How much does camping cost at Dirt Flat?

Camping fees at Dirt Flat range from $41-$43/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dirt Flat first-come first-served or reservation?

Dirt Flat accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dirt Flat before I book?

Yes! Dirt Flat has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Dirt Flat?

Dirt Flat does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Dirt Flat have?

Dirt Flat has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dirt Flat?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dirt Flat. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dirt Flat?

Dirt Flat offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Dirt Flat

3.50

97 reviews

Incline Rd, El Portal, CA, USA

Featured in:Boating Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,637 ft

Price

$41 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,637 ft

Price

$41 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Dirt Flat

$41.00 - $43.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $41.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-642-3212clm@clm-services.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Incline Rd, El Portal, CA, USA

Dirt Flat

Incline Rd, El Portal, CA, USA

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).

Weather at Dirt Flat

Best Time to Camp at Dirt Flat

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically 55–75°F, nights 35–50°F), full river flows for good fishing and scenic riverside camps, and abundant wildflowers across the oak-covered foothills. Riverside activities — fishing, wildlife viewing and early-season swimming or tubing — are at their peak as the Merced runs higher and cooler, and trails are pleasant for day hikes without summer heat. Crowds are lower than mid-summer Yosemite-area weekends, so you Peak months: May, April, June, October Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings high flows, best fishing, rafting/kayaking and wildflowers; reviewers favor spring visits.

Planning Tips

About Dirt Flat

Dirt Flat is a small Sierra National Forest campground along the Merced River in the oak-covered foothills near El Portal, operated by Vista Recreation. Spring brings full river flows ideal for fishing and wildlife viewing, with the sound of rushing water defining the overnight experience. The campground offers primitive sites with vault toilets and potable water, popular with visitors seeking a quiet riverside base near Yosemite.

Dirt Flat is primarily a tent campground with no RV hookups or group camping options. Sites are walk-in, non-electric, and basic.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically 55–75°F, nights 35–50°F), full river flows for good fishing and scenic riverside camps, and abundant wildflowers across the oak-covered foothills. Riverside activities — fishing, wildlife viewing and early-season swimming or tubing — are at their peak as the Merced runs higher and cooler, and trails are pleasant for day hikes without summer heat. Crowds are lower than mid-summer Yosemite-area weekends, so you Peak months: May, April, June, October Avoid: July, August

Elevation1637 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Merced River runs directly through camp, providing the main scenery and a constant water soundtrack. Oak-covered foothills surround the sites, with the Sierra Nevada peaks visible in the distance. The river flows highest in spring, when it's best for fishing and wildlife viewing along the banks. Summer turns the water warmer for swimming and tubing, though the current can be strong during runoff.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge or accommodations are available at Dirt Flat Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 guests per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, both online and via the mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campsite layout meets accessibility standards. However, there are challenges such as the walk-in nature of the campsites and steep slopes, which may complicate mobility for those with disabilities.

Site SizeSites vary in size from small to medium. "The first three are large to medium sized. Last two are small." (LLL, August 16, 2020).

PrivacySite privacy varies. Some sites are closely clustered: "Camp sites are too close together. Site 1 had to pitch their tent directly next to the grill pit." (Pahoua L., July 27, 2020). Site 5 offers the highest level of seclusion.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Site 5 for privacy. Sites 1 and 2 are closer to the river but may experience odors from restrooms.

Best CampsitesSite 5 offers the most seclusion. Sites 1 and 2 sit closest to the river. The first three sites run medium to large, while the last two are small. Site 1 forces some campers to pitch tents right next to the grill pit because of tight spacing.

Need help booking Dirt Flat?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Dirt Flat Campground offers basic amenities suitable for walk-in tent camping. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and vault toilets. Users can enjoy close proximity to the Merced River, with fire pits available at each site. Vault toilets are available but have mixed reviews from users regarding cleanliness and odor. "Bathrooms were clean" (John C., May 10, 2022) contrasts with "The smell from the toilethouse was truly awful" (Mirjam V., January 23, 2020).

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Dirt Flat

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From Booking Sources

3.5

97 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 97 reviews.

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

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...

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...

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.,...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet riverside camp near Yosemite with good spring fishing and don't need developed amenities.

Skip if

You need consistently maintained facilities or a campground without road noise and security concerns.

Nearby Campgrounds

INCLINE RD, EL PORTAL, CA, USA

Dry Gulch is a very small campground operated by Vista Recreation in the Sierra National Forest foothills near El Portal, offering riverfront access to the Merced River. The primitive setting features vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, with a 14-day stay limit and pet-friendly sites. Spring brings peak river flow, wildflowers, and active wildlife, making it a quiet base for visitors heading to nearby Yosemite.

Dirt Flat

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Dirt Flat

Campground Map

Weather at Dirt Flat

Best Time to Camp at Dirt Flat

Planning Tips

About Dirt Flat

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Dirt Flat?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Dirt Flat

Best Time to Camp at Dirt Flat

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Dirt Flat?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns