Hodgdon Meadow Campground

Overview

A classic year-round basecamp on Yosemite’s Highway 120 corridor, Hodgdon Meadow sits about 0.5 miles inside the Big Oak Flat Entrance at roughly 4,875 feet—around 25 miles (about 45 minutes) from Yosemite Valley. It’s developed but simple: 105 sites spread through mixed conifer forest and meadow edges, with easy in-and-out for day trips to the Valley, Hetch Hetchy, Tioga Road, and the nearby giant sequoia groves.

Campsites and Amenities

Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and a bear-resistant food locker (about 35" D x 43" W x 28" H). Roads and spurs are paved; flush toilets and drinking water are available in the main season. In winter, expect vault toilets and spigots turned off—bring your own water and sanitizer. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups, and no showers on-site; the dump station and showers are in Yosemite Valley (showers at Curry Village for a fee). Group sites are tent-only, and some standard sites are hike-in/tent-only. RVs up to about 35 feet and trailers up to about 27–30 feet can fit in select sites—verify the exact length for the site you book.

Campfires are allowed in established rings from 5 pm to 10 pm. This is true bear country: use the lockers 24/7 and keep all food, scented items, and trash secured—don’t rely on your vehicle.

Setting and Wildlife

The campground sits in a mixed forest of red fir, incense-cedar, ponderosa and lodgepole pine, with meadows that pop with wildflowers in summer. Expect the usual Sierra wildlife; black bears are the headline here, so meticulous food storage isn’t optional.

Nearby Hikes and Day Trips

Two excellent close-by hikes are the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias. Carlon Falls is another popular outing a short drive away. By car, you can reach Yosemite Valley’s marquee sights, Hetch Hetchy’s quieter trails, and the high-country scenes along Tioga Road and in Tuolumne Meadows.

What to Expect (The Good and the Gotchas)

Pros: year-round access, quick highway entry/exit, and proximity to sequoia groves. The tradeoffs: no cell service, no hookups or showers, and site quality varies—some pads are sloped and dusty, and restroom cleanliness can ebb and flow with the crowds. It’s quieter than the Valley but still competitive to reserve.

Reservations

Sites are reservable up to five months in advance, with inventory dropping on the 15th at 7:00 a.m. Pacific and selling out fast. If you’ll arrive a day late, call the campground office or your reservation may be canceled after 24 hours. Buy and burn firewood locally to prevent pests.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer: Long days and easy access to high-country day trips. Expect the most competition for sites.
• Fall: Calmer vibes and crisp nights; great for sequoia grove hikes.
• Winter: Peaceful and uncrowded, but plan for vault toilets and no running water.
• Weekdays are generally calmer than weekends. Arrive early on check-in day for smoother logistics.

Choosing a Site

Double-check site-specific lengths and details before booking—pads vary a lot here. If you’re in a rig, verify fit; if you’re in a tent, aim for the flattest pads you can find. A small store and gas are about eight miles away at Crane Flat, so you’re not stranded for essentials.