Dry Gulch

Star3.75
94 reviews
INCLINE RD, EL PORTAL, CA, USA
Peace & QuietSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$30 - $33/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season: May thr...

Cell

Unknown

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
Dry Gulch
$30.00 - $33.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee is reported by reviews as between $30-$33 per campsite. Additional fees may apply for firewood ($8 per bundle) and extra vehicles....
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
559-642-3212clm@clm-services.com
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What Campers Say

3.75

Mixed Reviews

Based on 94 reviews

43 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationsites

Some mention

reservation

"Reviews reveal a mixed sentiment, with positive highlights on the campground’s scenic beauty and proximity to the Merced River. Complaints focus on maintenance issues such as locked toilets, overflowing dumpsters, and difficulties with reservations."

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Campground Map

INCLINE RD, EL PORTAL, CA, USA

Dry Gulch

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 bridge, turn left onto the spur road. Immediately turn left onto Incline Road. Continue 1.3 miles to the facility.
Access to Dry Gulch Campground is via paved roads until Incline Road. Incline Road is a dirt road for the final stretch, which may pose challenges during rainy or snowy conditions. Seasonal closures and flash flooding may also affect accessibility.
Nearby places
El Portal (1.3 miles, ~5 minutes), Yosemite Valley (~30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available at the El Portal General Store (2 miles away) and nearby gas stations.

Best Time to Camp at Dry Gulch

Each season brings its own magic to Dry Gulch. Spring transforms the Merced into a thrilling whitewater playground, drawing rafting enthusiasts to its rushing waters. Summer bathes the campground in warm sunshine, perfect for lazy riverside afternoons. While winter's occasional flash floods prompt seasonal closures, the mild temperatures make this one of Yosemite Forest's most comfortable cold-weather retreats when conditions permit.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept; summer is peak season with accessible river activities and warm weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely quieter and pleasant, but few specific mentions of fall highlights in reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Spring attracts rafters/kayakers; review signal +1.00 and positive spring ratings noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed during winter months due to flash flooding concerns; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season likely aligns with summer months (June-August), though exact dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May through September. Closed during winter months due to flash flooding concerns.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is experiencing a water outage. Campers must bring all necessary water. Seasonal closures from October to May are common.

About Dry Gulch

Tucked away in a secluded corner of the Sierra Nevada, Dry Gulch Campground offers an intimate escape with just four walk-in tent sites nestled beneath a canopy of towering pines and ancient oaks. This hidden gem along the Merced River provides the perfect blend of riverside tranquility and forest serenity for those seeking a genuine back-to-nature experience.
Dry Gulch Campground offers tent-only walk-in sites. It is unsuitable for RVs or camper vans due to lack of hookups and accessibility limitations.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Reserved sites will be held until check-out time (12 PM) the day following arrival.
Check-out
Sites must be vacated by 12 PM on departure day.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights per visit and 14 nights total within any rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at Dry Gulch offers proximity to Yosemite National Park and recreational activities along the Merced River. Spring and early summer are popular seasons for white-water rafting and kayaking.
HikingSeveral hiking opportunities exist nearby, including the Hite Cove Trail, which offers a 9-mile out-and-back route with scenic views. "Incline Road runs for miles along the river and becomes the old Merced River trail."
FishingWhile fishing is mentioned in the official documents, no user reviews provide specific details about fishing conditions or species available.
SwimmingSome campers have noted proximity to deep swimming holes along the river, although accessibility may require wading through poison oak.
BoatingSpring and summer months provide opportunities for white-water rafting and kayaking along the Merced River.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is known for wildlife such as bald and golden eagles, and bears are frequently mentioned in user reviews as being attracted to trash bins.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlash flooding risk during winter, poison oak, rattlesnakes, and frequent bear activity reported near trash areas. "Bears are eating out of the dumpster every night."
Active AlertsThe campground is experiencing a water outage. Campers must bring all necessary water. Seasonal closures from October to May are common.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at each campsite, emphasizing the need for safe food storage in bear country.

Weather at Dry Gulch

Reviews

3.8
94 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Dry Gulch has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews reveal a mixed sentiment, with positive highlights on the campground’s scenic beauty and proximity to the Merced River. Complaints focus on maintenance issues such as locked toilets, overflowing dumpsters, and difficulties with reservations.
Review Summaries
Based on 94 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground’s proximity to Yosemite, its scenic riverfront location, and the tranquility due to its small size and limited campsites. "Dry Gulch was the perfect place for our camping...
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Based on 94 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include locked toilets, lack of water, inconsistent host availability, and poor maintenance. "Vault toilets were sealed by 2 inches mud debris," stated one user.
Based on 94 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure the best sites, particularly site #1 or site #4. Bring all necessary water and be prepared for bugs and poison oak. Plan food and ice purchases in advance as the nearest store...
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Based on 94 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are ideal for rafting and kayaking. Winter months benefit from fewer crowds but require preparation for colder temperatures and limited services.
Based on 94 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Site #1 is by itself and huge, right by the river with an amazing view," "Vault toilets effectively ruin sites 2 & 3," "Bring water (or a filtration system) because there isn’t any."
Based on 94 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 and site #4 are frequently rated as the best, offering spacious areas and direct river access. Sites #2 and #3 are criticized for proximity to vault toilets.
Based on 94 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not extensively reviewed, though the campground meets general accessibility standards.
Based on 94 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Users appreciate the pet-friendly policy but caution about bear activity and poison oak in the area.
Based on 94 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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