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El Captain’s View 4x4 Only

71%
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· El Portal, Mariposa, California
80 acres hosted by Freya P.
1 RV site
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Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
80 majestic acres of mountain top with a bird's eye view of El Capitan in Yosemite! No frills, no extras, just you and nature. 4x4 access only. Surrounded by over 400,000 acres of land owned by the U.S. Forest Service, there are no houses or stores (45 Minute drive). Far below in elevation is the Merced River and its many swimming and fishing holes (45 Minute drive). Look to the west to see the coastal mountains. Gaze across the Yosemite Valley to the East at iconic El Capitan in the distance. Take a drive into the Yosemite National Park (1 hour drive). Escape the hustle and bustle and federal laws of Yosemite at night (420 friendly). Inclusive. Views in every direction. Breathtaking sunsets. Incredible wildlife. Freedom. America!This campsite is on the ridge top with beautiful forest views all the way to El Capitan in the distance. It is just off the main dirt road, on a connected firebreak dirt road. The road is not often traveled, is very rough and rugged and should be accessed with 4 Wheel Drive. This is recommended for experienced off road drivers only. Campers can park the RV in the camp spot or pitch a tent and enjoy the far off view of El Capitan in the distance. There is a fire pit for use in the winter only (due to CA fire conditions). Access to the small trickle of a creek a short hike below, as well as shooting site, available upon request. Cars, trucks and off road vehicles can be parked just below the campsite, between the fire break and the main road. Nearby Native Americans used to trade and some stone formations exist. Every star in the sky (and some maybe not stars?) are easy to see with no light pollution for miles.
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Natural features
Forest
River, stream, or creek
Mountainous
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71%
7 ratings · 6 reviews
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Kevin C.recommends
June 16, 2024
4x4 EL CAP RV #3
Of true middle of nowhere experience with unbelievable views. The road getting up and down was easy to manage. Highly recommend!
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Corey P.doesn't recommend
June 13, 2024
4x4 EL CAP RV #3
Paying to camp on public land???
With the remote location, with no mobile data (only call and text). So, a couple hours prior to arrival, I texted the temporary Hipcamp number provided, which sends the hostess a message in her Hipcamp app. I provided my number and asked the hostess to directly contact me via phone instead. Upon leaving the paved road, we followed the written directions previously provided by the hostess. They were very detailed, but told us to turn down certain road names...which turned out to be unmarked. We texted again for help, and the hostess again neglected our requests. The anticipated 45 minute dirt road trip, turned into 2 hours of almost non-stop driving around lost. Some Good Samaritans on an ATV were our heroes. They helped us find a different camp site only a few minutes away, and notified us that Ferguson (aka "Fergie") Ridge (where our directions were taking us) was public land, along with the new camp site. According to them, camping at both locations is free to anyone, and NO ONE SHOULD BE CHARGING ANYONE TO STAY THERE. Days later, when I had mobile data, I verified the public ownership on Mariposa County's tax GIS mapping website. In summary, the hostess did give us a refund, but only after sending us on a wild goose chase, not responding to our cries for help in real time, did respond hours later via the app chat (which was unhelpful because of lack of data), and did so under the (evidently) false pretenses that she owned the place and has the right to rent it to campers.
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Azriel M.
June 9, 2024
4x4 EL CAP RV #3
Gorgeous view. Serene and peaceful. Very secluded area but open camping spot. The drive is not for the faint of heart. DO NOT COME HERE IF YOUR CAR DOESN'T HAVE CLEARANCE! Host responded minimally. And directions were the worst. But quiet and an unbothered little area
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Tara L.recommends
May 26, 2024
4x4 EL CAP RV #3
Freya was an excellent host. She was responsive, helpful with directions/logistics, and recommended activities. The property is remote but worth the adventurous trip, as it is breathtaking.
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Per L.recommends
September 15, 2023
4x4 EL CAP RV #3
Great views
Great, private place with awesome views. Fun drive to get to the spot. Once there you are one with nature
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Michael C.recommends
August 5, 2023
4x4 EL CAP RV #3
Great experience. Panoramic views of the mountains and very remote. Getting there is no joke, the easiest route is full of trenches so I’d highly recommend 4WD. The fire was nice and there was a somewhat flat area to pitch a tent. A lot of deer in the area. Bring an umbrella or easy-up if it’s not because there is pretty much no shade. Close proximity to Yosemite gates, would highly recommend this land if you want a truly remote camping experience
Location
El Portal, Mariposa, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Me-Wuk (Southern Sierra Miwok) and Miwok First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Freya P.Joined in July 2023
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