Travel Tips & Guides

Where to Park Your RV Overnight Near Yosemite National Park: Complete 2025 Guide

Yosemite National Park draws millions of visitors each year, and RV camping is one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to experience the region. From my own travels, I can tell you—having your own mobile home base lets you wake up to mountain views, avoid overpriced hotels, and cook your own meals after a long day on the trail. However, staying overnight in or near Yosemite with an RV isn’t as simple as pulling over anywhere. Rules are strict inside the park, demand is high, and not all roads accommodate larger rigs. So knowing where you can park legally and comfortably overnight is key to a smooth and memorable trip.

Can You Park Your RV Inside Yosemite National Park Overnight?

Yes—but only in designated campgrounds that allow RVs. Yosemite National Park has 13 campgrounds, and several of them accommodate RVs, including North Pines, Upper Pines, Lower Pines, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow. Reservations are required almost year-round, and they can be very competitive—often booking out within minutes when released.

RV camping outside of designated sites is prohibited within park boundaries. You cannot park overnight in regular parking lots, trailheads, or pullouts—even if you’re just sleeping quietly. Rangers enforce this strictly, and fines can be steep. If you want to stay inside the park, plan months in advance and book through Recreation.gov.

Top RV Parks Just Outside the Yosemite Entrances

If you weren’t able to grab a spot inside the park, don’t worry—there are several excellent RV parks near the entrances that offer full hookups, level sites, and easy access to Yosemite’s gates.

  • Yosemite Lakes RV Resort (Groveland entrance): About 5 miles from Big Oak Flat entrance. Offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, and river access.
  • High Sierra RV & Mobile Park (Oakhurst entrance): A charming park with riverside sites, laundry, and close proximity to restaurants and stores.
  • Indian Flat RV Park (El Portal): Just 8 miles from Yosemite Valley. No-frills but super close—great for early starts into the park.
  • Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort: Near the southern entrance. Beautiful forest setting with lake access and resort amenities.

These private parks often allow for last-minute reservations and offer comforts like showers, dump stations, and electrical hookups—things most national park campgrounds don’t have.

If you’re traveling on a budget or just prefer dispersed camping, there are several free, legal boondocking areas near Yosemite—mostly located on nearby national forest lands. Here are a few tried-and-true options:

  • Stanislaus National Forest (west of the park): Areas along Evergreen Road and Cherry Lake Road offer dispersed camping with forest views.
  • Sierra National Forest (south of the park): Near Beasore Road and Sky Ranch Road. Expect rougher access roads, but peaceful settings.
  • Forest Service Roads off CA-120 and CA-140: Some roadside pullouts are legal for overnight RV parking, especially if they’re on public land and away from private property and fire risk zones.

Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, check fire restrictions, and don’t block access roads. Most of these areas have no facilities, so bring water, pack out trash, and come self-contained.

How to Reserve RV Camping Inside or Near Yosemite

Booking an RV site near Yosemite is a game of planning, speed, and sometimes luck—especially for inside-the-park campgrounds. Yosemite’s most popular campsites (Upper Pines, North Pines, Lower Pines) become available on Recreation.gov, typically five months in advance, released on the 15th of each month at 7 AM PT. You’ll need to log in early, have your dates selected, and be ready to click fast.

For RV parks outside the park (like Yosemite Lakes or High Sierra RV), reservations can be made directly through their websites or third-party platforms like Campspot, The Dyrt, or Hipcamp. These often allow for more flexible booking windows, including same-week reservations. If you’re traveling in the shoulder seasons (April, May, October), you may even find walk-in availability—but during summer, book months ahead.

Size Limits and Road Restrictions for RVs Around Yosemite

Yosemite’s dramatic mountain roads aren’t always friendly to large RVs. Before choosing your overnight parking spot, make sure your rig meets the road restrictions enforced by the National Park Service:

  • No vehicles over 45 feet total length (including tow vehicle) are allowed on most park roads.
  • El Portal Road (CA-140) is the most RV-friendly road into Yosemite Valley—less steep and fewer switchbacks.
  • Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road may have seasonal closures and tight curves unsuitable for large rigs.
  • Inside the park, most campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, but only a few can take rigs over 40 feet.

