Discover the best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Mariposa, California

United States
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California
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Mariposa

94% (2380 reviews)

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12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Mariposa

96%

(819)

Diamond Gulch

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents824 acres · Groveland, CA

CLOSE TO YOSEMITE! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We are 35 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite. There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport. When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful! This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds. Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite. A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.

Yosemite Westlake Camp

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Coulterville, CA

Located on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.

98%

(183)

Musick Creek Falls

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Sacramento, CA

Musick Creek Falls is 40 acres and lies just south of Shaver Lake. At an elevation of, 4800 feet (1.46 km). The land is in a green and lush state of regrowth following the Creek Fire four years ago. Exhibiting novel and intriguing wildflowers such as Sierra Manzanita, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush, and cedars. The terrain is natural, beautiful, and rugged. This property boasts three exquisite cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, rock climbing, mountain biking, and stargazing opportunities. With proximity to Shaver Lake and China Peak Ski Resort, you are just minutes from any outdoor activity imaginable. Including, but not limited to, hiking, water and snow skiing, fishing, boating, stargazing, and sooo much more. The road into the property, although being maintained by us and the community, is still a dirt and gravel road. There are a few potholes and water bars. If you've rented a new Lamborghini, you should probably park on the asphalt, or use the Helicopter pad. The spigot provides excellent spring water. The water is flown in daily, condensed against Musick Mountain and filtered through acres of underground granite aquifers, where the minerals are added, raising the PH to around 9. The high PH helps rid the body of pollutants. I feel it is essential to the whole Musick Creek experience. We want you to leave here healthier and happier than when you arrived. There is trash and a composting outhouse on site. My wife and I stay here on site as long as the dog allows us to serve out heaping amounts of privacy or hospitality. Please explore everywhere. Be sure to check out all three waterfalls and Shaver Lake. Don't stay gone too long, though, as just about every night, there is an unforgettable sunset and the sounds and smells of the Sierra Nevada. The experience is supernatural. There is powerful medicine here, and it is undeniable. The weather is very mild most of the year, where a sweatshirt is perfect most nights and not too hot during the day We have kayaks available for use free of charge. Musick Creek Falls offers an affordable option compared to campgrounds and cabins in the area, which are often booked up and very expensive. Most cell phones have good reception throughout the property. We also have spare tents, camping gear, blankets, etc. if you forget something. Musick Creek borders on a Nature Conservancy. Since nearly all proceeds from your support go to the preservation of the area and its ecosystem, It is crucial that we respect our downstream neighbors. Unfortunately, there was an incident where a large family had trash blowing downstream. I know that this is not the norm for Hipcampers. As we are the most respectful and best looking of all the camping crowd. Though some are better at the leave no trace policy than others. It is critical that we deposit all trash into the receptacle. There are garbage bins for your use next to the shipping container, and one can be put at your site upon request. Sasquatch has been known to rip the limbs clean out of the sockets of campers he/she/it has suspected of littering. I scolded the squatch but when he/she/it tried handing back the arms to the campers... well Im sure you can see the problem there. Please be courteous to our neighbors, as the golden rule is the law of the land. We appreciate your support more than you know, and we are thrilled to share this amazing place with our Hipcamp community. Please be careful during your stay. Rocks can be slick in the water, and when the moon is small, it is very dark. Some nights can be cold, and there are timber rattlers that share the space with us. Timber rattlers are the most timid and shy of all rattlesnakes. If you are too close, they will give you a polite couple of shakes, indicating that they are merely passing through and would appreciate some space. Please be advised that in the winter months of December through April, there will be no host on site, and access will be limited as weather permits. For more info, visit https://musickcreekfalls.com. I just have to add, for anybody still reading, that Hipcampers are truly an amazing group of people. Maybe it's just that I get to meet you when you're on Vacation and down for anything, but I have not met a single Hipcamper I didn't like, which is incredible as I live out in the wilderness because I don't like people. You all have given me a renewed sense of community, and I am grateful for you all. If you are friends of the falls, then you are my family. What's mine is yours, and the Falls is ours. The responsibility of preserving this place and this planet belongs to all of us as well. Thank you for your support, and thank you for being you, exactly as you are.

