Summerdale Campground
4.54159 reviewsHighway 41
Summerdale Campground
$47.00 - $47.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$47.00
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
Standard Nonelectric sites are $47.00 per night during peak season (May 9 - September 13) with an additional $2 holiday fee. Out-of-season reservations are not available.
About this campground
Nestled just 1.5 miles from Yosemite's South Entrance, Summerdale Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This hidden gem has earned its reputation as a serene gateway to America's most beloved national park, where pristine facilities blend seamlessly with the tranquil sounds of babbling creek waters and rustling forest canopy. Here, wildflower meadows paint the landscape in seasonal hues, creating a photographer's paradise and a peaceful retreat for those seeking respite from crowded park campgrounds.
Summerdale Campground is primarily designed for tent and RV camping. Primitive camping is available as the campground lacks modern amenities like showers and electrical hookups.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at nearby Nelder Grove, where ancient giant sequoias stand as living monuments to centuries past, their massive trunks telling stories of fires, storms, and seasons beyond count. The historic Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad invites visitors aboard vintage logging trains, offering a journey through the region's rich timber heritage while steam engines echo through forests that once fueled California's growth.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives with warm, sun-drenched days that remain refreshingly cooler than the heat of Yosemite Valley below, though occasional heat waves remind visitors of California's Mediterranean climate. As darkness falls, the mountain air brings a crisp coolness that calls for cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags. When winter transforms the landscape, snow blankets the forest floor and temperatures plunge below freezing, creating a wonderland for those hardy souls who embrace the season's icy beauty.
ElevationPerched within the embrace of Sierra National Forest, Summerdale sits at an elevation that offers the best of mountain camping without the challenges of steep terrain. The campground's thoughtfully designed flat layout ensures easy access for all visitors, while the surrounding landscape rises and falls in gentle waves through the forested slopes of the western Sierra Nevada.
Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry unfolds across Summerdale's wildflower meadows, where nature's palette shifts from spring's vibrant blooms to autumn's golden grasses. Towering firs, stately cedars, and whispering cottonwoods create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Big Creek meanders through the heart of the campground, its waters providing both a soothing soundtrack and a stage for local wildlife drama—watch for industrious beavers engineering their aquatic homes in the twilight hours.
Geological RegionThe campground rests within the magnificent Sierra National Forest, where the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada showcase nature's architectural genius. From the gentle, oak-studded foothills that roll like golden waves to the densely forested middle elevations draped in evergreen cloaks, the landscape climbs steadily toward alpine peaks that pierce the sky. This geological masterpiece serves as a living textbook of California's natural history, where granite bones peek through forest skin and ancient forces continue to shape the land.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is limited in provided sources. Some reviews mention flat spots for tents (e.g., Jerry Y: "Site had flat spot for tent, plenty of trees for shade.")
Sites SizeSites are described as large and spacious in authoritative content and user reviews. For example, Daniel Suh notes: "Sites are large and spread out from each other."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy appears to be adequate according to user reviews. For example, Kathryn B mentions: "Sites are well spaced and fairly private."
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor shade, privacy: SD06, SD13. For proximity to water: SD16, SD27. Avoid sites near vault toilets for reduced smell.
Best CampsitesSites near Big Creek (e.g., SD27, SD16). Shaded sites (SD06, SD15). Sites with privacy and space (SD13, SD20).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- Maximum 14 nights per visit
- 14 nights total within a rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- One RV with tow vehicle or one vehicle per tent site
- most sites accommodate one extra vehicle (fee applies).
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout30 sites spaced around a meadow and creek; some sites closer to water, others with more shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 9 - September 13 for reservations; closed during off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via recreation.gov, app, in-person, or by phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityReserved sites held until noon the day after arrival. Walk-up availability may be limited due to high demand during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations allowed prior to arrival date for $10 fee plus reservation fees. Late cancellations (after midnight before arrival) incur an additional forfeiture of first night fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Summerdale Campground provides a range of recreational activities, including fishing in Big Creek, hiking along the Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail, and day trips to Yosemite National Park. Wildlife viewing and creek-related activities such as wading and fishing are commonly praised.
Hiking
The campground is near the 3.7-mile Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail known for scenic views and waterfalls. Many campers mention proximity to Yosemite and nearby trails like Mariposa Grove.Fishing
Big Creek offers fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, and some reviews note the abundance of crawfish.Swimming
Big Creek allows for wading, swimming, and cooling off during hot weather, as noted in user reviews like Kathryn B: "Swimming holes a short walk away from camp."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing may include local beaver populations, as confirmed by authoritative content.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable as the campground operates seasonally from May to September.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not applicable to this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed unless under seasonal restrictions. Fire restrictions are common during hot/dry weather.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsBears and other wildlife require secure food storage. Seasonal fire restrictions affect campfires and charcoal use. Sudden cold snaps in spring/fall.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Nearest hospital in Oakhurst, approximately 20 minutes away. Police station in Oakhurst. Ranger station within Yosemite National Park.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9 - September 13
Trash and recyclingTrash is collected by hand, but some reviews criticize overflowing bins (e.g., David C: "The trash situation is another story. The bins are hand emptied... They are overflowing most of the time and smell disgusting.")
Proximity to water featuresBig Creek runs through the campground offering fishing and wading.
Common complaintsComplaints include noisy neighbors, smelly vault toilets, and small/dusty campsites. Some reviewers mention site discrepancies.
HostHosts often praised for friendliness and helpfulness. Available daily and sell firewood directly to sites.
Campground Map
Highway 41
Driving directionsTake Highway 41 north from Fresno, just past the town of Fish Camp. The campground is on the left side of the highway, 1.5 miles before the entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Accessible directly via Highway 41. The road is paved and accessible. Vehicle length restriction is 25 feet. Seasonal fire restrictions may affect travel.Nearby places
Fish Camp (1 mile, 3 minutes), Yosemite National Park South Entrance (1.5 miles, 5 minutes), Oakhurst (13 miles, 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies available in Fish Camp general store, 1 mile south
grocery stores and restaurants in Oakhurst, 20 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
159 reviews
Summerdale Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews largely praise Summerdale Campground for its close proximity to Yosemite National Park, peaceful atmosphere, and clean facilities. Sentiments are mixed regarding site spacing, amenities, and management.
Review Summaries
Based on 159 reviews
What Campers Love
Common highlights include clean vault toilets, friendly campground hosts, spacious campsites, and the creek that runs through the area. Many users appreciate the camp's privacy and quietness.
Based on 159 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints commonly revolve around lack of showers, occasional toilet odors, issues with wildlife or insects, and overflowing trash bins.
Based on 159 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users frequently recommend bringing bug spray, being bear-aware, and taking advantage of the creek for cooling off during hot weather. Some suggest early bookings and using nearby stores for supplies.
Based on 159 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the peak season with complaints about bugs, odors, and heat. May and early summer are seen as ideal for cooler temperatures and fewer bugs.
Based on 159 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Definitely a hidden gem. Camp host was fantastic and gave us great suggestions for things to do around the camp." - Tarek Hbeichi
2. "Aside from the girl who laughed like a hyena a few spaces...
Based on 159 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites like SD06 and SD25 receive high praise for privacy and creek access. Complaints about site SD27 include proximity to noisy areas and management issues.
Based on 159 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not directly reviewed, though flat spots for tents are mentioned (e.g., Jerry Y).
Based on 159 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, with restrictions like leashes. User reviews such as Monica F praise the pet-friendly atmosphere and creek access.
Based on 159 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025