The best beach camping near Yosemite Valley

34mi from Yosemite Valley · 8 sites · Lodging

(38)

This beautiful property is situated on 55 secluded acres in the lovely foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Your adventure begins when you escape the pavement and experience three miles of beautiful scenery on a maintained dirt road. Swimming, fishing, and hiking await you. SAFE, GATED and perfect for moms who want to take their kids camping, or any one who wants to try out the camping experience but has been hesitant. 1 1/2 hours from Yosemite National Park. Reservations may be required. Experience the abundant wild life and soothing sound of the Fresno River. Put your feet in the sand and just unplug for a few days. Each season is uniquely beautiful. Spring hosts an abundance of green hills, wild flowers and cooler weather. The river is higher, faster and colder. New life pops up everywhere. Baby ducks, geese, quail and beaver frequent the river. Glitter Cove waterfall is in its full glory. The nights can be cool, so come prepared. Summer is the perfect time to swim and lounge in the river. As the days heat up, the river begins to slow and warms up to a comfortable yet refreshing temperature. New beaches emerge, just waiting to be explored. In late summer, early fall, there is a feeling of calm. The river slows significantly but still feels amazing to sit in. You can hear its gentle flow and soothing sound as it trickles over the rocks. This is a great time time to explore the river as it is mostly shallow with some swim holes. Most of the time it is very quiet. There is another camp down stream owned by a wonderful family. They are here a couple times per week, and also rent their camp. You may hear them having fun and engaging in target practice. The river is a shared space but it is rare to see anyone else. Noise travels in the canyon so you may hear occasional barking or other vehicles. Hearing coyotes sing at night is very common. The rarely seen wildlife includes rattle snakes, bob cats, coyotes, fox, mountain lions and bears. Don't worry, our animal friends like to keep their distance. Hope to see you soon! Watch a video! https://youtu.be/QI_YsFr-kh8

4. Sierra National Forest

92%

(176)

1360 sites · Big Creek, California

“Secret Yosemite” offers scenic beauty, rugged forests, and outdoor recreation with smaller crowds.

1530 sites · Strawberry, California

5. Stanislaus National Forest

93%

(173)

An extensive network of lakes, rivers, streams, and trails delight at this Yosemite neighbor.

35mi from Yosemite Valley · 1 site · Lodging

6. Private lakeside resort, Groveland

Lakeside + Amenities + Sleeps 12 = WIN for an unforgettable family getaway! PRIVATE, lakeside recreation area with beach entry, kayaks, SUPs, ping pong, bocce ball, tree swing, hammock, corn hole, and BBQ ALL ON SITE! Ideal for 2-3 families or 1 larger family traveling together! Within a 5-minute drive are the Pine Mountain Lake amenities available to all of our renters: swimming pool, beaches, pickle ball, golf, tennis, children's playground, hiking, horseback riding, archery... The space a King-sized bed in the Master bedroom with an ensuite bath, Queen-sized beds in the other bedrooms with an adjacent bath, and a bunk room with an adjacent bath. A total of 3 bedrooms, 1 bunk room, and 3 full baths to accommodate groups as large as 12 persons. Guest access Self-check-in is available with door access granted by entry code via a Schlage smart lock. ***Please note that a $50 per car entry fee is not included in the listing fees and must be paid at your initial entry into the Pine Mountain Lake community. You will receive a Guest Pass to hang on your car for the duration of your stay. Proceeds of this fee are used to maintain facilities and operations of the PML community amenities shared with our guests. Other things to note Memory foam mattresses, 100% down pillows and comforters, and 100% cotton sheets.

