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The best camping near Waterwheel Falls

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Waterwheel Falls adventure.

Discover the cascading beauty of Waterwheel Falls in Yosemite.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Waterwheel Falls

90%
(921)

Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

33 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ CA
Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A short 30-minute drive to Tioga pass will bring you straight into the heart of Yosemite National Park. Off-road enthusiasts will have a heyday will the plethora of 4x4 trails in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate & Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomidae are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal. Lake Levels: Due to this devastating drought across California and the Western United States, reservoir levels are low. As of August 1st, 2022, Bridgeport Reservoir is approximately 25 feet below normal. Swimming is not advisable at this time, but fishing and boating activities are still up and running.
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from 
$27
 / night
89%
(243)

Yosemite Westlake Camp

33 sites ¡ RVs, Tents6 acres ¡ Coulterville, CA
Located on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.
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$48
 / night
98%
(662)

Yosemite's Colfax Spring

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents15 acres ¡ Groveland, CA
Welcome to Yosemite's Colfax Spring! Home to a basecamp for river rafting trips during the summertime, we are located 15 minutes driving distance to the entrance to Yosemite National Park. If you are staying with us between May - September and want to come rafting, ask us about our river trips! Our camp sits on a ridge with views down into the Tuolumne River Canyon. The Tuolumne River begins at 13,000 feet of elevation in the High Country of Tuolumne Meadows and provides drinking water for over 2.7 million people in San Francisco. With cedar and pine trees, manzanita bushes, and wildflowers in the spring, enjoy the Sierras' flora and fauna. Our family has been operating our river rafting company for over 50 years, the last 11 of those years being here at Colfax Spring. Conveniently located off Highway 120, we are in close proximity to swimming holes, hikes, and more. Enjoy the privacy of our campsite and getting world-class views to yourself, with all of the amenities (flushing toilets, wi-fi, showers.) Make sure to check the Yosemite National Park website for information about reservations to visit the park!
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from 
$90
 / night
99%
(861)

Paradise Shores Camp

46 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ Bridgeport, CA
We're a family owned RV Park & Campground located on the shores of Bridgeport Reservoir. Together with our crew, we're excited to welcome you into our newly adopted home. We believe in campfires, starry nights, good laughs, exploration, a deep sleep and an early rise. The mountains are a place to get back to basics, a place to explore, to breathe. So turn off your phone and turn on your senses. It’s important to us that our guests don’t feel they are renting a tent/RV site or a camper as much as they’re immersing themselves into the outdoor experience. You may just want to sit outside and read for days, enjoy campfires and eat s'mores. For more adventurous, there's a full slate of self-guided recreational activities, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, ATVing, rock climbing, biking, natural water slides, stand up paddle boards, bird watching, available in the area. We do have modern conveniences such as wifi internet; however, we encourage our guests to “unplug” and immerse in the slow paced life instead. At Paradise Shores, we believe in protecting people, animals and the planet. We make sure that the majority of products we use at our camp is recycled, composted, or re-used. We prefer to use products that are produced in a sustainable way and avoid those that aren't. We are continuously reducing the amount of waste we generate and actively promote recycling of aluminum, plastic, glass, and cardboard. We pack our own recycling and haul it to the nearest recycling facility which is an hour away. We co-opt the drive with other activities to reduce waste. We don’t use individually packaged toiletries or one-use products. We use plant and planet friendly detergent. We're based in a desert. We share our precious water with the entire planet. With only 326 million cubic miles of water on the earth, the decreasing amounts of access to quality fresh water is alarming to us. We monitor how we use water in our day-to-day activities and are constantly working on ways to reduce our consumption of fresh water resources. We hope you can help us maintain this greener camping! We hope Paradise Shores Camp becomes your home as it is ours. It’s located in one of the most spectacular areas in the world. We’re surrounded on three sides by the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows, Mono Lake, June Lake, Virginia Lakes, and Twin Lakes, as well as the historic gold-mining town of Bodie, CA are all within a short drive from our place. We're proud to know this area intimately and are excited to share the secret spots with you. The excellent hiking/running trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, thousands of miles of ATV, dirt bike and mountain bike trails are accessible right from our camp or within a short drive from here. The surrounding terrain offers endless activities and unbelievable scenery in remote wilderness settings.
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$36
 / night
100%
(42)

