Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes: Your Gateway to Yosemite Adventures

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes Introduce

Hello, fellow Californians, and welcome to your ideal basecamp for exploring the majestic Yosemite National Park and the surrounding High Sierra! Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes in Groveland offers an incredible blend of convenient access to world-class natural wonders and a comfortable, amenity-rich camping experience. If you're an RVer looking for full hookups or a family seeking a fun-filled outdoor adventure near one of California's most iconic destinations, this park is designed with you in mind.

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes is not just a place to park your RV; it's a sprawling 400-acre preserve where the South Fork of the Tuolumne River winds its way through the property, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and simply enjoying the soothing sounds of nature. As a Thousand Trails property, it's part of a larger network known for providing diverse camping options, from spacious RV sites to cabins, cottages, and even yurts. While a recent review highlighted some inconsistencies with amenity delivery, the overall sentiment points to a well-maintained campground with a fantastic location and a variety of activities for guests of all ages. It's a place where families can create lasting memories, and outdoor enthusiasts can easily launch their Yosemite excursions.

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes boasts an exceptional location at 31191 Hardin Flat Rd, Groveland, CA 95321, USA. This address places it incredibly close to the magic of Yosemite National Park, with its entrance (the Big Oak Flat Entrance) a mere 5 to 6 miles away. This short drive is a significant advantage for Californians planning multiple visits into the park, allowing for easy access to popular destinations like Yosemite Valley (about an hour's drive from the park entrance), Tuolumne Meadows, and the stunning Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

Accessibility from across California is quite manageable. For those coming from the Bay Area or other parts of Northern California, a scenic drive along Highway 120 (Tioga Pass Road, which becomes Big Oak Flat Road as you approach Yosemite) will lead you directly to the park. Southern Californians will typically take Highway 99 north to connect with routes leading into the Sierra Nevada foothills, eventually joining Highway 120. While a review advises against using Apple Maps for a specific turn onto Hardin Flat Rd, noting the main entrance is by the Valero station on Yosemite Lakes Rd off Highway 120, the overall consensus is that the park is easy to locate and navigate for RVs of all sizes, including larger 36-foot trailers, which have reported no problem parking. The convenient location means less time driving and more time enjoying your vacation.

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes offers a comprehensive array of services designed to provide a comfortable and engaging experience for all campers, from RVers to tent enthusiasts and those preferring rental accommodations.

Full Hookups: A major draw for RVers, the campground provides 254 full hookup sites, including electric (30 and 50 amp), water, and sewer connections, ensuring a convenient and self-contained stay.
Tent Sites: For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, 130 designated tent sites are available, offering a back-to-nature feel.
Rental Accommodations: The park offers a variety of rental options for those without an RV or tent, including cabins (sleeps 2 or 4, some pet-friendly), bunkhouses (sleeps 4, no pets), cottages (sleeps 6, no pets), and yurts (sleeps 4, some pet-friendly). Many rentals include kitchens/kitchenettes, bathrooms, and satellite TV.
On-Site General Store: A well-stocked Country Store is located on the property, providing groceries, firewood, everyday items, and even gasoline and diesel, minimizing the need to leave the campground for supplies.
Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated laundry facilities with multiple washers and dryers are available, offering a convenient way to refresh your wardrobe during longer stays.
Bathrooms and Showers: While one review mentioned stark bathrooms without dishwashing sinks, clean bathrooms with showers are generally available for guests, especially for those staying in tent sites or bunkhouses.
Welcome Center/Front Desk: A central Welcome Center handles check-ins and provides assistance, though some guests have noted staff can be overworked during busy periods.
Satellite TV: Available in some rental units and in common areas like the clubhouse/lodge.
Water Station and Emergency Phones: A water station and emergency 911 phones are available outside the Welcome Center for convenience and safety.
Propane Sales: Propane is available for purchase on-site, a useful service for RVers.

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes is packed with features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for a California camping getaway, especially for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Premier Location near Yosemite: Its proximity (just 5-6 miles) to Yosemite National Park's Big Oak Flat Entrance is its most significant highlight, providing easy access to one of the world's most stunning natural parks.
South Fork Tuolumne River Access: The campground is graced by the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and even floating, creating a serene and engaging natural playground.
Spacious Sites for All Rigs: RVers appreciate the large parking spots and easy maneuverability for big rigs (e.g., 36 ft trailers), along with the option for pull-through sites.
Family-Friendly Amenities: The park boasts a wide array of activities catering to families, including a children's playground, mini-golf, horseshoes, basketball, volleyball, tetherball, croquet, badminton, and a game room with a pool table.
Lodge/Clubhouse: A spacious lodge provides a comfortable common area with seating, satellite TV, dining tables, and pool tables, perfect for relaxing or socializing.
Nature Trails: Several hiking trails within the campground allow guests to explore the beautiful forest setting, including mountain view and dam view trails, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Pet-Friendly (RV Sites & Select Rentals): Many areas and some rental units are pet-friendly, allowing your furry family members to join the adventure and enjoy the outdoors.
Wildlife Sightings: Being in a natural setting, it's common to spot local wildlife like deer, adding to the authentic outdoor experience. Campers are advised about potential bear and mountain lion activity.
Variety of Camping Styles: From full hookup RV sites to rustic tent camping and comfortable cabins/yurts, the park offers options to suit diverse preferences.

