How much does camping cost at Dry Gulch?

Camping fees at Dry Gulch range from $41-$43/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dry Gulch first-come first-served or reservation?

Dry Gulch accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dry Gulch before I book?

Yes! Dry Gulch has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Dry Gulch?

Dry Gulch is open Open season: May through September. Closed during winter months due to flash flooding concerns.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dry Gulch?

Dry Gulch does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Dry Gulch have?

Dry Gulch has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dry Gulch?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dry Gulch. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dry Gulch?

Dry Gulch offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Dry Gulch

3.67

94 reviews

INCLINE RD, EL PORTAL, CA, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$41 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season: May thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$41 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season: May thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Dry Gulch

$41.00 - $43.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $41.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-642-3212clm@clm-services.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

INCLINE RD, EL PORTAL, CA, USA

Dry Gulch

INCLINE RD, EL PORTAL, CA, USA

Nearby places

El Portal (1.3 miles, ~5 minutes), Yosemite Valley (~30 minutes)

Weather at Dry Gulch

Best Time to Camp at Dry Gulch

Best season: spring. Spring is the standout season at Dry Gulch because the Merced River is at peak flow and the forest wakes up with wildflowers and migratory birds, offering dramatic scenery and active river recreation. Expect daytime highs roughly 55–75°F and cool nights around 35–45°F in May–early June, ideal for hiking, rafting/whitewater viewing, and riverside photography. Trails can be muddy and river currents strong, so plan for wet gear and exercise caution around fast water; crowds are moderate but the四 4‑ Peak months: May, June, September, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings peak flows, wildflowers and rafting; dramatic scenery but higher water hazards noted.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season: May through September. Closed during winter months due to flash flooding concerns.

About Dry Gulch

Dry Gulch is a very small campground operated by Vista Recreation in the Sierra National Forest foothills near El Portal, offering riverfront access to the Merced River. The primitive setting features vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, with a 14-day stay limit and pet-friendly sites. Spring brings peak river flow, wildflowers, and active wildlife, making it a quiet base for visitors heading to nearby Yosemite.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring is the standout season at Dry Gulch because the Merced River is at peak flow and the forest wakes up with wildflowers and migratory birds, offering dramatic scenery and active river recreation. Expect daytime highs roughly 55–75°F and cool nights around 35–45°F in May–early June, ideal for hiking, rafting/whitewater viewing, and riverside photography. Trails can be muddy and river currents strong, so plan for wet gear and exercise caution around fast water; crowds are moderate but the四 4‑ Peak months: May, June, September, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Merced River runs directly alongside the campsites, close enough that several reviewers mention falling asleep to the sound of moving water. Pines and oaks provide overhead cover, though shade varies by site. The river's character changes dramatically with snowmelt: spring brings high, fast water that attracts rafters and makes swimming dangerous, while late summer reveals calmer pools and exposed rocks. Site 1 sits right at the riverbank. The surrounding forest shows typical Sierra Nevada foothills vegetation, with poison oak common enough that multiple reviews warn about it.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo cabin or hotel-style accommodations are offered at Dry Gulch Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are reported in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground meets accessibility standards as noted in official sources, but specific accessibility features are not detailed in reviews.

Site 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.

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 SitesSite 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 gets consistent praise for riverside access and size. One reviewer called it "huge, right by the river." Site 4 also earns mentions as "super nice and spacious." Both offer more room than sites 2 and 3. Given the campground's four-site total, arriving early matters since popular sites book fast and reservation management has been unreliable according to multiple complaints.

Need help booking Dry Gulch?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Dry Gulch Campground is a small and secluded facility located on the north side of the Merced River. It offers walk-in tent sites shaded by pine and oak trees. Amenities include picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and vault toilets. Reviews highlight varying opinions on maintenance standards, cleanliness, and usability of amenities. Firewood can be purchased on-site for $8 per bundle.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Vault-style toilets are provided instead.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at each campsite, emphasizing the need for safe food storage in bear country.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.7

94 reviews

Mixed 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 94 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 94 reviews

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 94 reviews

Site-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 94 reviews

Pro 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 94 reviews

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 94 reviews

Camper 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 94 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not extensively reviewed, though the campground meets general accessibility standards.

Based on 94 reviews

Pet-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 94 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet, primitive riverside spot close to Yosemite and don't mind bear-proofing your camp.

Skip if

You need guaranteed water access or prefer larger campgrounds with more consistent amenity maintenance.

Nearby Campgrounds

Incline Rd, El Portal, CA, USA

Dirt Flat is a small Sierra National Forest campground along the Merced River in the oak-covered foothills near El Portal, operated by Vista Recreation. Spring brings full river flows ideal for fishing and wildlife viewing, with the sound of rushing water defining the overnight experience. The campground offers primitive sites with vault toilets and potable water, popular with visitors seeking a quiet riverside base near Yosemite.