Always check your RV’s total length, and verify road conditions and restrictions on the Yosemite NPS site before your trip. Roads like Wawona Tunnel have height restrictions (10’2” on edges), which can be an issue for taller Class A RVs.

Can You Park Overnight in a Parking Lot or Trailhead?

This is one of the most common questions—and unfortunately, the answer is no. You cannot legally park overnight in any of Yosemite’s general parking lots, pullouts, or trailhead lots. Even if you’re just sleeping in your vehicle, it’s considered camping and is prohibited unless you’re in a designated campground.

Rangers patrol these areas regularly, especially in Yosemite Valley, and will ticket or wake sleeping RVers. If you’re arriving late and planning to enter the park early the next morning, consider overnighting in El Portal, Mariposa, or in a legal forest boondocking spot just outside the gate.

Overview of RV Camping Options Near Yosemite

TypeLocationHookupsDistance to ParkNotes
Upper Pines CampgroundInside Yosemite ValleyNo hookupsInsideBook 5 months early; fills fast
Indian Flat RV ParkEl PortalPartial8 milesClosest private RV park to Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Lakes RV ResortGrovelandFull5 milesClub-style park with lots of amenities
High Sierra RV ParkOakhurstFull16 milesRiverside setting, good restaurants nearby
Bass Lake RV ResortSouth of YosemiteFull25 milesGreat if you want lake access + Yosemite proximity
Cherry Lake BoondockingStanislaus NF (dispersed)None20–30 milesPeaceful forest road pullouts; check fire restrictions
Sky Ranch Road (boondock)Sierra NF (dispersed)None15–25 milesHigh elevation; rough road but amazing stars and quiet

Best Spots for Last-Minute RV Camping Near Yosemite

If you’re arriving without a reservation or had a last-minute change of plans, don’t panic—there are still places to stay. Here are a few strategies and locations I’ve personally used (or seen work for others):

  • First-come, first-served national forest areas like Dry Gulch Campground in Sierra National Forest or Sweetwater Campground in Stanislaus NF sometimes have availability, especially on weekdays.
  • High Sierra RV Park in Oakhurst sometimes accepts same-day bookings if you call early in the morning.
  • Tuolumne Meadows Campground used to offer walk-up sites in summer; check for 2025 reopening status.
  • Private land rentals on Hipcamp or Boondockers Welcome—many locals offer overnight spots on their property near the park.

Keep in mind: last-minute success depends on flexibility, arrival time (before 10 AM is ideal), and willingness to drive 20–40 minutes from the park entrance.

Seasonal Considerations for RV Camping Around Yosemite

Yosemite’s RV camping season is heavily affected by weather and elevation. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Spring (April–May): Lower elevation campgrounds open first. Roads like Tioga Pass and Glacier Point are still closed due to snow.
  • Summer (June–August): Everything’s open—but it’s the busiest time. Reservations are essential.
  • Fall (September–October): Fewer crowds, cooler nights, and colorful foliage. Tioga and higher elevation spots begin to close.
  • Winter (November–March): Very limited options. Only a few campgrounds remain open (e.g., Upper Pines), and many roads become inaccessible for large RVs due to snow or ice.

If you’re in a smaller rig with cold-weather prep, shoulder seasons can offer peaceful experiences. But for anything larger than a van, summer is the most practical time to explore the park fully.

How to Find Dump Stations and Refill Water Near Yosemite

Not all RV campgrounds in the Yosemite region offer full hookups, so knowing where to dump waste tanks and refill freshwater is essential. Here are some of the most reliable locations:

  • Yosemite Lakes RV Resort (Groveland) – Full dump station and potable water refill for guests.
  • High Sierra RV Park (Oakhurst) – Offers dumping for non-guests for a fee (call ahead).
  • Indian Flat RV Campground (El Portal) – Limited services, but check availability on arrival.
  • Mariposa County Fairgrounds – Occasionally open dump station for a small fee.
  • Bass Lake area campgrounds – Some offer public dump access seasonally.

Never dump illegally inside Yosemite or on forest roads—it damages the ecosystem and is punishable by fine. Always plan to empty your tanks responsibly and refill with clean water before entering more remote areas.

