This post may contain affiliate links. This would be a great campground if you are looking to be in the park but not in the hustle and bustle of Yosemite Valley. Although there is climbing for all abilities, these are serious walls. At the western end of Yosemite Valley, where the river transitions into the steep river gorge, Cascades Diversion Dam collects suspended sediments and bedload discharging from the Valley. The average annual flow at its confluence with the Merced River is 356 cfs. Check out this 10.3-mile out-and-back trail near Groveland, California. Despite an 1865 report declaring that it was "perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, trodden by human foot," George Anderson reached the summit in 1875, in the process laying the predecessor to today's cable route.Today, thousands of people reach the summit each year. If you're traveling in van, avoid the "tent/van spot" (check the picture: blue spot) as they are not leveled. Best Yosemite National Park Camping (Photos!) James Kaiser And the rangers were friendly, as helpful as family. The rangers encourage you to burn it because there's just too much for them to clear out. The Top 10 Things to Do Near Hodgdon Meadow Campground, Yosemite Enjoy the freedom of the open road nd the assurance of 24/7 roadside assistance. Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. Off the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120), about 45 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley and adjacent to the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station, at 4,900 ft (1,500 m), Season We will definitely be back. Prime reservations fill within minutes. Arrange a pick up time with the host or have it delivered to your driveway or destination. Yosemite National Park supports more than 400 species of vertebrates including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Why not see Yosemite via a mule or on horseback !? Located within the watershed are the sub-basins of Merced Peak, Lyell, Triple Peak, and Red Peak Forks; Echo, Sunrise, and Illilouette Creeks; and over 1,000 lakes and ponds. The watershed area of the South Fork at Wawona is approximately 63,000 acres (98 square miles) and about 154,000 acres (approximately 70,000 acres within the park) by the time it reaches the main stem. The serenity is unmatched, plus wildlife walking right through the campsite. Located riight across the street after northwest Yosemite entrance. There is an endless variety of challenging rock to be climbed here (I mean, just take one look at the towering El Capitan which pretty much defines big wall climbing). The South Fork flows westward over granitic bedrock to Wawona and then flows northwest over an area underlain by sedimentary rocks at a 3,500 foot elevation and into the Merced River downstream from El Portal. As a result, a permit is required to gain access to this beautiful patch of land. The Tuolumne River drains the entire northern portion of the park, an area of approximately 428,115 acres (669 square miles). $26/night, From mid-October through mid-April, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Recorded campground availability message: (209) 372-0266. Hydrology and Watersheds - Yosemite National - National Park Service A gas station and small general store are eight miles away at Crane Flat. Make sure you do your research and obtain a Half Dome permit before you go skipping up the thing. Hodgon Meadow - Camp California For drinking water, either the campers bring their own potable water or they treat the available stream water by boiling or refilling. Hookups: No You are required to store food properly in order to protect Yosemite's bears. Campsites in Summerdale Campground have a grill, a campfire ring, a picnic table, and a parking area. Hodgdon Meadow Group Camp has four hike-in sites open from early July through Labor Day. Hiking the 2.5 to 3-mile roundtrip trails to the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias are a popular activity at Hodgdon Meadow. Read vehicle limitations on the reservation site carefully before making a reservation. Tour the Valley Visitor and Wilderness centers. Here is how you can make a reservation at Hodgdon Meadows campground : By visiting the official website of the campground - recreation.gov . Enter your email below to be notified when we get access. I could see if this campground were free, but you have to pay to come here & it. During certain parts of the year, the park is available for a variety of winteRead more. Not all sites will accommodate the maximum trailer and RV lengths shown below. It is 25 miles (45 minutes) from Yosemite Valley. We found 21 things to do for you near Hodgdon Meadow Campground Tenaya Lake 366 Reviews Yosemite National Park, CA 3 km from Hodgdon Meadow Campground Experiences from 13,946 See 6 Experiences Olmsted Point 393 Reviews Tioga Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 4.4 km from Hodgdon Meadow Campground Experiences from 557 See 3 Experiences Even when one kid was sick and throwing up he was still yelling at him! The White Wolf area on Tioga Road also offers many hiking opportunities. Hetch Hetchy is on the main stem of the Tuolumne River and Lake Eleanor is on Eleanor Creek, upstream of its confluence with Cherry Creek. Food and toiletries must be stored 24 hours/day, Food storage lockers are provided in all campsites (45x18x33), Dispose of garbage immediately in bear-proof dumpsters. . This is my first time staying at Hodgdon Meadow Campground, but my second trip to Yosemite, I also stayed for a week last year. The Tuolumne River originates in the peaks above Tuolumne Meadows and is the major drainage system for the northern part of Yosemite. Dump stations are available in Yosemite Valley at Upper Pines Campground. Appearing through the mountaintops like a mirage, Schloss Neuschwanstein was the model for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. Once you've chosen a specific campground, click on the date range availability choice to see if some of your nights are available. Hodgdon Meadow Campground is located really close to the Big Oak Flat Entrance of Yosemite National Park. Because of the steep gradient and development, the river channel usually only shifts during periods of large floods. Why is that? The headwaters of the South Fork originate near Triple Divide Peak at an elevation of approximately 10,500 feet. You could go swimming at one of the outdoor pools available during the summer time at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge , howevRead more, You