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Detail Level: 🟢 Quick Overview 🟡 Standard Guide 🔴 Full Expert
🌲 Quick Facts
📍FROM LA~3 hours 📅DURATION5 days 🛣️DISTANCE~720 miles 🌡️BEST TIMEMay–Jun, Sep–Oct ⭐DIFFICULTYMedium
Yosemite Grandeur: RV Road Trip Guide
El Capitan, Half Dome, giant sequoias — California's crown jewel national park awaits. A 5-day adventure from LA through Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon.
Yosemite is the most visited national park in the West for good reason — it's jaw-dropping at every turn. Combine it with the ancient giants of Sequoia and Kings Canyon and you have one of California's ultimate RV road trips. This route heads north through the Central Valley, spends serious time in both parks, and returns via a different scenic route for variety.
🎟️ Reservation Alert: Yosemite requires a timed-entry reservation from May–October. Book at recreation.gov as soon as your trip dates are confirmed — they sell out weeks in advance. Also reserve campgrounds 5 months ahead (recreation.gov opens reservations on the 15th of each month).
📅 5-Day Itinerary Overview
Day 1 — LA to Fresno (220 miles, ~3 hrs)
Head north on I-5 through Tejon Pass or CA-99 North from Bakersfield (flatter, easier RV driving). Stock up at Costco or Walmart in Bakersfield — last affordable shopping before the parks. Overnight in Fresno to rest up for big park days ahead.
Day 2 — Fresno to Yosemite Valley (65 miles)
Enter via CA-41 (Wawona Road) with a stop at iconic Tunnel View — arguably the most spectacular national park viewpoint in America. Spend the afternoon exploring the Valley floor: El Capitan Meadow, Yosemite Falls trailhead. Sunset from Sentinel Bridge with Half Dome reflected in the Merced River.
Day 3 — Yosemite Full Day
Early morning at Mirror Lake for perfect reflections. Visit Mariposa Grove (500+ ancient giant sequoias including the 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant). Afternoon at Glacier Point via shuttle (3,214 ft above the valley).
Day 4 — Yosemite to Sequoia (60 miles south)
Head south to Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park. Visit General Grant Tree (2nd largest tree on Earth) in Kings Canyon, then the famous General Sherman Tree — the largest living tree by volume on the planet. Congress Trail loop through sequoia giants.
Day 5 — Sequoia to LA (210 miles, ~3.5 hrs)
Morning walk among the sequoias before departing. Optional Crystal Cave tour if open. Head south via CA-198 to Visalia, then CA-99 South or I-5 back to LA.
🏕️ Campground Guide
💰 Price per night All Free Under $25 $25–$40 $40+ ⭐ Rating All 4.0+ 4.5+ 🏷️ Amenities (must have all selected) 💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 Fresno💰 $65–85/night🔌 Full hookups Perfect staging camp before park entry. Pool, Wi-Fi, laundry, and all services. Great option to arrive day 1 and prep for the parks.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 Yosemite Valley💰 $36/night🚰 No hookups The best address in the Valley. Located on the valley floor near trailheads. Book exactly 5 months ahead — these sites sell out in minutes on opening day.
💧 Water 🔌 No Electric 🚿 No Showers 🚽 No Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 Yosemite, near Mariposa💰 $36/night🚰 No hookups Quieter than the valley. Big rig friendly with easy access. Great for visiting Mariposa Grove and Hetch Hetchy. Less crowded atmosphere.
💧 Water 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table 🔌 No Electric 🚿 No Showers
📍 Yosemite South💰 $36/night🚰 No hookups Near the south entrance and Mariposa Grove. Beautiful meadow setting with the South Fork Merced River nearby. More relaxed vibe than valley camping.
💧 Water 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table 🔌 No Electric 🚿 No Showers
📍 Sequoia National Park💰 $22–36/night🚰 No hookups Central location near General Sherman Tree. Has a dump station on site. Surrounded by giant sequoias — you'll wake up to their silence every morning.
