Destination: Dimond-O Campground, Yosemite National Park

After our first Airstream trip to Yosemite Park, where we did some field research of the various RV parks and campgrounds off of Hwy 120 (read that post here), we decided that for our second visit to Yosemite we wanted to stay at Dimond-O campground.  We liked the fact that Dimond-O is the closest campsite outside of the national park and the campground itself feels well-space and not overly populated

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Also we like to camp outside of the park, even though it takes about 45 minutes to drive from Dimond-O to the valley floor because we prefer not to take the Airstream down the narrow and winding roads within the park.  Not to say that getting to Dimond-O is a walk in the park.  There are spots where HWY 120 winds along a mountain edge but take it slow and easy and know those roads are meant for trailers and even big-rigs (just don’t go up the shortcut at Old Priest’s Grade, but rather stay on the 120).

Dimond-O campground also has some narrow spots and are surrounded by trees flanking the campground road so we advise all Airstream renters to be careful when driving around the campsite and to avoid as many tree branches as possible.  If you rent a 23′ Airstream or smaller it will be a tad easier since they are slightly narrower than the larger Airstreams.  But for a little bit of work, you get a beautiful glamping spot surrounded by trees with easy access to one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S.

We parked our 28′ Airstream in campsite 23 (see the campsite map here).  If you are able to nab sites 19, 20, 21, 23, 24 or 25 your campsite will have access to the Tuolumne River, which is quite beautiful and tranquil (sorry the photo doesn’t do it justice).

The campground is very well-maintained with a fire ring, bench and bear bins.  There is no cell reception within the campground, however you can get cell signal at the near-by Rush Creek Lodge (which also has great indoor and outdoor lounge areas if you need to get some work done).  The lodge also has a small gift shop/market area if you are in need of some last minute provisions or if you would like to buy some ready-made sandwiches for your day trip to Yosemite.

 

So if you’re looking for a great campsite near Yosemite to dry-camp at, we can’t recommend Dimond-O enough!

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