100%

(236)

Cole Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Waterford, CA

"I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles." -Anne Frank- Serene, quiet acreage on the Tuolumne River, with views of the snow capped Sierra Nevadas on a clear day. Scores of wildlife sightings, including river otters, eagles, wild turkeys, beavers, and many more. Perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing. Like to fish? Fishing at Cole Ranch is a Love/Hate thing. If you Love to Fish, you will Hate to leave. Gateway to Yosemite National Park, the Mother Lode region, hiking trails, and spelunking opportunities. All sites have access to our community outdoor kitchen, which has a refrigerator, coffee bar, sink, BBQ's, and stoves. Also available are our bathrooms, quite possibly the cleanest campground bathrooms in the 13 western states, which include flushable toilets, two sinks, and warm showers. Book your visit now. (Group bookings must be approved by host. Group bookings that have not been pre-approved may be cancelled.) *%*% Ever see a meteor shower? Cole Ranch is a perfect place to view one. The Perseid meteor shower is active mid-July through August, with the most active night being August 12. The moon will be 50% illuminated that night, and will set around midnight. With few lights around, there will be lots to see.*%*% (Cole Ranch is a working ranch, surrounded by walnut and almond orchards. Harvest for these orchards occur mid-August thru September, and can create dust and noise. Occasional noise from common ranching activities may be heard. Landscaping activities like mowing, watering, etc. generally occur Mondays-Wednesdays) Check back here periodically for advisories on river conditions. ###EXCITING NEWS### We are working hard to open at least THREE new campsites. These new sites will be more secluded and private than current sites, each with its own path to the river. Earliest these will be open is Mid-September. Contact Barry, coleranch23@icloud.com, for more information. NEW ADDITION We have added two picnic tables with benches to our inventory. These tables are available like our other equipment, First come First served. All we ask is you return any of or stuff to its place after use. **ADVISORY** 6/20/24 River is currently running at normal levels. 4/18/24 River is currently running about 3' above normal. Except for Fisherman's Hideout, all sites remain open. Fisherman's Hideout is currently under water, but should be open some time in May. Fishing is great right now, but water activities will be limited. Will update as changes occur.

The Painted Lake

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Copperopolis, CA

Red Tail Ranch at Yosemite

9 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Groveland, CA

Only 25 minutes from Yosemite's entrance gate, come stay at stunning Red Tail Ranch and avoid the crowds of the big campgrounds. With fast wifi, abundant hot water for showers, clean/flush toilets and inside space for cooking with a commercial sink for dishes, all the necessities for a comfortable stay are on site. Use Red Tail Ranch as an ideal launching off point for Yosemite or stay on the property and enjoy all that it has to offer. Welcome to Red Tail Ranch, a beautiful 90 acre property in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Among the oak woodlands, meadows and coniferous forest, there are numerous trails to explore the property and direct riding access to a developed mountain biking area nearby. Great birding, botanizing and wildlife watching opportunities abound. We have RV sites with hookups, a four site drive-in campground and two walk-in campsites- all with clean, flush toilet bathrooms, hot outdoor showers, indoor camp kitchen and gathering space. Whether your pitching a tent, parking a campervan or rv, there are opportunities for everyone. We are 10 minutes from the small town of Groveland with a market and restaurants and just down the road from the put in for rafting on the Tuolumne river. Our pricing is a little higher than other places nearby and this is due to the property's great locations, incredible beauty, and all of the amenities added for a great experience. If wanting more information about Yosemite or the surroundings, host Robb Hirsch is a biologist and professional nature photographer with 25 years of experience in the area. He also is connected with all the local guides for any outdoor adventure referrals. Concerned about getting into Yosemite with the new summer reservation requirements? We know all the details, including how to navigate and get through or around the system. Stay with us and we will show you how to access the park with or without reservations.

Gumboot placer gold claim

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Buck Meadows, CA

Camp right on shore of the Middle Fork Tuolumne River at a registered gold claim and try your luck at panning for California Gold. Whether you are looking to do some recreational panning or you just need a place to camp during your visit to Yosemite you would be hard to find a more beautiful spot. I have several gold claims in the Yosemite valley area within minutes of the west entrance to the park. Owning these claims allows myself or anyone with my permission to camp and mine the claim for up to 14days consecutively. I live in San Diego so my scheduled visits leave a ton of time available others could be using it so I have listed it here for anyone wanting an inexpensive place to stop when passing through or to go and pan the banks of the river to find your own California gold. You are welcome to bring a pan or a sluice box and keep any gold you recover on any of my claims. Dredging is currently restricted in California without a permit so please keep within the laws.

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Hudson and Wendy's Land

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Oakhurst, CA

Welcome to Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp. Come and enjoy our beautiful and private micro climate, created by the cascading waterfalls from Nelder and Lewis Creek. Camp by the creekside and fall asleep to the sound of the meandering creek, with absolutely incredible views of the stars overhead. Both creeks feed into the head of the Fresno river next to the campsite. You'll be surrounded by Oaks, Alders, Pine and Cedar trees. Take a day trip to Yosemite, hike/bike in the mountains, or explore the nearby towns of Oakhurst and Bass Lake. The south gate to Yosemite is approx. 20 minutes and Bass Lake is 5 minutes by car.

