Pines Stanislaus

Yosemite National Park

Perched high in the Sierra Nevada at 8,000 feet, White Wolf Campground offers a tranquil escape from the bustling crowds of Yosemite Valley below. This seasonal mountain retreat serves as a perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking solitude among towering pines and granite peaks. Here, the air is crisp and clear, the nights are filled with stars, and the trails beckon hikers and backpackers to explore the park's pristine backcountry wilderness.

Yosemite National Park

Escape the crowds and discover Tamarack Flat Campground, a hidden gem tucked three miles off Tioga Road where the wilderness beckons and simplicity reigns. This reservation-only sanctuary offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience with tent-only sites nestled among towering conifers. Each site comes equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table for memorable meals under the stars, a fire pit for evening gatherings, and bear-proof food lockers to keep your provisions safe. Vault toilets provide basic facilities, but leave your expectations of modern amenities at the trailhead. With no cell service, internet, running water, or showers, Tamarack Flat invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythms.

GROVELAND, CA 95321

Nestled in a tranquil mixed conifer forest along Highway 120, Sweetwater Campground offers an intimate escape just moments from Yosemite National Park's wonders. This charming 12-site retreat welcomes both tent campers and RV travelers with thoughtfully appointed amenities including sturdy picnic tables, warming fire rings, and essential bear-proof storage boxes. Modern conveniences like accessible vault toilets and fresh potable well water ensure comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience.

Yosemite National Park

Discover your perfect escape where adventure meets tranquility. This hidden gem offers an authentic outdoor experience with modern comforts, creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're seeking peaceful mornings by the campfire or thrilling days exploring nature's playground, you'll find your ideal basecamp here.

PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA, 95389, USA

Nestled in the southern reaches of Yosemite National Park, Wawona Campground beckons adventurers to experience the quieter side of this iconic wilderness. At 4,000 feet elevation, this riverside retreat spreads across 93 thoughtfully arranged campsites through three distinct loops—A, B, and C—each offering its own character and charm. The gentle murmur of the South Fork Merced River provides a natural soundtrack as it winds past your tent, while families gather around evening campfires and equestrians settle their horses for the night. Just minutes away, the ancient giants of Mariposa Grove stand sentinel, making Wawona the perfect basecamp for those seeking both tranquility and adventure in America's most treasured national park.

PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA, 95389, USA

Escape the crowds and discover your own slice of wilderness at Hodgdon Meadow Campground, a tranquil haven nestled 25 miles northwest of bustling Yosemite Valley. Here, towering Red firs mingle with aromatic incense-cedars while majestic Ponderosa and Lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral overhead. Whether you're seeking solitude with family or planning a group adventure, this hidden gem offers the perfect basecamp for those who prefer their Yosemite experience with a side of serenity.

PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, USA

Nestled among towering evergreens, Crane Flat Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Yosemite experience without sacrificing essential comforts. This peaceful mountain retreat features thoughtfully designed sites with paved parking spurs and secure food storage lockers—essential in this wild landscape where curious bears and graceful deer frequently wander through camp. While you won't find electrical hookups or shower facilities here, the campground's flush toilets and welcoming atmosphere make it perfect for both tent campers and RV travelers who appreciate the simple pleasure of falling asleep to the whisper of pine boughs overhead.

GROVELAND RANGER STN HWY 120, GROVELAND, CA 95321, USA

Nestled in the heart of Stanislaus National Forest, Pines Group Campground offers an intimate tent-camping experience for groups of up to 50 adventurers. Just a scenic 15-mile drive from the majestic Yosemite National Park, this secluded haven serves as the perfect launching point for unforgettable wilderness expeditions. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout outing, or friends' retreat, this group-exclusive site provides the ideal blend of accessibility and natural immersion.