River Ranch Campgrounds

27 sites ¡ RVs, Tents50 acres ¡ Twain Harte, CA
At River Ranch Campgrounds, Tuolumne, CA we offer a wide range of activities to make your stay enjoyable. Take a hike on one of the many trails winding through the Stanislaus National Forest at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, or cast a line in the North Fork of the Tuolumne River or Basin Creek for some great native fishing. After a long day of exploration, come back to the campgrounds and relax by the firepit or enjoy a picnic in one of our many picnic areas. Activities in the campground include horseshoes and volleyball. We pride ourselves on blending nature and family camping in a safe, serene environment. We offer water hookups and centrally located restrooms with heated showers to make your stay comfortable and convenient.
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from 
$40
 / night
97%
(497)

Diamond Gulch

23 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents824 acres ¡ Groveland, CA
CLOSE TO YOSEMITE! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We are 35 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite. There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport. When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful! This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds. Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite. A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.
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from 
$30
 / night
99%
(71)

Willow Springs Resort

28 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs10 acres ¡ Bridgeport, CA
Welcome to Willow Springs Resort Please come stay with us when you are visiting the beautiful Eastern Sierras. For Your Convenience, an Online Booking System is Now Available! www.willowspringsresort.com Willow Springs Resort is located five miles south of Bridgeport, California, in the heart of the Eastern Sierra premiere outdoor recreational region. Although you’re sure to unplug with all there is to do around here, our guests have access to some of the best Wi-Fi in the area. The facility is a small 50’s era motel and RV park with all the amenities one normally expects. We are a pet-friendly facility. We love pets and welcome them in our RV park but not in our motel rooms (with the exception of service animals). Willow Springs Resort was built 70 years ago and is still owned and operated by the same family. That family prides itself on operating a peaceful, beautiful, and clean vacation destination. The fish at the left was caught in Virginia Creek, which is just across the highway from Willow Springs! There are a host of activities to enjoy in the "big backyard" of this Sierra Nevada paradise. Whether you enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, swimming, or 4-wheeling, or want to take a photo class or tour of Bodie Ghost Town, the area offers it all. If you prefer to read a book or catch a falling star, meet new people, and share stories at the campfire, Willow Springs Resort is here to welcome you!
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from 
$50
 / night
97%
(201)

Hudson and Wendy's Land

2 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Oakhurst, CA
Welcome to Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp. We can't wait for you to stay with us and enjoy what the area has to offer.
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$72
 / night
100%
(2)

El Captain’s View

2 sites ¡ RVs80 acres ¡ El Portal, CA
80 majestic acres of mountain top with a bird's eye view of El Capitan in Yosemite! No frills, no extras, just you and nature. Surrounded by over 400,000 acres of land owned by the U.S. Forest Service, there are no houses or stores (45 Minute drive). Far below in elevation is the Merced River and its many swimming and fishing holes (45 Minute drive). Look to the west to see the coastal mountains. Gaze across the Yosemite Valley to the East at iconic El Capitan in the distance. Take a drive into the Yosemite National Park (1 hour drive). Escape the hustle and bustle and federal laws of Yosemite at night (420 friendly). Inclusive. Views in every direction. Breathtaking sunsets. Incredible wildlife. Freedom. America!
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from 
$69
 / night
95%
(41)