For reservations, general inquiries, or to get the most up-to-date information on amenities, site availability, and any specific policies (such as pet rules or fire restrictions), please use the contact details below. It's always a good practice to confirm details directly with the park, especially regarding any specific site requests or long-term stays.

Address: 31191 Hardin Flat Rd, Groveland, CA 95321, USA
Phone: (209) 962-0103
Mobile Phone: +1 209-962-0103

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes is exceptionally well-suited for Californians for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, its unparalleled proximity to Yosemite National Park's entrance makes it an ideal choice for locals who want to frequent the park without long commutes. This allows for early morning hikes to beat the crowds or quick returns to camp after a day of exploration. For families in California, the array of on-site amenities like the playground, mini-golf, and river access provide ample entertainment, ensuring a fun-filled vacation for all ages right at the campground, complementing their Yosemite adventures.

While a past review mentioned a lack of follow-up on reported issues like missing picnic tables or fire pits, which is certainly a point for management to address, the consistent praise for the location, the availability of full hookups (a significant convenience for RVers), and the overall beauty of the park remain strong drawcards for local visitors. The presence of a stream behind many spots where people can float and fish adds an authentic Californian outdoor experience right at your campsite. For those who enjoy the Thousand Trails membership model, this park offers excellent value and flexibility for repeated visits to the Yosemite area.

The combination of a fantastic location, diverse camping options (RV, tent, rentals), and a host of family-friendly activities makes Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes a highly attractive destination for Californians. It's a place where you can easily immerse yourself in the natural grandeur of the Sierra Nevada while enjoying comfortable facilities, truly making it a convenient and memorable gateway to your next Yosemite adventure.

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes Photos

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Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes Location

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

California Tuolumne County Groveland Hardin Flat Road

31191 Hardin Flat Rd, Groveland, CA 95321, USA

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes Reviews

Stayed here for the first time. Loved it. The staff were a bit over worked with all the check-ins buy nice and helpful. Full hook ups and large parking if needed. We have a 36 ft trailer and had no problem parking. Great stream behind our spot with fish and people were floating in.
Jun 27, 2025 · John Tucker
The location is great—only about six miles from the entrance to Yosemite, which made getting in and out super convenient. The campground itself is nice and well maintained.That said, we were pretty disappointed with the service. Our site didn’t have a table or a fire pit. We reported this to the office when we checked in, and they told us someone would bring them over, but no one ever did. It was especially frustrating at night when the temperature dropped and we had no way to stay warm.We stayed for two nights and never heard back from anyone. It really impacted our experience. The location is excellent, but the management definitely needs to improve their follow-up and service.
Jun 25, 2025 · Jimmy Kim
Staying here currently. Staff is friendly and amenities are good.I understand the growth experience that thousand trails is experienced.Our site is compromised due to a crack in the ground where our rig should be placed. Price is right. Location Yosemite is great. Wish the company well with the set land sites and former campground rules
Jul 03, 2025 · Mezzo Soprano
We had a cabin. We were promised an early check-in at 3pm; we got there at 3:45, and were told that they were running behind, and we couldn't get into our cabin till 4:45. Finally the cleaning staff left and we got in at 4:50. The first thing I noticed on entering was the overwhelming smell. It smelled like there was sewer gas leaking into the cabin, I'm guessing because of a broken wax seal on the toilet. We mostly got around this by closing the bathroom door, leaving a towel at the bottom, and using the public bathroom instead, but this was awful. Second thing we noticed when we sat down was that the very grungy futon was wet, like someone had been sitting on it in wet swimsuits. We got around that by flipping it over and covering it with sheets. There was also no lighter for the gas stove, we had to go to the office to get one.One thing we appreciated was the blackout curtains on most of the windows; we're often bothered by light coming in to cabins or hotels, and these curtains worked well to block light.But my mind is just boggled: A cleaning staff person left the cabin just before we got in. How do you not notice the whole place smelling like sewer gas? That's pretty pathetic.
Jun 28, 2025 · Apollo Grace
Our recent stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes was extremely disappointing. The campground is in desperate need of maintenance. Bathrooms were filthy—floors were dirty, mold was visible on the walls, and toilets were unclean with paper scattered everywhere. There simply aren’t enough restrooms for the number of guests, and the ones available are not being properly cleaned or stocked.Even more concerning is the trash situation. There are no bear-proof garbage containers. Trash is dumped into a large, open container with no lid, often overflowing with bags sticking out—this is in bear country! It's not only irresponsible but dangerous, attracting animals and pests.Other amenities are also in poor shape. The mini golf course is neglected, with torn and folded carpet creating a tripping hazard. It’s clear the entire campground is suffering from a lack of basic upkeep and attention.This could be a great location, but right now it feels like the staff and management are not keeping up with even the minimum standards. Would not recommend until serious improvements are made. That said the location is perfect, just minutes from one of Yosemite entrance points.
Jun 30, 2025 · Nicolas Aristia