Crane Flat Campground

Overview

Crane Flat Campground is a high-country forest escape at about 6,200 feet with 162 developed sites. It reopened after a full modernization that fixed many long-standing issues, making sites flatter and better defined. It’s a practical home base if you want to split time between Yosemite Valley and Tioga Road, with the added perk of fewer summer hot spells thanks to the elevation.

Location & Setting

You’re roughly 17 miles (about 30 minutes) from Yosemite Valley and just 8 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance along Highway 120. The campground sits in mixed conifer forest—shady, generally quiet, and often cooler than the Valley. A small Crane Flat gas station and general store nearby can save your trip if you forgot basics.

Facilities & What to Expect

Every site has a picnic table, fire ring, and a metal bear locker (about 35" D x 43" W x 28" H). Roads and parking spurs are paved. Flush toilets and potable water are available. There’s no electricity anywhere in camp, so restrooms are unlit—bring a headlamp. Showers and a dump station are not on-site; plan to use facilities in Yosemite Valley (with an additional seasonal dump station near Tuolumne Meadows when available).

RVs, Trailers, and Site Details

Many sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 27 feet, but not every pad fits the maximum—double-check your specific site dimensions when reserving. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. Despite the recent overhaul, some pads still have a bit of slope, so leveling blocks are smart.

Wildlife & Food Storage

Expect deer and even bats at dusk, and know that bears are active. Store all food and scented items in the provided locker 24/7—don’t leave anything in your vehicle. Hard‑sided RVs and trailers may store food inside if it’s out of sight with windows and doors closed; soft‑sided rigs cannot. Use bear-proof dumpsters and keep a tidy camp.

Nearby Highlights

Two sequoia groves are close by: Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove, each a short hike. Yosemite Valley’s icons are a straightforward drive, and Tioga Road gives you easy access to high-country lakes and meadows. Hetch Hetchy is also within day-trip range.

Reservations, Entry Rules, and Check-in

Reservations are released on a rolling 14‑day window at 7 a.m. Pacific and can sell out in minutes—have your account ready. On peak summer dates, day‑use reservations are required for park entry, but an active camping reservation exempts your vehicle from that requirement; bring a downloaded or printed copy because cell service can be spotty. You must sign in at the campground entrance or risk being marked a no‑show.

Best Time to Visit

The campground typically operates from about July into early to mid‑October, varying by year. Summer brings long daylight and convenient access to both the Valley and the high country, while nights can still turn cold at 6,200 feet. If you’re heading to Yosemite Valley for the day, leave early to secure parking and then use the in‑Valley shuttle.

Final Take

If you want a shady, upgraded, and strategic basecamp with real toilets and water—but can live without hookups, lights, and showers—Crane Flat is a smart pick that balances access to both granite grandeur and giant sequoias.