💧 Water 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table 🔌 No Electric 🚿 No Showers
📍 Visalia💰 $65–90/night🔌 Full hookups Good overnight before returning to LA. Full services including showers, laundry, and pool. Stock up on supplies in Visalia before the final drive home.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📊 Campground Comparison
CampgroundLocationPrice/NightHookupsBest For Upper PinesYosemite Valley$36NoneValley floor experience Crane FlatYosemite/Mariposa$36NoneBig rigs, less crowds WawonaYosemite South$36NoneNear Mariposa Grove LodgepoleSequoia NP$22–36NoneSequoia access, dump station Fresno KOAFresno$65–85Full hookupsPre-park staging
🎯 Top Attractions
Yosemite Valley Highlights
- Tunnel View: The most iconic national park viewpoint in America — Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all in one frame.
- El Capitan Meadow: Watch climbers on the 3,000ft granite wall. Bring binoculars — you'll spot them halfway up.
- Yosemite Falls: North America's tallest waterfall (2,425 ft combined). Easy 0.5-mile walk to the base or strenuous 3.5 miles to the top.
- Mirror Lake Loop: 5-mile loop, arrive before 8am for perfect Half Dome reflections in the still water.
- Sentinel Bridge: Best sunset spot — Half Dome turns pink and orange while reflecting in the Merced River below.
Beyond the Valley
- Glacier Point: 3,214 ft above the valley floor with panoramic views of Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and Yosemite Falls. Take the valley shuttle (RVs/trailers not permitted on Glacier Point Road).
- Mariposa Grove: Yosemite's largest sequoia grove with 500+ trees. Take the shuttle from the Welcome Center. See the Grizzly Giant (1,800+ years old).
- Valley Floor Bike Loop: Best way to see the valley without driving — rent bikes at Yosemite Valley Lodge ($14/hr).
Sequoia & Kings Canyon
- General Sherman Tree: Largest living tree by volume on Earth — 274 ft tall, 102 ft circumference at the base. Short 0.5-mile walk from parking.
- General Grant Tree: Second-largest tree on Earth, called "the Nation's Christmas Tree." In Kings Canyon's Grant Grove.
- Congress Trail: 2-mile loop among dozens of massive sequoias — the most atmospheric walk in the park.
- Kings Canyon Scenic Byway: Spectacular granite canyon drive to Cedar Grove. Swimming hole in Kings River at the end of the road.
🌡️ When to Visit
Best Seasons (May–June, September–October): Perfect wildflower blooms in late May/June. Fall brings golden valley light and smaller crowds. This is when we recommend visiting.
Peak Summer (July–August): Maximum crowds, reservation competition is fierce, but waterfalls are lower. The park is at full capacity most weekends.
Winter (November–April): Tioga Pass (CA-120 east entrance) closes. Valley is magical in snow but some roads close. Check NPS website for current conditions.
💡 Timing Tip: Waterfall season peaks May–June when snowmelt is at its highest. Yosemite Falls runs strongest in spring — by late July it can slow to a trickle or stop entirely.
🚐 RV Size Limits — Critical Info
- Yosemite Valley: Vehicles over 35ft NOT allowed. Verify your RV length before booking.
- Trailers: Vehicles with trailers over 45ft combined are restricted in the valley.
- Glacier Point Road: No RVs or trailers allowed. Park at Chinquapin junction and take the shuttle or tour bus.
- Tioga Pass (CA-120): Closes November–May. Confirm open status before planning this approach.
- Best RV types: Class C or small Class A (under 30ft) for maximum access and maneuverability in the valley.
