Dry Gulch
3.8360 reviewsINCLINE RD, EL PORTAL, CA, USA
Dry Gulch
$30.00 - $33.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly fee is reported by reviews as between $30-$33 per campsite. Additional fees may apply for firewood ($8 per bundle) and extra vehicles. Prices do not include applicable taxes or reservation service fees.
About this campground
Tucked away in a secluded corner of the Sierra Nevada, Dry Gulch Campground offers an intimate escape with just four walk-in tent sites nestled beneath a canopy of towering pines and ancient oaks. This hidden gem along the Merced River provides the perfect blend of riverside tranquility and forest serenity for those seeking a genuine back-to-nature experience.
Dry Gulch Campground offers tent-only walk-in sites. It is unsuitable for RVs or camper vans due to lack of hookups and accessibility limitations.
Historical SignificanceHistory whispers through the surrounding landscape, where the nearby Incline Road traces the path of the legendary Merced River Railroad, once vital to the region's development. Just a short drive away, Yosemite National Park beckons with centuries of Native American heritage and the storied legacy of conservation pioneers who helped preserve these magnificent lands for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsEach season brings its own magic to Dry Gulch. Spring transforms the Merced into a thrilling whitewater playground, drawing rafting enthusiasts to its rushing waters. Summer bathes the campground in warm sunshine, perfect for lazy riverside afternoons. While winter's occasional flash floods prompt seasonal closures, the mild temperatures make this one of Yosemite Forest's most comfortable cold-weather retreats when conditions permit.
ElevationPerched at 3,400 feet in the heart of the Bass Lake Ranger District, Dry Gulch strikes the perfect balance between mountain air and accessibility. This sweet-spot elevation offers cooler temperatures than the valley floor while remaining below the snow line for much of the year, creating an ideal basecamp for Sierra Nevada adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry surrounds every campsite at Dry Gulch, where majestic pines and sprawling oaks create a living cathedral overhead. The Merced River flows just steps away, its crystalline waters providing a constant soundtrack of wilderness serenity. Visitors consistently marvel at the breathtaking beauty, with one recent guest proclaiming it the 'Most beautiful campsite... right by the river' – a sentiment echoed by countless others who've discovered this riverside paradise.
Geological RegionDry Gulch sits within the spectacular Bass Lake Ranger District of Sierra National Forest, where the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada showcase nature's diverse portfolio. From gentle, oak-studded foothills that roll like golden waves to densely forested mountainsides climbing toward alpine peaks, this geological wonderland offers a stunning cross-section of California's most iconic mountain range.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground meets accessibility standards as noted in official sources, but specific accessibility features are not detailed in reviews.
Sites SizeMost campsites can accommodate up to two tents but are described as small and compact. User quotes suggest site #1 and site #4 offer more spacious setups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies between sites, with some offering secluded spaces while others are visible from the road or other campsites. "Site #4 was super nice and spacious," a user noted.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 1 offers proximity to restrooms and the river, while Site 4 provides privacy and direct river access. Site 3 has a private sandy beach nearby.
Best CampsitesSite 1 and Site 4 are frequently praised for their privacy and scenic views. "Site 1... huge, right by the river." "Site 4 is super nice and spacious."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Reserved sites will be held until check-out time (12 PM) the day following arrival.
Check-out
Sites must be vacated by 12 PM on departure day.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights per visit and 14 nights total within any rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits are not specified but likely follow national standards for tent camping sites.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFour walk-in tent sites located along Incline Road. Sites offer picnic tables, grills, and bear-proof lockers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May through September. Closed during winter months due to flash flooding concerns.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThere are only four campsites available, making walk-up availability highly limited. "People would show up and camp for free without reservations." (User review)
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before arrival date incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee in addition to the $10 cancellation fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping at Dry Gulch offers proximity to Yosemite National Park and recreational activities along the Merced River. Spring and early summer are popular seasons for white-water rafting and kayaking.
