Waking up to granite cliffs outside your RV window? That's trailer camping in Yosemite for you. Last spring, I showed up to Upper Pines with my 24-footer only to realize I'd misjudged the turn radius – let's just say it involved three-point turns and nervous onlookers. But man, when you finally brew coffee with El Capitan filling your windshield? Worth every gray hair.
Where to Park Your Beast: Trailer Campgrounds Compared
Not all spots handle big rigs equally. After trial and error (including one memorable incident with low-hanging branches), here's the real scoop:
| Campground | Max RV Length | Hookups | Booking Difficulty | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Pines (Yosemite Valley) | 35 feet | None (dry camping) | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Extreme) | Sites feel tight but you're walking to Mist Trail |
| Hodgdon Meadow (Highway 120 entrance) | 40 feet | None | 🔥🔥 (Moderate) | Easier booking, quieter, but 45-min drive to valley |
| Crane Flat | 35 feet | None | 🔥🔥🔥 (High) | Great base for Tioga Road, sites uneven |
| Wawona (South entrance) | 35 feet | None | 🔥 (Low) | Shady pines, near Mariposa Grove |
They say "35-foot sites" but trust me, subtract 5 feet for maneuvering room. And about those no-hookup sites - your trailer's freshwater tank better hold enough for 3-4 days minimum. I learned that the hard way when I had to ration showers.
Booking Bloodsport
Yosemite trailer camping reservations drop 5 months ahead exactly at 7am PST. Set alarms. Have multiple devices ready. Type faster than you thought possible. Popular summer weekends vanish in under 90 seconds. If you strike out:
- Check daily for cancellations (people change plans!)
- Consider Yosemite Lakes RV Park just outside the gate – full hookups available
What Actually Fits? Trailer Dimensions vs Reality
Park claims vs actual usable space:
| Your Rig Size | Book This | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 feet | Most Valley sites | You'll fit fine but may need leveling blocks |
| 25-32 feet | Upper Pines, Hodgdon | Arrive early to avoid tight turns between trees |
| 33-40 feet | Hodgdon ONLY | Pray for pull-through site; backup camera essential |
| Over 40 feet | Forget it | Look outside park boundaries |
Seriously folks, measure bumper-to-tongue with everything attached. That bike rack adds feet. Getting rejected at the entrance with a tired family sucks.
Cost Breakdown: What Your Wallet Actually Feels
Beyond the campsite fee ($36/night average):
- Park Entry: $35/vehicle (valid 7 days)
- Dump Station Fee: $10/use (at Upper Pines, Crane Flat)
- Shower Tokens: $5/5-min (Curry Village)
- Propane Refill: $4.50/gallon (Crane Flat store)
My last 4-day trip for two adults: $228 total. Could’ve been cheaper without those daily ice runs.
Essential Gear They Don't Tell You About
Forget the fancy grill - these matter more:
- Zero-degree sleeping bags: Valley nights dip to 30°F even in May
- Heavy-duty tire chocks: Sites slope more than photos show
- Portable waste tank: Avoid moving trailer just to dump
- Bear-proof cooler: Required, even if you cook inside
- Satellite communicator: Cell service is nonexistent
That last one saved me when our neighbor sliced his hand open cleaning fish. Rangers responded faster than 911 ever could.
Getting There Without Nightmares
Routes matter for big trailers:
Big Rig Alert!
Avoid Highway 140 from Merced if over 30ft. Narrow canyon sections with rock overhangs. I watched an Airstream scrape granite there last fall. Take 120 from Groveland instead - wider lanes.
Valley approach tips:
- Arrive before 10am or after 3pm to skip shuttle bus traffic
- Use the "Large Vehicle" lane at entrance stations
- Download offline maps - GPS fails near Tunnel View
The Bear Situation: No Joke
Yosemite bears specialize in trailer break-ins. Must-dos:
- Remove ALL food from car/trailer at night
- Use metal lockers provided
- Wipe down picnic tables after eating
- No cooking bacon inside! Smells linger
We woke to claw marks on our door because my kid left gummy bears in his backpack. $5,000 deductible later...
Where to Fill, Dump, and Grab Supplies
| Location | Services | Hours (Seasonal) |
|---|---|---|
| Crane Flat Gas Station | Propane, dump station, limited groceries | 8am-8pm (May-Oct) |
| Upper Pines Dump Station | Fresh water, sewage dump | 24/7 (fee required) |
| Village Store (Yosemite Valley) | Full groceries, camping gear, ice | 9am-7pm |
Pro tip: Fill freshwater tank BEFORE entering park. Pressure sucks at campground spigots.
Trailer Camping vs Tent Camping vs Lodging
Why choose trailer camping in Yosemite? Let's compare:
| Factor | Trailer Camping | Tent Camping | Valley Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost for 4 nights | $144 + park entry | $120 + gear rental | $1,200+ |
| Weather Protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Location Flexibility | ⭐⭐⭐ (limited spots) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ (fixed location) |
| Wildlife Safety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (solid walls) | ⭐⭐ (thin nylon) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
For me, trailer camping gives that sweet spot: cheaper than hotels, warmer than tents, and waking up inside the park beats commuting.
Trailer Camping FAQs From Real Campers
Can I run my generator?
Only 1-3pm daily in most areas. Some campgrounds ban them entirely. Solar panels? Quiet and always allowed.
Are there showers?
Only at Curry Village ($5). Most trailer folks sponge bathe. Pro move: Solar shower bag on roof.
Can I reserve specific sites?
Nope. First-come gets best picks. Arrive early for riverfront spots at Upper Pines.
What if my trailer breaks down?
Yosemite has one tow company with trailer expertise: (209) 372-8344. Save it. Trust me.
Making It Memorable (Not Miserable)
After 12 trips, my golden rules:
- Book dump station time for departure morning early
- Pre-cook meals to avoid cooking smells attracting bears
- Bring bikes - navigating valley by car is torture
- Stargaze at Glacier Point - drive up at night (no RVs over 25ft!)
Last thought? Trailer camping in Yosemite isn't glamorous. You'll battle generators, tight spaces, and strict rules. But sipping coffee while Half Dome turns pink? That's why we do it. That's why you'll be planning your next trip before you've even hit the dump station on the way out.
Just promise me you'll measure your rig first.
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