Can You Park Overnight at a Walmart or Rest Area Near Yosemite?

This is a frequently asked question for good reason—many RVers rely on Walmart for overnight stops. Unfortunately, there are no Walmarts or rest stops close enough to Yosemite to make them convenient for park visits. The nearest Walmart that allows overnight RV parking is typically in Merced or Madera, both over an hour away.

California rest areas also do not allow overnight parking, and there are no large-scale travel centers with RV-friendly zones near Yosemite’s entrances. So, if you’re hoping to “stealth camp” in a parking lot or commercial area, your best bet is to head farther west or south after your park visit—or stick to national forest lands instead.

Camping in Yosemite with a Generator: What You Need to Know

If you’re staying in your RV and plan to run a generator, you need to be aware of Yosemite’s strict quiet hours and generator rules. Within most national park campgrounds, generator use is only allowed during the following hours:

  • 7 AM – 9 AM
  • 12 PM – 2 PM
  • 5 PM – 7 PM

Generators are not allowed at all in walk-in or tent-only sites, and many quiet zones are signed accordingly. Outside the park, private RV parks often allow more flexible use, though they may request you limit generator use during quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 8 AM).

If you rely on a generator for cooling, battery charging, or cooking, consider campgrounds like Upper Pines or Hodgdon Meadow, which allow daytime use. And always double-check your campsite rules before starting it up—fines are rare, but not unheard of for repeated disturbances.

Can You Stay Overnight in a Van or Truck Camper?

Yes—as long as you’re in a legal campsite that allows overnight vehicle occupancy. Whether you’re in a self-contained Class B van, a rooftop tent, or a truck bed camper, the same rules apply: if you’re sleeping in your vehicle, you’re considered “camping.” Therefore, you must be in a designated camping area, either in the park or in a national forest boondocking zone.

Vans and truck campers are especially popular at Upper Pines, Wawona, and outside-the-park sites like High Sierra RV Park. They’re easier to maneuver on tight Yosemite roads and can often fit into smaller sites. Just don’t attempt stealth camping in parking lots or trailheads—it’s not legal and frequently patrolled.

How to Make the Most of Your RV Trip Near Yosemite

Planning ahead makes all the difference. From my own RV road trips, here are a few tips to elevate your Yosemite experience:

  • Arrive early at trailheads—even from outside the park—to secure parking.
  • Use your RV to your advantage: cook your own meals, avoid restaurant lines, and relax after hikes with full amenities.
  • Rotate locations: spend a few nights inside the park (if possible) and a few in private RV parks or boondocking spots.
  • Bring extra water and consider solar panels if you’re planning a multi-day off-grid stay.
  • Don’t rush: Yosemite’s best moments often come in the early morning or after 5 PM, when the day visitors leave.

With an RV, you’re mobile, flexible, and more self-sufficient—use that freedom to your advantage and explore beyond the valley floor.

Final Thoughts: Best Strategies for Parking Your RV Overnight Near Yosemite

Whether you’re a first-time RVer or a seasoned road-tripper, parking overnight near Yosemite comes down to three factors: reservation timing, flexibility, and understanding the rules. You’ll find incredible spots both inside and outside the park, but the most scenic and convenient options fill up fast.

If you’re willing to boondock or stay a bit farther out, you can save money and enjoy quieter evenings. If you prefer hookups and creature comforts, book a private RV park close to the gates. And if you manage to snag a coveted in-park campsite—congratulations! That’s Yosemite RV camping at its finest.

FAQ

Can I sleep in my RV anywhere near Yosemite?

No, you can’t sleep just anywhere near Yosemite in your RV. Overnight parking is only allowed in designated campgrounds or RV parks. Pulling over on a roadside or staying overnight at a trailhead, rest area, or parking lot—even if you stay inside the RV—is not permitted and may result in a fine. Your best bet is to use official campgrounds inside Yosemite or national forest lands just outside the park.

Do I need a reservation to camp with my RV near Yosemite?