Hiking
Several hiking opportunities exist nearby, including the Hite Cove Trail, which offers a 9-mile out-and-back route with scenic views. "Incline Road runs for miles along the river and becomes the old Merced River trail."Fishing
While fishing is mentioned in the official documents, no user reviews provide specific details about fishing conditions or species available.Swimming
Some campers have noted proximity to deep swimming holes along the river, although accessibility may require wading through poison oak.Boating
Spring and summer months provide opportunities for white-water rafting and kayaking along the Merced River.Wildlife viewing
The campground is known for wildlife such as bald and golden eagles, and bears are frequently mentioned in user reviews as being attracted to trash bins.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not highlighted for Dry Gulch Campground, but its proximity to Yosemite National Park makes it a less snowy alternative during colder months.Water Sports
Kayaking and rafting are popular spring and summer activities on the Merced River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry, hot conditions. Fires must be in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are unspecified.
Hazards
General hazardsFlash flooding risk during winter, poison oak, rattlesnakes, and frequent bear activity reported near trash areas. "Bears are eating out of the dumpster every night."
Active alertsThe campground is experiencing a water outage. Campers must bring all necessary water. Seasonal closures from October to May are common.
Weather forecast
99
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include Yosemite Medical Clinic (~30 minutes) and Mariposa County Sheriff's Office (~30 minutes).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season likely aligns with summer months (June-August), though exact dates are not provided.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities are available, but reviews frequently criticize the overflowing dumpsters and lack of maintenance, creating issues such as bear activity.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to the Merced River, with several campsites offering riverside views.
Common complaintsComplaints include locked vault toilets, lack of water availability, issues with reservation management, and frequent bear activity.
HostHost reported as friendly and helpful in some reviews but absent or unhelpful in others. "Host was completely unhelpful," versus "Host was really helpful."
Campground Map
INCLINE RD, EL PORTAL, CA, USA
Driving directionsFrom Highway 140, turn on to Foresta Road. Landmarks include Red Bud Picnic Area and a National Park Service warehouse. After bridge, turn left onto the spur road. Immediately turn left onto Incline Road. Continue 1.3 miles to the facility.
Access to Dry Gulch Campground is via paved roads until Incline Road. Incline Road is a dirt road for the final stretch, which may pose challenges during rainy or snowy conditions. Seasonal closures and flash flooding may also affect accessibility.Nearby places
El Portal (1.3 miles, ~5 minutes), Yosemite Valley (~30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available at the El Portal General Store (2 miles away) and nearby gas stations.
Camper Reviews
3.8
60 reviews
Dry Gulch has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews reveal a mixed sentiment, with positive highlights on the campground’s scenic beauty and proximity to the Merced River. Complaints focus on maintenance issues such as locked toilets, overflowing dumpsters, and difficulties with reservations.
Review Summaries
Based on 60 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the campground’s proximity to Yosemite, its scenic riverfront location, and the tranquility due to its small size and limited campsites. "Dry Gulch was the perfect place for our camping...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include locked toilets, lack of water, inconsistent host availability, and poor maintenance. "Vault toilets were sealed by 2 inches mud debris," stated one user.
Based on 60 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure the best sites, particularly site #1 or site #4. Bring all necessary water and be prepared for bugs and poison oak. Plan food and ice purchases in advance as the nearest store...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and summer are ideal for rafting and kayaking. Winter months benefit from fewer crowds but require preparation for colder temperatures and limited services.
Based on 60 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Site #1 is by itself and huge, right by the river with an amazing view," "Vault toilets effectively ruin sites 2 & 3," "Bring water (or a filtration system) because there isn’t any."
Based on 60 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #1 and site #4 are frequently rated as the best, offering spacious areas and direct river access. Sites #2 and #3 are criticized for proximity to vault toilets.
Based on 60 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not extensively reviewed, though the campground meets general accessibility standards.
Based on 60 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Users appreciate the pet-friendly policy but caution about bear activity and poison oak in the area.
Based on 60 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025