Summerdale Campground

Star4.39
355 reviews
Highway 41

Quick Facts

4,954 ft

Price

$47/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open May 9 - Septemb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Vista Recreation site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Summerdale Campground
$47.00 - $47.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites are $47.00 per night during peak season (May 9 - September 13) with an additional $2 holiday fee. Out-of-season...
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Standard Site Fee$47.00
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

4.39

Recommended

Based on 355 reviews

108 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietcleanspacious

Some mention

dustysmall

"User reviews largely praise Summerdale Campground for its close proximity to Yosemite National Park, peaceful atmosphere, and clean facilities. Sentiments are mixed regarding site spacing, amenities, and management."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Highway 41

Summerdale Campground

Highway 41

Driving directionsTake Highway 41 north from Fresno, just past the town of Fish Camp. The campground is on the left side of the highway, 1.5 miles before the entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Accessible directly via Highway 41. The road is paved and accessible. Vehicle length restriction is 25 feet. Seasonal fire restrictions may affect travel.
Nearby places
Fish Camp (1 mile, 3 minutes), Yosemite National Park South Entrance (1.5 miles, 5 minutes), Oakhurst (13 miles, 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies available in Fish Camp general store, 1 mile south
grocery stores and restaurants in Oakhurst, 20 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Summerdale Campground

Summer arrives with warm, sun-drenched days that remain refreshingly cooler than the heat of Yosemite Valley below, though occasional heat waves remind visitors of California's Mediterranean climate. As darkness falls, the mountain air brings a crisp coolness that calls for cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags. When winter transforms the landscape, snow blankets the forest floor and temperatures plunge below freezing, creating a wonderland for those hardy souls who embrace the season's icy beauty.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open May–Sep; cooler than Yosemite Valley but peak season brings bugs and occasional heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn brings golden grasses and scenic views; generally fewer bugs and pleasant weather.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower displays and cooler temps; May/early summer noted as ideal times.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 9–Sep 13; not a winter facility.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 9 - September 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 9 - September 13 for reservations; closed during off-season.

About Summerdale Campground

Nestled just 1.5 miles from Yosemite's South Entrance, Summerdale Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This hidden gem has earned its reputation as a serene gateway to America's most beloved national park, where pristine facilities blend seamlessly with the tranquil sounds of babbling creek waters and rustling forest canopy. Here, wildflower meadows paint the landscape in seasonal hues, creating a photographer's paradise and a peaceful retreat for those seeking respite from crowded park campgrounds.
Summerdale Campground is primarily designed for tent and RV camping. Primitive camping is available as the campground lacks modern amenities like showers and electrical hookups.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
  • Maximum 14 nights per visit
  • 14 nights total within a rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Summerdale Campground provides a range of recreational activities, including fishing in Big Creek, hiking along the Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail, and day trips to Yosemite National Park. Wildlife viewing and creek-related activities such as wading and fishing are commonly praised.
HikingThe campground is near the 3.7-mile Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail known for scenic views and waterfalls. Many campers mention proximity to Yosemite and nearby trails like Mariposa Grove.
FishingBig Creek offers fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, and some reviews note the abundance of crawfish.
SwimmingBig Creek allows for wading, swimming, and cooling off during hot weather, as noted in user reviews like Kathryn B: "Swimming holes a short walk away from camp."
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing may include local beaver populations, as confirmed by authoritative content.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears and other wildlife require secure food storage. Seasonal fire restrictions affect campfires and charcoal use. Sudden cold snaps in spring/fall.

Weather at Summerdale Campground

Reviews

4.4
355 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Summerdale Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews largely praise Summerdale Campground for its close proximity to Yosemite National Park, peaceful atmosphere, and clean facilities. Sentiments are mixed regarding site spacing, amenities, and management.
Review Summaries
Based on 355 reviews

What Campers Love

Common highlights include clean vault toilets, friendly campground hosts, spacious campsites, and the creek that runs through the area. Many users appreciate the camp's privacy and quietness.
Based on 355 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints commonly revolve around lack of showers, occasional toilet odors, issues with wildlife or insects, and overflowing trash bins.
Based on 355 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users frequently recommend bringing bug spray, being bear-aware, and taking advantage of the creek for cooling off during hot weather. Some suggest early bookings and using nearby stores for supplies.
Based on 355 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season with complaints about bugs, odors, and heat. May and early summer are seen as ideal for cooler temperatures and fewer bugs.
Based on 355 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Definitely a hidden gem. Camp host was fantastic and gave us great suggestions for things to do around the camp." - Tarek Hbeichi 2. "Aside from the girl who laughed like a hyena a few spaces...
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Based on 355 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites like SD06 and SD25 receive high praise for privacy and creek access. Complaints about site SD27 include proximity to noisy areas and management issues.
Based on 355 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not directly reviewed, though flat spots for tents are mentioned (e.g., Jerry Y).
Based on 355 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with restrictions like leashes. User reviews such as Monica F praise the pet-friendly atmosphere and creek access.
Based on 355 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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