Best Full Hookups Within 2 Hours of Yosemite
Camping inside Yosemite National Park puts you in God’s American playground. You’re at the feet of world famous cliffs, waterfalls, and famous trailheads. It’s a wonderland of outdoorsy visual — especially when the colors turn in the fall. However, what it doesn’t provide is the hookups. None of Yosemite’s in-park campsites offer hookups of any kind, although dump stations are available in a few locations. Fortunately, several private RV parks around Yosemite offer full hookups which keep you within reasonable day-trip distance of Yosemite Valley.
Now, take note: The driving times below are estimates to Yosemite Valley — not just the nearest entrance station. Traffic can add substantial time during busy periods, especially from spring through fall, so the National Park Service recommends arriving before 9 a.m. when possible.
Also, before you shop the full hookups near Yosemite, you need to ask a vital question: Which side are we talking about?
First, Which Side of Yosemite?
So, let’s unpack the “which side do we park on?” question. Because the closest campground isn’t always the right one.
Highway 140 parks provide the quickest approach to Yosemite Valley. But Highway 120 parks work well for the valley, Tuolumne Grove, and destinations along Tioga Road when it is open.
Campgrounds south of the park are better positioned for Mariposa Grove, Wawona, and Bass Lake.
Wherever you stay, plan to leave early. A campground that is normally one hour from Yosemite Valley can feel much farther away once entrance lines, road construction, and limited parking enter the equation. With a little planning, however, these parks provide something Yosemite’s campgrounds cannot: a convenient basecamp with all the comforts of a fully connected RV.
7 Full Hookups in Striking Range to Yosemite Valley
1. Indian Flat Campground, El Portal
Best for: Getting to Yosemite Valley quickly
Indian Flat is one of the closest private RV campgrounds to Yosemite. It sits along Highway 140 in El Portal, 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley under favorable conditions.
The campground has 25 RV sites with water and electricity, and some sites also include sewer connections. That distinction is important: RVers looking for full hookups should confirm that they are reserving one of the sites with sewer service rather than a water-and-electric-only site. RVs up to around 35 feet can be accommodated.
Indian Flat might not be exciting, but it’s a solid choice for travelers who plan to spend most of their day inside Yosemite and just need a comfortable crash pad to recharge. Amenities are pretty modest, and internet access can be limited, but its drive time is tough to beat.
2. Yosemite Lakes RV Resort, Groveland
Best for: Staying close to the Big Oak Flat Entrance
Yosemite Lakes RV Resort is only about five miles west of Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat Entrance on Highway 120. From there, the National Park Service estimates a drive of around 45 minutes to Yosemite Valley, putting the resort about an hour away in normal conditions.
This is a large, wooded property along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. It offers full-hookup RV sites, pull-through options and space for larger rigs. Resort amenities include a general store, laundry facilities, a playground, sports areas, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
The location is especially convenient for visiting Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Grove, and the park’s Highway 120 corridor. Because the resort is relatively remote, the on-site store — with groceries, fuel, firewood, and basic supplies — can save an extra trip into town.
3. Yosemite Ridge Resort, Buck Meadows
Best for: A smaller park near Yosemite’s western entrance
Located in Buck Meadows, Yosemite Ridge Resort is about 12 miles from Yosemite’s Highway 120 entrance. Its shaded RV loop provides water, electricity, sewer service, and Wi-Fi.
The resort is considerably smaller than Yosemite Lakes, which may appeal to travelers who prefer a simpler basecamp without hundreds of neighboring sites. Cabins and cottages are also available for groups containing both RVers and non-RVers.
Depending on traffic, expect about an hour to Yosemite Valley. And the drive includes mountain roads, so travelers towing long trailers should give extra time and don’t leave late!
4. Yosemite Pines RV Resort, Groveland
Best for: Families and large RVs
Yosemite Pines give you the traditional camping aura without sacrificing the fluffy resort amenities you’re used to. Full-hookup back-in and pull-through sites are available, with some sites measuring up to 70 feet. That makes the park one of the better options for large motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travelers who need room for a tow vehicle.
The resort also offers cabins, yurts, and other rental accommodations, along with family-oriented recreation. Each full-hookup site includes a picnic table and fire ring.
Another significant advantage is seasonal access to Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System buses. YARTS service operates directly from Yosemite Pines to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center during part of the year, allowing visitors to leave their RV or tow vehicle at the campground and avoid searching for parking inside Yosemite.
5. High Sierra RV & Mobile Park, Oakhurst
Best for: Combining Yosemite with restaurants and the real world
High Sierra RV Park sits along the Fresno River in Oakhurst. It delivers full-hookup RV sites, cabins, and tent camping. But you’ll probably be most interested in the swimming hole and two small waterfalls.
Oakhurst is an hour and a half from Yosemite Valley under normal driving conditions. It is farther away than the Highway 120 and El Portal campgrounds, but it provides easier access to grocery stores, fuel, restaurants, repair services, and other everyday necessities.
The park also works well for visitors interested in Yosemite’s southern attractions. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Wawona, and the South Entrance are reached before Yosemite Valley, reducing drive time on days devoted to the southern portion of the park.
6. Outdoorsy Yosemite, Bass Lake
Best for: A full resort experience near Bass Lake
Outdoorsy Yosemite offers 160 RV sites, and every site includes full hookups with 30- or 50-amp electrical service. Sites can handle RVs up to 40 feet and Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
The resort is right at 18 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance and an eight-minute walk from Bass Lake. The resort estimates about 30 minutes to the park entrance and another hour to Yosemite Valley, although summer congestion can lengthen that trip.
This is a strong option for families who want activities beyond the national park. Guests can spend one day exploring Yosemite and another boating, swimming, or relaxing around Bass Lake. Clubhouses, a camp store, cabins, and glamping accommodations make it particularly useful for larger groups.
7. Yosemite RV Resort, Coarsegold
Best for: Resort amenities and a quieter home base
Yosemite RV Resort is parked on more than 30 acres in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Coarsegold. All RV sites include full hookups, 30- or 50-amp service, a concrete patio, picnic table, and Wi-Fi. You’ll find back-in, pull-through, and upgraded pull-through sites.
Guests also receive access to the resort’s pool, showers, and laundry facilities. Cabins, yurts, and tent sites make it another good option for mixed camping groups.
This park is near the outer edge of the two-hour radius from Yosemite Valley. It is best for travelers who value a spacious campground and nearby services more than having the shortest possible commute into the park.
Marc Acton
You might also like