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(71)

Willow Creek Camp North

4 sites · Tents160 acres · North Fork, CA

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ALL WHEEL DRIVE OR 4x4 Do not read any further this camp ground is not accessible. Campsites are located on the creek. With 160 acres to explore you can hike along the trails we have made, which are along the creek and on the hills above. We have built composting out houses and wood picnic tables at both sites. The cleared area is approx 25 feet wide by 75 feet long. Manzanita lake is 10 min away and Bass Lake is a 20 min drive. There are a few restaurants there as well. In North Fork proper there is Pizza Factory and North Fork BBQ. During winter months we will supply you with wood. 10.00 per day, cash only. PLEASE BRING TOILET PAPER FIRE SEASON IS JUNE TO NOVEMBER. We allow you to bring a camp stove and a portable propane fire pit. 50.00 charge for Check in after Sundown Trash must be taken with you when you vacate the premises. Please bring heavy duty trash bags We do not have trash cans. We will charge 50.00 which is the fee at the dump. Also dogs are allowed.

67%

(3)

Golden Arrow Gold Claim

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Buck Meadows, CA

Bring the whole family out for a relaxing weekend of gold panning or metal detecting on my 20 acre claim just down the road from the west entrance to Yosemite national park. Just a stones throw off of highway 120 and a few short miles east of Rush Creek Lodge and spa! Camp here at Golden Arrow and hide out under the trees along soldier creek during the heat of the day! If you don’t feel like panning there are several good fishing holes to be found across the claim along the approximately 1400ft stretch of soldier Creek. Plenty of level space to park your RV, Travel Trailer, or Conversion Van… It’s rare to find an active claim that is accessible by 2wd and even more rare to find someone willing to welcome you to pan on their claim and keep what you find! Take advantage of this rare opportunity and try your luck at hunting down some gold on your next vacation!!

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Red Dragonfly Ranch

18 sites · Tents38 acres · Groveland, CA

At Red Dragonfly Ranch our goal is to create a HipCamp that our campers can fully enjoy. Our property is the destination of choice when visiting Yosemite or the gold country of the Sierra’s. We are only 29 miles from Yosemite Big Oak Flat entrance and only minutes away from the beautiful town of Groveland " The Gateway to Yosemite" and all the hidden gems in between. We are working on maintaining the many raised beds, and our goal is to have our campers feel free to pick fresh herbs, fruits and veggies for their pleasure. Our seasonal spring fed Cobb creek is great to cool off in and shade is plentiful. Follow us on instagram @red_dragonfly_ranch Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have Yosemite National Park Reservation Information : A reservation is required to drive into or through Yosemite National Park for those driving into the park between 5 am and 4 pm as follows: April 13 through June 30: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays ( May 27 and June 19) . July 1 through August 16 : A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm every day August 17 through October 27: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays .

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(22)

Heart valley ranch

18 sites · RVs, Tents360 acres · Groveland, CA

Heart Valley ranch hosts 300+ acres of rolling pasture nestled along the beautiful Jackass Creek. Access to Yosemite via 120 takes 1 hour , Groveland 10 minutes, and Coulterville 5 minutes. You’ll find cows, goats, chickens, llamas and our two beloved livestock dogs on the property. Many pools to cool off in and sweeping sunset views from the highest point on the property. There is lots of nature to enjoy including bird watching, seasonal wildflowers, and other wild animals. We welcome all ❤️🌈 We highly recommend not bringing any animals, including service animals. We have two livestock guardian dogs that free roam the property and they are not friendly with other animals. *Please note* Since having a massive heat wave the swimming hold has stopped flowing and is no longer swimmable for the season. It is a beautiful please to relax and explore but as of July 20th you can no longer swim.

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River, stream, or creek camping near Mariposa guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking to camp near Mariposa, California and enjoy the beauty of a river? We've got you covered with over 1,782 options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a cozy riverside spot or a secluded riverside retreat, we have the perfect accommodation for you. Need some recommendations? Check out Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews), Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden (388 reviews), and Cosumnes River Ranch (382 reviews) for top-rated campsites. With popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and toilets, and activities such as paddling, swimming, and fishing, you're sure to have an unforgettable camping experience. The average price per night is $69, but we also have options as low as $25. So pack your bags, grab your fishing rod, and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!