Summerdale sits in a wildflower meadow just 1.5 miles from Yosemite's south entrance, making it the obvious basecamp for park exploration without the chaos of valley campgrounds. Big Creek runs alongside with active beaver colonies, and the mix of fir, cottonwood, and cedar creates genuine Sierra forest camping rather than parking lot atmosphere.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 💵Fee per Night
- $47
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 📍GPS
- 37.48967, -119.63231
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- summer, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 559-642-3212
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Each of the 30 sites comes with paved parking, which means easy setup even for larger RVs, though the wildflower meadow setting keeps things from feeling suburban. Fire rings and grills are standard, and vault toilets handle the basics. Water is available on-site, but for any forgotten supplies, Fish Camp is close enough to make a quick run.
The meadow location surrounded by mixed conifers gives you actual forest camping — not the dusty, exposed sites common to many Sierra campgrounds. Big Creek's beaver activity adds some wildlife interest beyond the usual chipmunk raids on your cooler.
What to Know
Reservations are required, and proximity to Yosemite means this place fills up fast during summer and fall seasons. The cooler temperatures at this elevation make it particularly popular when the valley is baking. Once your reservation starts, modifications aren't possible, so plan dates carefully.
The 1.5-mile distance to Yosemite's entrance is the key draw here — you can be on valley trails before most campers have finished breakfast.
Nearby
Big Creek offers rainbow trout fishing right from camp. The 3.7-mile Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail starts a few miles away for a proper hike without driving into the park. Off-road riders can hit the Miami Motorcycle Trails Area, though most campers are here for Yosemite day trips.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad operates a logging train for families wanting a break from hiking, and Nelder Grove puts you among giant sequoias without Yosemite's crowds. The Bass Lake Ranger District's sequoia groves are the local specialty — worth exploring before or after your park time.