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Located just 5 miles from the entrance of Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Lakes RV Resort (also knows as Thousand Trails Yosemite) is a highly sought-after destination for campers who love exploring the natural wonders of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. The resort sits in the middle of 400 forested acres, with the South Fork of the Tuolumne River running through the property, providing the perfect setting for fishing and swimming.
Outdoor adventure awaits from every campsite, as guests can hike out their front door, or take a shuttle bus from the campground directly to the national park. This Thousand Trails Yosemite campground is the perfect base camp for exploring the stunning vistas of Eastern California.
Address: 31191 Hardin Flat Road, Groveland, CA 95321
If you’re not familiar with the Thousand Trails park system, give our Complete Guide to Thousand Trails a read first!
Accessing Thousand Trails Yosemite
Sitting directly north of Mariposa, California, Yosemite Lakes RV Resort is accessed in a roundabout fashion, as is Yosemite National Park itself. Both lie along California Highway 120, which runs east-west from Mono Lake to Modesto. The Sierra National Forest covers the mountainsides and valleys here, and the road is a bit winding but provides gorgeous views as RVers head toward the campground.
Several small towns are scattered throughout the foothills leading to Yosemite, but it is a two-hour drive to larger metropolitan areas like Modesto or Stockton. You will be nestled in the mountains for a peaceful stay, with the opportunity to enjoy Mother Nature at her finest.
Sites
With more than 250 full hookups and 130 tent sites, Thousand Trails Yosemite caters to every kind of camper that comes their way. The campground is organized in five different sections, offering large sites, with shower houses scattered throughout. Most campsites are back-in, but a few pull-through spots are available, as well. And pets are welcome here, but there is no dog park, so your dog will get scenic walks through the campground on a leash!
And those who prefer more refined accommodations will love the cabins and yurts available for rent here. They are stocked with everything you will need to enjoy living in the woods for a week or two, with fishing out your front door on the Tuolumne River. Cast a line from the porch and reel in your dinner after a day of wandering through the expansive meadows, granite domes, and towering waterfalls of Yosemite next door!
Amenities at Thousand Trails Yosemite
Thousand Trails Yosemite has a number of activities and amenities served up at the campground. They specialize in offering something for everyone:
- The clubhouse has space for stretching out on a rainy day or participating in a group activity or potluck dinner.
- Store on-site for all those little things you may have forgotten to bring with you…like chocolate for the S’mores!
- Fish cleaning station
- Laundry facilities for everyone’s favorite activity: folding clean towels!
- Picnic and BBQ area
- Shuffleboard courts
- Miniature golf course
- Volleyball and basketball courts
- Horseshoes
- Fishing on the river
- Hiking trails throughout the campground
- Swimming at the river beach
Things To Do Near Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes RV Campground
There is any number of off-site activities, even deep into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Why not:
- Take a whitewater river rafting trip to get your adrenaline pumping
- Get in a round of golf at Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course
- Drop-in on a wine tasting at Yosemite Cellars
- Jump off the cliffs into cool mountain water at Rainbow Pool Lake
- Hire a guide service to explore the backcountry in Yosemite National Park
- Tube down the South Fork of the Tuolumne River
- Photograph the nation’s tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls
- Hike the many trails within the national park and discover wildlife
Is Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes RV Resort in Bear Country?
Speaking of wildlife, it would be good to remember that Thousand Trails Yosemite lies well within the habitat of the black bear. In fact, it is estimated that 300 to 500 Oso live in and around the national park. When camping in “Bear Country” it is best to follow a few rules for their safety and yours.
- If you come across a bear, do not turn away and run. Just back slowly away.
- Do not leave food or garbage outside. Store it in your RV with the door locked when you are away from the campsite.
- Don’t ever get between a mama bear and her cubs.
- Carry bear spray when hiking.
- Carry a bell when hiking (or sing!) to let bears in the area hear you coming, so as not to startle them. They really don’t want to see you any more than you want to see them on a hike!
You will be ringing bells right and left when you discover Thousand Trails Yosemite. It has the corner on the market for great camping, with the perfect location next door to its namesake national park. And you will find a tranquil campsite with all of the amenities necessary for a memorable camp trip, along with some of the most amazing scenery in the country right here in your own backyard!
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