Incline Rd, El Portal, CA, USA

Tucked away beside the gentle waters of the Merced River, Dirt Flat Campground beckons those seeking solitude and simplicity in nature's embrace. This intimate, walk-in tent camping haven offers a refreshing escape from crowded campgrounds, where the sound of rushing water replaces the hum of RV generators. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, grills, and fire rings for evening gatherings under star-filled skies, while vault toilets provide necessary amenities without disrupting the wilderness atmosphere.

INCLINE RD, EL PORTAL, CA, USA

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.

TUTTLETOWN RECREATION AREA, 7200 REYNOLDS FERRY ROAD, SONORA, CA, 95370

Perched above the sparkling waters of New Melones Lake, Tuttletown Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its thoughtfully designed camping loops and endless recreational possibilities. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, casting a line from the shoreline, or exploring scenic hiking trails, this versatile destination offers modern amenities alongside natural beauty. Each camping loop presents its own character, from lakefront sites to secluded woodland spots, ensuring every visitor finds their perfect basecamp for adventure.

GLORY HOLE RECREATION AREA, 6503 Whittle Ranch Road

Perched above the sparkling waters of New Melones Lake, Glory Hole Recreation Area beckons adventurers with 144 scenic campsites that promise both serenity and excitement. Wake up to stunning lake vistas, lace up your boots for nearby hiking trails, or launch into a day of water sports—all from your basecamp in this peaceful Sierra foothill paradise. Whether you're seeking quiet reflection by the water's edge or action-packed days on the lake, Glory Hole delivers the perfect blend of tranquility and outdoor adventure.

Stanislaus National Forest

Tucked into a pristine forest of towering mixed conifers just 1.5 miles from the sparkling waters of Cherry Valley Dam, Cherry Valley Campground offers an intimate escape into the Sierra Nevada wilderness. With 41 single-family sites and five spacious double-family sites, this hidden gem welcomes both tent campers seeking a traditional outdoor experience and small RV adventurers looking for a scenic basecamp. Wake up to the whisper of wind through pine boughs, spend your days exploring the crystal-clear waters of Cherry Lake, and fall asleep under a canopy of stars in this tranquil mountain retreat where fishing, swimming, and water sports await just minutes from your campsite.

34660 Evergreed Road, Dimond O CG #36, Groveland, CA, 95321, USA

Tucked away in the heart of Stanislaus National Forest, Lost Claim Campground offers an intimate escape with just 10 secluded sites that promise the perfect blend of rustic charm and adventure. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to the wonders of Yosemite National Park, a mere 15 miles down the road, while the melodic waters of the Tuolumne River provide a natural soundtrack to your wilderness retreat. Here, you'll discover the authentic Northern California camping experience—where towering trees shelter your site and starlit skies replace city lights.

null

Nestled in the heart of the Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River corridor, Lumsden Bridge Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This secluded riverside retreat sits beneath a canopy of towering pines and ancient oaks, where each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring complete with cooking grill. While the campground maintains a rustic charm with vault toilet facilities, adventurous souls will need to filter or treat water drawn from the crystal-clear Tuolumne River that flows nearby, adding an authentic wilderness touch to your camping experience.

Merced River Recreation Management Area

Nestled along the pristine Wild & Scenic Merced River, McCabe Flat Campground beckons adventurers to discover one of California's hidden riverside treasures. Just 2.3 miles downstream from the historic Briceburg suspension bridge, this serene retreat within the Merced River Recreation Management Area offers an enchanting blend of sandy beaches, crystal-clear swimming holes, and the soothing soundtrack of rushing water. Here, where the river carves its ancient path through the Sierra foothills, campers find themselves immersed in a natural playground that feels worlds away from civilization.

Merced River Recreation Management Area

Journey to the end of Briceburg River Road, where Railroad Flat Campground awaits 4.5 miles beyond the suspension bridge in the stunning BLM Merced River Recreation Area. This hidden gem draws modern-day gold prospectors seeking fortune in the river's glittering sands, while hikers launch their adventures from the nearby Merced River Trail. Crystal-clear swimming holes beckon on warm days, anglers cast lines into productive waters, and the rhythmic sounds of the river create nature's perfect soundtrack for your camping experience.

