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Yosemite/Crane Flat
Overview
Crane Flat Campground offers a serene, forested retreat located at an elevation of 6,200 feet within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park near the Big Oak Flat entrance. It serves as a rustic alternative to the bustling valley floor, providing a quiet atmosphere surrounded by mature pine and fir trees. Visitors often appreciate the cooler temperatures found at this higher altitude during the peak summer months. It is one of the more accessible campgrounds for those entering from the Groveland side, balancing natural seclusion with proximity to major park landmarks.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at the junction of Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road, the location is ideal for exploring both the high country and the valley. The park is characterized by its thick forest canopy and sloping terrain, offering a genuine mountain camping experience. While the area is often associated with Groveland, CA, travelers should note it is well inside the park gates. The surrounding landscape is rich with wildlife sightings, including black bears and mule deer, making it a favorite for nature enthusiasts who want to stay deep within the wilderness.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground focuses on primitive charm rather than modern luxuries. As a traditional National Park Service facility, it provides basic essentials for a comfortable stay in the wilderness:
- Potable water and flush toilets located throughout the loops.
- Dedicated bear-proof food lockers at every individual site.
- Individual picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings.
RVers should be prepared for dry camping as there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available. The maximum vehicle length is generally 35 feet, though many sites are better suited for smaller rigs or camper vans.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is just moments away with the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias located nearby, where hikers can stand among ancient trees. A short drive leads to the spectacular vistas of Yosemite Valley or the high-alpine meadows of Tioga Road. Guests often spend their days hiking the Crane Flat Lookout trail for panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada range. For those looking for water activities, Tenaya Lake is a scenic drive away, offering pristine blue waters perfect for kayaking or picnicking along the shore.
Who This Park Is Best For
Crane Flat is an excellent choice for self-contained RVers who prefer a quiet, natural setting over a resort-style environment. It is ideal for travelers who want to beat the valley heat and escape the crowds while remaining within a reasonable driving distance of Yosemite’s iconic granite cliffs. This park suits adventurous families and solo travelers who enjoy traditional campfire evenings and do not mind living off the grid for a few days to fully immerse themselves in the Sierra Nevada wilderness.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Me Me
October 2025. Site 501. I reserved a site for 4 nights but only stayed for 2. Keep in mind that I love the NPS! But some things REALLY need to be better thought out. The sites in this campground are very crammed together. People are allowed to run generators and do during the allowed hours. The pollution just hangs there under the canopy of tightly packed trees. Especially this time of year. Then on top of that everyone is burning. Many with half rotten stuff they dragged out of the forest. Again the smoke just hangs in a suffocating blanket and chokes you. People at least were kind of quiet at night. Most likely because it was pretty cold at night. The bathrooms were outright gross. Pee on the floor. Poop left in the bowl. Trash on the floor. Nothing had been maintained. The door was constantly open. The dishwashing / dish water dump area was very gross and shaped like a men's urinal. Eeeeewwww! My site "driveway" was so slanted that I had to sleep backwards/upside down in my camper. It was so slanted that even blocks would not compensate. The host said that there's a rating for the grade in the listing for each site. There is actually a "space" for it, but it simply said N/A. Someone really needs to go around to all the campgrounds and PROPERLY photograph each site and enter HELPFUL information. Customers who care about things like that would be much happier. I totally get that bear boxes NEED to be used. No problem. But could you NOT put them so far away from the cars that its a huge endeavor. And could they not face my neighbors so they can help themselves?? As well, bears aren't the ONLY concern. I don't want my personal items and food in a place where any unscrupulous person can get into it because YOU CANT LOCK THE BOX! How simple would it have been to put a lock loop on these when they made them. When you go to the valley for the day its open season on your stuff. Its exhausting walking back and forth to a misplaced bear box every time you need something. Even in the dark. Bring a dog chain at least 15 feet long and a lock of your own. Its the only way to fix the problem. The staff at the booth were kind and friendly and helpful. They were the best part of the campground itself. I would probably not reserve a site here again without seeing it in person first. And Id definately bring my own lock and chain. Too bad all of us cant plan our stay 6 months in advance or afford 700 a night to stay in the valley. Something needs to change. I'd work for free to be part of the solution!
David Rodriguez
Crane Flats has no rooms. Campsites only. It has a variety of sites available. Camp sites are mainly tents sites, but some sites can accommodate a trailer. Do be careful if you're camping by trailer, some sites are tight on parking length and or to steep. Bathrooms are clean and are well stocked and on the newer side. But, no lights at night. Bring a flashlight. This is a hidden gem and only 35 minutes to Yosemite village and is at the 6,000' elavation. The campgrounds are quiet and not as busy as the valley floor. There is a small store at the Crane Flats gas station about a half mile away.
Barbara Pritchard
We were very happy with our stay at Crane Flat! Althought it's a large campground we didn't feel as crammed in as we did when we stayed in the valley of Yosemite. Since it's higher elevation it was also cooler. Bathrooms are clean, but bring your headlamp/flashlight at night. Site #514 was a gem. If you have a campervan/RV be sure to bring your leveling blocks. Slope is slight, but enough to be anoying. Definitely recommend!
José Mendoza
Most of the campground is shaded by beautiful trees, making it comfortable even on sunny days. We stayed at site 419, which was spacious enough for two tents with plenty of room left over. The site is tucked at the base of a small hill with forest along the back, giving it a nice sense of privacy even during busier times. There’s also a hiking trail nearby, which was a great bonus. During our stay we saw deer wandering through and even some bats at night, which added to the experience. Bears were also spotted on a couple of days, so definitely follow all the bear safety guidelines. Firewood is limited to gather, so bringing your own is a good idea. The campground’s location inside the park is super convenient—close to the gas station and just a short drive to Yosemite Valley.
Helen Fogg
We really enjoyed our stay at Crane Flat campground. We took our 24ft RV, the plots are spacious but as mentioned by others, it really wasn’t flat. Didn’t affect us too much. The facilities are clean, need a flashlight as there is no lighting, but not an issue. Seems a much more pleasant experience than staying in the valley, was a relaxing place to stay. The drive to the valley is fairly short and has some wonderful views. All staff we encountered were very friendly.