the signs toward Nelder Grove and Soquel Meadow, then turn right and drive 8.2 miles east to Road 6S40. Turn right and drive 0.5 miles to Soquel Campground.
Kelty Meadow Campground
Elevation: 3,400 feet (1,040 meters)
Open: late May – early September
Cost: $25
Kelty Meadow Campground is located 23 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance (50-minute drive). The campground’s 11 campsites are available by reservation. Maximum vehicle/RV length: 30 feet.
Directions: From Oakhurst rive roughly 4 miles north on Highway 41, then turn right on Sky Ranch Road (6S10 or Forest Road 10). Drive 11.1 miles, then turn left on FR 6S20.
For more information on camping near Yosemite’s South Entrance visit the Sierra National Forest website or call the Bass Lake Ranger office at 559-877-2218.
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