Sonora Foothills Getaway

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Sonora, CA
We are located in the charming town of Sonora, CA! 🌲🏞️ Our property is the perfect place to camp, or park your RV or van for overnight stays. We have one RV site with full hookups (supports 50 amp & 30 amp), as well 1 campsite available. There is plenty of room for parking your camper van as well if you don't need any hook ups! Our price includes access to several shared amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient, including potable water, electricity, toilet, and wifi. Also included is a firepit, plenty of outdoor seating, an outdoor play structure for kids (under the age of 7), ladder ball, horseshoe pits, bocci ball, and corn hole. A large gazebo provides plenty of shade on hot days, and has power and a mounted bluetooth speaker. ***For an additional fee, you can upgrade your experience with access to our outdoor grilling area, indoor shower (w/private entrance), and laundry amenities. Pricing and details for each of these are found under "extras" and MUST be added during booking process*** Our property is surrounded by nature, and is close to Yosemite, Columbia State Park, Old Town Sonora, Melones Lake, Pinecrest Lake, Dodge Ridge Ski Resort, and many other beautiful places to explore! Our property is not polluted by a bunch of light, giving you the chance to experience tranquil evenings under the stars. Sonora is a beautiful town that is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby. It's also an ideal location for those looking to explore the historic Columbia Gold Rush Town. A lot of family friendly activities within a short drive! We take pride in providing a clean, safe, and welcoming space for travellers. We are on site and available for anything you may need, even if it's last minute. Book your stay with us today and experience the best that Sonora has to offer!
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$40
 / night

Indian Flat Campground

62 sites ¡ Lodging8 acres ¡ El Portal, CA
Welcome to Indian Flat RV & Campground, the closest campsite to Yosemite National Park, situated just 8 miles from the Arch Rock entrance. Here, you'll find your ultimate destination for experiencing the great outdoors! Exclusively on Hipcamp, we proudly offer our new Jupe Tents, featuring 12-foot high ceilings, a comfortable queen-size bed, air conditioning, solar panels for USB chargers, spacious windows and ventilation, electrical outlets, and dimmable LED lighting. Campground Amenities include: Washrooms Hot Showers Access to pool (located at neighboring Yosemite Cedar Lodge) Communal fire pits Wifi available (though we encourage guests to embrace the opportunity to disconnect digitally and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of our surroundings. If needed, WiFi is available for purchase upon check-in.) Pets welcome (additional fee)
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$210
 / night

Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

1 site ¡ Lodging15 acres ¡ Groveland, CA
Imagine the ideal camping experience... Picture yourself on 15 acres of pristine land, exclusively yours, just a quick 10-minute drive from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Your campsite awaits, pre-set and ready to accommodate up to 4 guests. Say goodbye to the hassle of pitching tents, especially if you arrive after dark, or the tedious task of dismantling and packing up upon departure. With everything prepared for you, think of all the extra space you'll have in your car! No more uncomfortable nights on hard ground or dealing with the typical camping inconveniences. Simply roll out your sleeping bag or enjoy the luxury of fresh linens and a cozy comforter on a full-size bed with a memory foam mattress. We provide complimentary firewood for the firepit and a BBQ grill with a full tank of propane, ensuring you have everything you need for a delightful outdoor cooking experience. After a day of adventure, whether hiking to Nevada Falls or conquering Half Dome, treat yourself to a soothing hot shower back at camp. Alternatively, you could choose to set up camp next to strangers with questionable music tastes and rely on wet wipes to freshen up after a dusty trail. The choice is yours!
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$150
 / night

The best camping near Waterwheel Falls guide

Overview

About

Dubbed one of the most unusual waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley, Waterwheel Falls is one of the few waterfalls in the world where we measure how high up water goes instead of how far down. A "waterwheel" formation is a small groove that water falls into shooting it back up into the air making for a mind-puzzling spectacle. The hike to Waterwheel Falls is not to be underestimated. One of the more strenuous trails, Waterwheel Falls will test your abilities but the reward is ultimately a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Waterwheel Falls is from late May or early June through October or November, coinciding with the opening of Tioga Road. Summer months offer warm weather perfect for hiking, while autumn brings a palette of vibrant colors. Avoid winter and spring when the road is closed due to snow.

Know before you go

  • Trail access is available only when Tioga Road is open, typically from late May or early June until October or November.
  • Pack out all trash and remember, feeding or approaching wildlife is prohibited and dangerous.
  • For overnight hikes, secure a wilderness permit and bear canister for food storage.
  • Always be prepared for sudden weather changes and carry sufficient water to prevent dehydration.
  • The first quarter mile of the trail is flat but not fully accessible, with small paved sections.

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