Dirt Flat

Star3.58
97 reviews
Incline Rd, El Portal, CA, USA

Quick Facts

1,637 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Vista Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Dirt Flat
$30.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $30 to $35 per night for standard tent sites. Additional charges may apply for reservations made online ($8), through the contact...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

3.58

Mixed Reviews

Based on 97 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlocation

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"The campground receives mixed reviews overall. Positive highlights include proximity to Yosemite, beauty of the Merced River, and clean facilities. Criticisms focus on noise from nearby roads, poor maintenance, and safety concerns regarding bears and theft."

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Campground Map

Incline Rd, El Portal, CA, USA

Dirt Flat

Incline Rd, El Portal, CA, USA

Driving directionsFrom Highway 140, turn on to Foresta Road. Landmarks include Red Bud Picnic Area and a National Park Service warehouse. After crossing the bridge, turn left onto the spur road, then immediately turn left onto Incline Road. Continue 1.5 miles to the facility.
The campground is accessible via an unpaved road. Be cautious as directions can be unclear, and cell phone service is minimal or unavailable in the area. Review maps ahead of time for navigation.
Nearby places
Nearby population centers include El Portal (2 miles, 5 minutes), Mariposa (approximately 30 miles, 40 minutes), and Yosemite Valley (approximately 25 miles, 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available in El Portal, approximately 2 miles away, or in Mariposa, which is roughly 30 miles away. Fuel is available in El Portal.

Best Time to Camp at Dirt Flat

Four distinct seasons paint Dirt Flat in ever-changing colors throughout the year. Spring arrives with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures perfect for riverside relaxation, while autumn brings crisp air and golden foliage. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched retreat where the cool river provides welcome relief from the heat. Winter wraps the landscape in quiet beauty, though snow may temporarily close access roads, creating a seasonal rhythm that adds to the campground's remote charm.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season with rafting/kayaking and proximity to Yosemite; busier but activity-rich.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Autumn brings color and quieter conditions; favorable for riverside relaxation and views.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers wildflowers, comfortable temps and active rafting/kayaking season; reviews positive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but colder, quieter; some restrooms locked and reduced maintenance reported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season is generally spring through summer, with increased demand for reservations due to proximity to Yosemite National Park.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but facilities may experience closures or reduced services during winter months.
  • Current Alerts: A current water outage requires campers to bring their own water. Fire restrictions may apply based on weather conditions.

About Dirt Flat

Tucked away beside the gentle waters of the Merced River, Dirt Flat Campground beckons those seeking solitude and simplicity in nature's embrace. This intimate, walk-in tent camping haven offers a refreshing escape from crowded campgrounds, where the sound of rushing water replaces the hum of RV generators. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, grills, and fire rings for evening gatherings under star-filled skies, while vault toilets provide necessary amenities without disrupting the wilderness atmosphere.
Dirt Flat is primarily a tent campground with no RV hookups or group camping options. Sites are walk-in, non-electric, and basic.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campground activities include tent camping, access to the Merced River for relaxation and fishing, and proximity to Yosemite National Park for hiking and sightseeing. Water sports like rafting and kayaking are popular during spring and early summer.
FishingFishing is available along the Merced River. "Close proximity to the Merced River allows for fishing and other water-related activities."
SwimmingSwimming may be possible near the campground, but reviewers note the river near the campsite is rocky and hazardous: "Walking in the river is hazardous around this area." (LLL, August 16, 2020).
BoatingWhite-water rafting and kayaking are popular in the Merced River during spring and early summer. Several private companies offer guided trips.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities exist but come with risks such as bear and rattlesnake encounters. "There was bear and mountain-lion activity." (Glenn P., May 16, 2021).
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes, poison oak, bears, and slippery rocks along the riverbank.
Active AlertsA current water outage requires campers to bring their own water. Fire restrictions may apply based on weather conditions.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at each site, though some may be damaged and require additional securing measures.

Weather at Dirt Flat

Reviews

3.6
97 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Dirt Flat has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews overall. Positive highlights include proximity to Yosemite, beauty of the Merced River, and clean facilities. Criticisms focus on noise from nearby roads, poor maintenance, and safety concerns regarding bears and theft.
Review Summaries
Based on 97 reviews

What Campers Love

Proximity to Yosemite, scenic river location, clean vault toilets, and quiet atmosphere during off-peak seasons are noted as positives. "The rushing river is just gorgeous to fall asleep and wake up...
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Based on 97 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of maintenance, noise from nearby roads, odor from vault toilets, and safety concerns related to bears and theft are commonly mentioned negatives.
Based on 97 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring potable water despite warnings of outages, prepare for walk-in sites without parking nearby, ensure bear lockers are functional for food storage, and avoid solo camping due to safety concerns.
Based on 97 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak camping season is spring and summer when activities like rafting and kayaking are available. Winter camping is quieter but colder, with some users reporting locked restrooms and lack of...
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Based on 97 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Dirt Flat is a small campground having 6 to 7 non-electric campsites." (Niti Kevin Patel, April 15, 2022). "You wake up and go to sleep to the sound of a running creek behind you." (Courtney B.,...
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Based on 97 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1: "Very nice and you could walk down to the Merced." (John C., May 10, 2022). Site 5: "Most secluded." (Pahoua L., July 27, 2020). Site 3: "Could fit a larger tent." (Pahoua L., July 27, 2020).
Based on 97 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is moderate but challenging due to the walk-in nature and steep slopes.
Based on 97 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but leashes are required at all times. "Two pets per site and leashed at all times."
Based on 97 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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