could go swimming at one of the outdoor pools available during the summer time at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge , however we suggest you go the more au natural route. Check carefully on the website when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite. There are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups at this facility; however, a dump station is located in Yosemite Valley. Tent or RV sites: 105 sites with space for RVs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 27 feet We w by end of May so Dogwoods were in bloom everywhere.. very green and pretty. The Yosemite Valley watershed includes Yosemite Valley and its tributary areas. People per site: A maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite, except for the group site, which requires 13 to 30 people. A few pros and cons.. 15 minutes from CraneFlat area, 45 mins from valley and meadows we drove a lot to get to hiked in the meadows closest store is crane flat/gas station. Return, Paiute, Rancheria, and Falls Creeks enter the Tuolumne River upstream of the reservoir and along the reservoirs shores. There is a bus that runs however it is very infrequent. Hodgdon Meadow Campground is not operated by Hipcamp and can only be booked externally. Choose a camper van or a teardrop trailer. Nearby grocery stores are located in Crane Flat, Yosemite Valley, and Tuolumne Meadows. Driving directions to Hodgdon Meadow Campground. Saw bears in craneflat meadow everyday and crossing road by tamerack.. they really do cross roads so please go slow.. campsite 103 is small and slanted hard to get two tents down, but we made it work.. other campsites right next to us..close..bathroom very close and trash, parking was close too. Once visitors reach Yosemite Valley they can take advantage of the free shuttle to deliver them to almost all the favorite attractions in the valley. Absolutely loved this campground. Check Yosemite National Park - Hodgdon Meadow Campground for a complete list of regulations and any campground updates. Hodgdon Meadow Campground is located 1/2 mile from the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station (Hwy 120 from the west), and is 25 miles (45 minutes) northwest of Yosemite Valley. The South Fork Tuolumne River drains a small portion of the western edge of the park. The Tuolumne has two principal sources: the Dana Fork, which drains the west-facing slopes of the 13,053-feet-high Mount Dana, and the Lyell Fork, which begins at the base of the glacier on Mount Lyell at an elevation of 13,114 feet. Hodgdon Meadow Campground - Yosemite National park Tent or RV sites: all year The South Fork Tuolumne River exits the park at an elevation of 4,500 feet, just north of Hodgdon Meadow and upstream of its confluence with the main Tuolumne River. We have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp and are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper community be inclusive. Otherwise, all lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round.If fly fishing is your thing, then you are in luck! The point offers a superb view of several of Yosemite National Park's well-known landmarks . Natural features you'll find at Hodgdon Meadow Campground. The trail from Hodgdon Meadow to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias provides the opportunity to follow the Big Oak Flat Road and experience what it was like for people who used to enter the park before Hwy 120 was in place. Romantic Hotels in Yosemite National Park, Popular Yosemite National Park Categories, Yosemite National Park Hotels with Laundry Facilities, Yosemite National Park Hotels with Fireplaces, Yosemite National Park Pet Friendly Campgrounds, Yosemite National Park Hotels with Balconies, Charming Hotels in Yosemite National Park, Hotels with Shuttle in Yosemite National Park, Hotels near Yosemite Mule & Horseback Rides. Crowded campground, and extremely noisy with campers who leave the city to party in the woods. Camping in an RV allows you to adventure on your terms. The main stem of the Merced River watershed drains 250,000 acres (391 square miles) of the park. Principal tributaries of the Merced River include the Merced Peak, Lyell, Triple Peak, and Red Peak Forks, as well as Echo, Sunrise, Illilouette, Tenaya, Yosemite, Bridalveil, Cascade, Grouse, Avalanche, Indian, and Crane Creeks. Part of what makes Yosemite so epic is its year round inhabitants of the furry nature . Each site can only accommodate up to six campers. Reservations open in blocks of one month at a time, 5 months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 AM Pacific Time. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Payments accepted : Reservations: Yes, on recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. It has lots of amenities such as public toilets, parking spots, fire rings, storage lockers, and an amphitheater. A popular activity is rafting along the Merced River. more. By clicking Agree and join Hipcamp, I agree to Hipcamps. Address: 9000 Southside Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA. Consider a spacious Class A or five-wheel. Then renting an RV is definitely for you. It's home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads. He gave us some history about Yosemite that we didn't know, so that was a bright spot. For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore, the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions about length limits and site types or call the Big Oak Flat campground office at 209/379-2123. Will be back for sure. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sharing is caring, y'all. Formerly known as the Half Dome Village, Curry Village is a charming campground in the Yosemite National Parks. We were asked to keep . If youre coming from San Francisco, then its the first campground you hit, which is convenient. Choose your location, dates, and send the host a request to book. Each campsite includes a food locker, a picnic table, a fire ring, and a nearby flush toilet. Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Location in the park: 45 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley near the Big Oak Flat Entrance. Cancellation of a group site reservation will incur a $10.00 service fee plus the first nights use fee when the reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cherry Creek joins the Tuolumne River downstream of the parks western boundary. No An official form of the United States government. Our campsite was on a slant, so everything was at an angle including our cots spent the night pulling ourselves up to stop sliding off our cots. The outer sites appeared to have better shade and elbow room. Waters tumble down rocky, sparsely vegetated mountainsides; course through forests underlain with granitic bedrock and strewn with boulders; and flow through nearly flat, glacially-carved valleys on their paths to the Central Valley. Yosemite National Park - Hodgdon Meadow Campground, Yosemite National Park - Current Conditions. Take the short hike to Mirror Lake with close-up views of Half Dome. Close to Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Hipcamp is working closely with the government to allow bookings here asap. Climbing instruction and guide service is available, check out the Yosemite Mountaineering School for more information. Who knows you might just stumble upon a double rainbow .Half Dome rises nearly 5,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level. They welcomed us with smiles and jokes and gave us great information about the site. HODGDON MEADOW CAMPGROUND - Reviews (Yosemite National Park, CA) Most hosts have the option to deliver and set up the RV right to your destination. Don't forget wash bins for dishes & water jugs; you can get water there but remember, you're in bear country, so you have to dump dirty dish water in the dump sink. $50/night, Campsite Details It is essential to plan well ahead for your visit. Yosemite National Park supports moreRead more. It is situated off the Tioga Road. There are more places to choose from in the, hodgdon meadow campground hotel yosemite national park, Frequently Asked Questions about Hodgdon Meadow Campground. Yosemite can definitely be a winter wonderland. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. A maximum of 5 vehicles are permitted to park at each site. Just at the west entrance of the park, so quite far from everything. Not very quiet at night. Driving times may vary based on conditions. Also a lot of the bear containers are far away from the tables so you have to carry all of your food like 30 feet to get to them, why not put them closer to the tables?There are no garbage cans anywhere or water & you have to hike to the upper campground to use theirs. Learn more about Park Ranger John. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov.Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates. Bring straight up DEET, OFF! To do this, change the arrival date to your first desired night, the departure date to the next day, and specify that you're flexible for the next two weeks. A post shared by N I C H O L A S K Y L E (@nicholaskhess). Sixty-six campsites are designated for tents only. A valid campground car pass must be displayed. Vibrant wildflowers fill the open meadows each summer. For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore, the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14., Reservation Tips! It is a popular area with lots of wonderful campsites. more information on current conditions frequently asked questions about length limits and site types. Group sites are tent-only; no sleeping in vehicles. PO BOX 577 Yosemite National Park CA 95389, For campground inquiries, please call: (209) 379-2123 OR (209) 372-8502, Learn more about gear rental options for your trip. Hodgdon Meadow Campground - Yosemite National - National Park Service When bringing toiletries, bring as much "unscented" or "fragrance free" items as possible. A popular spot for this is in the Merced River (we HIGHLY suggest the Swinging Bridge swimming hole ).There are also some natural rock water slides that many people keep secret. Let's talk about the 3 main types of toilets you may encounter in an RV rental. Which brings us the the world renowned climbing of Yosemite (see what we did there?). Definitely coming back. The only exception is Frog Creek near Lake Eleanor, where fishing season does not open until June 15 to protect spawning rainbow trout. Use refillable water bottles, food containers and travel mugs. Munich, Bavaria & the Black Forest travel - Lonely Planet Accessibility There is a limit of two vehicles and two stock trailers per parking area.Wilderness stock users may also use one of two sites at the Hetch Hetchy Backpackers' Campground. Roads and parking spurs are paved, and flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences. They helped us when we had multiple questions and were always friendly and cheerful around camp. The Middle Tuolumne River drains a small portion of the parks extreme western edge, south of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and northwest of the Tioga Road. Each campsite is equipped with delightful amenities such as a picnic table, food lockers, and a fire ring. Hodgdon Meadow Campground has standard tent and RV campsites along with group campsites. Address: Big Oak Flat Rod, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, United States. I think it is 18 miles to Yosemite Village in the valley but with our 32 foot RV, this campground was right inside the gate. See all Specialty Lodging in Yosemite National Park, #17 of 21 campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, Just past south entrance off Highway 120, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, #21 of 27 Specialty lodging in Yosemite National Park. Hodgdon Meadow Campground. Bathrooms are fine for a campground. Castles, vineyards, and fairy-tale villages: Drive the Romantic Road. For example, if youre planning to cook on the road, youll want a kitchenette. See more questions & answers about this hotel from the Tripadvisor community. Unsubscribe in one click. Last updated: March 9, 2021 Was this page helpful? Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. Would you recommend Hodgdon Meadow Campground? The site has no hookups or showers and there is no potable water for filling up the RV or a dump station, for all of these things you have to go into the valley. You are responsible for reading the site alerts and booking a site that will accommodate your equipment. We've created a coalition with REI, Sierra Club and dozens of other organizations called Access Land, which successfully advocated for California State Parks and the Federal Government to require open data in their future contracts. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. Invite your friends for an exciting camping experience at the North Pines Campground. Some sites are a bit of a walk down a small incline or into an open area from the parking area. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. May you have a delightful camping experience ahead.