Best places to stay in an RV near yosemite

Question

Hi, we are a family of 6 coming from Australia. We have a RV doing a lap around california. We plan on doing 3 nights at yosemite national park but unsure on best location to stay and be able to get the public transport buses into the park each day as im guessing we wont be able to drive the RV around the park? We are coming in the first week of november. Any advice would be appreciated

Answer

Visiting Yosemite National Park in early November with an RV can be a wonderful experience, but it requires careful planning as some areas and roads start to close for the winter season. Yosemite Valley is the heart of the park and offers the best access to hiking trails, iconic viewpoints, and the park's shuttle system. Since driving and parking an RV around the valley can be challenging, staying at campgrounds with easy shuttle access is highly recommended.

Within Yosemite National Park, some of the key RV-friendly campgrounds with proximity to shuttle stops include:

North Pines Campground: Located in Yosemite Valley, this campground allows RVs up to 35 feet. It is very convenient for the Yosemite Valley shuttle system, giving easy access to the main attractions like Yosemite Falls, Half Dome viewpoints, and Mirror Lake.
Upper Pines Campground: Also in Yosemite Valley, suitable for RVs up to 35 feet. It is near shuttle stops and close to visitor centers and trailheads. Reservations are recommended.
Lower Pines Campground: Similar to the above, located in the valley with shuttle access and RV spots, perfect for families wanting to be centrally located.

Outside the valley, if you prefer slightly more space for your RV or can’t get reservations inside the park:

Wawona Campground: Located near the southern entrance of Yosemite, it allows RVs up to 35 feet. Shuttle access to the valley is limited, so you might need to drive to the nearest shuttle stop, but it is quieter and less crowded than the valley.
Hodgdon Meadow Campground: Near the Big Oak Flat entrance, suitable for RVs up to 40 feet. It provides access to some trails and shuttle points, though the frequency may be lower than in the valley.

Additional tips for RV travel in Yosemite in November:

Check road conditions in advance – Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road typically close after the first snowfall, so your routes may be limited to the valley and main entrances.
Winter temperatures can be cold, often below freezing at night, so ensure your RV is winterized and equipped for cold weather.
Make campground reservations as early as possible; Yosemite’s official campgrounds can fill up quickly, even in early November.
Use the Yosemite Valley shuttle system daily to explore the park without the stress of driving your RV in the crowded valley.
Bring cash or a credit card for campground fees; some campgrounds are self-pay during off-season periods.

For families, staying inside Yosemite Valley (Upper, Lower, or North Pines) is ideal for maximizing your sightseeing time without worrying about parking an RV at popular spots. If you prefer quieter surroundings or cannot secure reservations in the valley, Wawona or Hodgdon Meadow are good alternatives with reasonable access to shuttle services and the park’s main attractions.

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