Reviews
Yosemite Lakes Thousand Trails Preserve (Check In)
User Reviews
Nicholas Blewett
**Edit to add** what a weak automatic (probably AI driven), non specific response from Thousand Trails. First of all, the staff was super pleasant to deal with at the front desk as well as the staff members we came across during the stay. There are areas of the RV park that are gorgeous. Spots by the creek looked great, and where we ended up eventually on a terrace was nice as well. The Valero/Camp Store had a good selection of things if you forgot something (we needed an additional length of sewer hose) The not great: We were originally placed in a site that by the time we deployed our slides, we were basically sharing the area outside our trailer with our neighbors. They alternate the direction of trailers on sites 144-177. It was so close that our neighbors had to move their picnic table so we could pull into our site. When we got out of the truck there was old food and debris left from whomever. Not sure if it was the adjacent campers or the previous tenants who had left that morning (obvious from the reservation papers still clipped to the power pedestal). The bad: Sites 144 through 159 are covered by a solar panel array that is 25ft off the ground. I can't think of anything that removes you from a nice "wilderness" oriented vacation than staring at a towering set of solar panels that would block views of the night sky. We were able to speak to the staff at the front desk and get moved away from the panels thankfully. The dangerous: While our new spot was in a great location, when we were setting up we plugged in our power cord and heard a crackling from the pedestal. Immediately disconnected power. The 15amp outlet was fine, and we had the correct adapters to get us through the night. We notified the front desk that night, the next night, and the next that the power pedestal wasn't functioning properly. Eventually a staff member came by the site asking if we were interested in becoming Thousand Trails members. We explained what was going on with the power pedestal and he suggested we use the adjacent site's power, which we did for the remainder of our stay. I don't think anyone ever came to check out the outlet that was crackling. One final tip, skip getting gas at the attached Valero and just fuel up at Crane Flat inside the park. Diesel was $1 cheaper per gallon.
Sandra Partrea
We stayed in the Yurt – Meadow (#26) at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and wanted to share feedback that we hope management will take seriously. The location itself is a highlight. The convenience of having walking trails throughout the property is wonderful, and there are beautiful waterfalls within about a 5-mile radius, including Carlon Falls, which made exploring the area very enjoyable. The setting is peaceful, scenic, and close to nature. Check-in was efficient, though the front desk appeared understaffed, with one employee managing phones and a full lobby. Unfortunately, there were several maintenance and safety concerns. There was a strong gas smell inside the yurt, and the gas heater did not function properly, leaving the space very cold (often below 60°). A small portable heater was provided, but it was insufficient. The stove was heavily rusted, the pillows were in very poor condition, and hot water ran out quickly during showers. Conditioner was also not provided. Several advertised amenities were unusable or poorly maintained, including mini golf, volleyball, and tetherball. In the recreation center, the foosball and air hockey tables were broken, and the building itself was extremely cold (52° inside) with no way to adjust the temperature. Additionally, there was no ping pong table or dartboard available, despite these being shown on the property's virtual tour on its website. The virtual tour also shows three pool tables, but only two were available during our stay. The most concerning issue was safety. Two guests arriving around 9:30 PM were unable to reach any staff, their late check-in packet was not left out as expected, and the emergency radio didn’t work. This is unacceptable and potentially dangerous in an emergency situation. Additionally, one of the steps leading to our yurt was uneven and posed a fall risk, especially for children. We truly appreciated the natural beauty of the area and the easy access to trails and nearby waterfalls. Still, the number of broken or missing amenities, maintenance issues, and lack of after-hours support do not align with what is advertised. We hope management addresses these concerns promptly for the benefit of future guests.
Corinne Hendricks
The cabin we stayed in was kinda run down. It was pouring rain and it pooled into the cabin through an area near the door. The wood was black and rotted there so it’s been like that awhile. There was also pieces of wood missing in the flooring so it’s not exactly safe for toddlers either. There’s no cell service which means you need to go to the office when it’s open to ask for towels and things like that. Maybe it’s nicer in the summer time but it was quiet and cabins need updates and fixing up.
Antonio Orozco
I have been camping in this spot for a few years. I keep coming back for a reason. Beautiful place to relax with the family and friends. Great place to camp. They offer showers at this site which is a big plus! Overall, experience is always positive.
