El Captain’s View 4X4 ONLY Yosemite
Hosted by Freya · El Portal, California
40 guests max
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
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EL CAPTAIN'S VIEW RV#3 4X4 YOSEMITE
71%
(17)Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
from
for NaN guests$50
/ nightReviews
71% Recommend17 ratings · 14 reviews
This is not a campsite. It is a service road for a weather station. There were no camp sites, no signage, no check-in stations, and no staff. It is possible that this listing was set up to collect payment without providing any service.
D
David B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Fantastically beautiful site! A four wheel drive car is absolutely necessary on this narrow off road path leading to the site. Note this is not a negative: it was totally fun to ramble up the road and was a sizable part of our adventure.
In early August the site was calm and temperate. Even at the summit with a near 360° view, we had calm winds and a nice spot for our rented Jeep and tent. There were views in every direction for miles and miles. We simultaneously saw the sunset and a near full moon rise on the opposite side.
If you’re interested in getting into Yosemite, note that it’s almost two hours from this site to the park, so plan accordingly.
As a last note, we’d suggest the owner put up some more signage for actually where to park. Even with the instructions, we circled the area two complete times before we found where to park. A simple “go the orange flag” would solve this.
Otherwise we highly recommend this as a peaceful spot with spectacular views, totally removed from the world.
N
Natalie H.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Overall we had a great experience staying at this spot! There are great views. The roads are long getting there and there is a couple of tough sections, wouldn’t recommend doing it in the dark and ground clearance was needed at times. The camp spot was not very clearly marked but we found a fire ring and decided to set up next to it.
T
Timari F.
1 year on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· July 2025
More information about how complicated this site is to get to would have been helpful prior to booking. It was only clear that it was incredibly hard to access once we received the trip details. Additionally, directions may need to be updated as we could not find the RV as the designated marker and did not feel confident we were in a safe location to park.
O
Olivia C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Great drive. Fun location. Had a blast driveling around the mountain roads.
R
Ryan J.
3 reviews
Not recommend
· October 2024
Not private, terrible commute
16 ft travel trailer ·
EL CAPTAIN'S VIEW RV#3 4X4 YOSEMITE
With a lot of travel under my belt in my 4Runner, I didn’t have high expectations but the driving involved made this annoying. Wasn’t much to book in area, but would still avoid.
I’m an experienced off-road driver who has been camping in national parks, forests and BLM land for 10years - this listing caught my attention because it was noting how short of a drive it was to the park.
With a friend coming into town I figured I could still have the best of both worlds and Camp while he stayed at the Yosemite view Lodge.
Not a great option to commute to Yosemite. The fact that you can see the top of EL CAP is nice - but it’s usually 95-115min of driving both ways, every time. That’s without traffic.
The road you take out to the tiny parking space they’ve got listed - has a speed limit of 55mph posted, and will tell you it’s 1hr and 15min to Yosemite. That’s incorrect - you’ll never drive faster than 15min in the last 7miles.
It takes an 1hr 30min to 1hr 45min to normally to get from this location to the gate of the national park - never mind going anywhere else.
Just a tiny hay-covered parking spot at the end of a long off-road excursion (6-7miles of rough dirt road). This “spot” feels weird, as it’s on National Forest land. There are no signs noting private property and plenty of people journey to the end of the ridge.
The fire road that continues to Ferguson Ridge - highly suggest this or any of the other possible spots along this road but not this.
Matt T.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Great views
20 ft campervan · With pets ·
EL CAPTAIN'S VIEW RV#3 4X4 YOSEMITE
We really enjoyed the place, especially for its incredible views. The only downside was some leftover toilet paper and trash left by previous guests in the camping slot, but that’s not the host's fault. It would be great if people were more responsible and took their trash with them instead of leaving it behind. We didn’t have any problems with the road, but we are experienced off-road drivers, and as others have noted, the road is quite challenging. Overall, we would definitely consider staying here again.
Malgorzata G.
6 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
EL CAPTAIN'S VIEW RV#3 4X4 YOSEMITE
amazing view and fun drive up! it also isnt far from yosemite either. the host was very responsive and helpful with directions
M
Myles D.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2024
16 ft car ·
EL CAPTAIN'S VIEW RV#3 4X4 YOSEMITE
Of true middle of nowhere experience with unbelievable views. The road getting up and down was easy to manage.
Highly recommend!
K
Kevin C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· June 2024
Paying to camp on public land???
16 ft car ·
EL CAPTAIN'S VIEW RV#3 4X4 YOSEMITE
With the remote location, with no mobile data (only call and text). So, a couple hours prior to arrival, I texted the temporary Hipcamp number provided, which sends the hostess a message in her Hipcamp app. I provided my number and asked the hostess to directly contact me via phone instead.
Upon leaving the paved road, we followed the written directions previously provided by the hostess. They were very detailed, but told us to turn down certain road names...which turned out to be unmarked. We texted again for help, and the hostess again neglected our requests. The anticipated 45 minute dirt road trip, turned into 2 hours of almost non-stop driving around lost.
Some Good Samaritans on an ATV were our heroes. They helped us find a different camp site only a few minutes away, and notified us that Ferguson (aka "Fergie") Ridge (where our directions were taking us) was public land, along with the new camp site. According to them, camping at both locations is free to anyone, and NO ONE SHOULD BE CHARGING ANYONE TO STAY THERE. Days later, when I had mobile data, I verified the public ownership on Mariposa County's tax GIS mapping website.
In summary, the hostess did give us a refund, but only after sending us on a wild goose chase, not responding to our cries for help in real time, did respond hours later via the app chat (which was unhelpful because of lack of data), and did so under the (evidently) false pretenses that she owned the place and has the right to rent it to campers.
Corey P.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· June 2024
14 ft pop-up camper ·
EL CAPTAIN'S VIEW RV#3 4X4 YOSEMITE
Gorgeous view. Serene and peaceful. Very secluded area but open camping spot. The drive is not for the faint of heart. DO NOT COME HERE IF YOUR CAR DOESN'T HAVE CLEARANCE! Host responded minimally. And directions were the worst. But quiet and an unbothered little area
A
Azriel M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
16 ft car · Group trip ·
EL CAPTAIN'S VIEW RV#3 4X4 YOSEMITE
Freya was an excellent host. She was responsive, helpful with directions/logistics, and recommended activities. The property is remote but worth the adventurous trip, as it is breathtaking.
T
Tara L.
5 years on Hipcamp
Great, private place with awesome views.
Fun drive to get to the spot. Once there you are one with nature
P
Per L.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2023
16 ft car ·
EL CAPTAIN'S VIEW RV#3 4X4 YOSEMITE
Great experience. Panoramic views of the mountains and very remote. Getting there is no joke, the easiest route is full of trenches so I’d highly recommend 4WD. The fire was nice and there was a somewhat flat area to pitch a tent. A lot of deer in the area. Bring an umbrella or easy-up if it’s not because there is pretty much no shade. Close proximity to Yosemite gates, would highly recommend this land if you want a truly remote camping experience
M
Michael C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Location
El Portal, Mariposa, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Freya P.
Joined in July 2023Things to do nearby
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