Merced River Recreation Management Area

Tucked away 3.6 miles downstream from the suspension bridge along the scenic Briceburg River Road, Willow Placer Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking tranquility beside the rushing waters of the Merced River. This hidden gem features 8 secluded walk-in campsites and 1 convenient group drive-in site, each positioned within a stone's throw—just 200 feet—from the river's edge. As one of the smaller, more peaceful facilities in the Merced River Recreation Management Area, Willow Placer provides the perfect balance of riverside accessibility and serene wilderness camping.

9 miles east of Groveland on Old Highway 120, just east of the Groveland District office.

Nestled beneath towering conifers, Pines Campground offers an authentic Sierra Nevada camping experience just steps from the Groveland Ranger District Office. This peaceful retreat features well-appointed sites with picnic tables and campfire rings complete with grills, where evening stories and s'mores await. Modern vault toilets and refreshing potable water (available during summer months) ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. The campground serves as your gateway to the enchanting Little Golden Forest Trail, making it perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking a blend of accessibility and immersion in the forest.

Stanislaus National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Stanislaus National Forest, Hull Creek Campground offers an intimate escape where towering sequoias create a natural cathedral overhead. A gentle creek meanders through this hidden gem, its babbling waters providing a soothing soundtrack to your wilderness retreat. Adventure seekers will appreciate the direct access to thrilling OHV trails that wind through the surrounding forest, while those seeking tranquility can simply bask in the dappled sunlight filtering through ancient branches.

Stanislaus National Forest

Hidden where the South Fork meets the legendary Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River, South Fork Campground offers an intimate escape into California's untamed wilderness. This remote riverside sanctuary sits just a mile from its sister sites at Lumsden and Lumsden Bridge, forming part of the cherished Tuolumne-Lumsden Recreation Area. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring with grill, perfect for riverside meals under towering trees. While vault toilets provide basic comfort, the campground's true luxury lies in its pristine isolation—there's no cell service here, just the ancient rhythm of flowing water. Adventurous souls can draw water directly from the river, though purification is essential before drinking from this wild source.

34660 EVERGREEN ROAD

Nestled in the shadow of Yosemite National Park's grandeur, Dimond O Campground serves as your gateway to both the iconic park and the lesser-known treasure of Hetch Hetchy. This thoughtfully designed retreat balances modern conveniences with wilderness immersion, where paved roads lead to spacious sites equipped with level tent pads, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings. Bear-proof lockers protect your provisions while maintaining the delicate balance with local wildlife, and clean vault toilets ensure comfort during your stay. As one enchanted visitor noted, "The sites are well spaced apart, so you almost feel like you're alone in the wilderness" - a testament to the campground's masterful layout that grants each guest their own private slice of Sierra serenity.

Stanislaus National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Stanislaus National Forest, Pinecrest Campground welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to a mountain paradise at 5,600 feet elevation. This expansive facility serves as your gateway to the pristine waters of Pinecrest Lake, where days unfold with endless possibilities. Whether you're launching from the marina at dawn, gathering for evening programs at the amphitheater, or exploring miles of scenic hiking trails, Pinecrest offers something for every member of your camping party. The visitor center provides insights into the area's natural wonders, while the inviting swimming beach and day-use areas create perfect settings for family memories.

Stanislaus National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of the forest, Fraser Flat Campground offers an intimate riverside retreat along the meandering South Fork Stanislaus River. This hidden gem features two secluded campsites perfect for those seeking solitude, complemented by modern vault toilet facilities and two thoughtfully designed accessible fishing piers that bring anglers of all abilities right to the water's edge.

