Community Forums

Logthumper · 09-30-2009, 07:28 AM

Would like to make it to Yosemite NP next year. Have a 38ft diesel pusher towing a Jeep Wrangler. I see that there are some campsites that are big enough???
My question is:
Does it make sense to take this size unit up to the park (road conditions)?
Is there enough room to maneuver the unit around to and in the campsite areas?
If anyone with a 38ft or larger has done it and would do it again, I'll do it. I have no problem of doing it if it makes sense. I just don’t want to get there and be told that I have no business of taking this size of unit into the park.

danes-on-tour · 09-30-2009, 08:23 AM

Last November we took our 40' Diplomat including our Saturn Vue toad on a trip from San Francisco to a Thousand Trail Park located just outside Yosemite. (31191 Harden Flat Road, Groveland, CA 95321)

It can be done, but I have to admit that roads going up the mountain was very narrow in places and also very curvy. It's not for the faint hearted

but at slow speed and a steady hand at the stering we proved that it is possible. The difficult part took about a good half hour as I remember - the rest was OK.

Yes - we would do it again but it would not be a ride that I would look forward to.

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 09-30-2009, 09:20 AM

I took a 36' DP into the park without a toad several years ago without a problem. Campsites are few for larger coaches and most will not accomodate a toad in the site. There are length restrictions on the Hwy 140 into the park across 1 bridge that would require you to unhook your toad then hook back up. The 120 and 40 entrances have no restrictions. 120 has a very severe grade for about 5 miles and downhill into the park for about 20 miles requiring exhaust brake. 40 has a less severe grade but curvy and narrow in some places as you descend into the valley. DO NOT USE TIOGA PASS entrance from the East side of the Sierras.
All that being said you can do it, take your time and pace yourself to the conditions. If you decide to stay outside of the valley I suggest RV parks on either 120 or 40 as they are better for getting to the valley floor.
Do not miss the opportunity to see this GEM of nature.

Logthumper · 10-02-2009, 04:32 AM

Thanks for the info.

bruceh · 10-02-2009, 11:28 AM

I would recommend camping in the park. Upper Pines can accomodate big Motor Homes. From there you can walk (bicycle if you prefer) to lots of places. You also have access to the shuttle bus which covers a lot of the valley. Reservations are strongly recommded.

I would NOT take 120 from the west.

Tioga pass (east 120) isn't that bad going in either direction. It does close for snow early in the season, quite often in early November. Depends on the first serious snow storm. I often go east that way, saves me a long drive and is always beautiful.

Highway 41 from the west is twisty and slow but probably the best way in until the 140 bridge issue is resolved. You can break this up by stopping at the Wawona camprgound for the night and going into the valley later. Wawona has its own attractions.

There is a KOA on 41 just south of Coarsegold if you like them. It is too far from the park but could break up the trip. You can also overnight at the Chukchansi casino.

I live just off of 41 in the foothills and go into the park a lot.