7. Luxury By The Lake, Groveland CA

34mi from Yosemite Valley · 1 site · Lodging

Experience Groveland's premier luxury Lake House at the Pine Mountain Lake gated community. The Peninsula Lake House was professionally designed and furnished by a prominent Bay Area developer. The wide frontage to the main lake offers panoramic views and easy water access with a private dock. Included are 2 canoes and 2 SUPs with life jackets. A large game room with a pool table, arcade-grade air hockey table, Sonos sound system, and a vintage upright piano provides indoor entertainment. The space The Peninsula Lake House was professionally designed and furnished by a prominent Bay Area developer. Guest access smart lock access by code ***Please note that a $50 per car entry fee is not included in the listing fees and must be paid at your initial entry into the Pine Mountain Lake community. You will receive a Guest Pass to hang on your car for the duration of your stay. Proceeds of this fee are used to maintain facilities and operations of the PML community amenities shared with our guests. Other things to note Located at the quiet end of the Lake away from the Marina, the property features: - Private dock access into Pine Mountain Lake - Canoes (x2), Standup Paddle boards (x2), and life jackets (all sizes) - Ping Pong - Pool Table - Air hockey - BBQ grill/Griddle - piano - Sonos sound system The wide frontage to the main lake offers panoramic views and easy water access with a private dock. The two large wraparound redwood decks offer prime views of the lake, outdoor dining and BBQ areas, and Adirondack lounge chairs to relax in and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

8. Camp Edison

45mi from Yosemite Valley · 31 sites

Camp Edison stands out as a unique camping destination due to its stunning location along the serene banks of Shaver Lake, surrounded by the majestic Sierra Mountains. Established in 1963, this picturesque campground features 252 campsites, each equipped with essential amenities such as a BBQ, fire ring, picnic table, and food box, ensuring a comfortable outdoor experience. Nestled in a lush pine forest on the western shores of Shaver Lake, Camp Edison has been a beloved vacation spot for generations, welcoming visitors year-round. To enhance public safety and promote forest health, Camp Edison has been actively removing insect-infested trees. As a result, some campsites may offer more sun exposure than previously indicated in site descriptions. With electricity available at all sites, campers can enjoy the perfect blend of nature and convenience. In addition to its beautiful surroundings, Camp Edison provides easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, and fishing. Nearby attractions, such as local restaurants and shops, further enrich the camping experience, making it an ideal getaway for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

9. Inyo National Forest

96%

(453)

2001 sites · Lone Pine, California

Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.

10. Hensley Lake

55 sites · Yosemite Lakes, California

(2)

Discover the scenic beauty of Hensley Lake, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

15mi from Yosemite Valley · 4 sites · in Sierra National Forest

Public campgrounds near Yosemite Valley

90%

(5)

Dry Gulch Campground

You have to past Incline Road and Dry Glutch Campground to get this one. I missed it when I checked in at 10PM.

15mi from Yosemite Valley · 2 sites · in Sierra National Forest

(3)

Dirt Flat Campground

18mi from Yosemite Valley · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest

(4)

Summerdale Campground

18mi from Yosemite Valley · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stanislaus National Forest

(8)

Dimond O Campground

19mi from Yosemite Valley · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest

(2)

Big Sandy Campground

19mi from Yosemite Valley · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest

(1)

Upper Chiquito Campground

Jerseydale Campground

20mi from Yosemite Valley · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest

Fresno Dome Campground

20mi from Yosemite Valley · 15 sites · in Sierra National Forest

Kelty Meadow Campground

21mi from Yosemite Valley · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest

Nelder Grove Campground

22mi from Yosemite Valley · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest

22mi from Yosemite Valley · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

(5)

Tioga Lake Campground

22mi from Yosemite Valley · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest

(2)

Clover Meadow Campground

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

R

Ricky

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

When my group went, it was empty so it was pretty quiet. I think it’s a good area to camp and fish. Everything was clean and the view was beautiful. Slight hiccups with checking in but other than that it was a great first time camping spot for me. The hot springs was a nice touch only being 6 mins away. I’d go again when I learn to fish for trout.

D

Dillon

November 2025

6 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Fantastic camp site! The host was super friendly and helpful, recommended beautiful places to visit. The site is super clean!

C

Christopher

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Loved my solo camp experience here. Amazing views. I definitely would recommend this campground.

Ricardo

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Clean ammenities, great location, nice hosts! Would stay again!

S

Shannon

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Site 16 had a great view of the reservoir. It was clean, well maintained & spacious. Bathrooms were close to campsites. The bathrooms were clean & well maintained. The checked in prior to our travel day & at our request left the firewood we ordered at the site. We plan to go back during warmer months. Thank you Chase & team.