Nicholas Blewett
First of all, the staff was super pleasant to deal with at the front desk as well as the staff members we came across during the stay. There are areas of the RV park that are gorgeous. Spots by the creek looked great, and where we ended up eventually on a terrace was nice as well. The Valero/Camp Store had a good selection of things if you forgot something (we needed an additional length of sewer hose) The not great: We were originally placed in a site that by the time we deployed our slides, we were basically sharing the area outside our trailer with our neighbors. They alternate the direction of trailers on sites 144-177. It was so close that our neighbors had to move their picnic table so we could pull into our site. When we got out of the truck there was old food and debris left from whomever. Not sure if it was the adjacent campers or the previous tenants who had left that morning (obvious from the reservation papers still clipped to the power pedestal). The bad: Sites 144 through 159 are covered by a solar panel array that is 25ft off the ground. I can't think of anything that removes you from a nice "wilderness" oriented vacation than staring at a towering set of solar panels that would block views of the night sky. We were able to speak to the staff at the front desk and get moved away from the panels thankfully. The dangerous: While our new spot was in a great location, when we were setting up we plugged in our power cord and heard a crackling from the pedestal. Immediately disconnected power. The 15amp outlet was fine, and we had the correct adapters to get us through the night. We notified the front desk that night, the next night, and the next that the power pedestal wasn't functioning properly. Eventually a staff member came by the site asking if we were interested in becoming Thousand Trails members. We explained what was going on with the power pedestal and he suggested we use the adjacent site's power, which we did for the remainder of our stay. I don't think anyone ever came to check out the outlet that was crackling. One final tip, skip getting gas at the attached Valero and just fuel up at Crane Flat inside the park. Diesel was $1 cheaper per gallon.
Chester Comer
This member/public resort parks is located just minutes from Yosemite National Park in Calif. Staff is very accommodating and respectful. This was my 2nd visit to the resort, last being 17yrs ago. Some improvements have been done and some in progress. There's a large solar aray which is great for shade especially during the hot months. My only complaint is there needs to be washed gravel placed under this solar/port area. While here in Late September it did rain and the rain ran off the solar panels onto the dirt pads we were set up on under the panels. As such There's mud splashed up all over my car and motor home. This is my only major complaint with this park. Well, maybe all the inconsiderate drivers driving to fast on the inner gravel park roads as well. Maybe there's plans to gravel the solar sights in the future, hope so for future campers.
Kelsey B
We stayed in an rv spot. A great location near the river. The ones in the back I wouldn’t have liked. Being under the solar panels. Really glad we didn’t get one of those spots. It was peaceful , clean and quiet. A great location for visiting the town of Groveland and up to Yosemite. Wish our stay was longer. We will definitely be back! Cute little trails behind the campground you could walk. The rec room was super nice and updated.
John Tucker
Stayed here for the first time. Loved it. The staff were a bit over worked with all the check-ins buy nice and helpful. Full hook ups and large parking if needed. We have a 36 ft trailer and had no problem parking. Great stream behind our spot with fish and people were floating in.
Jimmy Kim
The location is great—only about six miles from the entrance to Yosemite, which made getting in and out super convenient. The campground itself is nice and well maintained. That said, we were pretty disappointed with the service. Our site didn’t have a table or a fire pit. We reported this to the office when we checked in, and they told us someone would bring them over, but no one ever did. It was especially frustrating at night when the temperature dropped and we had no way to stay warm. We stayed for two nights and never heard back from anyone. It really impacted our experience. The location is excellent, but the management definitely needs to improve their follow-up and service.
Maria Avina
This is the absolute best RV park near Yosemite. The staff is incredible and the resort is beautiful. It has everything you need. You must visit, you will become a member of Thousand Trails
Upper Shelf
This is a great resort. All the staff are super friendly. They have a brand new welcome center and laundry area. They have kids crafts and wonderful river front back ins. They have big pull through. All places have full hookups with mostly 30 amp.
william martinez
Bathrooms were great. Staff friendly. Wifi has lots issues. Staff needs to be more knowledgeable on what a service that is a third party vendor.
Allye Crosby
Huge campground, but not a whole lot of 50 amp hook ups. We couldn’t find one open, but 30 amp worked for us. A good portion of the park is under construction, but they had portable buildings set up for bathrooms/showers. There’s a beautiful creek that runs through the property, and we enjoyed swimming in it. I think once everything is complete, this place will be amazing.
Vira Cruz
Amazed at how friends the staff is and the grounds are very well kept, they have private and group showers for different comfort levels. I love the laundry room 😌 why do not more came resorts have this ... the place is amazing and perfect for families with basketball courts and a playground for the kids and plenty of trails. It is fog friendly Sells wood and ice on site so you don't need to buy over priced items in the valley