Our family has been to Yosemite National Park many times. From roughing it in a tent, to living the spa life, we’ve experienced a wide-range of accommodations. Just a few weeks ago, during Spring Break, we finally took our travel trailer (our Mobile Dojo Casa House) to one of our favorite national parks. At 33 feet, our trailer is too long to camp in the valley. So, we made a plan to go camping near Yosemite just 5 miles outside the park entrance. Keep reading for our Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes review and why our family can’t wait to go back! This article is in partnership with Thousand Trails, all opinions and experiences are my own.

camping near Yosemite at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

location of Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

I feel like when you’re visiting a national park, location is key. Staying as close to the action as possible makes such a difference when you’re trying to beat the crowds with a morning hike, or get back in time for your toddler’s afternoon nap. If you’re planning to go camping near Yosemite, the location of Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes can’t be beat. Their campground is less than a 10 minute drive from the Big Oaks Flat entrance into Yosemite Valley. They’re also about 20 miles from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir portion of the park–which is much less visited but just as breath-taking!

what is the check in process like at at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes?

Checking in at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes is so simple! Before you even arrive you’ll be sent a link to check in online. Then, once you arrive at the Front Office, checking in with the staff is quick and painless! You’ll also find plenty of open parking and space to pull up if you’re pulling a trailer like us. The front office is also where the laundry room is located, is adjacent to the mini golf course, and a short walk from the Lodge with plenty of space to relax and play games.

camping options at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

We loved the experience of camping near Yosemite at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes. All of the RV sites have full hookups, and ours was a wide river-front spot which was incredibly peaceful. We want to go back in summer so we can fully utilize the easy water access!

| Read: Our Review of Thousand Trails Marina Dunes on the California Coast |

If you don’t have a trailer, no worries–Yosemite Lakes has other options for you! We saw plenty of people camping in their tents (Yosemite Lakes has bathrooms with free, HOT showers for those camping without trailers), and there are also cabins and yurts on site. There is a wide-range of cabin accommodations that offer different amenities and sleeping arrangements–check out their website for more information.

amenities while camping near Yosemite

I want to be very clear that cell service and Wi-Fi is pretty sparse. But honestly–that’s the way I prefer it when we’re camping together as a family. And don’t worry, when you’re not spending time in Yosemite, there’s plenty at this Thousand Trails campground to keep you busy!

for the kids

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes is one of the largest, sprawling campgrounds our family has every been to–and we’ve stayed at a lot! For kids this means they have their choice of a large playground, sports courts, tetherball, mini golf, horseshoes, or just running around and being kids. There is also a large two-story Lodge with lots of board games, puzzles, and activities such as foosball and pool tables. You can also grab some Wi-Fi here… but maybe don’t tell the kids, wink wink.

| Read: Tips for Camping with Kids |

for the adults

Don’t get me wrong, Mike and I love all those fun extras too, but there were other things we appreciate as mature (ahem) adults. I already mentioned the fabulous location of Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes. The convenient location isn’t just about its distance from the entrance to Yosemite Valley though. You’ll also find the only gas station around located at the turn from CA-120 to the campground on Yosemite Lakes Road. The gas station also has a General Store with any last minute or forgotten items you may need.

I mentioned the sprawling campground earlier, but I haven’t yet told you about all the hiking trails meandering through the property! It was so nice exploring the grounds on these peaceful trails. And if you like fishing, you can enjoy it right form your own river-front site! Lastly, I always appreciate when there’s laundry on site while camping, especially with my tiny little mess makers in tow.

ready for #100DaysofCamping?

One of the reasons I love partnering with Thousand Trails is because they’re as passionate about affordable family travel as I am! Every year they promote #100DaysofCamping–celebrating the (roughly) 100 days of camping in the summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Anyone who shares
a photo online with #100DaysofCamping is entered into their photo contest. By entering you can have the chance to win a great prize package! Find out more at 100daysofcamping.com.

Have your ever stayed at a Thousand Trails location? Check out all their locations here!

Follow along with our family’s adventures on Instagram!