K

Kyle

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

This campsite is absolutely beautiful ! The lake and mountains are insanely breathtaking and the individual sites are well appointed with little walkways down to the pebble beach. We saw little bunnies, mice, and ducks. The bathrooms closest to us were out of order but the other one wasnt too far of a walk. The campground was a little busy so if you are looking for more privacy it might not be the best choice but it wasnt too crowded either.

D

Danielle

October 2025

19 ft campervan

Host was friendly and helpful. Bathroom was clean and warm. Would recommend!

S

Simone

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

This was a great place to sleep for the night. Beautiful sunset and sunrise, clean property, and I felt safe. A really nice touch was the heater in the bathroom :)

Dandy

October 2025

Group trip

5 nights at Glitter Cove Retreat

This place is more than a campsite, more than a stop off. It is magical! Cindy has done an incredible job curating a special place for those who want to commune with nature, watch the stars and cool in water. It is well appointed, well taken care of and a delight to visit

C

Catherine

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

It right by the water and there are public restrooms on site. It was really nice.

M

Mark

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

The tent camping was great. The sites and amenities were all clean and well kept. The staff was very nice, and recommended some activities in the area. We went to the nearby hot springs, which was only a few minutes away and were incredible. The reservoir is stocked with 3-5lb rainbow trout that they purchase from Oregon. We stumbled upon the place by accident, but we will definitely be coming back for a longer stay.

T

Travis

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glitter Cove Retreat

Beautiful private spot overlooking a river. Cindy has really done a great job with setup and decor. Everything is super functional and well thought out. The sleeping area is extremely comfortable with solar powered lights and fans everywhere. Bug nets surround you and if you want total protection from the outside there are canvas covers for all sides that zip up. Bathroom is clean and easy to use, shower is cute and had hot water during the day when we rinsed off from swimming. Cook area is great with stove, sink and bbq. I will note that wasps do show up when you cook meat and they do have wasp traps all around to deter them but that’s part of being in nature. We took our food inside the pergola and had no issues once inside the netting. The river is great, we swam in there swimming spot and fished as well. We caught some baby bass and a small catfish while there. We adventured up river and it was truly beautiful. At night we laid out a blanket on the beach and stared at the amazing night sky. We saw so many shooting stars, was truly amazing. Cindy also had a propane fire pit available for night time fun too. Night lights at camp were functional and beautiful as well. All in all this trip was amazing. Cindy was amazing. She met us at the gate and walked us through everything and answered all of our questions. She was in communication with us our entire stay and responded quickly. I recommend glitter cove 100%. Thanks Cindy!

S

Sylvia

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to San Pedro Ranch

We thoroughly enjoyed camping at the riverbank site. It was a delightful experience to use the canoe. Exel, a friendly and attentive host, ensured our comfort during our stay. While the potable water is a bit of a walk (about 5 minutes), the restroom is conveniently located just two minutes away. As long as you’re comfortable with this slight inconvenience, this is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a beautiful natural setting.

R

Radwa

September 2025

2 nights at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

The campground is beautiful, tent was warm when I needed it to be. All accommodations are great. Everything is kept clean, bathrooms are routinely checked and cleaned. I had an amazing time! I was solo and chatted with some of my tent and RV neighbors. I would definitely recommend. I might just go back!

K

Kelsey

September 2025

Beautiful grounds, very kind people running it! Everything was super clean. There were extra blankets, a heater, and towels for us, along with a grill! Very cute set up and look forward to staying again.

T

Tracy

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Glitter Cove Retreat

This is a magical place. The views are spectacular and the accommodations have everything a glamper could want. We will definitely be returning. Thank you Cindy for being such a wonderful host.

K

Kurt

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

My wife and I really enjoyed our time there. The hosts were incredibly nice and accommodating. The place was organized and clean (including the bathrooms). We would go back.

R

Rebecca

September 2025

15 ft campervan

We loved it there! The site we were in backed up to the reservoir; beautiful animal sounds and stunning sunset. The bathrooms were clean; the site was clean and better than most with a canopy over the table. Chase was great! BEST OF ALL was the night sky. It was incredible to just stand or sit and view the thousands of stars. We could see the Milky Way easily! 10/10; would stay again 100%!

B

Brad

September 2025

Tent

With pets