🚰 Water & Dump Stations
- Lodgepole Campground (Sequoia): Dump station and water fill on site
- Yosemite Valley: Services at the Yosemite Valley Garage area
- Fresno KOA: Full services — fill up before entering the park
- Visalia KOA: Full services — great stop before returning to LA
🏪 Food Resupply Points
- Bakersfield: Costco, Walmart Supercenter — best prices before parks
- Fresno: Costco, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's — final stock-up before Yosemite
- Yosemite Valley Village Market: Basic groceries, expensive — for emergencies only
- Visalia: Full grocery options — stock up before LA drive home
🐻 Bear Safety — Mandatory
Bear boxes are provided at ALL campgrounds in Yosemite and Sequoia — you are required to use them. Bears have broken into vehicles before; do not leave food in your RV cab, on picnic tables, or in outside storage compartments.
- All food, toiletries, and anything scented must go in bear boxes at night
- The $5,000+ fine for improper food storage is real and enforced
- Bears have smashed car windows for an empty granola wrapper — they have incredible noses
- Coolers inside RVs are not bear-proof unless in a locked, hard-sided compartment
💡 Pro Tips from Locals
- Book Yosemite First: Yosemite campgrounds fill fastest — book those before anything else. Sequoia and Fresno are easier to secure.
- Timed Entry Strategy: Timed entries open at recreation.gov 2 weeks before the visit date. Set an alarm for midnight Pacific time when they drop.
- Valley Parking: Park at the Day Use Parking lot and use the free valley shuttle. Driving your RV around the village is stressful and unnecessary.
- Mirror Lake Morning: Arrive before 7am for the legendary Half Dome reflection. By 9am the water ripples and the magic is gone.
- Grocery Strategy: Stock up in Bakersfield on Day 1 — it has Costco. Yosemite Village Market charges 2-3x normal prices.
- Cell Signal: Spotty in the valley, nonexistent in Sequoia backcountry. Download Yosemite's offline map from the NPS app before entering.
- Crystal Cave (Sequoia): Reservations required, $20/person, if open. Book in advance — the marble cave is spectacular and tours sell out.
📅 Make Reservations
Book as early as possible — Yosemite Valley campgrounds open exactly 5 months ahead and sell out in minutes:
Book Upper Pines → Book Crane Flat → Book Wawona →
Book Lodgepole (Sequoia) → Yosemite Timed Entry →
📍 Getting There from LA
Route: I-5 North → CA-99 North (Bakersfield) → CA-99 North (Fresno) → CA-41 North into Yosemite
Distance: ~220 miles LA to Fresno, then 65 miles to Yosemite Valley
Drive Time: ~3 hours to Fresno, 1.5 hours to park entrance
Fuel Cost: Approximately $288 for the full 5-day loop (720 total miles)
Annual Pass: Buy a National Parks Pass ($80) before going — covers entry to Yosemite ($35), Sequoia/Kings Canyon ($35), and every other NPS site.
📱 Cell Service & Connectivity at Yosemite
Can you get cell service at Yosemite RV campgrounds? Coverage is extremely limited throughout the park.
- Verizon: Best coverage. Weak signal at Valley campgrounds, none in backcountry. Works near Curry Village and Yosemite Village.
- AT&T: Spotty signal in Yosemite Valley only. No coverage at Tuolumne Meadows or Wawona.
- T-Mobile: Very limited. May work near Valley visitor center but not reliable anywhere.
- Wi-Fi: Available at Yosemite Valley Lodge and Ahwahnee Hotel for guests only. No public Wi-Fi.
💡 Digital Detox Tip: Download offline maps, music, and entertainment before entering. Many visitors say disconnecting is the best part of their Yosemite experience.
🐕 Pet Policy — RV Camping with Dogs at Yosemite
Can you bring dogs RV camping at Yosemite? Yes, but with very strict limitations that make this park challenging for dog owners.