During the high season (May through September), yes, a reservation is highly recommended—especially inside the park, where campsites often sell out within minutes of release. Some private RV parks outside the park accept last-minute or same-day bookings, but you should still book in advance if possible. First-come, first-served sites exist in nearby national forests, but these are limited and often fill by mid-morning.

Where is the closest RV park to Yosemite Valley?

The closest RV park to Yosemite Valley is Indian Flat RV Park in El Portal, located just 8 miles from the Valley floor. While it doesn’t offer luxury amenities, it’s extremely convenient if you want to beat the crowds into the park early in the morning or stay out late for sunset photography.

Are there free places to park my RV overnight near Yosemite?

Yes—there are free, legal boondocking options in the surrounding national forests, like Stanislaus and Sierra National Forests. These are dispersed camping areas with no amenities, so you need to be fully self-contained. Check fire restrictions, avoid blocking roads, and leave no trace. Popular spots include Cherry Lake Road and Sky Ranch Road.

What size RV can I bring to Yosemite?

Most Yosemite campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length, though a few can fit rigs slightly longer. There are also road restrictions—vehicles over 45 feet total length may not be allowed on certain roads like Tioga or Glacier Point. Always check both your campsite’s size limits and park road restrictions before arrival.

Are there RV hookups inside Yosemite National Park?

No, none of the campgrounds inside Yosemite offer hookups. That means no sewer, water, or electrical connections. You’ll need to be self-contained, manage your power and water wisely, and use dump stations outside the park if needed. Private RV parks outside Yosemite do offer full hookups.

Can I run my generator in Yosemite campgrounds?

Yes, but only during specific generator hours: typically 7–9 AM, 12–2 PM, and 5–7 PM. Running your generator outside these hours is prohibited, and rangers will ask you to turn it off if you violate the rules. If you rely heavily on your generator, make sure you book a site that allows its use.

Is it safe to boondock near Yosemite?

Yes, boondocking on public land near Yosemite is generally safe if you follow common-sense precautions. Park away from roads, secure valuables, check fire conditions, and avoid camping in flash flood zones. Many RVers boondock regularly near the park without issues—it’s a peaceful and affordable way to camp.

What’s the best RV campground with lake access near Yosemite?

Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort is one of the top choices for lake access. It’s about 25 miles from the south entrance and offers full hookups, shaded sites, and proximity to water sports, fishing, and scenic hikes. It’s a great option if you want a resort-style experience outside the park.

Can I dump my tanks near Yosemite if I’m not in a campground?

Yes, some RV parks—like High Sierra RV in Oakhurst and Mariposa Fairgrounds—offer dump station access for non-guests (often for a small fee). You can also dump at larger private campgrounds like Yosemite Lakes RV Resort if you’re staying there.

Is wild camping legal inside Yosemite?

No, wild or dispersed camping is not allowed inside Yosemite National Park boundaries. You can only camp in designated campgrounds, and sleeping in your vehicle outside of those areas is strictly prohibited. Dispersed camping is only allowed on approved lands outside the park, such as national forests.

Can I park my RV at trailheads or day-use areas overnight?

No, Yosemite prohibits overnight parking at trailheads or day-use areas unless you have a valid backcountry permit and are following wilderness camping rules. Even then, this only applies to hikers—not RV overnighting. Without a permit, you risk a citation if you stay in these areas past curfew.

What are Yosemite’s quiet hours in campgrounds?

Most campgrounds in Yosemite observe quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM. During this time, generators must be off, and all noise should be kept to a minimum. Respecting quiet hours is critical to preserving the park’s peaceful natural atmosphere, especially in popular campgrounds like Upper Pines.

Can I stay overnight in my van or camper in Yosemite without a campground?

No, even if you’re in a self-contained camper van or car, you must be in a legal campground to stay overnight inside Yosemite. Rangers treat sleeping in vehicles as camping, and it’s not allowed outside designated areas. If you want more freedom, use national forest lands outside the park.

What’s the best time of year for RV camping near Yosemite?

The best time is late spring to early fall (May through October). During this period, roads like Tioga Pass are open, and most campgrounds are accessible. Summer offers full access but is crowded—while September and early October offer cooler weather, fewer crowds, and stunning fall color.

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