Hacienda Campground, River Ranch, Stanislaus National Forest

Nestled in a tranquil shaded meadow where Basin Creek meets the North Fork Tuolumne River, River Ranch - Hacienda Campground offers the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness charm. This unique destination seamlessly combines public and private lands, providing campers with sweeping scenic vistas while serving as your gateway to the expansive National Forest. Whether you're seeking riverside relaxation or mountain adventure, this campground positions you at the heart of nature's playground.

Sierra National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra National Forest, Jerseydale Campground offers a distinctive camping experience where the modern world fades away among towering cedars and pines. The upper loop welcomes equestrian adventurers with dedicated hitching posts, making it a haven for those who prefer to explore on horseback. While the campground's hillside location creates a more rustic atmosphere perfect for RV camping, a select few sites offer level ground for tent enthusiasts seeking an authentic wilderness experience beneath the generous canopy of old-growth shade trees.

INCLINE RD, EL PORTAL, CA, USA

Stanislaus National Forest

GROVELAND, CA 95321

Yosemite National Park

34660 EVERGREEN ROAD

Merced River Recreation Management Area

Stanislaus National Forest

Yosemite National Park

Incline Rd, El Portal, CA, USA

GROVELAND RANGER STN HWY 120, GROVELAND, CA 95321, USA

34660 Evergreed Road, Dimond O CG #36, Groveland, CA, 95321, USA

PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, USA

Stanislaus National Forest

PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA, 95389, USA

Merced River Recreation Management Area

Hacienda Campground, River Ranch, Stanislaus National Forest

Merced River Recreation Management Area

9 miles east of Groveland on Old Highway 120, just east of the Groveland District office.

Stanislaus National Forest

null

Bishop Creek, South Lake Road, near Four Jeffrey Campground, CA

Escape to Mountain Glen Campground, where just five secluded sites await beneath a canopy of quaking aspens and graceful willows. This hidden gem along the melodic waters of Bishop Creek offers the perfect basecamp for tomorrow's alpine adventure or a tranquil week-long retreat from the demands of modern life. Here, intimacy meets wilderness, creating an atmosphere where every camper becomes part of the mountain's quiet rhythm.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Six Rivers National Forest

Tucked away in the vast wilderness of Six Rivers National Forest, Bailey Canyon Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This hidden gem provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including vault toilets and fresh drinking water, while each thoughtfully arranged campsite comes complete with a sturdy table for meals under the stars and a campfire ring where stories and s'mores come to life after dark.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Eldorado National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Eldorado National Forest, Northwind Campground beckons those seeking solitude amid towering pines and whispering aspens. This hidden gem rewards visitors who venture off the beaten path with pristine natural beauty and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that's increasingly rare in today's busy world. The smooth paved roads leading to this intimate campground make it an accessible retreat where the only sounds you'll hear are birdsong and wind through the trees.

Sequoia National Forest

Perched at an impressive 7,800 feet elevation, this mountain retreat features 73 thoughtfully designed campsites nestled among towering pines and crisp mountain air. The campground welcomes RVs up to 24 feet, with each site featuring a paved parking spur for easy setup and bear-proof storage boxes for peace of mind. Adventure seekers will love the direct access to thrilling OHV trails right from camp, while fresh drinking water is available throughout the season. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping off-road adventures or simply yearning to wake up above the clouds, this high-elevation haven offers the perfect basecamp for your mountain escape.

Sequoia National Forest

Rail Creek Rd, Klamath National Forest, California

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Kangaroo Lake Campground, where 18 thoughtfully placed sites await at 6,100 feet among towering conifers and fragrant manzanita. Choose from 13 convenient drive-in sites or venture to one of 5 secluded walk-in tent sites for a more intimate connection with nature. The crown jewel is the crystal-clear, 25-acre lake that plunges to depths of 110 feet—a tranquil haven for paddlers and anglers pursuing rainbow trout in its cool waters. A gentle, quarter-mile paved trail winds through the forest to the lake's edge, making this mountain paradise accessible to all. As you settle into this bear country sanctuary, proper food storage becomes part of the authentic wilderness experience under star-filled skies.