- Dogs must be on leash no longer than 6 feet at all times
- NOT allowed on ANY hiking trails — this is the big limitation
- Allowed areas: campgrounds, paved roads, Swinging Bridge, Valley Loop Trail (paved)
- Never leave dogs unattended in RVs — bears can smell food and investigate
- Summer temperatures in Valley can exceed 100°F — dangerous for pets
- Bring extra water — mountain air dehydrates pets quickly
⚠️ Important: Most visitors come to Yosemite for hiking. If that's your goal, consider boarding your dog or choosing a different destination with more pet-friendly trails.
🚐 Detailed RV Size Guide by Campground
What size RV fits at Yosemite campgrounds? Size limits are strictly enforced — here's the exact breakdown:
Campground Max RV Length Pull-Through? Class A Fit? Class C Fit? Elevation Upper Pines35 ftNoTightYes4,000 ft Lower Pines40 ftFewYesYes4,000 ft North Pines40 ftFewPossibleYes4,000 ft Wawona35 ftNoTightYes4,000 ft Bridalveil Creek30 ftNoNoYes7,200 ft Tuolumne Meadows35 ftNoNoYes8,600 ft All RV We Go Class C rentals (25-30 feet) fit every campground with room to spare.
🔋 Dry Camping & Generator Tips
Do you need a generator for Yosemite RV camping? Yes — no campgrounds have electrical hookups.
#### Generator Rules
- Allowed hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM only
- Maximum noise level: 60 dB at 50 feet
- Rangers actively patrol and enforce quiet hours
- All RV We Go rentals include quiet Honda generator
#### Power Conservation Strategies
- Run generator in evening to charge batteries and power devices
- Use propane for cooking and heating instead of electric
- Minimize fridge opening — cold mountain air helps preserve food
- LED lights (standard in our RVs) use minimal battery power
- Bring portable battery packs for phones and cameras
- Solar panels available as add-on ($25/day) for extended stays
⛽ Supplies, Gas & Services Near Yosemite
Where to get gas and groceries before Yosemite? Stock up outside the park — limited and expensive services inside.
#### Last Supply Stops (South Entrance)
- Oakhurst: Raley's supermarket, multiple gas stations. 45 min to Valley.
- Fish Camp: Narrow Gauge Inn general store. 30 min to Valley, limited selection.
#### Inside the Park (Limited & Expensive)
- Yosemite Village Store: Basic groceries, $8 for milk, $12 for sandwich
- Wawona Store: Small selection, historic building
- Tuolumne Meadows Store: Seasonal (June-Sept), basic supplies only
#### Fuel & Dump Stations
- Wawona Gas Station: Only fuel in park, $6+ per gallon, credit card only
- RV Dump: Upper Pines Campground only, free for registered campers
- Oakhurst: Cheapest fuel option, fill up completely before entering park
🏥 Emergency Info & Safety
- Emergency: Call 911 from any phone (park phones at ranger stations)
- Yosemite Medical Clinic: Outpatient Valley, 24/7 emergency response
- Nearest Hospital: John C. Fremont Hospital, Mariposa (45 min south)
- Park Rangers: (209) 372-0200 (non-emergency)
- Search & Rescue: Highly trained team, multiple rescues daily in peak season
⚠️ Mountain Safety: Weather changes rapidly. Always carry layers, rain gear, and extra food. Rockfall zones clearly marked — don't stop in these areas. Bears are active — store ALL scented items in bear boxes.
🌧️ Weather Scenarios & What to Do
#### Summer Heat (June-August)
Valley temperatures reach 100°F+. Run AC during generator hours, seek shade midday, hike early morning only. Higher elevation campgrounds (Bridalveil Creek, Tuolumne) stay 20-30° cooler.
#### Snow & Winter Conditions
Tioga Pass (Hwy 120) closes November-May. Chains required on all roads above 3,500ft. Only Valley and Wawona campgrounds open year-round. Check road conditions: (209) 372-0200.
#### Spring Waterfalls
Peak flow April-June. Roads can flood, rockfall increases. Mist Trail extremely slippery and dangerous when wet. Spectacular viewing but use extreme caution near waterfalls.
📅 Sample 4-Day Yosemite RV Itinerary
#### Day 1 — Arrival & Valley Orientation
- Morning: Pick up RV in Irvine, drive 4.5 hours with lunch stop
- Afternoon: Check into Upper Pines, set up camp
- Evening: Easy Valley floor walk, Swinging Bridge sunset views
#### Day 2 — Iconic Valley Sights
- Sunrise: Tunnel View for El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall
- Morning: Mist Trail to Vernal Fall footbridge (1.5 mi each way)
- Afternoon: Rest, explore Yosemite Village
- Sunset: Glacier Point (drive up Wawona Road)
#### Day 3 — Giant Sequoias
- Morning: Drive to Mariposa Grove (45 min), walk among ancient giants
- Afternoon: Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree
- Option: Stay at Wawona campground or return to Valley
#### Day 4 — Departure
- Morning: Mirror Lake easy walk (5 mi paved loop)
- Lunch: Pack up camp, dump tanks at Upper Pines
- Afternoon: Return to Irvine via Fresno (4.5 hours)
💰 Complete Cost Breakdown — 4-Day Yosemite RV Trip
Here's exactly what a 4-day Yosemite RV camping trip costs for 2-4 people:
ExpenseCostNotes RV Rental$720$180/night × 4 nights (Class C) Campsite$140$35/night × 4 nights Park Entrance$357-day pass per vehicle Gas$160570 miles roundtrip, mountain driving Groceries$1204 days food for 4 people Propane/Dump$15Tank refill if needed TOTAL$1,190$298 per person (for 4 people) Is RV camping at Yosemite cheaper than hotels? Absolutely. Comparable 4-day trip with Valley Lodge rooms ($400+/night) plus car rental and restaurants would cost $2,500+ for 4 people. RV camping saves over $1,300 while providing a much more immersive experience.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can you RV camp at Yosemite National Park?
Yes, but with strict RV size limits. Upper Pines allows RVs up to 35 feet, Lower Pines up to 40 feet, and Wawona up to 35 feet. Valley View and Bridalveil Creek have shorter limits. Reserve early on recreation.gov. What are the best RV campgrounds in Yosemite?
Upper Pines (Valley views, 35ft max), Lower Pines (largest sites, 40ft max), and Wawona (historical area, 35ft max) are the top choices. Tuolumne Meadows is seasonal and cooler at 8,600ft elevation. Do you need reservations for RV camping at Yosemite?
Yes, absolutely. Yosemite campgrounds sell out 5 months ahead. Reservations open exactly 5 months in advance on recreation.gov at 7am Pacific. Book the moment reservations open for any hope of getting a spot. Are there showers at Yosemite RV campgrounds?
No showers at any Yosemite campgrounds. Use your RV's onboard shower or visit Curry Village (pay showers, $5) or Housekeeping Camp. Plan for a 3-4 day trip without external shower facilities. Can you bring dogs RV camping at Yosemite?
Yes, pets allowed at all campgrounds on 6-foot leashes. However, dogs are NOT allowed on any hiking trails — only paved roads, campgrounds, and Swinging Bridge area. Very limiting for hiking-focused trips. How far in advance should I book Yosemite RV campsites?
Exactly 5 months in advance at 7am Pacific on recreation.gov. Set multiple alarms and be ready to book instantly. Popular dates (weekends, holidays) sell out in minutes. Have backup dates ready.
Ready to hit the road? Book your RV →
Yosemite fills up fast — plan early and let RV We Go set you up with the right rig for California's mountain roads. Our Class C RVs are perfect for national park adventures.
⚠️ Disclaimer: All information on this page is provided for general reference only. Prices, amenities, availability, phone numbers, and policies may change without notice. For the most current and accurate information, please contact the campground, park, or service provider directly. RV We Go is not responsible for any inaccuracies or changes to third-party information. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.